Billy The Axeman

Serial Killer

Billy the Axeman: A Detailed Account of His Crimes

Introduction

Billy the Axeman is the moniker given to an unidentified serial killer believed to be responsible for a series of gruesome family murders across the American Midwest between 1911 and 1912. The assailant's modus operandi involved attacking entire families in their homes during the night, using an axe to bludgeon them to death. Despite extensive investigations, the true identity of Billy the Axeman remains a mystery.

Modus Operandi

The killer exhibited a consistent pattern in the execution of the murders:

• **Weapon**: Utilized an axe found at or near the victims' residence.
• **Entry**: Gained access through unlocked doors or windows, often removing window screens.
• **Timing**: Attacks occurred during late night hours, ensuring victims were asleep.
• **Covering**: Post-mortem, the assailant covered victims' faces and sometimes mirrors within the house.
• **Proximity to Railroads**: Many crime scenes were located near railway lines, suggesting the killer used trains for transportation.

Documented Crimes

Below is a chronological list of the attributed murders:

• September 17-18, 1911 – Colorado Springs, Colorado
  • **Burnham Family**: May Alice Burnham (35), Nellie Burnham (7), John Burnham (2)
  • **Wayne Family**: Henry F. Wayne (24), Blanche Wayne (22), Lula Wayne (18 months)
• September 30-October 1, 1911 – Monmouth, Illinois
  • **Dawson Family**: William Dawson (56), Charity Dawson (52), Georgia Dawson (12)
• October 15-16, 1911 – Ellsworth, Kansas
  • **Showman Family**: William Showman (31), Pauline Showman (26), Lester Showman (6), Fern Showman (4), Fenton Showman (1)
• June 5-6, 1912 – Paola, Kansas
  • **Hudson Family**: Rollin Hudson (21), Anna Hudson (22)
• June 9-10, 1912 – Villisca, Iowa
  • **Moore Family**: Josiah Moore (43), Sara Moore (39), Herman Moore (11), Katherine Moore (10), Boyd Moore (7), Paul Moore (5)
  • **Stillinger Sisters**: Lena Stillinger (11), Ina Stillinger (8)

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Confirmed Victims: (0)

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