Cleveland Torso Murderer

Serial Killer

The Cleveland Torso Murderer

Introduction

The Cleveland Torso Murderer was an unidentified serial killer who terrorized Cleveland, Ohio, during the 1930s. Also known as the "Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run," this killer was responsible for at least twelve gruesome murders between 1934 and 1938, though some speculate the true number of victims could be much higher. The killer’s signature was the dismemberment and decapitation of victims, often leaving their remains scattered in various locations.

Victims of the Cleveland Torso Murderer

Many of the victims were transient individuals or those living in poverty, making identification difficult. Below is a list of known victims:

• Victim #1 - The "Lady of the Lake" (September 1934) - Discovered near Euclid Beach on the shores of Lake Erie. - The body was badly decomposed, with only parts recovered. - Initially not connected to the case, but later considered a possible first victim.
• Victim #2 - Edward Andrassy (September 23, 1935) - Found in Kingsbury Run with his head severed and missing. - His body showed signs of chemical treatment.
• Victim #3 - Unidentified Male (September 23, 1935) - Found near Andrassy's body in Kingsbury Run. - Decapitated and emasculated, with similar signs of chemical exposure.
• Victim #4 - Florence Polillo (January 26, 1936) - Parts of her body were discovered in a basket in downtown Cleveland. - Other remains were later found in a sewer.
• Victim #5 - Unidentified Male (June 5, 1936) - Found near Kingsbury Run, headless and dismembered. - His skin had a strange, leathery appearance due to chemical treatment.
• Victim #6 - Unidentified Male (July 22, 1936) - Only a torso and severed limbs were found. - The head was never recovered.
• Victim #7 - Unidentified Male (September 10, 1936) - Found floating in the Cuyahoga River. - His torso and limbs were recovered, but the head was missing.
• Victim #8 - Rose Wallace? (February 23, 1937) - A woman's skull was found in a box wrapped in newspaper. - Some believed it belonged to Rose Wallace, but this was never confirmed.
• Victim #9 - Unidentified Male (June 6, 1937) - Discovered in the Cuyahoga River. - The body was missing its head.
• Victim #10 - Unidentified Male (July 6, 1937) - Another decapitated and dismembered male found in Kingsbury Run. - The remains were scattered.
• Victim #11 - Unidentified Male (April 8, 1938) - A headless body found under a bridge near the Flats area. - The remains were decomposed.
• Victim #12 - Unidentified Male (August 16, 1938) - Two torsos were found in a dump site near Lake Erie. - Both victims were decapitated and dismembered.

Investigation and Suspects

The case baffled authorities, including famed Cleveland safety director Eliot Ness. Despite numerous investigations, the identity of the Torso Murderer was never confirmed. Several suspects were considered, including Dr. Francis E. Sweeney, a former surgeon with mental instability. However, there was never enough evidence to charge anyone. ...Read More

Confirmed Victims: (12)

John Doe I Age: (40-45), Date of Death: September 1935

    ...View 11 additional victims

Cleveland Torso Murderer - Wikipedia

    ...View 10 additional sources