Hamilton Howard "Albert" Fish: The Horrific Crimes of a Serial Killer
Introduction
Hamilton Howard "Albert" Fish, also known as the "Gray Man" and the "Brooklyn Vampire," was an American serial killer, cannibal, and sadistic child predator. He was active in the early 20th century and became infamous for his gruesome crimes, which involved abduction, torture, murder, and even cannibalism. Fish was eventually caught and executed in 1936.
Early Life and Descent into Crime
Albert Fish was born on May 19, 1870, in Washington, D.C. He had a troubled upbringing and developed disturbing tendencies from an early age. His sadomasochistic urges escalated over time, leading to a string of violent crimes against children.
Notorious Crimes and Victims
Fish’s crimes spanned multiple states and involved the brutal murder and torture of young victims. Below are details of his known victims:
- Francis McDonnell - On July 15, 1924, 8-year-old Francis McDonnell disappeared while playing in Staten Island, New York. His body was later found in a wooded area, strangled with signs of severe beating. Witnesses reported seeing an old man, matching Fish’s description, watching the children play.
- Billy Gaffney - On February 11, 1927, 4-year-old Billy Gaffney vanished while playing with a friend in Brooklyn, New York. The friend later described a “boogey man” who took Billy. Fish later confessed to kidnapping, torturing, and killing the child, describing horrifying details of the act.
- Grace Budd - On June 3, 1928, 10-year-old Grace Budd was lured away from her family by Fish under the pretense of taking her to a birthday party. Instead, he took her to an abandoned house in Westchester County, New York, where he tortured, murdered, and cannibalized her remains. He later sent a detailed letter to her mother, graphically describing the crime.
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