George Kearon Joseph Fitzsimmons: The Karate Chop Killer
Early Life
George Kearon Joseph Fitzsimmons, born on May 7, 1936, in Cleveland, Ohio, was the only child of William and Pearl Fitzsimmons (née Tate). Little is known about his early years, but he dropped out of college during his teens and subsequently joined the U.S. Army. Stationed in Korea, Fitzsimmons developed a keen interest in karate. However, during this period, he also became addicted to amphetamines, leading to violent behavior, mental breakdowns, and auditory hallucinations. In an attempt to address these issues, his parents admitted him to the Buffalo State Hospital for treatment.
First Murders: The Death of His Parents
After his release from the hospital, Fitzsimmons worked as a lifeguard at a local YMCA but eventually moved back in with his parents in Eggertsville, New York. On January 12, 1969, a dispute over attending church escalated, resulting in Fitzsimmons bludgeoning both his parents using a souvenir tomahawk and karate chops. He then stole his father's car and fled to Attleboro, Massachusetts, where he stayed at a motel until the bodies were discovered on January 21. Fitzsimmons was apprehended in Altamont, Illinois, after attempting to transfer money from his bank account. He was charged with two counts of murder but was found to be a paranoid schizophrenic and committed to the Buffalo State Hospital, thus acquitting him of the charges. This decision sparked controversy, especially since he was legally eligible to inherit his parents' $123,000 estate.
Assault on His Wife
Shortly after his release, Fitzsimmons married. However, the marriage was tumultuous, and he severely assaulted his wife, leading to her hospitalization. Despite the severity of the assault, he was only convicted of simple assault, as his wife chose not to press charges. Following this incident, Fitzsimmons' lawyer attempted to persuade him to return to the mental hospital, but he refused. Instead, he moved in with his elderly aunt and uncle, Euphresia and DeAlton Nichols, in Roulette, Pennsylvania.
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