Levi Boone Helm: The Kentucky Cannibal
Introduction
Levi Boone Helm, infamously known as "The Kentucky Cannibal," was an American serial killer and mountain man. Born on January 28, 1828, in Lincoln County, Kentucky, Helm's life was marked by violence, cannibalism, and a string of murders across the western United States. He was executed by hanging on January 14, 1864, in Virginia City, Montana.
Early Life
Helm grew up in a turbulent environment and displayed violent tendencies from a young age. His early life was characterized by heavy drinking, domestic abuse, and reckless behavior. After bankrupting his family, Helm set out west in search of gold, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.
Crimes and Cannibalism
Helm's criminal activities spanned from 1850 to 1864, during which he committed numerous murders and acts of cannibalism. He gained notoriety for consuming human flesh, often in survival situations, but also in unprovoked instances. Below are some of the known details of his crimes:
- Littlebury Shoot: Helm murdered his cousin, Littlebury Shoot, in 1850 by stabbing him in the chest after an argument. This marked the beginning of his violent spree.
- California Murders: During his travels to California, Helm killed several men in altercations. Specific names and dates of these victims remain unclear.
- Survival Cannibalism: While traveling with a group of men to Fort Hall, Helm resorted to cannibalism after provisions ran out. He confessed to killing and eating his companions, stating, "Many's the poor devil I've killed, at one time or another."
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