Syd Jones

Serial Killer

Syd Jones: The Condemned Killer Who Confessed to Thirteen Murders

Early Life and Military Background

Syd Jones was an American murderer whose background remains largely unknown. His date of birth, childhood and family history were never reliably documented. He was believed to have come from Alabama and reportedly served as a soldier in the United States Army's 10th Cavalry Regiment. The regiment, composed primarily of Black enlisted soldiers, was stationed at several western military posts during the period in which Jones claimed to have begun killing. Jones eventually became known as a self-confessed serial killer, but most of the information about his alleged crimes came from a note discovered on the day of his execution. In that statement, he claimed responsibility for thirteen murders committed in Alabama, Nebraska, California, Kentucky, New Mexico and Wyoming. Some of the killings corresponded with actual violent incidents, while others were never independently verified. Because many of his claims were made only hours before his death, investigators had little opportunity to question him or determine how much of the confession was true.

The Alleged Nebraska Killings

Several of the murders Jones described were connected to Crawford, Nebraska, near Fort Robinson. Jones claimed that he killed Thomas Thompson, Charles Bennett and a deputy sheriff he identified as W. S. Moseley. Later inquiries raised serious questions about the names and circumstances contained in his confession. Authorities in Crawford reportedly stated that no deputy named W. S. Moseley had been killed in the incident Jones appeared to be describing. The lawman who died was believed to have been Art Moss, who had temporarily been placed in charge of law enforcement duties while the town marshal was away. Moss was killed during a confrontation involving soldiers from the 10th Cavalry. The disturbance began after soldiers reportedly became involved in disorderly behavior near Crawford. When Moss attempted to restore order, gunfire erupted and he was killed. Another man, Phil Murphy, was later shot after approaching an alley guarded by soldiers who believed he might be attempting to reach a detained trooper. Jones may have participated in the violence, but the precise extent of his involvement was never conclusively established. The discrepancies suggest that he may have confused names, exaggerated his role or combined several deaths into his personal confession. ...

Confirmed Victims: (13)

Unnamed convict at Banner mines, Alabama , Date of Death: 1907

Survivors:

Richard Moore , Date of Attack: September 12, 1912

Syd Jones - Wikipedia