Crime Solvers Central
CSC
207 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
⚠️ Warning: Viewer Discretion Advised ⚠️ The following section contains detailed information about serial killers, their crimes, and case details. Some content may be disturbing or graphic, including descriptions of violence, criminal behavior, and sensitive subject matter.

Major Raymond Lisenba

Serial Killer

View Videos (1)

Rattlesnake? James - LAST HANGING IN CALIFORNIA
    ...View 0 additional videos
Description
See any errors? Let us know!

Major Raymond Lisenba: The Rattlesnake Murderer

Background

Major Raymond Lisenba, also known as "Rattlesnake James," was born on March 6, 1894, in Hale County, Alabama. He was the last person to be executed by hanging in California, on May 1, 1942.

Crimes

Lisenba was convicted of multiple crimes, including the murder of his wife, Mary Emma Busch, to collect her life insurance benefit. He was also suspected of killing his fourth wife, Winona Wallace, and his nephew, Cornelius Wright, for the same reason.

Victims

  • Mary Emma Busch: Lisenba's wife, murdered to collect life insurance.
  • Winona Wallace: Lisenba's fourth wife, suspected to be murdered for life insurance.
  • Cornelius Wright: Lisenba's nephew, suspected to be murdered for life insurance.
...Read More
Victims
See any mistakes? Let us know!
Confirmed Victims: (1)
  • Mary Emma Busch , Date of Death: August 5, 1935
    •     ...View 0 additional victims
    Suspected Victims:
  • Winona Wallace , Date of Death: October 8, 1932
  • Cornelius Wright , Date of Death: 1935
    • Links to Additional Sources (7)
    See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Rattlesnake James - Wikipedia
    •     ...View 6 additional sources
    Killer's Details

    Major Raymond

    Lisenba

    March 6, 1894 Hale County, Alabama, United States

    May 1, 1942 (aged 48) San Quentin State Prison, San Quentin, California, United States

    Executed by hanging

    Major Lisby, Robert Sherwood James, Ray James

    Male

    White

    Rattlesnake James, The Rattlesnake Murderer

    Murder

    Death

    1 - 3

    1932 - 1941

    California, Colorado (suspected)

    Los Angeles (CA), Manitou Springs (CO) [suspected], Santa Rosa (CA) [suspected]

    1929

    San Quentin State Prison — San Quentin, California

    07/03/2025

    Forum Posts (0)
    Other Serial Killers

    Harold Glenn Smith

    Harold Glenn Smith: A Detailed Account of His Crimes Background Harold Glenn Smith, born on Novembe ...Read More

    Charles Floyd

    Charles Floyd: The Notorious Outlaw Introduction Charles Arthur Floyd, better known as "Pretty Boy" ...Read More

    Gary Allen Srery

    Gary Allen Srery: A Detailed Account of His Crimes Early Life and Criminal Beginnings Gary Allen Sr ...Read More

    Kelvin Shelby Malone

    Kelvin Shelby Malone: A Detailed Account of His Crimes Early Life and Background Kelvin Shelby Malo ...Read More

    James Edward Armstrong

    Serial Killer James Edward Armstrong: A Detailed Account of His Crimes Early Life and Background Ja ...Read More

    Wesley Howard Shermantine

    Wesley Howard Shermantine: The 'Speed Freak Killer' Early Life and Background Wesley Howard Sherma ...Read More

    West Mesa Bone Collector

    The West Mesa Bone Collector: Unsolved Serial Murders in Albuquerque Discovery of the Crime Scene O ...Read More

    Vincent Darrell Groves

    Vincent Darrell Groves: A Detailed Account of His Crimes Introduction Vincent Darrell Groves was an ...Read More

    Patricia Vann Taylor Allanson

    The Crimes of Patricia Vann Taylor Allanson Early Life and Ambitions Born on August 22, 1937, in Wi ...Read More

    Leslie Irvin

    Leslie Irvin: The "Mad Dog Killer" Overview Leslie Irvin, also known as the "Mad Dog Killer," was a ...Read More