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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.
Victims
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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
Suspected Victims:
Links to Additional Sources (7)
See any mistakes? Let us know!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
