The Mysterious Axeman of New Orleans: A Night of Jazz and Fear
In 1919, New Orleans faced a chilling threat known only as the Axeman, a figure whose identity remained unknown. On the night of March 19, following the publication of a menacing letter from the Axeman, the city came together in an unusual way. The writer warned that only homes playing jazz at 12:15 a.m. would be spared, claiming, “Those who do not jazz it out… will get the axe.”
In response, the people of New Orleans filled their homes and streets with jazz music in a desperate attempt to outsmart this mysterious killer. Sounds of trumpets and drums echoed throughout the city, as bars and dance halls came alive.
From 1918 to 1919, the Axeman attacked numerous victims, mostly targeting Italian grocery owners. At least four people lost their lives, often bludgeoned while they slept with axes taken from their own homes. The attackers accessed their victims through small door panels, hinting that the intruder might not have been very large.
Two notable victims included Joseph Maggio, whose throat was cut, and his wife, Catherine, who choked on her own blood. Another brutal attack occurred on March 9, 1919, resulting in the death of a 2-year-old girl.
Historical perspectives on the Axeman’s letter vary. Some see it as a legitimate threat while others believe it was a hoax or a stunt to draw attention. Local historian Bond Ruggles suggests the letter reflected deeper issues at the time, such as the closing of Storyville, a jazz hub, and the criminalization of Black musicians.
Ruggles speculates that the letter, whether from the killer or not, might have been an attempt to rekindle the city’s love for jazz, along with its musicians. The Axeman has since become a well-known figure in New Orleans lore, inspiring various cultural works, including literature and television.
As the mystery remains unsolved, Ruggles reminds us that real families faced tragedy, saying, “For all the mythologizing, real people were attacked.” Interestingly, one theory suggests the Axeman may not have been a man at all. A researcher argues that since many victims survived, it indicates a possible smaller assailant, perhaps even a woman.
In 1921, the Los Angeles Times reported that Esther Albano, who had recently lost her husband—believed to be one of the final victims—claimed Joseph Manfre, a man with a criminal background, had confessed to the crime. However, evidence tying him to the Axeman remains unproven.
Some theorists wonder if Esther and Manfre had a hidden relationship. Ruggles proposes that Esther could have killed her husband and pinned the blame on Manfre to protect her reputation and gain control of her husband’s estate—an intriguing possibility in a time when widows were left with little.
Though this theory is not widely embraced, it emphasizes how someone like her could have easily gone unnoticed, simply due to gender biases, leaving us with more questions than answers about who the Axeman really was.
