HISTORY This Week The Haunting Case of H.H. Holmes
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Oct 27, 2025 Adam Seltzer, an author and Chicago tour guide, dives deep into the haunting tale of H.H. Holmes, often dubbed America's first serial killer. They unravel the thrilling courtroom drama of Holmes’s trial and his struggles as a self-represented defendant. Seltzer shares mind-bending insights from his research, debunking myths around Holmes's infamous 'murder castle.' The discussion explores Holmes's deceptive early life, his notorious scams, and the sensationalized media frenzy that shaped his legacy, leaving listeners questioning what really happened.
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Pretrial Media Frenzy
- Newspapers already painted H.H. Holmes as a monstrous killer before his Philadelphia trial began.
- Jurors like Enoch Turner admitted they'd formed opinions from press coverage, affecting impartiality.
Myth Versus Verifiable Crime
- Holmes was guilty of some murders but many sensational claims were exaggerated or false.
- Distinguishing confirmed crimes from myth is difficult due to poor records and sensational reporting.
Castle Site Today
- The Castle's site is now a vacant lot next to a post office with nothing original left.
- Adam Seltzer recounts visiting the post office basement and finding the location creepy but altered by time.
