In February 1942, Gordon Cummins, a twenty-eight-year-old Royal Air Force Serviceman, murdered four women and attempted to murder two others over a six-day period in London, leading the press to dub him “The Blackout Ripper.”At a time when the fear of imminent bombings was high and London was on high alert, authorities nonetheless launched an investigation and, quite remarkably, were able to catch Cummins quickly, thereby preventing any further murders; yet the question remains, how was it that a brutally violent killer manage to kill so many people in such a short amount of time and barely attract attention of the police and press?Thank you to the Incredible Dave White of Bring Me the Axe Podcast for research and Writing support!ReferencesBolton News. 1942. "Is 'killer' at large?" Bolton News, February 14: 1.Campbell, Duncan. 2010. "London in the blitz: how crime flourished under cover of the blackout." The Guardian, August 28.Driscoll, Margarette. 2022. "Ranmpage of the Blackout Ripper." Daily Mail, November 24.Evening Standard. 1942. "Accused of murder of 4 women." Evening Standard (London, England), March 26: 8.Evening Telegraph. 1942. "'Killer' theory in wave of London murders." Evening Telegraph (Derby, England), February 14: 8.Herald Express. 1942. "Cadet's defense in murder trial." Herald Express (Devon, England), April 28: 1.Hull Daily Mail. 1942. "London murders." Hull Daily Mail, February 11: 1.Imperial War Museum. n.d. Imperial War Museum. https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/the-nation-at-a-standstill-shutdown-in-the-second-world-war.Liverpool Daily Post. 1942. "Another London murder." Liverpool Daily Post, February 14: 1.Storey, Neil. 2023. The Blackout Murders: Homicide in WW2. South Yorkshire, England: Pen and Sword.The Citizen. 1942. "Cadet sent for trial." The Citizen (Gloucester, England), March 27: 1.—. 1942. "'Evidence was overwhelming'." The Citizen (Gloucester, England), June 9: 8.—. 1942. "Fresh Jury to be sworn in." The Citizen (Gloucester, England), April 24: 1.The Times. 1942. "Airman charged with three murders." The Times (London, England), March 13: 2.Venning, Annabel. 2017. "The Blackout Ripper; under cover of the Blitz." Mail on Sunday, January 29.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In response to the onset of German bombing raids during World War II, many of England’s most vulnerable citizens evacuated or were temporarily evacuated out of urban areas to safer, more rural parts of the country. Those who remained in the cities would ultimately spend years enduring wartime blackouts, periods where the city was plunged into complete darkness in order to prevent German bombers from easily identifying their targets. The blackouts were a significant inconvenience and safety risk for everyone, but for at least one Londoner, they offered a perfect opportunity to enact his darkest fantasies.Thank you to the Incredible Dave White of Bring Me the Axe Podcast for research and Writing support!ReferencesBolton News. 1942. "Is 'killer' at large?" Bolton News, February 14: 1.Campbell, Duncan. 2010. "London in the blitz: how crime flourished under cover of the blackout." The Guardian, August 28.Driscoll, Margarette. 2022. "Ranmpage of the Blackout Ripper." Daily Mail, November 24.Evening Standard. 1942. "Accused of murder of 4 women." Evening Standard (London, England), March 26: 8.Evening Telegraph. 1942. "'Killer' theory in wave of London murders." Evening Telegraph (Derby, England), February 14: 8.Herald Express. 1942. "Cadet's defense in murder trial." Herald Express (Devon, England), April 28: 1.Hull Daily Mail. 1942. "London murders." Hull Daily Mail, February 11: 1.Imperial War Museum. n.d. Imperial War Museum. https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/the-nation-at-a-standstill-shutdown-in-the-second-world-war.Liverpool Daily Post. 1942. "Another London murder." Liverpool Daily Post, February 14: 1.Storey, Neil. 2023. The Blackout Murders: Homicide in WW2. South Yorkshire, England: Pen and Sword.The Citizen. 1942. "Cadet sent for trial." The Citizen (Gloucester, England), March 27: 1.—. 1942. "'Evidence was overwhelming'." The Citizen (Gloucester, England), June 9: 8.—. 1942. "Fresh Jury to be sworn in." The Citizen (Gloucester, England), April 24: 1.The Times. 1942. "Airman charged with three murders." The Times (London, England), March 13: 2.Venning, Annabel. 2017. "The Blackout Ripper; under cover of the Blitz." Mail on Sunday, January 29.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dive into the chilling tale of Michael and Suzan Carson, notorious for their claims of being on a mission against witches. Their unsettling journey begins with a high-speed chase after a murder, spiraling into bizarre court antics. As they revel in media attention, uncover the dark beliefs that fueled their violent actions and the chaos that ensued. The hosts skillfully blend humor with the haunting reality of their crimes, exploring the eerie dynamics of their relationship and the psychological factors behind their descent into madness.

Celebrate the holidays with spine-tingling and hilarious listener tales! A ghost named Sarah and a pizza delivery at a crime scene make for unforgettable stories. There's also a haunting dinner party and eerie encounters in Albuquerque that will make you chuckle and shiver. Discover a shocking canoe trip discovery that contrasts joy with horror. Finally, cherish heartwarming holiday traditions and quirky celebrations that connect the living with the supernatural. Get ready for a festive mix of humor and the paranormal!

A chilling cold case unfolds as the identity of the Lady of the Dunes is finally revealed after nearly five decades. Ruth Terry's murder then leads investigators to her husband, Guy Muldavin, who is linked to a web of deceit and potential multiple murders. The narrative plays with dark humor while contrasting Muldavin's community persona with his chilling secrets. As new evidence emerges, the unresolved mysteries of his past leave listeners questioning his true nature and the haunting legacy of unsolved crimes.

Dive into the chilling mystery of the Lady of the Dunes, an unidentified victim found on the Provincetown beach in 1974. Explore bizarre survival stories, like the lobster diver who was swallowed by a whale. Unravel the intricacies of the investigation, from peculiar evidence, forensic challenges, to connections with notorious crime figures. The narrative highlights the haunting emotional toll on those searching for answers while teasing new updates that may finally uncover her tragic fate. Embrace the blend of true crime intrigue and dark humor!

Discover the jaw-dropping survival story of Juliane Koepcke, the sole survivor of a 1971 plane crash. After plummeting into the Amazon rainforest, she faced hundreds of predators and severe injuries for 11 harrowing days before rescue. The narrative highlights her resilience, the challenges of navigating the jungle, and the emotional turmoil of surviving while separated from her family. Reflecting on fear and perseverance, this tale will inspire you to rethink your own obstacles and embrace the spirit of survival.

Explore the tragic tale of Nancy Evans Titterton, a novelist murdered in her New York apartment in 1936. Discover the initial lack of clues and the breakthrough that linked the crime to an upholstery apprentice. Delve into the chilling details of the murder, the complexities of the investigation, and the sensationalized media coverage. Learn about the emotional turmoil surrounding the trial and the implications of mental health in criminal justice, revealing the harrowing impact on those who believed in the suspect's rehabilitation.

In a shocking tale from 1963, the seemingly perfect life of Carol Thompson unravels after her brutal murder. Investigators uncover a complex web of conspiracy, insurance fraud, and familial betrayal. The chilling details reveal the eerie dynamics between Carol and her husband, Cotton, who becomes the prime suspect. As detectives chase down a stolen gun linking multiple criminals, the story unfolds with heart-pounding moments from her tragic struggle. This gripping narrative exposes the dark facade lurking behind a tight-knit community.

Join podcaster Spencer Henry, known for Cult Liter and Obitchuary, as he dives into the quirky world of true crime and the dramatic story of 'Bluebeard.' They explore the complexities of living a double life, the psychological impacts of trauma, and the innovative techniques used in immersive audiobook productions. The conversation highlights the resilience of women in historical narratives, showcasing their quest for justice and empowerment. With humor and insightful commentary, this exploration offers a fresh take on dark tales.