Rewind | Blood and Brass: The Axeman of New Orleans

About this episode

The episode explores the chilling story of the Axeman of New Orleans, a mysterious killer from 1918 who terrorized the city.

The year is 1918, and New Orleans trembles under the weight of unseen terror. A figure moves through the night, targeting innocent families with brutal precision, leaving only questions and fear in his wake. They call him the Axeman, a killer who claims to be more than mortal...a demon from hell. Then comes the letter. A chilling promise to spare those who fill their homes with the sound of jazz on a designated night. The city's response is unprecedented, its streets alive with music and panic as the Axeman's legend deepens. Who was he? Why did he kill? And how has his story lingered in the city’s dark memory for over a century? The answers remain elusive, but the tale begins here. Macabrium is produced by SoundBite Studios and hosted by Megan Alda and Derek Stephen Brown, with writing and research by Chloë Kibbe, Megan Alda and Derek Stephen Brown. Episode Reference Material ⁠The American Influenza Epidemic of 1918-1919 (The Influenza Encyclopedia)⁠⁠ The Axeman of New Orleans ⁠⁠Fresh light on the Axeman of New Orleans⁠⁠ The Axeman of New Orleans Preyed on Italian Immigrants⁠⁠ Axeman of New Orleans⁠⁠The Axeman’s Letter⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Hosts: Megan Alda, Derek Stephen Brown

Topics covered

• true crime
• New Orleans history
• serial killers
• jazz music
• urban legends

Keywords

• Axeman of New Orleans
• 1918
• true crime
• jazz
• urban legend
• serial killer
• New Orleans

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Axeman’s Letter, Fresh light on the Axeman of New Orleans, Axeman of New Orleans

Places: New Orleans

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