Morbid: A True Crime Podcast | Episode 9: The Axeman of New Orleans AKA A Real Crumb
Dive into the chilling history of New Orleans with hosts Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart in the ninth episode of "Morbid," where the mysterious tale of the Axeman is masterfully untangled. With their signature blend of sharp wit and deep research, the dynamic duo keeps you hooked as they navigate through a narrative filled with suspense and startling revelations. From the horrors inflicted by a serial killer using his victims' own axes to the jazz tunes that became an unusual shield against nighttime terrors, you'll be transported to a city under the shadow of a nightmarish figure.
Available on multiple platforms, including Spotify, "Morbid" makes its captivating content easily accessible. For the dedicated fan looking to delve deeper, Amazon Prime and Amazon Music subscribers receive the added perks of ad-free episodes and exclusive content. Whether it's the eerie lure of unresolved crimes or the spine-tingling promise of paranormal phenomena, Ash and Alaina are ready to guide you through the less-traveled paths of macabre history and true crime. Join the community, share your own morbid curiosities, and anticipate the exploration of obscure cases that await in future episodes.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jan 4, 2023 episode of the Morbid
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1-Page Summary
Introducing "Morbid: A True Crime Podcast"
The Dynamic Duo: Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart
Hosts Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart bring a unique blend of investigative insight and comedic relief to "Morbid: A True Crime Podcast." Their personalities shine as they delve into the darkest corners of true crime, bringing both levity and depth to their discussions.
A Blend of Humor and True Crime
The podcast doesn't shy away from inserting humor into the narrative, with the hosts' natural banter and surreal anecdotes, such as the confusion of rabbit screams with human cries, or the whimsical detour of discussing accepting snap peas from a stranger in a park.
A Deep Dive into the Axeman's Reign of Terror
Painting the Picture of 20th-Century New Orleans
Through vivid storytelling, Ash and Alaina transport listeners to early 20th-century New Orleans, a time and place haunted by a fearsome presence: the Axeman, a serial killer whose terror campaign spanned 1918 to 1919.
Victims and the Signature of a Killer
The duo delves into the gruesome details of the Axeman's modus operandi – using victims' own axes to break into their homes and attacking them as they slept. The Axeman left a perplexing lack of theft and a trail of diverse victims, from the Maggio couple to the pregnant Edg Schneider.
A Community Gripped by Fear and Hysteria
As the podcast explores, the Axeman's spree created widespread panic, leading to wrongful accusations and paranoia, epitomized by the Cortimiglia family tragedy. Ash and Alaina discuss the bizarre incidents that fueled the hysteria, like rumors of the Axeman cross-dressing to avoid detection.
Jazz as a Lifeline: The Letter That Shook a City
Central to the Axeman saga is his notorious letter, declaring that only those homes playing jazz would be safe from his attacks. This chilling demand drove New Orleans to immerse itself in jazz, making it a defiant anthem against the night's dread.
The Cultural Echo of the Axeman
From "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" to "American Horror Story"
The podcast discusses how the Axeman has resonated within pop culture, drawing parallels with episodes of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," demonstrating his lasting influence on the collective psyche.
Speculations and Mysteries: Who Was the Axeman?
Ash and Alaina engage in the speculation that surrounds the Axeman's true identity — from potential mafia connections to the murder of a man named Joseph Mumphrey in Los Angeles. They reflect on the frustrations and fascinations with unresolved historical enigmas.
Beyond the Podcast: Engaging with the Audience
Invitations for Listener Stories
Listeners are not mere spectators but are encouraged to engage by sharing personal stories, furthering the interactive community spirit of the podcast.
Anticipating Paranormal and Obscure Crime Episodes
"Morbidity" isn't just limited to true crime — the hosts promise future forays into paranormal phenomena and lesser-known criminal acts from the 1970s, hinting at a treasure trove of eerie tales ahead.
Accessibility and Additional Content
Streaming on Multiple Platforms
Highlighting the ease of access, the podcast is available across various platforms, including Spotify, ensuring that the intriguing tales are available to a wide audience.
Exclusive Content for Amazon Prime and Amazon Music Subscribers
For those craving more, Amazon Prime and Amazon Music subscribers get perks like early ad-free access to episodes and a plug for the Mr. Ballin podcast, showcasing a myriad of unbelievable but true stories for the curious and brave.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The Axeman was a serial killer who terrorized New Orleans from 1918 to 1919, breaking into homes and attacking victims with their own axes while they slept. His crimes caused widespread panic and paranoia in the community, leading to wrongful accusations and fear. The Axeman's signature was his demand that homes playing jazz music would be spared from his attacks, which led to a city-wide embrace of jazz as a protective measure. Despite various speculations and investigations, the true identity of the Axeman remains a mystery, adding to the intrigue and lasting impact of his reign of terror.
- The Axeman's demand for homes to play jazz music as a safety measure was a unique and chilling aspect of his reign of terror in New Orleans. This demand led to a city-wide embrace of jazz music as a form of protection against his attacks. The Axeman's letter created a cultural phenomenon where jazz became a symbol of defiance and safety in the face of fear. This connection between jazz music and safety added a layer of intrigue and mystery to the already terrifying narrative of the Axeman.
- The connection between the Axeman and pop culture, such as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," lies in how the infamous Axeman's story has inspired fictional narratives. Shows like "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" may draw inspiration from real-life serial killers like the Axeman to create compelling storylines that resonate with audiences. This connection showcases how true crime stories can influence and shape fictional portrayals of crime and horror in popular culture.
- The Axeman, a notorious serial killer in early 20th-century New Orleans, had his true identity shrouded in mystery. Speculations have arisen suggesting potential ties to the mafia due to the nature of his crimes and the era in which they occurred. These theories propose that the Axeman may have had connections to organized crime groups operating in the region at the time. The podcast delves into these intriguing speculations surrounding the Axeman's background and possible affiliations.
- The interactive community aspect of the podcast involves encouraging listeners to share their personal stories, fostering a sense of participation and connection. This engagement goes beyond passive listening, creating a space for audience involvement and shared experiences. Listeners play an active role in shaping the podcast's content and community by contributing their own narratives and perspectives. This interaction enhances the overall podcast experience, making it more engaging and inclusive for the audience.
- The podcast hosts plan to delve into paranormal phenomena, which are events or experiences that defy scientific explanation, adding a supernatural element to their content. Additionally, they aim to explore lesser-known criminal acts from the 1970s, focusing on obscure cases from that specific decade to provide a unique perspective on true crime storytelling.
Counterarguments
- The blend of humor with true crime can be seen as insensitive or inappropriate given the serious nature of the topics discussed.
- The focus on the Axeman's reign of terror might sensationalize the violence and contribute to the mythologizing of a serial killer.
- The podcast's discussion of wrongful accusations and paranoia during the Axeman's spree could be criticized for not sufficiently addressing the real-life consequences for those wrongfully accused.
- The emphasis on the Axeman's demand for jazz music to be played could be challenged for potentially overstating the impact this had on New Orleans culture.
- The speculation about the Axeman's identity might be seen as indulging in conspiracy theories rather than sticking to verified historical facts.
- Encouraging listeners to share personal stories could lead to the spread of unverified or false information if not properly fact-checked.
- The promise of future episodes on paranormal phenomena might dilute the podcast's focus on true crime and could be seen as a departure from the show's original premise.
- The availability of the podcast on multiple platforms does not guarantee that all potential listeners will have equal access, especially those with limited internet connectivity or those who do not use streaming services.
- The exclusive content for Amazon Prime and Amazon Music subscribers could be criticized for creating a two-tiered system of access, where those who cannot afford or choose not to subscribe to these services miss out on content.
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Introducing "Morbid: A True Crime Podcast"
The Dynamic Duo: Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart
Hosts Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart bring a unique blend of investigative insight and comedic relief to "Morbid: A True Crime Podcast." Alongside their dark and engaging discussions, they share relatable experiences from their personal lives, such as the parenting hurdles they face with their daughters transitioning from cribs to toddler beds, revealing the commonalities they share with many listeners.
A Blend of Humor and True Crime
The podcast weaves humor into its narrative, with the hosts' engaging banter and surreal anecdotes adding levity. Exemplifying their humor, Alaina Urquhart whimsically suggests a slogan, "jazz it up or get the ax," and imagines it emblazoned on a t-shirt, providing a comedic twist to the tense historical ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Introducing "Morbid: A True Crime Podcast"
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Alaina mistaking a rabbit's cries for a human scream is a humorous anecdote shared on the podcast. In this context, it highlights the unexpected and eerie nature of the sounds she heard. This moment adds a touch of levity to the discussion of true crime topics by showcasing a lighthearted ...
Counterarguments
- The blend of humor and true crime may not be appropriate for all listeners, as some may find that making light of serious topics is disrespectful to victims and their families.
- The use of personal anecdotes and humor could potentially distract from the gravity of the cases being discussed and may lead to a lack of focus on the true crime elements.
- The slogan "jazz it up or get the ax" might be seen as trivializing the severity of violent crimes, which could be off-putting to some audience members.
- Not all listeners may relate to the personal experiences shared by the hosts, such as parenting challenges, which could limit the podcast's appeal to a broader audience.
- The comedic approach to true crime st ...
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A Deep Dive into the Axeman's Reign of Terror
Painting the Picture of 20th-Century New Orleans
Through vivid storytelling, Ash and Alaina transport listeners to early 20th-century New Orleans, beginning the episode by noting the autumn season and segueing into the topic with references to "American Horror Story: Coven." They enrich the historical ambiance by mentioning the end of World War I and referencing a Charlie Chaplin film event to illustrate the period's mood.
The hosts even entertain light-hearted what-if scenarios, such as imagining figures like Charlie Chaplin potentially encountering the Axeman, bringing humor and a personal touch to the somber subject matter.
Victims and the Signature of a Killer
The duo delves into the gruesome details of the Axeman's modus operandi and the wake of his crimes, revealing that he specifically targeted Italian-American grocery owners, demonstrating an ethnic discrimination in his victim selection. Despite this focus, there was an absence of theft and he showed no prejudices regarding the gender or age of his victims.
He chillingly used his victims' own axes to carry out the murders, and his signature element was chiseled doors left behind at crime scenes.
One particularly harrowing case was the assault on the Cortimiglia family, where the young daughter Mary was murdered, and the neighbors were wrongfully implicated by Rose Cortimiglia out of jealousy before later being exonerated.
A Community Gripped by Fear and Hysteria
As the podcast explores, the Axeman's spree coincided with the Spanish flu pandemic, leading to additional fear and hysteria. Already overwhelmed, the New Orleans community responded by organizing manhunts for the perpetrator after each assault.
In one instance, a suspect avoided capture by escapin ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
A Deep Dive into the Axeman's Reign of Terror
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The Axeman, a serial killer in early 20th-century New Orleans, used his victims' own axes to commit murders. His signature was leaving chiseled doors at the crime scenes, which added a chilling and mysterious element to his crimes. This distinctive calling card became a key identifier linking the murders attributed to the Axeman. The chiseled doors were a haunting and enigmatic feature that left a lasting impression on the community and investigators.
- The Spanish flu pandemic overlapped with the Axeman's reign of terror in New Orleans, causing heightened fear and hysteria in the community. The pandemic created a climate of uncertainty and panic, amplifying the already tense atmosphere due to the serial killer's actions. The co-occurrence of these two crises intensified the challenges faced by the public and law enforcement in dealing with the Axeman's crimes. The fear and chaos stemming from the pandemic further fueled the community's response to the brutal murders, adding an extra layer of dread and urgency to the situation.
- Jazz music played a crucial role in the response to the Axeman's threa ...
Counterarguments
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The Cultural Echo of the Axeman
From "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" to "American Horror Story"
The Axeman's peculiarities have rippled into pop culture, with references in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and shaping "American Horror Story." The hosts comment on the eeriness of the Axeman's mandate by drawing parallels to supernatural drama, as Ash Kelley highlights an episode of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" that echoes the surreal nature of the actual events experienced by the city of New Orleans.
They delve into the creative liberties taken in "American Horror Story: Coven," where the Axeman is reimagined as a jazz saxophonist who ultimately falls victim to a coven of witches, further accentuating the cultural fascination with this enigmatic figure.
Speculations and Mysteries: Who Was the Axeman?
The duo delves into the gruesome details of the Axeman's modus operandi and the wake of his crimes, revealing that he specifically targeted Italian-American grocery owners, demonstrating an ethnic discrimination in his victim selection. Despite this focus, there was an absence of theft and he showed no prejudices regarding the gender or age of his victims. He chillingly used his victims' own axes to carry out the murders, and his signature element was chiseled doors left behind at crime scenes.
One particularly harrowing case was the assault on the Cortimiglia family, where the young daughter Mary was murdered, and the neighbors were wrongfully implicated by Rose Cortimiglia out of jealousy before later being exonerated. The source text adds that speculation about a circus con ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The Cultural Echo of the Axeman
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The Axeman's mandate, known for targeting Italian-American grocery owners in New Orleans during the early 20th century, has been referenced in popular culture, drawing parallels to supernatural drama like "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "American Horror Story." These shows incorporate elements of mystery, horror, and the supernatural, mirroring the eerie and enigmatic nature of the Axeman's real-life crimes. The portrayal of the Axeman in these fictional works adds a layer of intrigue and fascination to the historical figure, blending reality with creative storytelling in the realm of supernatural themes.
- The Axeman's choice to target Italian-American grocery owners was based on his belief that the Italian community would be less likely to report crimes to the authorities due to fear and mistrust. This discriminatory victim selection was a calculated strategy to avoid detection and capture by exploiting societal dynamics of the time. The Axeman's profiling of his victims reflected a combination of prejudice and a strategic approach to committing crimes without facing immediate consequences. This aspect of his modus operandi added a layer of complexity to his already chilling and enigmatic persona.
- The Axeman's signature element of chiseled doors left behind at crime scenes was a distinctive and eerie calling card he used after committing his murders. This act added a mysterious and unsettling aspect to his crimes, leaving investigators and the public puzzled about its significance. The chiseled doors were a unique detail that set the Axeman apart from other criminals and contributed to the enigmatic aura surrounding his identity and motives. This signature touch became a notable feature in the investigation and discussions surrounding the Axeman's reign of terror in New Orleans.
- In the case of the Cortimiglia family, the neighbors were wrongly accused of involvement in the crime due to a misunderstanding and jealousy on the part of Rose Cortimiglia. This wrongful implication occurr ...
Counterarguments
...
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Beyond the Podcast: Engaging with the Audience
Invitations for Listener Stories
Listeners are not mere spectators but are encouraged to engage by sharing personal stories, which may be featured in upcoming episodes, furthering the interactive community spirit of the podcast.
Anticipating Paranormal and Obscure Crime Episodes
"Morbid: A True Crime Podcast" isn't just limited to true crime – the hosts promise intriguing forays into paranormal phenomena and lesser-known criminal acts from the 1970s. Alaina shares a personal anecdote about her experience with a haunted house, affirming their earnest interest in exploring ghostly topics on the podcast, and hinting at a treasure trove of eerie tales ahead.
The hosts openly invite listeners to s ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Beyond the Podcast: Engaging with the Audience
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- "Morbid: A True Crime Podcast" is a popular podcast hosted by Alaina and Ash, focusing on true crime cases. In addition to true crime stories, the hosts also delve into paranormal phenomena and obscure crimes from the 1970s. The podcast has a growing audience interested in both the true crime and supernatural aspects cove ...
Counterarguments
- While listener engagement can enrich the podcast, there is a risk of featuring unverified or fabricated stories, which could mislead the audience or detract from the credibility of the podcast.
- Focusing on paranormal phenomena and obscure crimes might alienate listeners who prefer more traditional true crime content, potentially narrowing the podcast's audience.
- Personal anecdotes from hosts, like Alaina's haunted house experience, may not appeal to all listeners, especially those who are skeptical of paranormal claims.
- Inviting listeners to share their supernatural experiences could result in a selection bias, ...
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Accessibility and Additional Content
Streaming on Multiple Platforms
Highlighting the ease of access, the podcast is promoted across multiple platforms, including iTunes and Google Play, with the hosts expressing eagerness about the anticipated addition of Spotify to their platform lineup, demonstrating a commitment to reaching a broad audience.
Exclusive Content for Amazon Prime and Amazon Music Subscribers
Amazon Prime and Amazon Music subscribers enjoy perks like early ad-free access to episodes on Amazon Music or Wondery Plus via the Apple Podcasts app, and can provide feedback through a listener survey on Wondery's website.
Additionally, an exclusi ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Accessibility and Additional Content
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Mr. Ballin is an exclusive podcast that features unbelievable but true stories, such as solo adolescent hiker's terrifying experiences, former police officers quitting after supernatural encounters, myst ...
Counterarguments
- While the podcast's availability on multiple platforms is commendable, it may still not be accessible to everyone, especially those who do not use mainstream platforms or have limited internet access.
- The exclusive perks for Amazon Prime and Amazon Music subscribers could be seen as a form of content gatekeeping, which may alienate listeners who are not willing or able to pay for these services.
- Early ad-free access for subscribers might create a two-tiered system where only paying listeners get the best experience, potentially diminishing the sense of community among all listeners.
- The listener survey on Wondery's website is a good tool for feedback, but it may not capture the full range of listener opinions if the survey is not designed to be inclusive or if only a certain demographic of listeners participates.
- The exclusive conte ...
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