July 15, 2025 • 20 mins
He didn’t kill for money. He didn’t rape or rob. He simply crept into homes, murdered families with their own axes—and vanished. But in 1919, everything changed when a letter from “The Axeman” was published in the newspaper. His message? Anyone not playing jazz on Tuesday night would be killed.This is more than a true crime mystery. It’s a story about racial tension, voodoo fears, media hysteria, and the strange moment when a city turned to music to fight a phantom. Why did New Orleans refuse to admit a serial killer was loose? What secrets did the police cover up? And could the Axeman have been someone the city itself created through silence and fear?Was he a real man, a myth, or something worse?
Hear the original letter read aloud.
Was it a stunt or a supernatural threat? Who do you think the Axeman really was?
Hear the original letter read aloud.
Was it a stunt or a supernatural threat? Who do you think the Axeman really was?
Mark as Played
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!