This Week in Crime History

Why is modern culture so fearful of crime, but also fascinated by it? Why do the details of a gruesome murder, rape, or other heinous crime hold our attention? For years, psychologists and criminologists have tried to answer these questions, but thus far no one has been able to come up with a solid explanation. We are both seemingly seduced and repulsed by these acts of rebellion against the morals of society. Every day we are bombarded with crime stories, whether it's in the newspaper, on television, radio, or our computer. Some of these crimes are inconspicuous and easily forgotten, while others linger forever in our collective memory because of their shock and horror. This week in crime history will examine this seedy underworld with weekly installments of historical true crime stories. Michael Thomas Barry is the author of numerous books that include Murder & Mayhem 52 Crimes that Shocked Early California, 1849-1949. He is also a columnist for CrimeMagazine.com.