The Cleveland Torso Murders

The Cleveland Torso Murderer was an unidentified serial killer active in Cleveland, Ohio, from 1934 to 1938. The killer is believed to have murdered at least 12 victims, though some estimates suggest up to 20. The crimes were characterized by dismemberment, with the victims’ torsos often found without heads or limbs, making identification difficult. The murders primarily occurred in the Kingsbury Run area, leading to the nickname "The Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run."

The case was investigated by Eliot Ness, the famous lawman who took down Al Capone. Ness ordered the burning of Kingsbury Run's shantytown in a desperate attempt to stop the murders, but the killings continued. Dr. Francis Sweeney, a former doctor with suspected

mental illness, was considered the primary suspect. However, he was never officially charged. The killer was never caught, and the case remains one of America's most infamous unsolved serial murder cases.

Confirmed Victims (The "Official 12")

1. "The Lady of the Lake", Victim Zero – Remains discovered in 1934 – A woman's remains were found near Lake Erie. She was not officially linked to the case until later.

2. Edward Andrassy – Remains discovered in 1935 known petty criminal found decapitated and mutilated in Kingsbury Run.

3. John Doe #1 The Tattooed Man – Remains discovered in 1935. Found near Andrassy, also decapitated and emasculated. His identity was never confirmed.

4. John Doe #2 – Remains discovered in 1939. Found in Kingsbury Run, decapitated and mutilated.

5. John Doe #3 – Disappeared in 1936. Found months later in the same area, he was also decapitated.

6. "The Lady of the Lake #2" – Found is 1936. A woman's remains were found near Lake Erie, similar to the earlier female victim.

7. John Doe #4 – Body parts were discovered in 1939 in the Cuyahoga River.

8. Jane Doe #1 – A woman's torso and thighs were found in 1937, but her identity was never established.

9. John Doe #5 – Another male victim, discovered 1937.

10. John Doe #6 – Discovered in 1938 near a Cleveland dump site, decapitated.

11. Jane Doe #2 – In 1938, a woman's skeletonized remains were found.

12. John Doe #7 – Another male victim was discovered in 1938 in Cleveland's industrial district.

The Cleveland Torso Murderer (Active: 1934–1938)