There were two more murders, 15 miles away in the silver-like section of-

We have a weird-described by one investigator as reminiscent of a weird religion.

We have covered the pros and cons of the death penalty a number of times on this podcast.

But where did it all begin?

On August 6th, 1890, a man was sent not to the gallows but to the electric chair for the first time in history.

So, if you like your coffee hot but your bones chilled, sit back and start your day with a morning cup of murder.

William Francis Kemmler was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 9, 1860.

He was raised by two alcoholics and at just 10 years old, he dropped out of school to earn money for the family without having learned to read or write.

He worked in his father's butcher shop until, after both parents died, he switched

things up and became a peddler, earning enough money to buy a horse and cart and relocate

to Buffalo, New York. Unfortunately, just like his parents, he became a heavy drinker and

even became infamous for his drunken antics, like attempting to jump his horse and

cart over an eight-foot fence. Everyone knew him, especially Buffalo's bartenders. It was after

one of these binges on March 29, 1888, that he woke up and immediately got into a fight with his

girlfriend, or common-law wife,

according to some sources. He accused her of stealing from him with plans to run off with another man.

As the fight continued, William went out to the barn, grabbed a hatchet, and began striking

Tilly until she was dead. Shocked and appalled by what he had just done, he ran to his neighbor's home and announced

that he had just murdered someone.

William accepted full responsibility for his actions, therefore the trial went quickly

and without issue.

He was convicted of first-degree murder on May 10th and three days later was sentenced to death.

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