Today we rewind the clock to the 5th of October on This Day in True Crime History.
1582: The Day Pope Gregory XIII “Stole” 🕵️♂️ Ten Days from the World 🌍
In a bold move, Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar, effectively “robbing” the world of ten days 📅➡️🗓. This change was to fix the quirks of the Julian calendar, which had been rolling since Julius Caesar set it up in 45 BCE ⏳. So, instead of chilling on October 5th 🍂, people in the adopting countries were suddenly fast-forwarded to October 15th 🚀, creating a calendar jump for the history books 📚✨.
1880: 🖊️ From Ink to Infamy: The Ball-Point Pen’s Unintended Role in Crime Lore 📜
On this day, Alonzo T. Cross secured the patent for the first-ever ball-point pen. This invention unwittingly gave future crime writers a smoother tool and potential culprits a more reliable instrument for their dubious deeds. From jotting down the intricate details of a mysterious event to crafting sinister ransom notes, or penning a gripping thriller novel about a heist, the ball-point pen became an accomplice in crime… at least on paper! 🔍✒️📖
1882: 🔫 Guns Down, Hands Up: The Surrender of Outlaw Frank James 🌵
On this date, Frank James, one half of the notorious James Brothers, chose to lay down his weapons and give himself up in Missouri. His decision came just six months after the assassination of his infamous sibling, Jesse James. Frank was looking to escape the looming shadow of his brother’s fate opted for the path of surrender. 🚂🤠🚓
1999: 💊 Behind the Stethoscope: Shipman’s Sinister Secret 🔍
In 1999, a chilling revelation came to light: Dr. Harold Shipman, a seemingly trustworthy medical professional, was suspected of causing the deaths of nearly 300 patients. On this day, Shipman stood trial, but not for the vast number he’s believed to have harmed. Instead, he faced accusations for a mere 15 murders.
Shipman had a sinister method to his madness; he often recommended cremation to the victims’ families, effectively destroying the very evidence of his wrongdoings. However, every criminal leaves a trail. His lack of tech savviness became his downfall as authorities identified suspicious patterns in his patient records, uncovering the monstrous truth behind Britain’s most prolific serial killer. 💊🖥️🚫
2014: Behind Closed Doors: A Disturbing Crime in Teneriffe 🚪🔍
October 5, 2014, bore witness to a harrowing crime🌪️ in the quiet suburb of Teneriffe, Queensland. Marcus Peter Volke claimed the life of his partner in a heinous manner. The aftermath saw the house tainted with dismembered remains being boiled. As the law👮 closed in, Volke’s story concluded with a sombre end 🕊️.
Whether it’s the seemingly harmless invention of a pen 🖊️ or the unspeakable acts that transpired in a quiet suburb 🏡, every event from the 5th October has added a dark chapter to our collective story. May your 5th of October be far removed from the harrowing tales of yesteryears.
