Ep 6. The Axe Man of New Orleans

In the sixth episode of Mission Declassified, host Christof Putzel journeys to New Orleans to investigate the unsolved case of the Axe Man, a serial killer who terrorized the city in 1918 and 1919. The episode opens with Putzel walking through the streets of the French Quarter, describing how the city's unique history and culture make it a fitting backdrop for a mystery as intriguing as the Axe Man case.

Putzel begins his investigation by meeting with historian and author Richard Campanella, who provides background on the Axe Man's reign of terror. The killer targeted Italian immigrants, leaving behind letters boasting about his crimes and taunting the police. Putzel and Campanella discuss theories about the Axe Man's motivation - was he a vigilante targeting mafia members, or simply a psychopath seeking attention?

To get a better sense of the time period and culture in which the Axe Man operated, Putzel visits the home of musician Tom McDermott, who performs jazz music from the 1910s and 1920s and gives Putzel a tour of his collection of vintage instruments and recordings. McDermott explains how jazz was a force for cultural integration and social change, bringing together people from different backgrounds and challenging traditional notions of race and class.

Putzel then meets with forensic linguist Dr. Robert Leonard, who has analyzed the Axe Man's letters and believes he may have been a professional writer or journalist. Leonard explains how he uses linguistics to uncover hidden meaning and emotional cues in written language, and he and Putzel discuss the potential implications of the Axe Man's use of language.

Next, Putzel visits the scene of one of the Axe Man's murders, the home of grocer Joseph Maggio. He meets with archeologist Ryan Gray, who is leading a dig on the site to uncover any evidence that may have been missed by previous investigators. Together, they examine the house and its surroundings, looking for clues that could shed light on the killer's identity.

In the final segment of the episode, Putzel visits with descendants of the victims and survivors of the Axe Man's attacks. He speaks with Raymond Lupo, the great-grandson of a man who was attacked by the Axe Man and survived, as well as Rosemary James, whose grandfather was one of the victims. They discuss the impact the killings had on their families and the city as a whole, and the frustration of not knowing who was responsible.

Mission Declassified's investigation into the Axe Man of New Orleans is a fascinating look at a century-old mystery that continues to captivate historians and true crime enthusiasts alike. Putzel's interviews with experts and witnesses provide valuable insights into the killer's possible motivations and methods, and the fact that the case remains unsolved only adds to its mystique. For anyone interested in true crime or the history of New Orleans, this episode is a must-watch.