Herman Webster Mudgett, better known under the alias of "Dr. H. H. Holmes".

 

 

Herman Webster Mudgett

 

 

Herman Webster Mudgett

 

 

Herman Webster Mudgett

 

 

Herman Webster Mudgett mugshot

 

 

Herman Webster Mudgett

 

 

Herman Webster Mudgett

 

 

 

 

A Rare photograph of Holmes' "Murder Castle" in Englewood.
 (Chicago Historical Society)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A diagram that appeared in the Chicago Tribune offered readers a look inside of the "Murder Castle"
and lurid illustrations of the crematory, the secret rooms, the quicklime pits and even a map
that illustrated the lay-out of the menacing building.

 

 

Train Robber Marion Hedgepeth, whom Holmes made the mistake of crossing.

 

 

Veteran Pinkerton detective Frank Geyer.
 (Illinois State Historical Library)

 

 

 

 

Victims

 

 

 

Dr. Robert Leacock of New Baltimore, Mich., a former schoolmate Dr. Holmes
killed in 1886 for $40,000 in life insurance.

 

 

Julia Conner and her daughter, Pearl, killed Christmas Day 1891, either because they knew too
much or for insurance. Julia's skeleton was mounted, then sold to a medical school for $200.

 

 

Emeline Cigrand, his stenographer and mistress. He suffocated her
on the same day he was supposed to marry her.

 

 

A Newspaper illustration of Minnie Williams, poisoned and buried in the basement.
(Illinois State Historical Library)

 

 

Holmes' accomplice in insurance fraud, Ben Pietzel.

 

 

An older Benjamin F. Pitezel, burned alive for $10,000 in life insurance.

 

 

Alice and Howard Pietzel.