Famous Last Words James Brown Jr. Atlanta, Georgia December 25, 2006 "I'm going away tonight." Brown, known as the "Godfather of Soul," looked ill during a dental visit on December 23, and was advised by his dentist to seek medical attention. He visited a hospital the next day, was kept under observation, and passed away…
False, but humorous, rumor about “a lumber camp orgy” which allegedly killed 14 is spread
December 25, 1912 Bemidji, Minnesota A rumor of 14 drunken lumberjacks battling with broadaxes during Christmas Day is spread Though the story is humorous and eye-catching, appearing on the front page of The Coffeyville Daily Journal (Coffeyville, Kansas Dec. 26, 1912) it was quickly revealed to be an exaggeration and was condemned as such in…
Prison cook kills inmate after fight over cooking
December 25, 1890 Albuquerque, New Mexico A jail cook stabbed a fellow inmate to death following an argument about the cook's "unpalatable" food The victim, Samuel McCowan, had insulted the cooking to other inmates and threw a handful of salt at the face of James Mullen, the cook. A fight broke out ending in a…
Mother murders son, attempts to kill self on Christmas
December 25, 2008 Port St. Lucie, Florida Eryn Allegra smothers her 8-year-old before trying to commit suicide Allegra had recently faced financial difficulties after losing her job and became depressed and suicidal. She planned to kill not only herself but also her 8-year-old son Tristan Michael Allegra, claiming she didn't want to leave him behind…
