May 3, 1942
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
The first of 3 murder-rape victims is strangled by U.S. Army private Edward Leonski
Leonski raped and killed 3 women before being arrested. During trial, he claimed to have a fascination with the female voice, stating “That’s why I choked those ladies. It was to get their voices.” He attempted a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity at his Court Martial, though it was unsuccessful, was found guilty of triple homicide, and executed by hanging on November 9, 1942.
Newspaper article: The Truth, 18 July 1942
Courtesy of the State Library of Victoria’s Newspapers Collection
