December 31, 2009Soshanguve, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa10-year-old Masego Kgomo is kidnapped, mutilated, and killed Kgomo was last seen on New Year’s Eve after informing her mother she was going to play with friends nearby. When she did not return home, a search was launched by family, friends, and members of the community. One of those…
Man dies in home, his death officially ruled as spontaneous human combustion
December 22, 2010Ballybane, Galway, IrelandMichael Faherty (76) dies in his home; his death is officially ruled spontaneous combustion Faherty was found in his sitting room, laying on his back with his head near an open fireplace, though the fireplace was determined not to have been the source of the fire. His body was “totally burnt,”…
Man kills family friend, attempts to kill her three young children
December 21, 1978Tucson, ArizonaIgnacio Alberto Ortiz kills family friend Manuelita McCormack (28) and attempts to kill her three young children Ortiz and his wife were the godparents to the McCormacks’ youngest child Charles McCormack III, who was referred to at the time as Baby Charlie. Manuelita and her husband Charles II experienced some marital difficulties…
12-year-old abducted, killed
December 20, 1984Greeley, Colorado12-year-old Jonelle Matthews is taken from her home; her body will remain undiscovered for nearly 35 years Matthews was last seen on the night of December 20 after she sang Christmas carols with her school choir. She was taken home by a friend and the friend’s mother who watched Matthews walk into…
Man abducts, assaults, kills young cousin
December 19, 1985Houston, TexasTara Lauti (9) is abducted, sexually assaulted, and killed by her uncle Aua Lauti (31) Aua visited the house of his uncle (Tara’s father) on the night of December 18. He had been despondent over a recent break up and was visibly intoxicated by the time he arrived, and continued to excessively…
