February 14, 1945Lower Quinton, Warwickshire, EnglandCharles Walton (74) is killed in what some have described as a “witchcraft murder” Walton kept to himself but was well known in his village. Local gossip about Walton included his apparent ability to communicate with animals, with tales claiming birds would flock to him and eat directly from his…
Over 100 children killed after a stampede at a church function
February 11, 1823Valletta, Malta110 children are killed from being suffocated or trampled when uninvited guests attempt to receive bread and fruit at a church The capital city of Valletta was observing Carnival, a celebration immediately preceding Lent, at the time of the incident. To shield children from the “confusion” of the revelries of the adults…
Body of woman found after she is killed by her children, in-laws, and grandchild during religious ceremony
February 8, 1933Inez, KentuckyThe body of Lucinda Mills is found after she is killed during a religious ceremony Police arrived at the home of Tommie Boyd, either after being alerted by concerned neighbors or upon hearing a commotion of singing, dancing, and shouting coming from the house. Inside was a congregation, referred to as “the…
Man found fatally wounded after killing a man while under hypnotism
January 10, 1909Carthage, IllinoisReverend John Carmichael is found fatally wounded days after killing and dismembering a man On January 5, Rev. Carmichael told his wife and children he had business to attend in a church in Rattle Run, Michigan. Later the same day, the church was found to have been a scene of violence. Blood…
Man fatally shot after being mistaken for ghost
January 3, 1804Hammersmith, London, EnglandThomas Millwood (22) is shot after he is mistaken for a ghost For five weeks before Millwood’s death, the Hammersmith area had been seemingly plagued by a malevolent ghost. During one incident, a woman watched the ghost “rise from the tombstones.” The sighting scared her to the point she fainted and…