Written by Adam Vorobok, 2 South Librarian, Downtown Main Library
From 1904 to 1910, a series of five unsolved murders near the Cumminsville train tracks dominated the headlines of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Post, and Commercial Tribune, which earned Cumminsville the nickname “The Murder Zone.” The five victims were Mary McDonald, Lulu Mueller, Alma Steinigeweg, Anna Lloyd, and Mary Hackney—women from different walks of life who died in similar ways, which made people suspect a serial killer.
Although clues to the identity of the Cumminsville Killer were sparse, newspapers printed every bit of speculation and gossip associated with these terrible crimes. While police went on wild goose chases, women organized to demand more lights and police protection in Cumminsville. Despite all their leads, the police never solved any of the five crimes. Over the decades, besides the occasional retrospective, these sensational murders were lost to history.
I stumbled upon a map of The Murder Zone while researching a question for a customer. Living close to the area, it piqued my interest. Since then, I have unearthed over 600 articles related to these unsolved crimes. With the help of my coworkers, we have created a digital exhibit for the library’s website. It contains a historical outline of the five cases, videos shot in present-day locations, old photos of Cumminsville, and news clippings from our databases.
On Tuesday evening, Oct. 14, I will give a walking tour of The Murder Zone in partnership with the Northside Safety and Livability Council. We will meet at the Northside Yacht Club at 6 p.m. and leave for the tour around 6:30 p.m.. We will travel to four locations in about a mile radius, so be sure to bring your comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
On Saturday, Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., join me in the Story Center at the Downtown Main Library for a thoroughly detailed presentation on The Murder Zone. I will share information about all five cases as well as interesting local headlines, photos, maps, and more. The Story Center is located on the second floor of the South Building of the Downtown Main Library. If you are a fan of true crime, of local history, or just a Northsider interested in the past, this is the program for you!
Add a comment to: Northside’s Murder Zone: A Look into Cincinnati’s Unsolved Mystery