Joseph "Mad Dog" Taborsky
Mad Dog Killings Spree
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Connecticut
TIME PERIOD
1956-1957
VICTIMS
6 confirmed
The "Mad Dog killings" refer to a series of brutal robberies and murders committed by Joseph Taborsky and Arthur Culombe in Connecticut between 1956 and 1957, resulting in the deaths of six victims. Both suspects were apprehended, with Taborsky being executed and Culombe receiving a life sentence. The case is considered solved, with both perpetrators identified and convicted.
Theories surrounding the "Mad Dog killings" focus on the psychological profile of the perpetrators, Joseph Taborsky and Arthur Culombe, as well as the societal impact of their crimes, which led to changes in liquor store operating hours. Speculation also exists regarding the brutality of the murders, with some community members suggesting that the violence may have been fueled by a desire for notoriety or a thrill-seeking behavior. Additionally, there is discussion about the implications of their death sentences and the subsequent moratorium on executions in Connecticut, raising questions about the justice system's handling of such violent offenders.
The Mad Dog Killings
Overview
The Mad Dog killings refer to a shocking series of spree and serial murders that took place in Connecticut from 1956 to 1957, committed by two notorious criminals: Joseph Louis Taborsky and Arthur Culombe. These brutal acts earned them the moniker "Mad Dog," a title reflecting both the savagery of their crimes and Taborsky's notorious reputation. During this harrowing crime wave, they robbed and murdered six individuals, leaving a trail of fear and devastation across the state.
Timeline of Events
Background and Early Crimes
Joseph L. Taborsky, born on March 23, 1924, in Hartford, Connecticut, had a troubled upbringing. Growing up in a challenging environment, he began his life of crime at a young age, with his first offense occurring when he was just seven years old—stealing a tricycle. His criminal activities escalated to burglaries and thefts, leading to multiple arrests throughout his teenage years. As a young adult, he was convicted of armed robbery and even participated in an attempted prison escape.
Arthur "Meatball" Culombe, born the same year as Taborsky, also had a criminal past but was known for his intellectual disabilities, which rendered him impressionable and vulnerable to Taborsky's influence. Their paths crossed in 1948 while both were employed at a cargo dispatch facility, where they began their partnership in crime.
The Murder of Louis Wolfson (1950)
On March 23, 1950—Taborsky's 26th birthday—he and his brother Albert committed a robbery at Louis Wolfson's liquor store in West Hartford. During the robbery, Wolfson was shot in the face and later succumbed to his injuries. The case went cold until Albert confessed, implicating Taborsky as the shooter. Joseph was arrested on January 19, 1951, and convicted of first-degree murder, receiving a death sentence.
First Stint on Death Row (1951–1955)
While Taborsky awaited execution, his brother Albert suffered a mental breakdown, leading to questions about the reliability of his testimony against Joseph. Eventually, after spending nearly four years on death row, Taborsky was granted a new trial based on insufficient evidence, and he was released on October 6, 1955.
The "Mad Dog" Killings Begin (1956–1957)
Less than a year after his release, Taborsky reunited with Culombe. They embarked on a spree of robberies across Connecticut, targeting liquor stores and businesses. Their violent methods escalated quickly, culminating in a series of brutal murders.
Attempted Murder of Nickola Leone (December 15, 1956)
On December 15, 1956, the duo shot 67-year-old tailor Nickola Leone in the face during a robbery attempt. Miraculously, Leone survived and provided a description of his attackers.
Murders of Edward Kurpiewski and Daniel Janowski (December 15, 1956)
Just an hour after the attack on Leone, Taborsky and Culombe targeted Kurp's service station in New Britain. After subduing owner Edward Kurpiewski, they shot him and then turned their attention to Daniel Janowski, who had just arrived at the station. Taborsky shot Janowski twice in the head, killing him. The brutal nature of these murders shocked the community and garnered massive media attention.
Further Murders and Robberies
- Samuel Cohn (December 26, 1956): The duo entered a liquor store and shot the owner twice in the head before robbing the cash register.
- Bernard and Ruth Speyer (January 5, 1957): After robbing a shoe store, they forced the Speyers to kneel and executed them in cold blood.
- John M. Rosenthal (January 26, 1957): In a final act of violence, they shot the 69-year-old owner of a drug store, leaving him for dead.
Capture and Confessions
The hunting ground for the "Mad Dog" killers finally closed in late February 1957 when police apprehended Taborsky and Culombe. After separate interrogations, Culombe confessed to multiple murders, leading authorities to the discarded murder weapon. Although Taborsky initially remained silent, he eventually confessed to the murders as well.
Legal Proceedings
In May 1957, both men were tried for the murders of Kurpiewski and Janowski. The trial drew considerable public attention, being the longest in Connecticut's history at that time. Despite attempts from their defense teams to argue for leniency based on mental health and past traumas, the jury found both men guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced them to death.
Taborsky, who had attempted suicide twice while on death row, ultimately waived his appeals. He was executed on May 17, 1960, by electric chair—the last person to be executed in Connecticut at that time. Culombe's death sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned his conviction based on police misconduct during his interrogation.
Impact and Aftermath
The "Mad Dog" killings had a significant impact on Connecticut's public sentiment regarding the death penalty. Following the murders, liquor stores across the state changed their operating hours to improve safety. The fear instilled by these crimes contributed to a renewed interest in maintaining capital punishment in Connecticut, despite the growing abolition movements in neighboring states.
Victims:
Killed:
- Edward Kurpiewski, 30 (December 15, 1956)
- Daniel Janowski, 30 (December 15, 1956)
- Samuel H. Cohn, 65 (December 26, 1956)
- Bernard Speyer, 48 (January 5, 1957)
- Ruth Speyer, 45 (January 5, 1957)
- John M. Rosenthal, 69 (January 26, 1957)
Survived:
- Jack Rosen (December 4, 1956)
- Peter Barone (December 11, 1956)
- Nickola Leone, 67 (December 15, 1956)
- Arthur Vinton, 64 (December 21, 1956)
- Mrs. Arthur Vinton, 62 (December 21, 1956)
- Lorry, 3 (December 21, 1956)
- Frank Adinolfi, 44 (January 6, 1957)
Sources
- Joseph "Mad Dog" Taborsky - Wikipedia
- Various newspaper articles and historical records detailing the events surrounding the Mad Dog killings.
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First Murders Committed
Taborsky and Culombe murder Edward Kurpiewski and Daniel Janowski during a robbery.
Attempted Murder of Vintons
Taborsky and Culombe attack Arthur and his wife, pistol-whipping them and threatening their granddaughter.
Murder of Samuel Cohn
Taborsky and Culombe kill liquor store owner Samuel Cohn during a robbery.
Murders of Bernard and Ruth Speyer
The couple is shot and killed by Taborsky and Culombe in a shoe store robbery.
Murder of John M. Rosenthal
Taborsky kills drug store owner John Rosenthal during a robbery.
Arrests Made
Taborsky and Culombe are arrested based on evidence linking them to the murders.
Culombe Confesses
Culombe confesses to participating in the murders and leads police to the murder weapon.
Trial Verdict
Taborsky and Culombe are convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death.
Taborsky Executed
Joseph Taborsky is executed in Connecticut's electric chair.
Culombe Resentenced
Arthur Culombe is resentenced to life imprisonment after his conviction is overturned.
The "Mad Dog killings" refer to a series of brutal robberies and murders committed by Joseph Taborsky and Arthur Culombe in Connecticut between 1956 and 1957, resulting in the deaths of six victims. Both suspects were apprehended, with Taborsky being executed and Culombe receiving a life sentence. The case is considered solved, with both perpetrators identified and convicted.
Theories surrounding the "Mad Dog killings" focus on the psychological profile of the perpetrators, Joseph Taborsky and Arthur Culombe, as well as the societal impact of their crimes, which led to changes in liquor store operating hours. Speculation also exists regarding the brutality of the murders, with some community members suggesting that the violence may have been fueled by a desire for notoriety or a thrill-seeking behavior. Additionally, there is discussion about the implications of their death sentences and the subsequent moratorium on executions in Connecticut, raising questions about the justice system's handling of such violent offenders.
The Mad Dog Killings
Overview
The Mad Dog killings refer to a shocking series of spree and serial murders that took place in Connecticut from 1956 to 1957, committed by two notorious criminals: Joseph Louis Taborsky and Arthur Culombe. These brutal acts earned them the moniker "Mad Dog," a title reflecting both the savagery of their crimes and Taborsky's notorious reputation. During this harrowing crime wave, they robbed and murdered six individuals, leaving a trail of fear and devastation across the state.
Timeline of Events
Background and Early Crimes
Joseph L. Taborsky, born on March 23, 1924, in Hartford, Connecticut, had a troubled upbringing. Growing up in a challenging environment, he began his life of crime at a young age, with his first offense occurring when he was just seven years old—stealing a tricycle. His criminal activities escalated to burglaries and thefts, leading to multiple arrests throughout his teenage years. As a young adult, he was convicted of armed robbery and even participated in an attempted prison escape.
Arthur "Meatball" Culombe, born the same year as Taborsky, also had a criminal past but was known for his intellectual disabilities, which rendered him impressionable and vulnerable to Taborsky's influence. Their paths crossed in 1948 while both were employed at a cargo dispatch facility, where they began their partnership in crime.
The Murder of Louis Wolfson (1950)
On March 23, 1950—Taborsky's 26th birthday—he and his brother Albert committed a robbery at Louis Wolfson's liquor store in West Hartford. During the robbery, Wolfson was shot in the face and later succumbed to his injuries. The case went cold until Albert confessed, implicating Taborsky as the shooter. Joseph was arrested on January 19, 1951, and convicted of first-degree murder, receiving a death sentence.
First Stint on Death Row (1951–1955)
While Taborsky awaited execution, his brother Albert suffered a mental breakdown, leading to questions about the reliability of his testimony against Joseph. Eventually, after spending nearly four years on death row, Taborsky was granted a new trial based on insufficient evidence, and he was released on October 6, 1955.
The "Mad Dog" Killings Begin (1956–1957)
Less than a year after his release, Taborsky reunited with Culombe. They embarked on a spree of robberies across Connecticut, targeting liquor stores and businesses. Their violent methods escalated quickly, culminating in a series of brutal murders.
Attempted Murder of Nickola Leone (December 15, 1956)
On December 15, 1956, the duo shot 67-year-old tailor Nickola Leone in the face during a robbery attempt. Miraculously, Leone survived and provided a description of his attackers.
Murders of Edward Kurpiewski and Daniel Janowski (December 15, 1956)
Just an hour after the attack on Leone, Taborsky and Culombe targeted Kurp's service station in New Britain. After subduing owner Edward Kurpiewski, they shot him and then turned their attention to Daniel Janowski, who had just arrived at the station. Taborsky shot Janowski twice in the head, killing him. The brutal nature of these murders shocked the community and garnered massive media attention.
Further Murders and Robberies
- Samuel Cohn (December 26, 1956): The duo entered a liquor store and shot the owner twice in the head before robbing the cash register.
- Bernard and Ruth Speyer (January 5, 1957): After robbing a shoe store, they forced the Speyers to kneel and executed them in cold blood.
- John M. Rosenthal (January 26, 1957): In a final act of violence, they shot the 69-year-old owner of a drug store, leaving him for dead.
Capture and Confessions
The hunting ground for the "Mad Dog" killers finally closed in late February 1957 when police apprehended Taborsky and Culombe. After separate interrogations, Culombe confessed to multiple murders, leading authorities to the discarded murder weapon. Although Taborsky initially remained silent, he eventually confessed to the murders as well.
Legal Proceedings
In May 1957, both men were tried for the murders of Kurpiewski and Janowski. The trial drew considerable public attention, being the longest in Connecticut's history at that time. Despite attempts from their defense teams to argue for leniency based on mental health and past traumas, the jury found both men guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced them to death.
Taborsky, who had attempted suicide twice while on death row, ultimately waived his appeals. He was executed on May 17, 1960, by electric chair—the last person to be executed in Connecticut at that time. Culombe's death sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned his conviction based on police misconduct during his interrogation.
Impact and Aftermath
The "Mad Dog" killings had a significant impact on Connecticut's public sentiment regarding the death penalty. Following the murders, liquor stores across the state changed their operating hours to improve safety. The fear instilled by these crimes contributed to a renewed interest in maintaining capital punishment in Connecticut, despite the growing abolition movements in neighboring states.
Victims:
Killed:
- Edward Kurpiewski, 30 (December 15, 1956)
- Daniel Janowski, 30 (December 15, 1956)
- Samuel H. Cohn, 65 (December 26, 1956)
- Bernard Speyer, 48 (January 5, 1957)
- Ruth Speyer, 45 (January 5, 1957)
- John M. Rosenthal, 69 (January 26, 1957)
Survived:
- Jack Rosen (December 4, 1956)
- Peter Barone (December 11, 1956)
- Nickola Leone, 67 (December 15, 1956)
- Arthur Vinton, 64 (December 21, 1956)
- Mrs. Arthur Vinton, 62 (December 21, 1956)
- Lorry, 3 (December 21, 1956)
- Frank Adinolfi, 44 (January 6, 1957)
Sources
- Joseph "Mad Dog" Taborsky - Wikipedia
- Various newspaper articles and historical records detailing the events surrounding the Mad Dog killings.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Murders Committed
Taborsky and Culombe murder Edward Kurpiewski and Daniel Janowski during a robbery.
Attempted Murder of Vintons
Taborsky and Culombe attack Arthur and his wife, pistol-whipping them and threatening their granddaughter.
Murder of Samuel Cohn
Taborsky and Culombe kill liquor store owner Samuel Cohn during a robbery.
Murders of Bernard and Ruth Speyer
The couple is shot and killed by Taborsky and Culombe in a shoe store robbery.
Murder of John M. Rosenthal
Taborsky kills drug store owner John Rosenthal during a robbery.
Arrests Made
Taborsky and Culombe are arrested based on evidence linking them to the murders.
Culombe Confesses
Culombe confesses to participating in the murders and leads police to the murder weapon.
Trial Verdict
Taborsky and Culombe are convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death.
Taborsky Executed
Joseph Taborsky is executed in Connecticut's electric chair.
Culombe Resentenced
Arthur Culombe is resentenced to life imprisonment after his conviction is overturned.