Syd Jones
American Serial Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Birmingham, Alabama
TIME PERIOD
1900s–1914
VICTIMS
13 confirmed
Syd Jones, an American serial killer, confessed to 13 murders across multiple states from the early 1900s until 1914. His criminal activities included the murder of a deputy sheriff, W. S. Moseley, in Monterey, California, and several unnamed convicts in Alabama. Jones was serving a life sentence for one murder when he killed fellow convict Cleave Waters, leading to his execution by hanging on June 25, 1915, in Birmingham, Alabama. Significant evidence includes Jones' confession note detailing his victims and the circumstances of his crimes, although some claims regarding the identities of his victims have been disputed by law enforcement.
Investigators and the public speculate that Syd Jones may have committed more than the 13 murders he confessed to, with some theorizing he could have been involved in a broader network of crime across multiple states. There is also speculation regarding his military background, suggesting that his service in the 10th Cavalry Regiment may have influenced his violent behavior. Additionally, some believe that his life sentence and subsequent murder of a fellow convict could indicate a pattern of escalating violence and a lack of remorse for his actions.
The Shadow of Syd Jones: A Tale of Murder Across America
Beginnings Shrouded in Mystery
The life of Syd Jones, a self-confessed American serial killer, is a tapestry woven with dark threads and elusive details. Born in Alabama, or so it's presumed, his exact date of birth remains one of the many mysteries surrounding him. What is known is that he served in the 10th Cavalry Regiment, an experience that perhaps honed the skills he later used for his grim deeds.
Jones’ life took a notorious turn as he embarked on a killing spree that would span multiple states from the 1900s until 1914. It was during his time stationed in Monterey, California, that he allegedly shot and killed W. S. Moseley, a deputy sheriff. This marked the beginning of his life imprisonment for murder, but not the end of his violent actions.
A Web of Death
While serving time, Jones' bloodlust did not wane. He murdered a fellow convict, believed to be Cleave Waters, at the Banner mines in Alabama. This act led to his death sentence. On the day of his execution, June 25, 1915, in Birmingham, Alabama, Jones left a chilling confession in his cell, admitting to 13 murders across the United States and listing his victims by name.
The Dated and Undated Murders
Jones' confession detailed a series of killings that painted a picture of a man driven by an insatiable urge to kill:
- 1907: An unnamed convict at Banner mines, Alabama.
- 1911: Another unnamed convict at Banner mines, Alabama.
- May 22, 1911: Cleave Waters, convict at Banner mines, Alabama.
His list continued with undated murders:
- Thomas Thompson and Charles Bennett in Crawford, Nebraska.
- W. S. Moseley, though later clarified to be Art Moss, deputy sheriff at Crawford, Nebraska.
- Shay White, Thomas Shay, and Sam Lee in Monterey, California.
- An unidentified brakeman for Mobile & Ohio Railroad in Bardwell, Kentucky.
- Bessie Humphrey in Huntsville, Alabama.
- Pattie Quiergo, a Mexican woman, at Fort Wingate, New Mexico.
- John Little John, a Native American, in Sheridan, Wyoming.
Jones also confessed to a failed attempt on Richard Moore's life on September 12, 1912, expressing regret for not achieving his goal of an even kill count.
Execution and Aftermath
Syd Jones was not alone on the gallows that fateful day. Two other convicts, Lon Carter, who murdered his wife, and Tim Sharpe, who killed two policemen, were hanged alongside him, marking a grim day in Alabama's history.
Unraveling the Truth
Following his execution, the Crawford Police Department sought to clarify the details of the Nebraska murders. They reached out to The Alliance Herald, revealing that while three men were indeed killed during a riot involving the 10th Cavalry, the deputy's true name was Art Moss, not W. S. Moseley.
The incident occurred at Fort Robinson, where tensions flared after the Moss brothers won a race, causing resentment among some troopers. When the Marshal of Crawford was called away, Art Moss was appointed in his place. One evening, as soldiers returned drunkenly to town, they incited a commotion. Moss attempted to intervene, only to be shot dead by the soldiers, who then fled the scene.
The pursuit that followed saw one fugitive killed and another caught and jailed, as soldiers armed themselves with plans to retaliate. Phil Murphy, an uninvolved man, was mistakenly killed by soldiers guarding the jail, thinking he was part of the escaping group.
While the chaos settled by morning, the captured soldier was tried and imprisoned. Authorities speculated that Syd Jones was among the soldiers responsible for Moss's death, as records linked a man of his name to the 10th Cavalry.
Sources
For those seeking more information on Syd Jones' grim tale, the following references provide further reading:
- "Confessed to Killing 13". Keowee Courier. 30 June 1915.
- "Guilty of Many Murders". The Alliance Herald. 1 July 1915.
- "Hanged Man in Note Confesses to 13 Murders". Medford Mail Tribune. 25 June 1915.
- "Warren Sheaf. news". Warren Sheaf. 30 June 1915.
This narrative of Syd Jones remains a chilling reminder of the shadows cast by a life of crime and the enduring mystery of his final confession.
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First Murder Committed
Syd Jones begins his series of murders, with the first known victim being an unnamed convict in Alabama.
Murder of Cleave Waters
Syd Jones murders fellow convict Cleave Waters at Banner mines, Alabama.
Failed Murder Attempt
Syd Jones attempts to murder Richard Moore but fails, expressing regret over the incident.
Execution of Syd Jones
Syd Jones is executed by hanging in Alabama after confessing to 13 murders.
Confession Published
The note left by Syd Jones confessing to 13 murders is published, detailing his crimes.
Syd Jones, an American serial killer, confessed to 13 murders across multiple states from the early 1900s until 1914. His criminal activities included the murder of a deputy sheriff, W. S. Moseley, in Monterey, California, and several unnamed convicts in Alabama. Jones was serving a life sentence for one murder when he killed fellow convict Cleave Waters, leading to his execution by hanging on June 25, 1915, in Birmingham, Alabama. Significant evidence includes Jones' confession note detailing his victims and the circumstances of his crimes, although some claims regarding the identities of his victims have been disputed by law enforcement.
Investigators and the public speculate that Syd Jones may have committed more than the 13 murders he confessed to, with some theorizing he could have been involved in a broader network of crime across multiple states. There is also speculation regarding his military background, suggesting that his service in the 10th Cavalry Regiment may have influenced his violent behavior. Additionally, some believe that his life sentence and subsequent murder of a fellow convict could indicate a pattern of escalating violence and a lack of remorse for his actions.
The Shadow of Syd Jones: A Tale of Murder Across America
Beginnings Shrouded in Mystery
The life of Syd Jones, a self-confessed American serial killer, is a tapestry woven with dark threads and elusive details. Born in Alabama, or so it's presumed, his exact date of birth remains one of the many mysteries surrounding him. What is known is that he served in the 10th Cavalry Regiment, an experience that perhaps honed the skills he later used for his grim deeds.
Jones’ life took a notorious turn as he embarked on a killing spree that would span multiple states from the 1900s until 1914. It was during his time stationed in Monterey, California, that he allegedly shot and killed W. S. Moseley, a deputy sheriff. This marked the beginning of his life imprisonment for murder, but not the end of his violent actions.
A Web of Death
While serving time, Jones' bloodlust did not wane. He murdered a fellow convict, believed to be Cleave Waters, at the Banner mines in Alabama. This act led to his death sentence. On the day of his execution, June 25, 1915, in Birmingham, Alabama, Jones left a chilling confession in his cell, admitting to 13 murders across the United States and listing his victims by name.
The Dated and Undated Murders
Jones' confession detailed a series of killings that painted a picture of a man driven by an insatiable urge to kill:
- 1907: An unnamed convict at Banner mines, Alabama.
- 1911: Another unnamed convict at Banner mines, Alabama.
- May 22, 1911: Cleave Waters, convict at Banner mines, Alabama.
His list continued with undated murders:
- Thomas Thompson and Charles Bennett in Crawford, Nebraska.
- W. S. Moseley, though later clarified to be Art Moss, deputy sheriff at Crawford, Nebraska.
- Shay White, Thomas Shay, and Sam Lee in Monterey, California.
- An unidentified brakeman for Mobile & Ohio Railroad in Bardwell, Kentucky.
- Bessie Humphrey in Huntsville, Alabama.
- Pattie Quiergo, a Mexican woman, at Fort Wingate, New Mexico.
- John Little John, a Native American, in Sheridan, Wyoming.
Jones also confessed to a failed attempt on Richard Moore's life on September 12, 1912, expressing regret for not achieving his goal of an even kill count.
Execution and Aftermath
Syd Jones was not alone on the gallows that fateful day. Two other convicts, Lon Carter, who murdered his wife, and Tim Sharpe, who killed two policemen, were hanged alongside him, marking a grim day in Alabama's history.
Unraveling the Truth
Following his execution, the Crawford Police Department sought to clarify the details of the Nebraska murders. They reached out to The Alliance Herald, revealing that while three men were indeed killed during a riot involving the 10th Cavalry, the deputy's true name was Art Moss, not W. S. Moseley.
The incident occurred at Fort Robinson, where tensions flared after the Moss brothers won a race, causing resentment among some troopers. When the Marshal of Crawford was called away, Art Moss was appointed in his place. One evening, as soldiers returned drunkenly to town, they incited a commotion. Moss attempted to intervene, only to be shot dead by the soldiers, who then fled the scene.
The pursuit that followed saw one fugitive killed and another caught and jailed, as soldiers armed themselves with plans to retaliate. Phil Murphy, an uninvolved man, was mistakenly killed by soldiers guarding the jail, thinking he was part of the escaping group.
While the chaos settled by morning, the captured soldier was tried and imprisoned. Authorities speculated that Syd Jones was among the soldiers responsible for Moss's death, as records linked a man of his name to the 10th Cavalry.
Sources
For those seeking more information on Syd Jones' grim tale, the following references provide further reading:
- "Confessed to Killing 13". Keowee Courier. 30 June 1915.
- "Guilty of Many Murders". The Alliance Herald. 1 July 1915.
- "Hanged Man in Note Confesses to 13 Murders". Medford Mail Tribune. 25 June 1915.
- "Warren Sheaf. news". Warren Sheaf. 30 June 1915.
This narrative of Syd Jones remains a chilling reminder of the shadows cast by a life of crime and the enduring mystery of his final confession.
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 Murder Committed
Syd Jones begins his series of murders, with the first known victim being an unnamed convict in Alabama.
Murder of Cleave Waters
Syd Jones murders fellow convict Cleave Waters at Banner mines, Alabama.
Failed Murder Attempt
Syd Jones attempts to murder Richard Moore but fails, expressing regret over the incident.
Execution of Syd Jones
Syd Jones is executed by hanging in Alabama after confessing to 13 murders.
Confession Published
The note left by Syd Jones confessing to 13 murders is published, detailing his crimes.