John Frank Hickey

Serial Killer

John Frank Hickey: The Postcard Killer

Overview

John Frank Hickey was an American murderer, child molester, and confessed serial killer whose known crimes stretched across nearly three decades. Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, on October 29, 1865, Hickey outwardly presented himself as a respectable and religious man. During his youth, he participated in church organizations, became associated with the YMCA, and later joined a Masonic lodge. Behind this respectable appearance, however, he struggled with alcoholism, dishonesty, and violent sexual impulses toward children. Hickey confessed to three murders committed between 1883 and 1911 in Massachusetts and New York. His victims included an adult coworker and two young boys. He became known as the "Postcard Killer" because he mailed disturbing postcards and letters concerning his crimes. Some messages were sent to police officers, newspapers, and the family of his final known victim. These communications supplied information about the hidden body and eventually helped investigators identify him.

Confirmed Victims

• Edwin W. Morey, age 34 Fatally poisoned during the night of September 1-2, 1883, at McGibbon's Drugstore in Lowell, Massachusetts. Historical summaries commonly record September 1 as the date of the crime, although accounts state that Morey died shortly after 3:00 a.m. following midnight.
• Michael R. Kruck, age 11 Murdered on December 10, 1902, in Central Park, Manhattan, New York City. He was strangled after being lured into the park while selling newspapers.
• Joseph "Joey" Joseph, age 7 Disappeared and was killed on October 11, 1911, in Lackawanna, New York. Some later accounts describe the murder as occurring on October 12, but contemporary case descriptions place his disappearance on October 11. His body was hidden in an outhouse pit near Ridge Road.

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Confirmed Victims: (3)

Edwin W. Morey Age: (34), Date of Death: 1883-09-01

J. Frank Hickey - Wikipedia