Mary Jane Jackson

Serial Killer

Mary Jane "Bricktop" Jackson: The Violent Killer of Nineteenth-Century New Orleans

Overview

Mary Jane Jackson, commonly known as "Bricktop," was an American criminal and suspected serial killer active in and around New Orleans, Louisiana, during the 1850s and early 1860s. Historical accounts attribute at least four killings and numerous nonfatal assaults to her between 1856 and 1861. Jackson was a woman, despite occasionally being described incorrectly as a man in modern summaries. She reportedly received the nickname "Bricktop" because of her bright red hair. She was also identified by names including "Mary the Red," "Red Mary," and Mary Rufus. Although Jackson is frequently classified as a serial killer, surviving documentation about her life is fragmentary. Some stories were recorded decades after the events and may contain exaggerations. Only two of her alleged victims are consistently identified by full names and exact dates of death. The names of the other two men have either been lost or were never published.

Early Life

Mary Jane Jackson was born in New Orleans in approximately 1836. Some accounts place her birthplace on Girod Street, an area located near the rapidly developing commercial districts of the city. Jackson reportedly entered prostitution when she was about thirteen or fourteen years old. New Orleans was a major port city filled with sailors, laborers, merchants, drinking establishments, gambling rooms and brothels. Violence was common in some of its entertainment districts, particularly in areas surrounding the French Quarter and the notorious Gallatin Street. By her middle teenage years, Jackson was reportedly living with a saloon owner as his mistress. Their relationship ended approximately three years later. According to later accounts, Jackson responded to the separation by severely beating the man. He allegedly suffered a broken nose and lost part or all of one ear during the assault. Jackson subsequently moved between different brothels and lodging houses. She developed a reputation for fighting with customers, fellow sex workers and men who attempted to intimidate her. Contemporary and later descriptions portrayed her as physically strong, quick-tempered and willing to use knives or clubs during confrontations. ...

Confirmed Victims: (4)

Unnamed Man , Date of Death: 1956

Mary Jane Jackson - Wikipedia