Journal of Vampirology - 1984 - Vol 1 No 2

Magazine Overview

This document appears to be a segment from a magazine issue, likely focused on true crime, specifically cases involving alleged vampirism, cannibalism, and extreme violence. The content is primarily textual, detailing the crimes and lives of several notorious serial killers.

Key Cases and Individuals

John George Haigh

The issue begins by detailing the crimes of John George Haigh, the 'Acid Bath Killer.' Haigh confessed to murdering at least six people, including Mrs. Durand-Deacon, whose blood he claimed to have drunk. He would then dispose of the bodies by dissolving them in acid. Despite pleading insanity, he was convicted and hanged in 1949. The text notes skepticism regarding his claims of vampirism, suggesting he was a calculating killer who profited from his crimes.

Ed Gein

Ed Gein, described as a 'necrophile extraordinaire,' began desecrating graves after his mother's death in 1945. Over twelve years, he committed numerous acts of 'necrosadism.' His crimes escalated to murder, and his home was found to contain the remains of fifteen disinterred bodies and evidence linking him to another murder. Gein confessed to the shopkeeper's murder but denied cannibalism, claiming he fainted at the sight of blood. He was remanded to a state mental institution and later found guilty but insane for a 1957 killing. His life and crimes are presented as an example of 'magical thinking,' and his bizarre lifestyle inspired the horror films 'Psycho' and 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre.'

Weldon Kennedy

In 1972, Weldon Kennedy, a 24-year-old drycleaner, was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder in Alameda County, California. His case, dubbed the 'Vampire Killings,' received little publicity but is described as prophetic of later cases. Kennedy claimed to be a 'bondslave of Satan' and that voices urged him to kill, admitting to cannibalizing his victims' remains and drinking their blood.

Downtown Los Angeles Murders (1974-1975)

A series of brutal murders occurred in the skid row district of downtown Los Angeles between 1974 and 1975. The victims, mostly derelicts, were found with their throats slashed, and evidence suggested the killer drank their blood. The killer also removed victims' shoes and arranged them in a specific manner. Vaughn Greenwood was arrested and found guilty of these murders.

Richard Chase

Richard Chase, known as the 'Sacramento Vampire,' believed he needed regular blood infusions. Obsessed with the idea that his mother was poisoning him, he sought blood transfusions and even attempted to inject rabbit blood into his veins. After being committed to a mental institution, where he earned the nickname 'Dracula,' he was released. He later murdered Theresa Wallin and savagely killed a household of four, including an infant. Evidence suggested cannibalism. Chase confessed to an earlier murder and, despite an insanity defense, was found guilty of six counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. He committed suicide in prison in 1980.

James P. Riva II

In 1981, James P. Riva II, a 24-year-old from Marshfield, Massachusetts, shot and killed his grandmother. He confessed to his mother, claiming he had been a vampire for four years and had attempted to drink the blood from her gunshot wounds. He also stated that voices from outer space urged him to kill. Riva was found guilty of second-degree murder.

Survey Scope and Future Articles

The article acknowledges that this survey is not exhaustive and that many instances of hemocide have been reported, particularly from Europe. The author intends to cover more prominent examples and promises a future article discussing the prevalence of hemocide, questioning if it is an isolated phenomenon or an epidemic, referencing Dr. Kaplan's views.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are extreme violence, blood-drinking, cannibalism, necrophilia, and alleged vampirism, often linked to mental illness or supernatural beliefs. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting factual accounts of these crimes while maintaining a degree of skepticism, particularly regarding claims of supernatural influence, as seen in the commentary on Haigh. The document emphasizes the importance of a 'healthy skepticism' when evaluating such cases.

This issue of "Vampire Information Exchange" (Issue 19) delves into the controversial topic of vampirism, exploring both statistical analyses of alleged "vampire epidemics" and detailed accounts of real-life crimes with vampiric or occult connections. The content appears to be a compilation of articles and newspaper clippings, offering a critical examination of claims made by figures like Dr. Stephen Kaplan, alongside reporting on criminal cases.

Dr. Kaplan and the Vampire Epidemic

The central article critically examines Dr. Stephen Kaplan's assertion that over 6,000 murders occur annually in the United States due to vampiric attacks. The author questions the substantiation of these claims, noting Kaplan's publication "Vampires Are" lacks references to support this. The article analyzes FBI Uniform Crime Reports for 1982, finding that while 21,012 homicides were recorded, only a fraction could potentially be linked to unknown motives or unusual circumstances. Even with generous interpretations, the number of potential "hemocides" (vampire-related deaths) falls short of Kaplan's 6,000 estimate. The analysis also debunks Kaplan's contention that vampires typically use blunt instruments, showing firearms are the predominant method of killing, with cutting instruments being more plausible for blood extraction.

Despite the statistical discrepancies, the article acknowledges a steady increase in motiveless crimes. It also includes a quote from Ed Austin, head of the Mutilation Data Center, who offers a far higher estimate of 20,000 deaths with blood-drinking overtones, plus 100,000 animal mutilations. Dr. Kaplan himself reportedly includes animal mutilations in his 6,000 figure and believes the actual number is higher, estimating 10,000 to 20,000 blood cultists active in the US.

The article concludes by noting the rise in serial murderers, citing Henry Lucas's confession to 500 murders and the case of Ottis Toole, suspected in 70 child homicides, suggesting that these "mega murder" trends might lend some credence to the idea of unsuspected hemocidal maniacs contributing to a broader epidemic of mass murder.

Weldon Meade Kennedy Case

Several newspaper clippings detail the trial and conviction of Weldon Meade Kennedy, a self-proclaimed vampire from Union City, California. Kennedy was charged with the murders of two teenagers: Mario Oliver, 15, and Vicky Lynn Iselin, 14. The prosecution presented gruesome details of the crimes, including sexual abuse, decapitation, strangulation, and burial of the victims. Kennedy claimed he was a "messenger of the devil" and that the victims were "sacrifices to Satan."

During the trial, a psychologist testified that Kennedy might be suffering from a progressive brain disease or organic brain syndrome, potentially diminishing his mental capacity. However, prosecution psychiatrists maintained he was sane. Kennedy was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder.

Following his conviction, Kennedy confessed to murdering 25 itinerant farmworkers in Sutter County and four other people in Alameda County, claiming he killed them for the devil. He was sentenced to two consecutive life terms for the mutilation slayings and ordered to serve a prior 24-year sentence in Wyoming for a screwdriver attack on two hitchhikers.

Tabloid Watch: "Beware Vampire Doctors!"

This section features an article from the National Examiner reporting on a sensational claim that "vampire doctors" are preying on unsuspecting patients. The article describes a purported incident in Roumania where a surgeon allegedly dipped his hand into a patient's open body and licked his fingers. Psychiatrist Lazlo Nascz is quoted as calling this "appalling behavior" a betrayal of "brethren." The article further suggests that blood-hungry vampires have infiltrated the medical profession worldwide, using it as a safe source of blood. Dr. Stephen Kaplan is again cited, stating that most vampires obtain blood from people with a fixation on the vampire legend, and that they prefer to be called "Sangroids." The piece notes that these "Sangroids" are not normally threatening and often obtain blood from volunteers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the nature of vampirism, its alleged presence as an epidemic, and its connection to violent crime. The publication appears to adopt a critical yet investigative stance, presenting statistical data to question sensational claims while also documenting real-life cases that blur the lines between criminal pathology and the occult. The editorial stance seems to be one of skepticism towards broad "vampire epidemic" theories, particularly those lacking empirical evidence, but acknowledges the existence of individuals who commit extreme violence, sometimes with ritualistic or occult motivations. The inclusion of tabloid-style reporting suggests an interest in sensational aspects of the topic, balanced by more analytical pieces.

This issue of DETECTIVE FILES, dated July 1978, is a pulp magazine focused on sensational crime and the macabre, with a particular emphasis on vampirism and true crime. The cover boldly proclaims 'DRACULA-CANNIBAL SLAYINGS HORRIFY WEST COAST!' and 'WHO ICED THE COP IN HOT CITY?', indicating a focus on lurid and shocking content. The price is 75 cents.

Articles and Content

Page 1: Discusses the characteristics of vampires, including their photosensitivity, rejuvenative factor that retards aging, and a universal anti-body that combats bacteria, viruses, and potentially acts as an anti-carcinogenic. It mentions a vampire census indicating an increase in their numbers and notes that most vampires avoid trouble with the law. It also touches on how medicine provides a safe haven for vampires to obtain blood and avoid sunlight. A photograph of Ed Gein at the time of his arrest is included.

Page 2-3: Features information about the Vampire Research Center (VRC) and its director, Dr. Stephen Kaplan. The VRC is celebrating its 13th year and announces it will end active research of 'real' vampires on July 13, 1984, transitioning to mail-only reports. Dr. Kaplan, considered an expert in vampirology, has received the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Award and teaches parapsychology. Upcoming books mentioned include 'Vampires Are' (by Stephen Kaplan, as told to Carole Kane), 'The Vampire Census Book' (by Stephen Kaplan and Roxanne Salch Kaplan), 'The Amityville Horror Solved' (by Stephen Kaplan and Roxanne Salch Kaplan), and 'Psychic Safaris' (by Stephen Kaplan).

Page 4: Promotes the book 'Vampires Unearthed' by Martin Riccardo, president of the Vampire Studies Society. This book is described as the most comprehensive multi-media vampire and Dracula bibliography ever assembled, listing various forms of media including books, comics, movies, recordings, and more. It also includes accounts of supernatural vampire attacks and biographies of vampiric celebrities. The hardcover version is 135 pages and includes an index. It can be obtained for $19.00 from Garland Publishing, Inc.

Page 5: Contains a 'MISSING' poster for Kevin Collins, a 10-year-old boy last seen on Friday night, February 10th, between 6:30-7:00 PM, at the corner of Haight and Masonic in San Francisco. He was wearing a St. Agnes school uniform. A $10,000 reward is offered, and the San Francisco Police Department is seeking information.

Page 6: Lists 'Corrections' for previous issues, with specific line and word changes noted for pages 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 24, 26, and 28. A photograph of Peter Kürten is included.

Page 7: The cover of the July 1978 issue of DETECTIVE FILES, featuring dramatic artwork and headlines about 'Dracula-Cannibal Slaysings Horrify West Coast!' and 'Who Iced the Cop in Hot City?'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine clearly leans towards sensationalism, focusing on shocking and often gruesome aspects of crime and the supernatural, particularly vampirism. The editorial stance appears to be one that explores the darker, more mysterious, and often violent elements of society and folklore, appealing to readers interested in true crime and the paranormal. The inclusion of a missing person report and photographs of notorious figures like Ed Gein and Peter Kürten further solidifies its genre.