Howard Unruh

Howard Unruh

Howard Barton Unruh (January 21, 1921 – October 19, 2009) was an American mass murderer who became one of the first widely publicized spree killers in the United States. On September 6, 1949, in Camden, New Jersey, Unruh, a World War II veteran, killed 13 people during a 12-minute walk through his neighborhood. This event, which came to be known as the "Walk of Death," shocked the nation and is considered a seminal moment in the history of American crime.

Early Life

Howard Unruh was born in Camden, New Jersey, to Fred and Freda Unruh. He had a troubled relationship with his parents, particularly his mother, with whom he lived in a strained household. Unruh served as a tank gunner in the European Theater during World War II, where he kept a meticulous diary of the killings he witnessed and participated in, which is believed to have had a profound effect on his mental health.

Military Service

During his service in World War II, Unruh received several commendations for his performance. However, the horrors of war deeply affected him. His experiences on the battlefield contributed to his post-war struggles with what would now likely be recognized as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Walk of Death

On the morning of September 6, 1949, Unruh armed himself with a German Luger pistol and embarked on a methodical shooting spree in his neighborhood. In just over 12 minutes, he killed 13 people, including three children, and wounded three others. The motive behind his attack was never definitively established, though it is speculated that a series of perceived slights and disputes with neighbors may have triggered his actions.

Capture and Aftermath

Unruh was captured by police shortly after the massacre and was found to be sane enough to stand trial. However, before his trial could commence, he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and committed to the New Jersey Hospital for the Insane (now Trenton Psychiatric Hospital), where he spent the rest of his life. Unruh's case brought significant attention to the issues of mental health and the potential dangers posed by untreated mental illness.

Legacy

Howard Unruh's killing spree marked one of the earliest instances of what would later be termed a "spree killing" in the United States. His actions led to increased public awareness and discussion about mental health, gun control, and the potential impact of war on veterans. Unruh's case remains a pivotal study in the fields of criminology and psychology.

See Also

• Mass murder
• Spree killer
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Gun control in the United States