Deep Dive
Why did Catherine Wambacher hire a private detective to follow her husband, Walter Andrew?
Catherine suspected her husband of having an affair due to his frequent out-of-town trips, which she found suspicious given their short marriage.
What did the private detective discover about Walter Andrew's activities?
The detective found that Walter was having an affair with another woman, but this was just the beginning of Catherine's concerns as his real identity was revealed to be James Watson.
What was James Watson's real name and where was he born?
James Watson's real name was Charles Gillum, and he was born in Carroll County, Arkansas on July 3, 1871.
How did James Watson's early life shape his behavior later in life?
Watson's early life was marked by abuse and neglect. His father abandoned the family, and his mother was volatile and abusive. This trauma likely contributed to his later criminal behavior and his tendency to lie and manipulate.
How many wives did James Watson marry, and how many did he murder?
Watson married an estimated 20 to 40 women, with some estimates as high as 40. He confessed to killing at least nine of his wives, though the exact number is unclear due to his frequent use of aliases and the disappearance of some wives.
What method did James Watson typically use to murder his wives?
Watson often drowned his wives, sometimes by pushing them off boats or into bodies of water. Later, he escalated to more violent methods, such as striking them with rocks or hammers.
How did Catherine Wambacher ultimately uncover James Watson's true identity and crimes?
Catherine hired a private detective who discovered Watson's black satchel containing multiple marriage licenses, jewelry, and a list of 20 women he was corresponding with. This led to his arrest and the unraveling of his crimes.
What was James Watson's defense during his trial, and how did the court respond?
Watson claimed he was mentally ill and acted under a 'dominating force' that compelled him to kill. The court acknowledged his mental illness but still sentenced him to life in prison, believing he was sane enough to understand his actions.
What unusual activity did James Watson engage in while in prison?
While in prison, Watson took up writing and tried to get his poetry published. He also convinced a journalist that he had hidden treasure worth over $50,000, leading to a public treasure hunt that turned out to be a hoax.
How did James Watson's story impact public perception in the early 20th century?
Watson's case was shocking to the public, as serial killers were not widely understood or studied at the time. His ability to charm and deceive women, combined with his brutal murders, made him a notorious figure known as the 'Bluebeard Killer.'
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