Making History. Come Alive Newsletter offers Albert Fish, born Hamilton Howard Fish on May 19, 1870, an American serial killer, child rapist, and cannibal.
His crimes were so gruesome and shocking that they remain a dark chapter in American criminal history. Fish's life and criminal activities have been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and psychological studies. Here’s a detailed examination of his life and crimes:
Early Life
- Birth and Family Background: Fish was born in Washington, D.C., to Randall and Ellen Fish. His family had a history of mental illness; his mother experienced visual hallucinations, and other relatives were diagnosed with psychosis.
- Childhood Trauma: After his father died in 1875, Fish was placed in an orphanage where he experienced physical abuse and developed a fascination with pain and suffering. The harsh conditions and mistreatment at the orphanage played a significant role in shaping his later violent behavior.
Criminal Activities
- Early Criminal Acts: Fish moved to New York City in 1890 and began engaging in various criminal activities, including prostitution and molestation. He targeted young boys, often luring them with promises of money or treats.
- Escalation to Murder: Fish's crimes escalated from molestation to murder. He claimed to have killed several children, although the exact number remains unknown. Fish would often mutilate and cannibalize his victims, deriving pleasure from their pain and suffering.
Notorious Crimes
- Grace Budd: One of Fish's most infamous crimes was the abduction and murder of 10-year-old Grace Budd in 1928. Posing as a farmer named Frank Howard, Fish convinced the Budd family to let Grace accompany him to a fictional birthday party. He later confessed to killing and eating parts of her body. Fish sent a letter to Grace's family detailing the gruesome details, which ultimately led to his capture.
- Other Victims: In addition to Grace Budd, Fish claimed responsibility for several other murders, including the killings of Billy Gaffney and Francis McDonnell. The exact number of his victims is unknown, but Fish himself claimed to have had dozens of victims.
Arrest and Trial
- Capture: Fish was arrested in December 1934 after police traced the letter he sent to the Budd family. During his interrogation, Fish confessed to multiple murders and provided chilling details of his crimes.