Summary
Overview
A detailed examination of George Hassel, known as 'the family axeman,' who murdered his family in 1926 Texas. The episode traces his early crimes, pattern of manipulation, and ultimately the brutal killing of his wife and eight stepchildren, for which he was executed in 1927. Hosts Ash and Alaina discuss the case while dealing with their messy podcast studio during Mercury retrograde.
Introduction and Podcast Updates
Hosts Ash and Alaina open with lighthearted banter about their chaotic recording environment and Mercury retrograde affecting their lives. They describe their extremely messy studio filled with pizza boxes, candy wrappers, and coffee cups, acknowledging they need to clean up. The conversation touches on sports drama with the Boston Celtics before transitioning into the case.
- The podcast studio is described as extremely messy with multiple food containers and wrappers everywhere
- Mercury retrograde in Cancer is affecting Alaina particularly hard due to her Cancer moon
- The hosts are upset about Jalen Brown being traded from the Celtics
" If you leave it like you can picture the state of this room but you don't even know "
George Hassel's Early Life and First Crimes
Born in 1888 in Texas, George Hassel had a troubled youth that he later dramatized to gain sympathy. At age 19, he committed his first known crime by embezzling money from his employer and was sent to a brutal prison work farm. After his release, he reconnected with his employer but soon stole from them again, establishing a pattern of betraying those who helped him.
- George Hassel was born July 5, 1888 in Smithville, Texas, the youngest of seven children
- In 1906, George stole $100 and $40 meant for chickens from his employer Sid Ross
- He was sentenced to two years at a violent prison farm in Hillsborough, Texas where prisoners were routinely whipped and abused
- After release, Ross gave George a second chance and rehired him
" Hassel as a boy was unworthy of the confidence I placed in him and turned out to be thoroughly shiftless and unworthy "
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