John Doe IV was the seventh canon, but sixth discovered, victim of the Cleveland Torso Murderer.
Case[]
The victim's dismembered upper torso was found by a homeless man after he tripped on them trying to catch a train at East 37th Street in Kingsbury Run. Police searched for additional remains in a nearby oily coffee-colored pool that was nothing more than a sewer. They only found the lower torso and parts of both legs. Police also found a dirty gray felt hat which appeared to have blood spots on the top and a blood-covered blue work shirt wrapped in a newspaper along the bank of the creek where the body was found.
The victim, called "John Doe IV," is also referred to as "Victim #6" of the Cleveland Torso Killer. Between 1935-1938, the Cleveland Torso Killer was responsible for the murder and dismemberment of twelve transients and hobos in which only two were ever identified. Investigators believe there are additional victims. Although investigators had several suspects, most notably Frank Dolezal and Dr. Francis E. Sweeney, no one was ever charged and convicted for the murders.
"John Doe IV" was buried in Section 300, Lot 3, Tier 2, Grave 102 of Highland Park Cemetery in Highland Park, Ohio.
Other victims believed to be related to the Cleveland Torso Murderer include Lady of the Lake, Tattooed Man, Jane Doe I, Jane Doe II, Jane Doe III, Jane Doe IV, John Doe I, John Doe III, John Doe V, John Doe VI.
Characteristics[]
- He had light brown body hair.
- He was of "medium" stature.
- He was of athletic build.
Clothing[]
- A gray, felt hat with the phrase "Laudy's Smart Shop, Bellevue, Ohio."
- A blue "work shirt" that was wrapped in newspaper.
Sources[]
- John Doe IV at the Doe Network
- Cleveland Torso Murderer on Wikipedia
- Cleveland Police MuseumGRAPHIC POSTMORTEM WARNING
- John Doe IV at Find a Grave