Known in the press as "Mad Dog Irvin," Leslie Irvin, killer of six, was arrested in 1955. His murders took place in 1954 and 1955 in Kentucky and Indiana.
Irvin's capture was a matter of good luck. He was attempting to pawn stolen jewelry. One of the rings had belonged to someone recently murdered, and police were able to connect the dots.
Irvin is remembered today more for a U.S. Supreme Court decision in his case than for his crimes.
Publicity about his exploits and his capture was so heavy and so lurid that the High Court ruled he had not received a fair trial. In the history of what is called the free press-fair trial controversy, Irvin's case looms large. Due to prejudicial publicity,a new trial was ordered. In 1961, his retrial was held, and again he was found guilty.
Irvin died in prison of lung cancer in 1983 at age 59.
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