Louisiana Revised Statutes
Charges
How the Axeman's offenses would be charged today under current Louisiana criminal law.
La. R.S. 14:30
First Degree Murder
Six (6) counts — Maggio (×2), Lowe, Romano, Cortimiglia (infant Mary), Pepitone
Elements
- §Killing of a human being with specific intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm
- §While engaged in the perpetration of an aggravated burglary (a statutory aggravator)
- §Victims included a person under the age of twelve (Mary Cortimiglia)
- §Victims included persons over the age of sixty-five (Iorlando-era statute aggravator)
Penalty
Death or life imprisonment at hard labor without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.
La. R.S. 14:60
Aggravated Burglary
Eight (8) counts — every documented attack
Elements
- §Unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling
- §With the intent to commit a felony or any theft therein
- §Armed with a dangerous weapon (the axe — whether brought or seized on scene)
- §Committed a battery upon a person while inside
Penalty
Imprisonment at hard labor for not less than one nor more than thirty years on each count.
Statutory references reflect current Louisiana law and are presented for educational illustration. The 1918–1919 offenses were prosecuted under the criminal code in force at that time.