Arnold Karl Sodeman, infamously known as the "School-Girl Strangler," was an Australian serial killer active during the early 1930s. His heinous acts, targeting young girls, left an indelible mark on the nation. This post delves into his background, the gruesome details of his crimes, and his ultimate capture and execution.
Early Life and Background
Born on December 12, 1899, in Hawthorn, Victoria, Arnold Karl Sodeman faced a tumultuous upbringing. His mother suffered from amnesia, and both his father and grandfather died in mental institutions. At 18, Sodeman was sent to a reformatory prison for larceny. Shortly after his release, he was charged with armed robbery and wounding the station master at Surrey Hills railway station, leading to a three-year hard labor sentence. After escaping from prison, he received an additional 12 months of hard labor.
Upon release, Sodeman took on various laboring jobs in Melbourne and later in Gippsland. He married Bernice Pope in Collingwood, and their daughter, Joan, was born in 1928. Despite his bouts of depression and frequent drunkenness, Sodeman was described as hard-working, mild, and amiable, with a generous disposition.
The Murders
Between 1930 and 1935, Sodeman committed a series of brutal murders, each following a chilling pattern.
Victim 1: Mena Griffiths (1930)
On November 9, 1930, 12-year-old Mena Griffiths was abducted from a local playground where she was playing with friends. Sodeman lured the other children away by giving them money to buy ice creams, then led Mena on a different errand. When the children returned, both Mena and Sodeman were gone. Two days later, her body was discovered in an abandoned building in Ormond. She had been strangled, then gagged and bound post-mortem with her own clothing.
Victim 2: Hazel Wilson (1931)
On January 10, 1931, 16-year-old Hazel Wilson was abducted and strangled to death. Her body was also found in the suburb of Ormond. In a signature move, Sodeman had gagged and tied her hands behind her back with portions of her clothing.
Victim 3: Ethel Belshaw (1935)
On January 1, 1935, 12-year-old Ethel Belshaw was abducted in the seaside town of Inverloch. She was intending to buy an ice cream when she disappeared. Her body was later found; she had been strangled and bound in a manner consistent with Sodeman's previous victims.
Victim 4: June Rushmer (1935)
On December 1, 1935, 6-year-old June Rushmer, the daughter of a coworker, was taken from a local park. Her body was found the following day less than 2 km from her Leongatha home. She had also been bound, gagged, and strangled. Witnesses stated that they had seen the child with a man on a bicycle shortly before her disappearance.
Capture and Arrest
Sodeman's downfall began during a work crew's morning tea break when a fellow worker jokingly mentioned seeing him on his bike near the crime scene. Sodeman reacted angrily, an uncharacteristic response that raised suspicions among his colleagues, who reported it to the police. When questioned, Sodeman quickly confessed to the crimes, providing details that only the perpetrator could have known.
Trial and Execution
Following his confession, Sodeman was tried and found guilty of multiple murders. He was sentenced to death and was executed by hanging at Pentridge Prison on June 1, 1936. His execution marked the end of a terrifying chapter in Australian criminal history.
Legacy
The case of Arnold Karl Sodeman serves as a grim reminder of the potential for darkness within individuals. His calculated and cold-blooded murders of innocent children shocked the nation and left a lasting impact on the communities affected. The meticulous investigation and eventual capture of Sodeman underscore the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting society from such heinous acts.
Conclusion
Arnold Karl Sodeman's reign of terror as the "School-Girl Strangler" remains one of Australia's most harrowing criminal sagas. His deliberate and brutal actions against vulnerable young girls highlight the necessity for continued efforts in safeguarding communities and ensuring that justice prevails against those who perpetrate such atrocities.
Dive Deeper Into the Mind of a Serial Killer
1. Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker
If you’ve ever wondered how law enforcement catches serial killers, this book is the perfect starting point. Written by John E. Douglas, one of the first criminal profilers, Mindhunter dives into the origins of behavioural analysis and its role in capturing some of the world’s most notorious killers.
2. The Anatomy of Evil by Dr. Michael H. Stone
Dr. Michael H. Stone takes readers deep into the psychology of evil in this compelling exploration of human depravity. Using his famous “scale of evil,” Dr. Stone categorises criminals based on their motives and the severity of their crimes, shedding light on what drives people like Gerald Thomas Archer to commit such heinous acts.
Both books offer gripping narratives and expert analyses, helping you better understand the terrifying world of serial killers and the investigators who stop them. By purchasing through the links above, you’ll also be supporting this blog at no extra cost.
Note: Links may contain affiliate codes. Thank you for supporting our work!
Comments