This Week’s Most Bizarre Crimes You Can’t Miss

Twisted Tales, Shocking Motives, and Crimes That Defy Logic

Author

David Yupa
November 20, 2024

Welcome back to Solved Files! Whether you’re a long-time reader or a newcomer to our true crime community, we’re excited to have you here. This edition is packed with gripping updates, behind-the-scenes details, and intriguing mysteries that will leave you captivated. Get ready to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of true crime!

Here’s what’s in store for you this time:

  • ✍️ Breaking News

  • ✍️ Crime Facts vs. Myth

  • ✍️ Tip of the Week

  • ✍️ Case Study

  • ✍️ Crime Puzzle Answer

  • ✍️ Statics about crime

  • ✍️ Q & A

  • ✍️ much more

BREAKING NEWS

Parents arrested for trying to choke 17-yr-old daughter in ‘honour killing’ outside Washington high school

As the parents ruthlessly attempted to take their daughter's life, other students, including her boyfriend, intervened in a desperate effort to save her.

High School in Lacey, Washington

A horrifying case in Lacey, Washington, has led to the arrest of Ihsan Ali and Zahraa Ali, a couple accused of attempting to murder their 17-year-old daughter in what police have described as an "honor killing." The attack occurred outside Timberline High School after the teenager defied her parents’ demand to enter into an arranged marriage with an older man.

The couple now faces charges of attempted murder following the brutal assault. According to charging documents referenced by the New York Post, the daughter reported that her father had been threatening her with an "honor killing" for weeks. Her refusal to comply with the marriage arrangement caused growing tensions at home, leading her to seek help from school staff on October 18.

Enraged, Ihsan and Zahraa tracked her down to the school, where they launched a violent attack in broad daylight. Disturbing footage obtained by Solved Files shows Ihsan Ali pinning his daughter to the ground and shoving her face into the dirt. Witnesses say he choked her to the point of unconsciousness while yelling, "It’s not right … you are not supposed to do this," with his hands wrapped around her neck. Zahraa Ali also joined the assault, attempting to strangle the teenager as the girl’s boyfriend and other students tried to intervene.

students helping

Witness Josh Wagner, who was driving by with his family, initially thought he was witnessing a fight between students. When he realized the severity of the situation, he pulled over and stepped in. “It was pretty angering. All the kids were screaming, yelling,” Wagner told Solved Files. He managed to pull the father off the girl and restrain him until law enforcement arrived. Meanwhile, the teenager broke free and ran to the school office, screaming, "My dad was trying to kill me."

The school immediately went into lockdown, with staff barricading the doors to prevent the parents from entering. According to court documents, the teenager’s quick thinking and the intervention of bystanders likely saved her life.

The incident has sparked outrage in the community and brought attention to the issue of honor-based violence, a cultural practice rooted in controlling women’s autonomy. Advocates against domestic violence are using the case to highlight the need for greater awareness and resources to protect vulnerable individuals.

Police are continuing their investigation into the events leading up to the attack, and both parents remain in custody. The case has left the community grappling with the devastating reality of honor-based violence and its tragic impact.

Myth: 

Crime rates always increase during economic recessions.

Fact: 

The relationship between economic downturns and crime rates is complex.

For example, during the Great Recession (2007–2009) in the United States, many feared crime rates would skyrocket. However, FBI data showed that violent crime actually decreased by 15.4%, and property crime dropped by 17.7% during that period.

Experts suggest that factors like improved policing strategies, community programs, and even technological advancements in security systems played a role in preventing the anticipated crime surge. This real-world example shows that economic struggles don’t automatically equate to higher crime rates.

Victimology Can Be the Key to Solving a Case

Understanding the victim’s life, habits, and relationships can often reveal critical clues about the perpetrator. Investigators use victimology to piece together the “why” behind a crime, and this approach has cracked countless cases. Take the tragic murder of Laci Peterson: detectives delved deep into her routines, social circle, and interactions leading up to her disappearance.

By studying her relationship with her husband, Scott Peterson, they uncovered inconsistencies in his story and suspicious behavior, such as his affair and lack of genuine concern. This focus on Laci’s life and relationships helped build a strong case against him, ultimately leading to his conviction.

The lesson? Behind every victim is a story that can shed light on the crime. Whether you’re analyzing a case or following a real-life investigation, understanding the victim’s world can often reveal the threads that lead to justice.

The Portuguese ‘Wolf Hand’ Ripper

A chilling retrospective of the cases classified as the ‘Wolf Hand Murders

Zé Borrego Photo

The "Wolf Hand Murders" remain some of the most brutal hate crimes in Portuguese history, marking Zé "Wolf-Hand" Borrego as one of the nation’s most ruthless and enigmatic serial killers. Borrego, claiming he was guided by the Virgin Mary, embarked on a violent rampage across Portugal in the 1960s, leaving a trail of mutilated bodies and unanswered questions.

The Man Behind the Murders

Born in Penamacor, Portugal, José Domingos Borrego—nicknamed "Zé"—stood out for his large, powerful hands, which became his trademark. At 5’7” and 200 pounds, his physical strength was matched by his unrelenting brutality. A former shepherd, construction worker, sewing machine tuner, and trinket salesman, Borrego seemed unremarkable on the surface, but inside lurked a predator.

Borrego’s descent into violence began when he moved to Lisbon, where he claimed to receive divine orders to “cleanse” the country of perceived immorality. His victims ranged from business partners to members of the gay community, all of whom fell prey to his overwhelming strength and unyielding wrath.

Case File #1: The Debt Murder

Borrego’s first known victim was his business partner, José Pedro dos Reis, known as “Sanduga.” Their partnership soured over an unpaid debt, leading to a fatal altercation in their shared shack. When Sanduga threw money at Borrego, shouting insults, Zé snapped. He choked Sanduga to death and smashed his skull with a stone.

Overnight, Borrego devised a grim plan to dispose of the body. Using a saw, he dismembered the corpse, placing the remains into two plastic bags and a wooden suitcase. He scattered the parts across Lisbon and its outskirts, but despite his efforts, Sanduga’s body was discovered. Fingerprints linked the crime back to Borrego, leading to his arrest.

Case File #2: The Missing Razor Blade

The murder of Leonel Abrantes da Cunha, a tailor and smuggler, was triggered by a minor dispute. When Borrego suspected Leonel of stealing his razor blade after a drunken night, he confronted him. Their argument escalated into violence, with Borrego choking Leonel to death.

Weeks later, Leonel’s disfigured body was discovered near Moscavide, wearing only an undershirt. His face was mutilated, and his body showed signs of strangulation. Witnesses had seen Leonel in the company of a man matching Borrego’s description, solidifying the connection.

Case File #3: The Purge

Borrego’s rage later turned toward Portugal’s gay community. Posing as a seducer, he lured men into rest houses, where he strangled them with his hands. Afterward, he dismembered the bodies and disposed of them along waterlines. Borrego believed these acts were a divine mission to "cleanse" the country of sin.

In his own words, "This wolf hand of mine is unforgiving," he claimed that his murders were guided by visions of the Virgin Mary instructing him to eliminate those who "committed crimes against the natural order."

A Murderous Legacy

Authorities connected Borrego to at least four murders but suspected he had killed many more as he traveled from region to region. His chilling confessions painted a portrait of a remorseless killer who saw himself as an agent of divine justice.

Borrego was ultimately sentenced to 30 years in Limoeiro Prison, where his reign of terror didn’t end. Guards, despising him for his crimes, reportedly beat him regularly. Borrego retaliated, killing two guards with his bare hands.

When pressed to stop his violent acts, he chillingly remarked, “The only way to spare the lives of the prison guards is for me to put an end to my own kind.” True to his word, Borrego was found dead in his cell one morning, hanging by a rope fashioned from his pants.

The First Portuguese Ripper

Zé "Wolf-Hand" Borrego goes down in history as Portugal’s first known serial killer. His crimes, driven by a warped sense of justice and divine purpose, have left an indelible scar on the nation. His chilling story remains a dark reminder of how dangerous fanaticism and unchecked violence can become.

The Hidden Suspect (Answer Key)

From last weeks challenge here is the answer for you guys, let us know if you got it right!

Instructions Recap:
Each clue leads to a letter or number. Below are the answers to each clue, which together reveal the name of the suspect.

Clues and Answers:

  1. The first letter of a famous detective’s name who lived on 221B Baker Street.

    • Answer: S (for Sherlock Holmes)

  2. The third letter in the name of the city where Liberty German and Abigail Williams were found.

    • Answer: L (for Delphi)

  3. The number of letters in the word “suspect” (write as a numeral).

    • Answer: 7

  4. The first letter of the month that Halloween falls in.

    • Answer: O (for October)

  5. The last letter of the word “evidence.”

    • Answer: E

  6. The second letter in the word “criminal.”

    • Answer: R

  7. The first letter of the element symbol for gold.

    • Answer: A (from the symbol "Au")

Final Suspect Name: SL7OERA

Crime Statistic of the Week

Nearly 70% of Violent Crimes Are Committed by Someone Known to the Victim

Contrary to the common perception of violent crimes being random attacks by strangers, studies reveal that nearly 70% of violent crimes are committed by someone the victim knows. This can include family members, friends, co-workers, or romantic partners, making the crime even more personal and complex.

Watts Family

Take the tragic case of Shannan Watts and her two daughters, Bella and Celeste. Shannan’s husband, Chris Watts, initially appeared to be a heartbroken husband and father, pleading for the safe return of his family. However, investigators found inconsistencies in his story and a hidden affair that unraveled the truth: Chris was responsible for their murders. This case exemplifies how violent crimes often come from within the victim’s close circle, where trust and relationships are exploited.

This statistic serves as a stark reminder that violence is often rooted in personal connections, making it essential for investigators to scrutinize those closest to the victim. It’s a chilling reality that underscores the need to remain vigilant, even in relationships that seem secure on the surface.

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