Unbelievable Crimes This Week: Stories You Have to See to Believe!

Twisted Tales, Shocking Motives, and Crimes That Defy Logic

Author

David Yupa
January 22, 2025

Welcome to another edition of Solved Files! Whether you're a dedicated follower or just joining our true crime community, we're thrilled to have you with us. This issue is brimming with enthralling updates, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and compelling mysteries designed to engage and intrigue. Prepare to dive deep into the riveting world of true crime!

Here's what you can look forward to in this edition:

  • ✍️ Breaking News

  • ✍️ Crime Facts vs. Myth

  • ✍️ Tip of the Week

  • ✍️ Case Study

  • ✍️ Crime Puzzle Answer

  • ✍️ Statics about crime

  • ✍️ Q & A

  • ✍️ much more

BREAKING NEWS

Teenager who murdered three children at Southport dance class pleads guilty

Axel Rudakubana

Today, Axel Rudakubana, 18, admitted to the murders of three young girls and the attempted murders of eight children and two adults during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on July 29 last year. The tragic incident, which took place at the outset of the school holidays, turned a day meant for fun and friendship into one marked by devastating violence.

Rudakubana also pleaded guilty to producing a biological toxin, ricin, and possessing a terrorist document titled "Military Studies in the Jihad against Tyrants: The Al-Qaeda Training Manual." He will be sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on January 23.

Ursula Doyle, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor with CPS Mersey-Cheshire, reflected on the case: “This was a harrowing assault that has left a permanent scar on our community and the nation due to its brutality and senselessness. Rudakubana's actions on a day that should have been filled with youthful joy were instead a meticulously orchestrated attack of the darkest nature."

She added, "His profound and disturbing interest in death and violence is apparent, and he has exhibited no remorse. His guilty plea today, however, has at least spared the families the agony of a trial. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this tragedy, especially the families of Elsie Dot Stancombe, Bebe King, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, three beautiful young girls whose futures were so cruelly taken from them. We wish their families strength and courage in these immensely difficult times.”

Myth: 

Crime rates soar during full moons.

Fact: 

The belief that crime rates increase during full moons, often referred to as the lunar effect.

is a popular myth but lacks substantial scientific backing. Studies examining the relationship between the lunar cycle and criminal activity have consistently found no significant correlation.

For instance, research published in the journal "Environmental Research" analysed crime statistics and lunar phases and concluded that the occurrence of crime did not increase during full moons. This myth persists in popular culture, but the evidence suggests that moon phases have little to no impact on criminal behaviour.

A Critical Tool in Crime Investigation

Understanding the intricate details of a victim's life, from their daily routines to their personal relationships, is essential in criminal investigations. This method, known as victimology, helps investigators establish motives and identify suspects by uncovering links between the victim and potential perpetrators. A prominent example of this approach's effectiveness is seen in the case of Laci Peterson.

Detectives investigated Laci's interactions and her marriage to Scott Peterson, revealing crucial inconsistencies in his actions and accounts. His extramarital affair and his apparent disinterest in his wife's disappearance were among the red flags that arose. By focusing on Laci's social and personal life, authorities were able to construct a compelling case against Scott, which was vital in securing his conviction.

This illustrates that the details of a victim’s life are more than just background information; they are often the key to unlocking the mystery of their untimely demise. For those involved in law enforcement or following real-life crime stories, a deep dive into victimology can illuminate the path to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice is served.

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.

Case Crackers: The Cipher Challenge

Introduction: Dive into the role of a detective with this exclusive cipher challenge, crafted especially for the fans of 'Case Crackers'. A notorious criminal mastermind, known only as "The Enigma," has left a series of cryptic notes at various crime scenes. Decode these to reveal his next target and prevent another crime!

How to Play: Participants will need to solve three clues leading to numbers. These numbers correspond to positions in the alphabet (1 = A, 2 = B, ..., 26 = Z). Once decoded, the letters will spell out the location of The Enigma's next planned crime.

Clues:

  1. The Disappearing Digits:

    • I am the sum of the date (day of the month) on which the infamous Cooper Gang executed their biggest heist, minus the number of gang members apprehended. (Event Date: March 25, Members Apprehended: 3)

  2. Alibi Letters:

    • This number is the count of letters in the first name of the person who was falsely accused of the Milltown Museum burglary but later exonerated by CCTV footage. (Accused's First Name: Oliver)

  3. Crime Scene Countdown:

    • Take the number of letters in the weapon used in the recent Parkside slaying and add the number of victims. (Weapon: Knife, Victims: 2)

Final Decryption: Once you've solved all three clues, arrange the letters by the order of clues to reveal the location. Example: If the answers are 5, 18, and 13, the letters would be E, R, M.

we will reveal the answer in next weeks news letter!!

Crime Statistic of the Week

Over 80% of Arson Cases are Perpetrated by Individuals Under the Age of 25

The stereotype of an arsonist often paints a picture of a seasoned criminal with a long history of offences. However, data suggests a different trend: over 80% of individuals arrested for arson are under the age of 25. This statistic highlights not only the youth of many involved in such crimes but also points towards underlying issues such as lack of supervision, mental health struggles, and the influence of peer pressure.

Consider the case of the historic Elm Town Hall fire. A group of teenagers, the youngest being just 16, were found responsible for the blaze that destroyed a community landmark. Initially part of a misguided prank, the situation escalated beyond their control, leading to catastrophic damage. This incident underlines the impulsivity and poor risk assessment common among younger arsonists, who often do not fully appreciate the consequences of their actions.

This startling statistic is a reminder of the importance of community engagement and proactive youth outreach programs in preventing such destructive behaviour. It underscores the necessity for effective intervention strategies that address not only the criminal acts but also the societal and psychological factors influencing young individuals to commit arson.

We love hearing from our Case Crackers community, and your feedback helps us make each edition better than the last! This week, we want to ask you:

What content would you like to see more of in the newsletter?

  • Are there specific cases, topics, or mysteries you’d love us to explore?

  • Do you enjoy the mix of features we currently include, or is there something you think is missing?

  • Would you like more behind-the-scenes content, expert interviews, or interactive challenges?

Your input is invaluable, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts! Drop us a reply or fill out this quick feedback form HERE . Together, we can make Solved Files your ultimate true crime resource.

Got another question or suggestion? Send it our way, and we might feature it in a future Q&A!

Unlock Exclusive Access 🕵️‍♀️🔥

We’re giving you more than just 20% OFF, we’re giving you a glimpse into what our top detectives enjoy.

🔓 Pictured below is a sneak peek of exclusive case material available only to our highest-tier members. Think uncensored footage, rare documents, and behind-the-scenes content that you won’t find anywhere else.

case of Michael harries

case of Quatravis Hull

💎 Want in? Join today at 20% OFF and upgrade to experience it all.

Here’s what our top-tier detectives get:
📂 Never-before-seen evidence and case files
🎥 Uncut interrogation and crime scene footage
💬 Direct access to me and the community
🎁 Exclusive perks and personalized shoutouts

But act fast, this deal is only here for Black Friday!

👉 Claim your discount and unlock everything now: use discount code”NEWSLETTER20” at checkout

Your next obsession is just one click away. Are you ready to solve the case? 🕵️‍♂️

🔔 Join the Solved Files Community – Now Bigger and Better!

Are you ready to dive even deeper into the world of true crime? We’ve expanded across platforms to bring you more ways to connect, engage, and uncover the truth. Here’s where you can find us:

📺 Check out our main YouTube channel for in-depth case breakdowns, exclusive footage, and chilling storytelling that pieces together some of the world’s most complex mysteries.

👮‍♂️ Discover our body cam YouTube channel dedicated to raw body cam footage, giving you an unfiltered look at real-life crime and law enforcement encounters.

🎥 Follow our Shorts channel for quick, bite-sized crime stories and highlights that’ll leave you wanting more.

📱 Join us on TikTok and Instagram for behind-the-scenes content, case previews, and interactive true crime discussions.

But the real treasure? Joining our Patreon community where you get the ultimate true crime experience!

👉 Dive deeper into true crime and join the movement now: https://www.patreon.com/c/solvedfiles/membership

Thank you for being part of the Solved Files family. Together, we’re uncovering the truth, one case at a time! 🔦