America's Youngest Serial Killer: Jesse Pomeroy

In 1874, a 14-year-old boy named Jesse Pomeroy was sentenced to death for the brutal torture and murder of at least two children in Massachusetts. His victims were younger than him, his methods were horrifying, and his case would redefine how America viewed juvenile crime.Born in Charlestown in 1859, Jesse began attacking young boys when he was just 12 years old. He would lure them to isolated locations with promises of money or candy, then beat, bind, and torture them with knives and pins. When his mother relocated the family to South Boston to escape suspicion, the attacks didn't stop—they escalated to murder.Jesse Pomeroy's case forced an entire nation to confront an uncomfortable truth: that extreme violence wasn't limited to adults. His trial sparked debates about juvenile justice, criminal responsibility, and whether some people are simply born to kill.Subscribe to Hometown History for forgotten American history stories every week. New episodes release Tuesdays. Every hometown has a story—what's yours?In This Episode:How a 12-year-old boy began a reign of terror in Boston's neighborhoodsThe horrific pattern of torture that targeted children younger than himThe discovery that forced authorities to confront a child killerThe controversial trial that sentenced a 14-year-old to deathJesse's 58 years behind bars—the longest incarceration in American history at that timeKey Figures:Jesse Harding Pomeroy - Born 1859, began attacking children at age 12Ruth Pomeroy - Jesse's mother, who relocated the family to escape suspicionKatie Kuran (age 10) - Found murdered in the basement of the Pomeroy family shopHorace Millen (age 4) - Discovered nearly decapitated on a South Boston beachTimeline:1859: Jesse Pomeroy born in Charlestown, MassachusettsFebruary 1872: First known victim, seven-year-old Tracy Hayden, attackedSeptember 1872: Jesse arrested after being identified by victim Joseph Kennedy1873: Jesse released on parole within months of sentencingMarch 1874: Ten-year-old Katie Kuran goes missing near Pomeroy family shopApril 1874: Four-year-old Horace Millen found murdered; Jesse arrestedDecember 1874: Jesse convicted and initially sentenced to death at age 15September 1876: Sentence commuted to life in solitary confinementSeptember 1932: Jesse dies of heart attack after 58 years in prisonSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/hometownhistory/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands