May 21

On May 21, 1924, University of Chicago students Richard Loeb and Nathan Leopold Jr. kidnapped and murdered 14-year-old Bobby Franks in what they described as a 'thrill killing.' The pair believed they could commit the perfect murder and evade detection. After killing Franks near Chicago, they attempted to extort ransom money, which led police to discover their involvement. Their trial became a media sensation, with famed attorney Clarence Darrow defending them to avoid the death penalty. Darrow's impassioned arguments against capital punishment were widely publicized and influenced future legal debates. Leopold and Loeb were sentenced to life imprisonment plus 99 years, and the case remains a chilling example of youthful hubris and moral corruption.

On May 21, 1936, Sada Abe was arrested in Tokyo following days of roaming the city with her murdered lover's severed genitals in her handbag. A former geisha and prostitute, Abe killed Kichizo Ishida in a jealous rage and mutilated his body. Her shocking crime and flamboyant confession captivated the Japanese media and public. Dubbed the 'Sada Abe Incident,' the scandal inspired numerous books, films, and theatrical productions. The episode revealed societal tensions around sexuality, gender roles, and censorship in prewar Japan. Abe served five years in prison, but her story endured as one of Japan's most infamous true-crime sagas.

Kingda Ka, located at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, opened to the public on May 21, 2005. The roller coaster features a hydraulic launch system that propels trains from 0 to 128 mph in just over 3 seconds. Its 456-foot top hat element made it the tallest roller coaster globally at the time of opening. The ride offers intense acceleration and airtime, attracting thrill-seekers from around the world. Kingda Ka remains a landmark attraction and a feat of modern amusement engineering.

The attacker boarded a downtown-bound train and began stabbing passengers at random. Panic spread as commuters fled the carriage, and emergency services were alerted. The assailant was subdued by passengers and arrested at the next station. Authorities reviewed security protocols on Taipei's metro system. The incident rekindled discussions on public safety in mass transit.

On May 21, 2024, an individual launched a sudden stabbing attack on a crowded train of the Taichung Mass Rapid Transit Green line in Taiwan. Four people, among them the attacker, sustained injuries before passengers and train staff were able to subdue the assailant. Emergency medical teams arrived swiftly, offering treatment to the wounded and escorting them to nearby hospitals. The incident prompted temporary suspension of service on the Green line and heightened security measures across the network. Officials launched an investigation into the motive behind the attack and vowed to enhance safety protocols to protect commuters.