Edward Joseph Leonski was born 12 Dec 1917 in Kenvil, New Jersey, to John "Max" Leonski & Amelia Harkevitz (1887-1943). He was the youngest of nine children.
Daily News
New York, New York
Sat, Jun 6, 1942 · Page 1
Edward grew up in an abusive, alcoholic family, was of his brother Walter was committed to the Pilgrim State Hospital in Islip, New York and is listed on the 1950 census.
Military:
He was called up for the U.S. Army in February 1941 and arrived in Melbourne, Australia, on 2 February 1942, after the United States had entered World War II. The Army had set up a temporary base (Camp Pell) in Royal Park just north of the city and the university. Prior to departing to Australia, Leonski had assaulted a woman in San Antonio, but was never disciplined for this. (Source: Wikipedia & Ancestry)
In 1942 he was tried by court martial in Australia, for the slaying of three women. He was well mannered Yorkville butcher boy until he was drafted in Feb 1941.
His sister Helen age 30 at the time defended him. "He's the most decent guy in the family,"
The victims were Mrs. Ivy McLeod, Mrs. Pauline Thompson and Miss Gladys Hoskins.
Here's some newspaper articles describing the crimes.
The San Francisco Examiner
Thu, Jun 11, 1942 ·Page 2
The Times-Tribune
Mon, Jul 13, 1942 ·Page 2
Daily News
Mon, Jul 13, 1942 ·Page 290
Witnesses were able to pick 24-year-old Leonski out of a line-up of American servicemen who were stationed in Melbourne.
The Northern Star
Thu, Aug 13, 1942 ·Page 5
The Northern Star
Fri, Jun 05, 1942 ·Page 5
The Barrier Miner
Tue, Nov 03, 1942 ·Page 3
I think it's his sister.
Execution
He was executed on 9 Nov 1942 in Coburg, Merri-Bek City, Victoria, Australia. His reported last meal was steak, eggs, toast, and coffee. He was hung at HM Prison Pentridge, photo below source Wikipedia.
Very sad, feel for the victims' families but also for Edwards.
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