James Urban Ruppert (March 29, 1934 – June 4, 2022) was reported to have had a troubled life. His mother, Charity, had told him that she would have preferred to have a daughter as her second … 展开

A month before the massacre, James inquired about silencers for his weapons while purchasing ammunition. His behavior deteriorated, caused by a deep depression as he neared the breaking point. On March 29, 1975 (his 41st birthday), witnesses had … 展开

The murders shocked the town of Hamilton. Those who knew James did not think he was capable of violence, especially at the … 展开

• Ruppert house
• Strange USA
• Vanderbilt Television News Archive
• NY Times Mass Slayings article
• Google Books The Encyclopedia of Mass Murder 展开

On Easter Sunday, March 30, 1975, Ruppert's brother Leonard Jr. and his wife, Alma, brought their eight children ranging in age from 4 to 17 for Easter dinner at their house located at 635 Minor Avenue. Ruppert stayed upstairs, sleeping off a night of drinking, while … 展开

The original trial was held in Hamilton, Ohio in June 1975. The three-judge panel found Ruppert guilty on 11 counts of murder and sentenced him to life in prison on July 3. A mistrial was declared because the three judge panel did not know if the ruling had to … 展开