Into The Dark: Episode 106 - The Axe Murder Mystery Hosted by Payton Moreland | Released on February 12, 2025

Introduction

In this chilling episode of Into The Dark, host Payton Moreland delves deep into the perplexing and gruesome case of Benny Evangelista and his family, whose lives were brutally ended in 1929 Detroit. Moreland explores the intertwined narratives of occultism, possible Mafia involvement, and unanswered questions that have left this case unsolved for nearly a century.

Background of Benny Evangelista

Benny Evangelista, originally from Naples, Italy, immigrated to the United States in 1904 at the age of 19 with his brother. Settling in Philadelphia initially, Benny underwent a profound transformation after experiencing mystical visions, which led him to abandon his devout Catholic upbringing. These visions ignited his belief in magic and the occult, prompting him to co-found the Union Federation of America with his friend Aurelius Angelino.

Payton Moreland (12:45): "Benny believed that magic existed and that one could change their fate through animal sacrifices or by casting spells. His new beliefs were a complete departure from everything he was raised with."

From the early 1900s until 1919, Benny and Aurelius authored their own version of the Bible, filled with alternative narratives of traditional religious stories. Their movement attracted followers seeking Benny's alleged supernatural abilities, allowing them to amass significant wealth through charging fees for spiritual services.

The Night of the Murder

On July 3, 1929, Vincent Elias, a fellow real estate professional, arrived at Benny's Detroit home to finalize a business deal. Upon finding the house eerily silent and unlocked, Vincent ventured inside only to discover Benny sitting in his basement office—headless. The scene was horrifying: Benny's head lay near his feet, and his family was brutally murdered with an axe.

Payton Moreland (32:10): "You can't chop your own head off and place it at the foot of your chair. The sheer brutality of this act left even seasoned officers disturbed."

The entire Evangelista family—Benny's wife Santina and their four children—were found dead in their beds, suggesting a violent and personal motive behind the killings. The meticulously staged crime scene indicated that this was not a random act of violence but a calculated execution.

Investigation and Theories

The Detroit Police faced a perplexing investigation with scant evidence. Key findings included:

1. Circumstantial Links to Aurelius Angelino:

   • Aurelius had a violent history, including a 1919 murder of his own children before being committed to a treatment facility. He escaped in 1923, leaving authorities with no leads.
   • Detectives considered that Aurelius might have been behind the Evangelista murders as revenge, given the similarity in the nature of the crimes.

2. Potential Mafia Involvement:

   • A threatening letter found at the scene that read, "this is your last chance," led investigators to speculate Mafia connections, suspecting a hit due to failed business dealings.

3. Disgruntled Clients:

   • Benny's reputation as a fraudster in the occult community suggested that a former client might have sought revenge for unfulfilled promises of cures and spells.

Despite these theories, Payton Moreland highlights the lack of concrete evidence:

Payton Moreland (58:25): "While Aurelius had both motive and a history of violence, there was no direct evidence linking him to the Evangelista murders. Similarly, the Mafia theory was based more on stereotypes than on solid proof."

Additional suspects included Umberto Taquio and Angelo Depoli, friends and business associates of Benny. However, alibis and insufficient evidence led to their release, keeping the case firmly in the realm of the unsolved.

Community Silence and Lingering Mysteries

A significant hurdle in solving the case was the Italian community's reluctance to cooperate with the police. Tensions between authorities and the immigrant population meant that potential witnesses remained silent, withholding information that could have cracked the case.

Payton Moreland (1:15:40): "The fear and embarrassment within the community created a barrier, allowing the true story behind Benny's murder to remain hidden."

Years later, the discovery of Benny's family's dog, now a stray, added a haunting footnote to the case but provided no leads. The house itself was eventually demolished, and rumors of haunting linger, with some claiming to see Benny's headless spirit roaming the vacant lot.

Conclusion

The murder of Benny Evangelista and his family remains one of Detroit's darkest unsolved mysteries. With theories ranging from personal vendettas rooted in occult practices to organized crime involvement, the truth behind the axe murders is still elusive. Payton Moreland leaves listeners pondering the depths of human motivation and the eerie circumstances that continue to shroud this case in mystery.

Payton Moreland (1:45:30): "The details of Benny's story have a way of getting lodged in your head. Sadly, even though this case is striking, it might never be solved. We'll just have to wait to see if we ever find out who went in and axed this entire family to death."

Key Takeaways

• Complex Motives: The intertwining of occult beliefs and possible criminal motives complicates the understanding of the case.
• Community Impact: Fear and mistrust within immigrant communities can hinder crucial investigations.
• Unsolved Mysteries: The lack of definitive evidence keeps the true culprit behind the Evangelista murders a mystery.

Final Thoughts

Into The Dark Episode 106 serves as a compelling exploration of a historical true crime case, blending elements of mystery, psychological intrigue, and societal factors that contribute to its enduring enigma. Whether the real perpetrator will ever be uncovered remains to be seen, but the haunting story of Benny Evangelista continues to captivate and unsettle those who hear it.

Thank you for joining us on this journey Further Into The Dark. Share your thoughts and theories in the comments below, and stay tuned for more chilling tales every Wednesday.