Before H.H. Holmes or Jack the Ripper, there was Edward Rulloff—a Victorian-era serial killer whose intellect was as notorious as his crimes. In Part One of this two-part deep dive, we explore the early life, toxic relationships, and shocking beginnings of Rulloff’s criminal career. From his obsessive pursuit of linguistic fame to the brutal and mysterious disappearance of his wife and child, we unravel the chilling contradictions of a man some called “The Victorian Hannibal Lecter.” Stay tuned for Part Two, where we’ll examine his escape, final crimes, the potential for psychopathy, and the bizarre legacy his brain left behind.

Edited by Maxwell Holechek