Harry Strauss

Harry "Pittsburgh Phil" Strauss (July 28, 1909 - June 12, 1941) was a contract killer for Murder, Inc. in the 1930s. He tried to be creative in his killings.

Related Topics:
July 28 - 1909 - June 12 - 1941 - Murder, Inc. - 1930s

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Harry Strauss was born in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. In the 1930s he resorted to assaults, larceny, and drug dealing. He was arrested 18 times but was never convicted.

Related Topics:
Williamsburg, Brooklyn - 1930s - Larceny

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Strauss’ favorite weapons were guns, ice picks, and strangling rope, although he never carried any weapons unless he was doing a killing. In one case he reputedly intended to kill his victim with a fire axe he found on the spot. He committed some of his murders in public. One of his victims was tied to a pinball machine. He is known to have killed 100 people although some estimates run to 500.

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He was also prominent womanizer and liked fancy clothes.

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After Abe Reles turned informant, Strauss was arrested for a murder of Puggy Feinstein and five other murders. He tried to avoid conviction by feigning insanity in the courtroom and even on death row. He was executed in the electric chair at Sing Sing on June 12, 1941.

Related Topics:
Abe Reles - Death row - Electric chair - Sing Sing - June 12 - 1941

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