As 2024 draws to a close, the year will be remembered for its chilling tales of true crime that left the world captivated. From assassinations and sexual assaults to hit-and-runs and school shootings, these stories highlight humanity’s darkest moments while raising questions about motives, justice, and societal impact. Here’s a look at the crime stories that gripped global headlines this year.
Mass Rape Trial in France
One of the year’s most horrifying cases involved Dominique Pelicot, a former electrician sentenced to 20 years for drugging and raping his ex-wife, Gisele Pelicot. In a heinous act, he invited 70 men to assault her while she was unconscious. Alongside him, 50 accomplices were convicted, making it one of France’s most harrowing trials in recent history.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder
In December, Brian Thomson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot outside New York’s Hilton during an investor event. His killer, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, a former Ivy League student, was apprehended days later. The motive behind the murder, rooted in personal struggles and societal debates, shocked America.
Trump’s Survival and Legal Turmoil
The failed assassination attempt on US President-elect Donald Trump in Pennsylvania was another defining event of 2024. Trump narrowly escaped a bullet aimed at his head, and the shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by a Secret Service sniper. The incident reignited the gun control debate in the US. Trump also made history as the first President-elect convicted of felony charges related to his hush-money trial, marking a controversial chapter in his political journey.
Baba Siddique Assassination
The killing of Indian politician Baba Siddique by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang outside his son’s office in Bandra sent shockwaves across Mumbai. Siddique, a prominent figure in Bollywood circles, became the target of gang rivalry with connections to actor Salman Khan’s long-standing disputes.
Kolkata Rape and Murder
The brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital sparked nationwide protests. The accused, a civic volunteer, faced a CBI investigation, while the hospital administration came under fire for its handling of the case.
Pune Hit-and-Run
A 17-year-old boy from a wealthy family caused a fatal hit-and-run in Pune, killing two young engineers. The incident drew widespread condemnation as details emerged about attempts to cover up the crime, eventually leading to the boy’s remand and his parents’ arrest.
Southport Stabbings in the UK
A Taylor Swift-themed dance event turned tragic in Southport, UK, where a 17-year-old boy fatally stabbed three young girls. The incident triggered violent protests, shining a light on growing Islamophobia and societal unrest.
The Bengaluru Fridge Murder
In a gruesome act reminiscent of the 2022 Shraddha Walkar case, the dismembered body of a 29-year-old woman was discovered in Bengaluru. Her colleague and alleged lover, Mukti Ranjan Ray, who later died by suicide, was identified as the perpetrator.
CEO Murders Son in Goa
In a shocking January incident, a Bengaluru-based start-up CEO killed her four-year-old son at a Goa service apartment, reportedly driven by dissatisfaction with a court custody ruling.
