Epilogue, Holmes Summary

Holmes was convicted of the murder of Benjamin Pitezel and sentenced to die after a graphic trial in Philadelphia. He wrote three different confessions. It was claimed that Holmes murdered up to 200 people, but only nine cases had sufficient evidence to bring him to trial.

Before his death, Holmes believed he was taking on characteristics of the Devil. He was hanged on May 7, 1896. He had left instructions with his attorney about his burial, which the attorney faithfully carried out. Holmes did not want to become a specimen.

Epilogue, Holmes Analysis

Holmes has grown too confident and started taking too many risks. Only at the end, he acknowledges his behavior as evil. Even during the trial and the day of execution, his demeanor stays the same. Selfish to the end, he cares greatly about the way his own body will be treated...