Jake Bird

Jake Bird (1901 - July 15, 1949) was an American serial killer. He was a transient laborer convicted of the axe murder of Bertha Kludt and her daughter, Beverly June, in Tacoma, Washington, in 1947. Although only convicted of these two murders, Bird confessed to killing 44 people, primarily women, across several states. Law enforcement agencies were able to corroborate his involvement in at least 11 murders.

Bird was known for his alleged "hex" placed upon those involved in his trial and conviction, leading to several mysterious deaths and misfortunes following his sentencing. While some attributed these events to coincidence, others believed in the power of Bird's curse.

Bird, a Black man, maintained his innocence throughout his trial, claiming he was framed. He was eventually found guilty and sentenced to hang. His execution took place at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla.