# Albert Fish > American serial killer, pedophile and cannibal (1870–1936) **Wikidata**: [Q507748](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q507748) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Fish) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/albert-fish ## Summary Albert Fish was an American serial killer, pedophile, and cannibal active in the early 20th century. Known by aliases such as "The Gray Man," "Werewolf of Wysteria," and "Brooklyn Vampire," he committed a series of heinous crimes, including the murder and cannibalization of children, making him one of the most notorious criminals in U.S. history. ## Biography - **Born**: May 19, 1870 - **Nationality**: American (United States) - **Known for**: Serial killings, pedophilia, and cannibalism - **Aliases**: Moon Maniac, The Moon Maniac, Werewolf of Wysteria, Hamilton Howard "Albert" Fish, Hamilton Howard Fish, Brooklyn Vampire, The Boogey Man, Gray Man, Frank Howard, Thomas A. Sprague - **Occupations**: Serial killer, pedophile, cannibal, painter and varnisher, prostitute - **Work Period**: 1910–1932 ## Contributions Albert Fish's crimes were documented in criminal investigations and court records. His actions led to significant media coverage and public fascination with serial killers in the early 20th century. His case contributed to the study of criminal psychology and the documentation of extreme deviant behavior. ## FAQs **What crimes was Albert Fish convicted of?** Albert Fish was convicted of the kidnapping and murder of Grace Budd in 1928, though he confessed to additional murders and acts of cannibalism. His crimes were marked by extreme violence and sadism. **What were Albert Fish's aliases?** Fish used multiple aliases, including "Gray Man," "Werewolf of Wysteria," "Brooklyn Vampire," "Moon Maniac," and "The Boogey Man." These nicknames reflected his terrifying public persona. **When and where was Albert Fish active?** Fish committed his crimes primarily in the New York City area during the early 20th century, with his criminal activities spanning from 1910 to 1932. **What was Albert Fish's occupation before his crimes?** Before his criminal activities, Fish worked as a painter and varnisher, a tradesman responsible for decorating buildings. He also engaged in prostitution at times. **How did Albert Fish's case impact criminal psychology?** Fish's case became a subject of study in criminal psychology due to his extreme deviant behavior, including cannibalism and pedophilia. His actions contributed to the understanding of serial killers and their motivations. ## Why They Matter Albert Fish's crimes were so extreme and shocking that they left a lasting mark on American criminal history. His case influenced the study of serial killers and deviant behavior, contributing to forensic psychology and criminal profiling. The media coverage of his trial and confessions also shaped public perceptions of serial killers in the early 20th century. ## Notable For - One of the most notorious serial killers in U.S. history. - Confessed to cannibalism and pedophilia. - Used multiple terrifying aliases, including "Werewolf of Wysteria" and "Brooklyn Vampire." - His crimes contributed to the study of criminal psychology. - His case received widespread media attention, influencing public fascination with serial killers. ## Body ### Early Life Albert Fish, born Hamilton Howard Fish on May 19, 1870, in the United States, had a troubled upbringing. Little is known about his early education, but his criminal behavior emerged later in life. ### Criminal Activities Fish's criminal career spanned from 1910 to 1932, during which he committed multiple murders, often targeting children. His most infamous crime was the kidnapping and murder of Grace Budd in 1928. Fish's crimes were marked by extreme violence, sadism, and cannibalism, earning him nicknames like "The Gray Man" and "Werewolf of Wysteria." ### Aliases and Public Persona Fish used several aliases, including "Moon Maniac," "Brooklyn Vampire," and "The Boogey Man." These names reflected the terrifying nature of his crimes and contributed to his notoriety. ### Occupations Before his criminal activities, Fish worked as a painter and varnisher. He also engaged in prostitution at times, adding to his complex and disturbing background. ### Legal Proceedings and Legacy Fish was arrested and convicted for the murder of Grace Budd. His trial and confessions revealed the extent of his crimes, including cannibalism and pedophilia. His case became a subject of study in criminal psychology and forensic science, influencing the understanding of serial killers. ### Impact on Criminal Psychology Fish's extreme behavior and confessions provided valuable insights into the minds of serial killers. His case contributed to the development of criminal profiling and the study of deviant behavior, making him a significant figure in the history of criminology. ### Media and Public Fascination The media coverage of Fish's trial and crimes captivated the public, shaping early 20th-century perceptions of serial killers. His case remains a subject of interest in true crime literature and documentaries. ### Death Albert Fish was executed on January 16, 1936, bringing an end to his reign of terror. His crimes and the subsequent legal proceedings left a lasting impact on American criminal history and the study of serial killers. ## References 1. Find a Grave 2. Geni.com 3. BnF authorities 4. general catalog of BnF 5. Virtual International Authority File 6. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze 7. Internet Speculative Fiction Database 8. GeneaStar 9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 10. [Descendant of the Original Boogeyman: Albert Fish. 2018](https://www.iheart.com/podcast/105-behind-the-bastards-29236323/episode/descendant-of-the-original-boogeyman-albert-29679571/)