The Trial of Harry Hayward: Minnesota's First Known Serial Killer

Monday, November 16, 2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Pioneer Bank, 1450 Adams St, Mankato

Description

On December 3, 1894, William Erhardt got off the streetcar at Lake Street and Old Excelsior Blvd. Heading home, Erhardt walked along Excelsior Blvd when he found the body of Catherine Sing dead in the road. The 1894 Minneapolis police investigation led to the 30-year-old son of a Minneapolis real estate speculator, William Hayward.

William’s son Harry lived in an apartment at 13th Street and Hennepin Avenue in what is now called the Bellview Building. Harry Hayward claimed his innocence to anyone who would listen, but he was most likely suffering from mental illness. Learn about the investigation, Hayward’s trial and statement to the press acknowledging three other murders.

Presenter

James Fleming practiced law in Minnesota for 35 years before his retirement, 22 of those years as a public defender. He served as the chief public defender for the 15 counties of the Fifth Judicial District in southwest Minnesota, based in Mankato and later for the Second Judicial District (Ramsey County, St Paul).

Sponsor

Larry Nicol