Good Monday Morning! First thing that popped up on my TH-cam, Brief Case! Awesome start for my Monday so far 💜 Wishing everyone a Marvelous Monday from VA, USA 💜
G'day from Australia. Midnight Tuesday here, I usually watch befor sleep if not catch up later. One of the few videos I watch on you tube. Have a good day.😊
We are soon all going to be taking things into our own hands, I hope your hands and heart are ready. Choices will need to be made, wait for no one to save you.
I felt so bad for this young woman. She didn’t ask for the horror that evil man bestowed upon her. I’m glad justice was served and she was able to enjoy the rest of her life with her family. Thank you Mr. Brief Case for another well covered story!
What a traumatic life Catherine experienced at such a young age. I’m glad the circumstances of the incident were looked at in depth, and that she went on to live a long life.
Oh man, that one was a hard one to watch. That poor girl. A similar thing happened to me when I was 11 years old but thank goodness I didn't get pregnant. It's true, it completely brings an abrupt ending to your childhood. You feel shame that no victim should ever feel When it happened to me I only confided in my best friend. I thought that somehow it was my fault and I was too embarrassed and ashamed to even tell my mom until I was in my 20s. The boy who did it to me was 15 at the time. I heard that he died a few years ago and I felt like a huge burden had been lifted from me because I no longer had to fear bumping into him in public. I'm glad Catherine was able to get mercy and live her life. I don't blame her mother, I think she was just trying to protect her, especially for that time. Thank you again for your great storytelling. Even though this one made me cry, it was healing as well. ❤
Hi Melissa, So sorry to read your comment, no child should ever have to go through that and no person who committs such an act should remain unpunished, I hope you are in a much better place in your life now
As an old guy anything i say will sound empty i guess, but what i can do is wish & hope your life going forward brings you happiness & a sense of contentment. You have the power & sound like a lovely + complete young lady. Enjoy your life ❤
22:00 That was a very wise and intelligent judge. This was not vigilantism, this was a woman living every day in fear of her life every day he was not in a cage or …. Dead, that’s the only way she’d feel remotely safe. Good decision by the judge, I think justice was served or at least the scales are almost in balance. This could easily have destroyed her, remarkably strong person.
One error in this, this was a child. An adult (over 24, as brain development is important here) victim of SA and resulting pregnancy has the agency to decide whether to trust the local police, and their local society, if they go forward. Understands the systems in place. Decides what to do about the pregnancy knowing all that. She was 16 at the time she acted. Double hormones as her body tried to grow herself and a baby acting on an undeveloped brain. And severe stress as a child affects brain development in ways they can see on brain scans on adults. So the last 4 years (assuming her mom had kept her secure enough through the part with her dad etc she was average for 11 or 12…) her brain was not developing as it would because she was dealing with trauma. She would have been justified at 28, assuming a local ACAB situation and locals doing the “your skirt was an inch above your ankle and all blame lands on the temptress even if she was wearing diapers and/or in a persistent vegetative state But child-her got a message that… was probably very accurate based on her fully adult mom’s understanding of the culture and my own. I’m mad at the judge for pretending that the husband (and his peers) who struggled with the story becoming “real” when the letters started wouldn’t have been subconsciously treating her like a plague carrier if people knew what she endured and that a child existed. The shame put on single mothers is a series theme and people forget context as gossip goes on. An immigrant girl with an unsavory family history wouldn’t have gotten sympathy in most contexts other than what the 16 year old created
I can relate to this, this happened to my wife when she was 15 by her cousin. It caused her a heavy heart for years but didn’t bring her down in our marriage of 46 years. She died by doctors negligence. May she Rest In Peace. 🌹
That is so terrible, It is good that she did not let that ruin her life and could have 46 years of a happy marriage, but to then die by Doctors negligence, that really is dreadful
It’s insane that even after what this man did the mother was blamed. The husband did the exact same, told her to keep it a secret but then abandoned her directly contributing to the murder. I just can’t understand the mental hurdles to leap over the husband and the abuser to land on the mother all of whose actions were to protect her daughter.
Her father ended up in prison and left her mother with the daunting responsibility of supporting their children alone. Then he died. An adult man raped her. Her husband abandoned her. But sure, it’s Mom’s fault. Just gross, isn’t it? When her mother decided that society would find a way to blame the victim in this case, she was absolutely right. Strenuous mental gymnastics will be done to minimize the culpability of men, always.
The judge was so blatant about assigning blame to her mother. Her mother and siblings were probably the only good thing in her young life. Maria's decision to keep things secret was done in Catherine's best interest, considering the time. It was likely a case of the "lesser of two evils" back then. How was Maria to know how it would manifest itself in Catherine's mind? Maria herself, was working her fingers to the bones just to keep her family fed and clothed. Catherine was pushed by Fino and Luigi, to the point where she snapped and committed murder. In a few short years, with no professional help available, there was no way that little 12 year old could have gotten through the major damage that was done to her. No discussion of it in the home. No resolve for that little girl's emotional horror. So sad. I'm glad she did have a number of decent years and a family, although her wounds were likely never healed. The murder doesn't seem all that unlikely even in today's world. It was brutal what happened to her.
Another excellent case that you have chosen, illustrated, and narrated. This episode was so profound. I am glad that influential people rallied around her. Usually poor people aren't that lucky once the justice system swoops down... Catherine's young life was a surreal rollercoaster, but I hope that the last seven decades brought her immense satisfaction and joy. I am very relieved that her attacker was removed from this old orb so he would never harm another female again. Have a Marvellous Monday, Beloved Brief Case!!!!!
@Susan -- Glad you brought up the help she received from wealthier and influential people. That and the mercy of the court were good. The Judge's "mother" lecture, no so much.
Oh Mr Case, what a horrible beginning to an innocent life. One of the more tragic tales you have shared. Thanks for showing her the respect she deserved unlike the man who violated her.
I started listening to your channel a several years ago when I was bed ridden recovering from back surgery. Your stories became a comforting companion to lots of lonely hours. Now that life has begun to return to normal, I truly enjoy continuing to listen to your channel with a sense of nostalgia for the darker days and now feeling more hopeful for the future. Thank you for all you do. Always enjoy your content. Very classy and tastefully done.
I know your plight. I hope you feel better as time passes. I’m still in pain after back surgery but it’s something that is age related. Feel better soon 🙏
Hello BC, thank you for telling Catherine’s story. My husband’s family immigrated from Sicily, Italy. The culture was very different from America. Even though she was victimized, she would likely have been shunned as being unclean because of her ordeal. I can understand Maria’s hesitation to go to the police, but I don’t think she did what was best for Catherine. The sheer brutality of her assault was reason enough to report that monster. We will never know how many others girls he attacked. I applaud Catherine’s decision to take his life because she believed only that would protect her from his harmful actions. I’m heartened that she was represented by such notable men and women. The only thing that niggles at my heart is that she took Rocco back as her husband. He didn’t deserve her. Perhaps she, at 16, was more forgiving than I would have been. I only pray that she was happy in her adult life. May God bless her sweet soul. ❤❤❤
Thanks for such a moving story. Poor Catherine. At 12, back then, she wouldn't have been able to fully comprehend what happened to her. It makes perfect sense that the doll was what stuck with her. I don't blame her Mama. Society placed full value of women on their virginity. Her Mama didn't make the rules. It's so very tragic. I can't imagine her suffering the abuse, then pregnancy and birth. Poor thing. Just 16. 16yrs old, married, 2 pregnancies and pushed to defend herself.
I am angry the judge blamed the mother so harshly. The cause of this tragedy was the rapist, not the mother. Women and girls were damned if they reported rape, and damned if they did not.
My feeling as well. It wasn't fair the way the Judge threw Maria under the bus. Poor Maria was a widow with a bunch of kids doing the best she could, trying to stay afloat in a leaky boat. I suppose the Judge needed a scapegoat to dump on in order to let Catherine off the hook. There's the punishment--cutting her off from her mom. I wonder if they ever saw each other again or what happened between them after that?
Agreed, Maria may not have made the best decisions, but she worked with the hand society dealt her (and all women). The secrecy wasn't out of malice, but fear and lack of understanding. The only one to blame is the man who viciously attacked a little girl. As the the six merry murderesses sang, "It was a murder, but not a crime."
I agree. Even though her mother made a bad decision she had some good reasons to. If today some people still blame it on the victim imagine back then...
This reminds me of the famous case of Anna Hude, an early Danish advocate of education for women, who shot (but didn’t kill) the doctor who molested, groomed and raped her, when she was 20 years old. They were both arrested, she for shooting him and he for his sexual assaults. He committed suicide in his cell, and it was revealed he had done it to many others. She got five months prison. Her case is a very important case in Danish feminist history.
You’ve outdone yourself BC with this tragic and forgotten case. I’m so happy she got rid of this monster and that the response from the public and the justice was so understanding of her suffering. Amazing story. Thank you BC!
Bravo, sir! You had me transfixed for the duration; I found myself unwilling to pause to go refill my coffee, lol. It made me so happy to find that Catherine had a long life of freedom after such an awful time.
This was a fascinating case. The double standard on sexual matters was even more severe then than it is now. No wonder so many powerful women stepped forward to help Catherine. I am glad that Harry Thaw was so compassionate and supportive, too.
Greetings, from Isle Of Wight, Virginia! Such an interesting case, and I would like to point out, the many working women we saw, in the photos of factories, that many women worked in, during the first half of the 20th century. I keep seeing how women were forced to be housewives, in 1950. "Barefoot and pregnant" is the phrase most often used. Women who had to endure factory work, while their children were left alone, to take care of light chores, and sibling care, was the norm of the 10's-40s, punctuated by 2 World Wars. Being a housewife, and being able to stay at home, to care for families, so neighborhoods would be safe, and little girls keep their innocence was the dream.
I think out of all of the stories that I've heard from this channel, I don't think there's been a survival story that has pricked my heart like this one! I have to disagree partially with the judge however on how harsh he was with the mother of this girl. I don't think the mother was trying to disregard the well-being of her daughter, I think she was thinking about the girl's future; however, she wasn't thinking about the short-term well-being of Catherine, which was a grave mistake, but not one that was malicious in intent. The real monster here was Luigi, and Catherine took care of that! He wasn't going to stop until his life was taken.
The mother did what she thought was best - and indeed, it probably was the best. How could Catherine care for the child of her rapist, or indeed, any child when she was only 12 herself? How could her mother raise another child, and the child's mother, in the same household? The mother did her best to protect the child, by finding him a good home, and protecting her daughter from the condemnation of many of her community. Even if a poor immigrant woman could have found and paid for psychiatric care for young Catherine, the science was in its infancy. There's also no doubt at all that the scandal surrounding a court case against the rapist would have been damaging to Catherine and her child. I knew someone once who had been raped as a child, and when she came forward, there wasn't enough evidence remaining for a conviction. OK, Catherine shouldn't have murdered him - but her mother couldn't have been expected to go to the police, and if she had, there might not have been a conviction.
Wow what a twist to have Helen Nesbet’s husband to defend her. Luigi was really a piece of crap he not only ruined her once but then blackmailed her.I hate to say it but he deserved what he got.
Good morning, Brief Case. 😊 Thank you for having another exceptional video out on this chilly, snowy Monday morning here in Pennsylvania. ❄️ It's an absolute pleasure having your content to enjoy after working the night shift. 😁
WOW what a banger, thanks Briefy!! To me this story really straddles the old and new of Western society's attitudes toward a situation like this. It's easy to agree with the judge that Maria was negligent and cruel in not reporting what happened to her daughter Catherine, and for making her give up her baby. But those of us who have watched enough Brief Case's that covered centuries of recorded crime details, we know that Maria's concerns were probably not too far off the mark. -She came from pre-1900 and a country governed more by religion than reason, so she saw her daughter in greater danger of judgement and alienation than from mere trauma. -Had this crime happened just a little earlier, and especially if still in Italy, the people around Catherine really might have shunned her. And in fact, even in her more modern American circumstances, her husband had only so much tolerance for scandal, which was ended by mere letters from the monster. But then, to see so many important figures rallying behind Catherine .... I have to admit it kind of shocked me. Not only was she a young female "nobody", but we must also remember that Italian immigrants were still regarded as 2nd Class citizens at the time. So to see so many people overlooking that, grasping the horror of what happened to Catherine as a human being, it must have been a bit of a shock to Catherine and especially Maria. And wow, Catherine even had a WOMAN lawyer! Changing times indeed.
Greetings and salutations from Cabbagetown Toronto. Thank you Brief Case and team. This has been an annulus horribulus for me since October and you have made Mondays a welcome respite.
@SmilerORocker it's a neighborhood in the east end of Toronto which was originally settled by predominantly Irish immigrants in the mid to late 1800's. It was considered a low class neighborhood at the time and the story goes the air reeked of cabbage hence the nickname Cabbagetown (it was also a derogatory name by the posh people for the poor Irish). Now it is being somewhat gentrified but there are are still enough normal people to keep the snobs at bay. It's a VERY eclectic hood...from the porches to Frannie "Spare some change please". But people know one another and it's like a small village in the big city. Contrary to the popular belief that Toronto is a cold place people greet each other and smile even if they don't know you
Interesting that this episode coincides with another highly publicised case happening right now, in which the public sympathises more with the murderer than the victim.
I agree some people are sympathetic, but it’s misguided and not at all the same. This poor abandoned CHILD killed her DIRECT perpetrator, while looking him squarely in the eye, unlike the coward who shot a mere symbol in the back and ran away. To equate the two is just another insult towards Catherine.
Damn, Briefcase! I thought I had seen the best of your narrating prowess.....but you have outshined yourself!!!! What a harrowing, heart- wrenching case, frought with controversy at the outset, but resolving with Catherine being "nearly' exonerated in the end! How truly sad for her Mother.... Usually I never have any spoilers in my comments....but, this time, I really wanted to point out where your mastery of case narration has reached an amazing new height!!!! Bravo, Briefcase! Bravo!!!!!
To find against her mother is outrageous! No way if her mother had brought things forward at the time would Katherine have got justice, she would have been labeled for LIFE.
I'M offended, but not surprised that even though a man raped a child of 12, then pursued and threatened her after she'd fled from him, the court sought to blame the child's MOTHER. Somehow, it's always the woman's fault, not the man's.
This story was fascinating and sooo sad! I love these old stories. I often look at the scenery and what they wore back in those times. Blows my mind. Great job as usual!!
Damn, Briefcase! I thought I had seen the best of your narrating prowess.....but you have outshined yourself!!!! What a harrowing, heart- wrenching case, frought with controversy at the outset, but resolving with Catherine being "nearly' exonerated in the end! How truly sad for her Mother.... Usually I never have any spoilers in my comments....but, this time, I really wanted to point out where your mastery of case narration has reached an amazing new height!!!! Bravo, Briefcase! Beavo!!!!!
Good Monday Brief Case!!! I've been watching and liking your videos every week, even though I haven't commented. Just wanted yu to know I'm still here.... Enjoying n luvin episode after episode.... Yu never disappoint 🙌🏽😁...
Dear Brief Case, Hello from a fan in Minnesota ! Thank you again for your work presenting cases from history, this one's so good, I felt I was learning of a contemporary case,& I was quite emotional during it! Wishing you & yours blessings and peace for this holiday season🎄☮️☃️💜
Strange as it is, even though this story had what might be called a happy ending, I still cried. I'm very glad life worked out for Catherine. Thank you for the video. Now I'm going to watch some funny cat videos before the guests start checking out. At least it's my Friday soon...
I’m recovering from getting a wisdom tooth pulled but find myself gritting my teeth about what happened to Catherine at 12. Then at 16 to have everything come back to unjustly hurt her again. Luigi rightly got what he deserved-Sadly there were probably more child victims who suffered because of him. Catherine avenged herself and them too. And who can blame her? The judge should have placed the blame squarely on Luigi though. He was a child grapist . And not on the “poor” parenting skills of Catherine’s mom. Unless there’s something else we don’t know about the mother?
I can relate to having wisdom teeth pulled out, I had another one removed earlier this year, thanks for watching and continually commenting on the channel, I hope you feel better soon :)
I listened this video this morning while working, and it made me really emotional. I have thought about Catherine a lot today. Thank you for representing her story with so much respect towards this poor girl who had to suffer because of this monster and patriarchatic society norms of her time. Sadly some people still even nowadays decide to blame the victims of these disgusting crimes rather than the terrible people committing them. To all you broken dolls out there, stay strong ❤
Such an interesting story. The judge though - why blame her mother? Her mum did what she thought was best for her daughter. “None of this would have happened…” if a grown man hadn’t attacked then tormented a child. Thanks for sharing BC. This was fascinating.
I feel so sorry for that girl. The ONLY scandal was Luigis. Also her husband who entirely let her down. Her mother didn't, even though she gave such advice. Even during modern times rape victims are rarely taken seriously. In that day and age? Sadly her mother did her best.
Mr. briefcase, Mahalo for that awesome story. You had me going through the whole thing. It made my heart sad for a little bit but then the ending was good. I know how that girl must’v felt. So it was good to hear how people surrounded in caring for her. Thank you again for sharing that awesome story. you’re one of the best narrators in the whole wide world. Look forward tohearing another awesome video from you soon. Merry Christmas Mr. briefcase. I think I agreed with what her mom did. She did the best she could with knowledge and compassion she possessed. With warmest alohas ~ Diana 🌸🌺
Good Monday Morning! First thing that popped up on my TH-cam, Brief Case! Awesome start for my Monday so far 💜 Wishing everyone a Marvelous Monday from VA, USA 💜
Thank you! You too!
G'day from Australia. Midnight Tuesday here, I usually watch befor sleep if not catch up later. One of the few videos I watch on you tube. Have a good day.😊
Greetings to you @cheriestephenson5374 from the North East of England! Love this channel and the narration of the cases is awesome.
Thank yu, Happy Holidays to yu 🎄 and everyone in the Brief Case family as well.... 🎁❣️
From Charlotte NC (:
Howayas 😅 damp dark Ireland saying hello 👍🇮🇪
Usually I don't approve of "taking matters in one own hands" but in this case ...well done Catherine.
*I am glad it had a good ending❤❤*
Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do
Whatever. Criminals are as they are. 😊
We are soon all going to be taking things into our own hands, I hope your hands and heart are ready. Choices will need to be made, wait for no one to save you.
My thoughts exactly!
The horrors that Cathrine went through are hard to take.
Ultimately, she is a true survivor.
RIP
Poor Woman
This case has me in tears 🥺. To all the “broken dolls” out there, stay strong.
I felt so bad for this young woman. She didn’t ask for the horror that evil man bestowed upon her. I’m glad justice was served and she was able to enjoy the rest of her life with her family. Thank you Mr. Brief Case for another well covered story!
What a traumatic life Catherine experienced at such a young age. I’m glad the circumstances of the incident were looked at in depth, and that she went on to live a long life.
Oh man, that one was a hard one to watch. That poor girl. A similar thing happened to me when I was 11 years old but thank goodness I didn't get pregnant. It's true, it completely brings an abrupt ending to your childhood. You feel shame that no victim should ever feel When it happened to me I only confided in my best friend. I thought that somehow it was my fault and I was too embarrassed and ashamed to even tell my mom until I was in my 20s. The boy who did it to me was 15 at the time. I heard that he died a few years ago and I felt like a huge burden had been lifted from me because I no longer had to fear bumping into him in public.
I'm glad Catherine was able to get mercy and live her life. I don't blame her mother, I think she was just trying to protect her, especially for that time.
Thank you again for your great storytelling. Even though this one made me cry, it was healing as well. ❤
Hi Melissa, So sorry to read your comment, no child should ever have to go through that and no person who committs such an act should remain unpunished, I hope you are in a much better place in your life now
As an old guy anything i say will sound empty i guess, but what i can do is wish & hope your life going forward brings you happiness & a sense of contentment. You have the power & sound like a lovely + complete young lady. Enjoy your life ❤
So sad for you.
I'm sorry that happened to you. It does change you forever. I wish you well.
A similar thing happened to me around that age. The anger and disgust is still there.
The broken doll was Catherine. 💔😔
Or Chiara
22:00 That was a very wise and intelligent judge. This was not vigilantism, this was a woman living every day in fear of her life every day he was not in a cage or …. Dead, that’s the only way she’d feel remotely safe. Good decision by the judge, I think justice was served or at least the scales are almost in balance. This could easily have destroyed her, remarkably strong person.
One error in this, this was a child. An adult (over 24, as brain development is important here) victim of SA and resulting pregnancy has the agency to decide whether to trust the local police, and their local society, if they go forward. Understands the systems in place. Decides what to do about the pregnancy knowing all that.
She was 16 at the time she acted. Double hormones as her body tried to grow herself and a baby acting on an undeveloped brain. And severe stress as a child affects brain development in ways they can see on brain scans on adults. So the last 4 years (assuming her mom had kept her secure enough through the part with her dad etc she was average for 11 or 12…) her brain was not developing as it would because she was dealing with trauma.
She would have been justified at 28, assuming a local ACAB situation and locals doing the “your skirt was an inch above your ankle and all blame lands on the temptress even if she was wearing diapers and/or in a persistent vegetative state
But child-her got a message that… was probably very accurate based on her fully adult mom’s understanding of the culture and my own. I’m mad at the judge for pretending that the husband (and his peers) who struggled with the story becoming “real” when the letters started wouldn’t have been subconsciously treating her like a plague carrier if people knew what she endured and that a child existed. The shame put on single mothers is a series theme and people forget context as gossip goes on. An immigrant girl with an unsavory family history wouldn’t have gotten sympathy in most contexts other than what the 16 year old created
I can relate to this, this happened to my wife when she was 15 by her cousin. It caused her a heavy heart for years but didn’t bring her down in our marriage of 46 years. She died by doctors negligence. May she Rest In Peace. 🌹
That is so terrible, It is good that she did not let that ruin her life and could have 46 years of a happy marriage, but to then die by Doctors negligence, that really is dreadful
I’m sorry for your loss. You will be together again. I just know it.
It’s insane that even after what this man did the mother was blamed. The husband did the exact same, told her to keep it a secret but then abandoned her directly contributing to the murder. I just can’t understand the mental hurdles to leap over the husband and the abuser to land on the mother all of whose actions were to protect her daughter.
Her father ended up in prison and left her mother with the daunting responsibility of supporting their children alone. Then he died. An adult man raped her. Her husband abandoned her. But sure, it’s Mom’s fault. Just gross, isn’t it? When her mother decided that society would find a way to blame the victim in this case, she was absolutely right. Strenuous mental gymnastics will be done to minimize the culpability of men, always.
The judge was so blatant about assigning blame to her mother. Her mother and siblings were probably the only good thing in her young life. Maria's decision to keep things secret was done in Catherine's best interest, considering the time. It was likely a case of the "lesser of two evils" back then. How was Maria to know how it would manifest itself in Catherine's mind? Maria herself, was working her fingers to the bones just to keep her family fed and clothed.
Catherine was pushed by Fino and Luigi, to the point where she snapped and committed murder. In a few short years, with no professional help available, there was no way that little 12 year old could have gotten through the major damage that was done to her. No discussion of it in the home. No resolve for that little girl's emotional horror. So sad. I'm glad she did have a number of decent years and a family, although her wounds were likely never healed. The murder doesn't seem all that unlikely even in today's world. It was brutal what happened to her.
This type of assault rarely can stay hidden. The victim will show the trauma forever if it isn't dealt with.
You hit the nail on the head.
It’s often hidden from the world, but the victim suffers her (or his) entire life.
That was a good story. I understand her dilemma. I am glad it had a good ending. Thanks BC.
Thanks Dianne
I'm so glad Catherine was not imprisoned and I hope that she had a beautiful life!
I don't think having a "beautiful life" was possible after what Catherine went through.
Another excellent case that you have chosen, illustrated, and narrated. This episode was so profound. I am glad that influential people rallied around her. Usually poor people aren't that lucky once the justice system swoops down...
Catherine's young life was a surreal rollercoaster, but I hope that the last seven decades brought her immense satisfaction and joy.
I am very relieved that her attacker was removed from this old orb so he would never harm another female again.
Have a Marvellous Monday, Beloved Brief Case!!!!!
Thanks Susan :)
@BriefCaseOfficial You're welcome!!
Speaking of influential people, I was not expecting Thaw to come up this story! Wild.
@Susan -- Glad you brought up the help she received from wealthier and influential people. That and the mercy of the court were good. The Judge's "mother" lecture, no so much.
@snickers2877 You're absolutely right about that lecture, and thank you!!
Oh Mr Case, what a horrible beginning to an innocent life. One of the more tragic tales you have shared. Thanks for showing her the respect she deserved unlike the man who violated her.
😂😂 Mr Case! 😂😂
I started listening to your channel a several years ago when I was bed ridden recovering from back surgery. Your stories became a comforting companion to lots of lonely hours. Now that life has begun to return to normal, I truly enjoy continuing to listen to your channel with a sense of nostalgia for the darker days and now feeling more hopeful for the future. Thank you for all you do. Always enjoy your content. Very classy and tastefully done.
I hope you’re better now ❤
I know your plight. I hope you feel better as time passes. I’m still in pain after back surgery but it’s something that is age related. Feel better soon 🙏
@armybass223 Thankyou for your kind words and I hope you soon feel better
Fascinating, awesome narration of this incredibly interesting scandalous case.
Thankyou so much for your comment
Hello BC, thank you for telling Catherine’s story. My husband’s family immigrated from Sicily, Italy. The culture was very different from America. Even though she was victimized, she would likely have been shunned as being unclean because of her ordeal. I can understand Maria’s hesitation to go to the police, but I don’t think she did what was best for Catherine. The sheer brutality of her assault was reason enough to report that monster. We will never know how many others girls he attacked.
I applaud Catherine’s decision to take his life because she believed only that would protect her from his harmful actions. I’m heartened that she was represented by such notable men and women. The only thing that niggles at my heart is that she took Rocco back as her husband. He didn’t deserve her. Perhaps she, at 16, was more forgiving than I would have been. I only pray that she was happy in her adult life. May God bless her sweet soul. ❤❤❤
Thanks for such a moving story.
Poor Catherine. At 12, back then, she wouldn't have been able to fully comprehend what happened to her. It makes perfect sense that the doll was what stuck with her. I don't blame her Mama. Society placed full value of women on their virginity. Her Mama didn't make the rules. It's so very tragic. I can't imagine her suffering the abuse, then pregnancy and birth. Poor thing. Just 16. 16yrs old, married, 2 pregnancies and pushed to defend herself.
I am angry the judge blamed the mother so harshly. The cause of this tragedy was the rapist, not the mother. Women and girls were damned if they reported rape, and damned if they did not.
My feeling as well. It wasn't fair the way the Judge threw Maria under the bus. Poor Maria was a widow with a bunch of kids doing the best she could, trying to stay afloat in a leaky boat. I suppose the Judge needed a scapegoat to dump on in order to let Catherine off the hook. There's the punishment--cutting her off from her mom. I wonder if they ever saw each other again or what happened between them after that?
Agreed, Maria may not have made the best decisions, but she worked with the hand society dealt her (and all women). The secrecy wasn't out of malice, but fear and lack of understanding. The only one to blame is the man who viciously attacked a little girl. As the the six merry murderesses sang, "It was a murder, but not a crime."
@@AmandaLeigh1004 🎶🎵He had it coming... He only had himself to blame🎵🎶
I agree. Even though her mother made a bad decision she had some good reasons to. If today some people still blame it on the victim imagine back then...
This reminds me of the famous case of Anna Hude, an early Danish advocate of education for women, who shot (but didn’t kill) the doctor who molested, groomed and raped her, when she was 20 years old. They were both arrested, she for shooting him and he for his sexual assaults. He committed suicide in his cell, and it was revealed he had done it to many others. She got five months prison. Her case is a very important case in Danish feminist history.
You’ve outdone yourself BC with this tragic and forgotten case. I’m so happy she got rid of this monster and that the response from the public and the justice was so understanding of her suffering. Amazing story. Thank you BC!
Bravo, sir! You had me transfixed for the duration; I found myself unwilling to pause to go refill my coffee, lol. It made me so happy to find that Catherine had a long life of freedom after such an awful time.
You must have been very captivated by the story, I'm glad you found it so interesting.
WHOA exactly the same here, and almost nothing can get between me and a coffee refill, but just like you I waited!!!!
Happy Monday, Brief Casers! I remember this case but not its aftermath
So glad it was actually a happy ending for her ❤
You must be very old to remember it 😂😂 sorry, I had to 👍🇮🇪
Good Morning BC and fans. It's a happy Monday whenever BC starts my day. Thank you! ❤🇨🇦
Quite a story. Justice a nd mercy prevailed. Thanks for this.
This was a fascinating case. The double standard on sexual matters was even more severe then than it is now. No wonder so many powerful women stepped forward to help Catherine. I am glad that Harry Thaw was so compassionate and supportive, too.
Yeah. Very cool to hear of the women who stepped in & helped her.
"He broke my doll" - such profound words in light of the circumstances. Poignant.
Thanks BC
Hard to feel sympathy knowing what he did to that little girl
I hope you feel no sympathy at all
I cheered out loud. Way to go, Catherine. ❤️
Wow you had me in tears BC ..what a story, I m so glad she lived a long life and had many more blessed and happy Christmases with her family
Thanks for watching :)
Amazing story my friend, enjoy your week and can't wait till the next one. 🎄🍁❄️
Thank you, enjoy your week too!
Greetings, from Isle Of Wight, Virginia! Such an interesting case, and I would like to point out, the many working women we saw, in the photos of factories, that many women worked in, during the first half of the 20th century. I keep seeing how women were forced to be housewives, in 1950. "Barefoot and pregnant" is the phrase most often used. Women who had to endure factory work, while their children were left alone, to take care of light chores, and sibling care, was the norm of the 10's-40s, punctuated by 2 World Wars. Being a housewife, and being able to stay at home, to care for families, so neighborhoods would be safe, and little girls keep their innocence was the dream.
I agree, and thought it was a bit harsh of the judge to say it was her own mother's fault!
The man rapped her.
First heard about this case by another 'TH-camr' named “ObsoleteOddity”; but I'll gladly listen to it again by this guy. : )
Well done BC ! I have to admit I shed a few tears on this one.
Thank you for watching!
Incredibly moving....thank you
Thanks for listening
I think out of all of the stories that I've heard from this channel, I don't think there's been a survival story that has pricked my heart like this one! I have to disagree partially with the judge however on how harsh he was with the mother of this girl. I don't think the mother was trying to disregard the well-being of her daughter, I think she was thinking about the girl's future; however, she wasn't thinking about the short-term well-being of Catherine, which was a grave mistake, but not one that was malicious in intent. The real monster here was Luigi, and Catherine took care of that! He wasn't going to stop until his life was taken.
I agree! The person who brought on the tragedy was the rapist. How was the mother to know or understand the psychological damage Catherine underwent?
The mother did what she thought was best - and indeed, it probably was the best. How could Catherine care for the child of her rapist, or indeed, any child when she was only 12 herself? How could her mother raise another child, and the child's mother, in the same household? The mother did her best to protect the child, by finding him a good home, and protecting her daughter from the condemnation of many of her community. Even if a poor immigrant woman could have found and paid for psychiatric care for young Catherine, the science was in its infancy. There's also no doubt at all that the scandal surrounding a court case against the rapist would have been damaging to Catherine and her child.
I knew someone once who had been raped as a child, and when she came forward, there wasn't enough evidence remaining for a conviction. OK, Catherine shouldn't have murdered him - but her mother couldn't have been expected to go to the police, and if she had, there might not have been a conviction.
Wow what a twist to have Helen Nesbet’s husband to defend her. Luigi was really a piece of crap he not only ruined her once but then blackmailed her.I hate to say it but he deserved what he got.
Good morning 🌞🌄 Brief 💼 Case and Happy Monday always better when the week starts with Brief 💼 Case ☀️👍✨
Morning :)
Happy Monday from Ontario Canada❤
Morning :)
Good morning, Brief Case. 😊 Thank you for having another exceptional video out on this chilly, snowy Monday morning here in Pennsylvania. ❄️ It's an absolute pleasure having your content to enjoy after working the night shift. 😁
Thanks Matto, Its pretty sunny where I am and its 7.20 am :)
@BriefCaseOfficial Brief Case that's wonderful for you. 😁 The cold sometimes cuts through me but I dislike being too hot as well.
Hi from Erie County!
@SnarkyLady Hello, I'm from Cumberland County. It's awesome to know others from PA are around listening to Brief Case, so fantastic. 😁
@@Mattostar-z2dit is.
WOW what a banger, thanks Briefy!! To me this story really straddles the old and new of Western society's attitudes toward a situation like this. It's easy to agree with the judge that Maria was negligent and cruel in not reporting what happened to her daughter Catherine, and for making her give up her baby. But those of us who have watched enough Brief Case's that covered centuries of recorded crime details, we know that Maria's concerns were probably not too far off the mark. -She came from pre-1900 and a country governed more by religion than reason, so she saw her daughter in greater danger of judgement and alienation than from mere trauma. -Had this crime happened just a little earlier, and especially if still in Italy, the people around Catherine really might have shunned her. And in fact, even in her more modern American circumstances, her husband had only so much tolerance for scandal, which was ended by mere letters from the monster.
But then, to see so many important figures rallying behind Catherine .... I have to admit it kind of shocked me. Not only was she a young female "nobody", but we must also remember that Italian immigrants were still regarded as 2nd Class citizens at the time. So to see so many people overlooking that, grasping the horror of what happened to Catherine as a human being, it must have been a bit of a shock to Catherine and especially Maria. And wow, Catherine even had a WOMAN lawyer! Changing times indeed.
Greetings and salutations from Cabbagetown Toronto. Thank you Brief Case and team. This has been an annulus horribulus for me since October and you have made Mondays a welcome respite.
Thankyou for your comment, I hope things get better for you in 2025
Cabbagetown is where my favorite show Murdoch mysteries is taped/set! Awesome! ❤
What a great name for a town, is the history of it obvious and if not, can we hear it please 👍🇮🇪
@SmilerORocker it's a neighborhood in the east end of Toronto which was originally settled by predominantly Irish immigrants in the mid to late 1800's. It was considered a low class neighborhood at the time and the story goes the air reeked of cabbage hence the nickname Cabbagetown (it was also a derogatory name by the posh people for the poor Irish). Now it is being somewhat gentrified but there are are still enough normal people to keep the snobs at bay. It's a VERY eclectic hood...from the porches to Frannie "Spare some change please". But people know one another and it's like a small village in the big city. Contrary to the popular belief that Toronto is a cold place people greet each other and smile even if they don't know you
Good morning Brief Case.
Morning Joanne :)
Good evening 😊 from Perth Western Australia 🇦🇺 ❤
Hi Dru :)
@@BriefCaseOfficial❤😊
Always here listening to your incredible cases. # 👍 up
Thank you Mr Brief 💼
So great to read your comment Elke, hope you are OK :)
@@BriefCaseOfficial
You're welcome Brief Case! Thank you, i am still working on my health. I hope all is well with you and your family :)
Interesting that this episode coincides with another highly publicised case happening right now, in which the public sympathises more with the murderer than the victim.
I agree some people are sympathetic, but it’s misguided and not at all the same. This poor abandoned CHILD killed her DIRECT perpetrator, while looking him squarely in the eye, unlike the coward who shot a mere symbol in the back and ran away. To equate the two is just another insult towards Catherine.
I want Brief Case to do a video about that case
Thank you❤ I'm never disappointed ❤Thank you ❤
Thanks Cindy :)
Damn, Briefcase! I thought I had seen the best of your narrating prowess.....but you have outshined yourself!!!! What a harrowing, heart- wrenching case, frought with controversy at the outset, but resolving with Catherine being "nearly' exonerated in the end! How truly sad for her Mother....
Usually I never have any spoilers in my comments....but, this time, I really wanted to point out where your mastery of case narration has reached an amazing new height!!!! Bravo, Briefcase! Bravo!!!!!
Hello 👋 BC and I wish everyone a very joyful Christmas 🎄
Thanks Kathryn, and a Happy Christmas to you too :)
What a wonderful story of resilience. Thank you so much.
Thanks for watching!
I listened with bated breath. This poor girls suffering must have been beyond endurance.
Out of all of the “Brief cases” I enjoyed this one the most.
Thankyou
Happy Week from Nebraska🤗☃️🌬
Good morning from Oregon!
Morning Renee :)
Good evening BC from perth western Australia
Hello Sandra (6.25am here)
Morning Brief Case. You ever did a vid on the Skidmore, Missouri town bully Ken Rex McElroy?
Hello. No I have not, but I will look into it - Thanks
It’s a great case, very interesting.
Happy Monday BC
Hello Sean, You are the 1st comment again :)
To find against her mother is outrageous! No way if her mother had brought things forward at the time would Katherine have got justice, she would have been labeled for LIFE.
Thank you Brief Case ❤
thanks for sharing this BC... It was a sad tale all around.
You're welcome, it was a difficult one to cover.
I'M offended, but not surprised that even though a man raped a child of 12, then pursued and threatened her after she'd fled from him, the court sought to blame the child's MOTHER. Somehow, it's always the woman's fault, not the man's.
Nice to see you pop up on the Forgotten Lives YT channel a day or so back! Kudos!
Thanks, I’m always happy to help out where I can.
You always have the best cases and stories on your channel.
Thankyou
This story was fascinating and sooo sad! I love these old stories. I often look at the scenery and what they wore back in those times. Blows my mind. Great job as usual!!
Thanks for watching! I always find it interesting how much we can learn from old photos and articles!
Damn, Briefcase! I thought I had seen the best of your narrating prowess.....but you have outshined yourself!!!! What a harrowing, heart- wrenching case, frought with controversy at the outset, but resolving with Catherine being "nearly' exonerated in the end! How truly sad for her Mother....
Usually I never have any spoilers in my comments....but, this time, I really wanted to point out where your mastery of case narration has reached an amazing new height!!!! Bravo, Briefcase! Beavo!!!!!
Wow! Thankyou so much :)
Thanks BC ❤
This is a bittersweet story and a rare good ending. Thank you so much!
Thanks
Thankyou so much Irene
Good Monday Brief Case!!! I've been watching and liking your videos every week, even though I haven't commented. Just wanted yu to know I'm still here.... Enjoying n luvin episode after episode.... Yu never disappoint 🙌🏽😁...
Thank you for letting me know, glad you are still here, I really appreciate the support :)
Thr reference to the doll just reinforces how young she was.
Well done, sir, as usual.
Thank you kindly!
This was the best one I've seen. Merry Christmas everyone!
Thankyou
So cavalier. As if the case is fiction and Christmas is nonfiction... Wow!
@kusheran proudly showing off your ignorance and ick.
Thanks BC.
Thanks for watching :)
Wonderful job on forgotten lives video yesterday!
Great that you watched that video, it is always so nice to read positive comments.
Dear Brief Case,
Hello from a fan in Minnesota ! Thank you again for your work presenting cases from history, this one's so good, I felt I was learning of a contemporary case,& I was quite emotional during it! Wishing you & yours blessings and peace for this holiday season🎄☮️☃️💜
Thank you so much for your kind words and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
Strange as it is, even though this story had what might be called a happy ending, I still cried. I'm very glad life worked out for Catherine. Thank you for the video. Now I'm going to watch some funny cat videos before the guests start checking out. At least it's my Friday soon...
I hope they are good :)
@BriefCaseOfficial the little short kitty videos are the best!
Law & Order SVU historic case real life plot. Much respect
Yes
Not sure I understand the comment - Sorry :(
@@BriefCaseOfficial
Law and Order Special Victims Unit was a weekly criminal show in the USA and Canada.
They had a similar story to Catherine.
Greetings Mr. Brief Case! Marvelous case! Great presentation (as always)! What a great way to start my day!!! 😁. Many thanks! 👍
Thankyou :)
Broken dolls is such great symbolism. Many of us sadly can relate
.
This story deserves to be on the big screen or on a movie channel. Thanks for sharing this case.
That was a good judge who handled the case.
Great story. Thanks for sharing with us.
Thanks for listening
This channel better than pain pill. Keeps my mind occupied. Thanks Mr briefcase👍🏿🥰
Thanks for watching and I really appreciate your comment!
Well ✔ Catherine😉,A Good Presentation as usual 👋 Brief Case🙂
Thank you!
I’m recovering from getting a wisdom tooth pulled but find myself gritting my teeth about what happened to Catherine at 12. Then at 16 to have everything come back to unjustly hurt her again. Luigi rightly got what he deserved-Sadly there were probably more child victims who suffered because of him. Catherine avenged herself and them too. And who can blame her?
The judge should have placed the blame squarely on Luigi though. He was a child grapist . And not on the “poor” parenting skills of Catherine’s mom. Unless there’s something else we don’t know about the mother?
I can relate to having wisdom teeth pulled out, I had another one removed earlier this year, thanks for watching and continually commenting on the channel, I hope you feel better soon :)
✨️Love the "It's me, Brief Case"!!!!!!!✨️
This is one of your most moving cases. I was so happy at the end to hear she lived a long and hopefully happy life! 💜
Thanks for watching.
Thank you, BC.
I listened this video this morning while working, and it made me really emotional. I have thought about Catherine a lot today. Thank you for representing her story with so much respect towards this poor girl who had to suffer because of this monster and patriarchatic society norms of her time. Sadly some people still even nowadays decide to blame the victims of these disgusting crimes rather than the terrible people committing them. To all you broken dolls out there, stay strong ❤
I really enjoy cases from more recent times.. X 😘🇬🇧✌️
Hello, This one is quite recent for me, but I am not sure if that is what you mean, thankyou so much for watching :)
Such an interesting story.
The judge though - why blame her mother?
Her mum did what she thought was best for her daughter. “None of this would have happened…” if a grown man hadn’t attacked then tormented a child.
Thanks for sharing BC. This was fascinating.
Thankyou
Morning
Hi Maureen :)
@ hello there!
Oh this story made me cry😢what a beautiful strong young lady❤a modern day Boudicea💫bless her heart and my she rest in eternal peace🌸💕
Excellent presentation. Never heard this story before. Quit the surprise ending.
Rest in Peace petite
I feel so sorry for that girl. The ONLY scandal was Luigis. Also her husband who entirely let her down. Her mother didn't, even though she gave such advice. Even during modern times rape victims are rarely taken seriously. In that day and age? Sadly her mother did her best.
What a brave woman 👍
Mr. briefcase, Mahalo for that awesome story. You had me going through the whole thing. It made my heart sad for a little bit but then the ending was good. I know how that girl must’v felt. So it was good to hear how people surrounded in caring for her. Thank you again for sharing that awesome story. you’re one of the best narrators in the whole wide world. Look forward tohearing another awesome video from you soon. Merry Christmas Mr. briefcase. I think I agreed with what her mom did. She did the best she could with knowledge and compassion she possessed. With warmest alohas ~ Diana 🌸🌺
Thank you for your kind words, Diana. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
My wife and I were pleased to hear a happy conclusion to a very distressing story, well done
Always interesting
Thank you ❤