Bio 

Eugene H. James was born in 1918. Before the murders, James had already been convicted in Baltimore for several unprovoked stabbing attacks against women. He served approximately seven and a half years in prison before being released in December 1947 on what was described as a “Christmas parole.”

After his release, James returned to the community but soon became involved in further violent crimes. Available accounts state that in June 1948, he committed a rape and robbery in Baltimore. The victim in that attack survived. Soon afterward, James committed the two child murders for which he was later executed.

Murder Story

On June 27, 1948, 11-year-old Carol Bardwell was attacked in Washington, D.C. Available accounts state that James ambushed her in a public park, dragged her from her bicycle, and stabbed her to death. The killing was one of two similar attacks committed within a short period.

On July 6, 1948, another 11-year-old girl, Marsha Brill, was killed in Baltimore, Maryland. She was also stabbed to death in a park setting. The method and victim profile were similar to the Bardwell case.

James was arrested after the Brill murder and was eventually connected to both killings and to other recent crimes. Police said he admitted the Brill murder and another assault in the same area. Historical accounts also identify him as responsible for the murder of Carol Bardwell.

James was tried and convicted in Maryland. Some summaries state that he was returned to prison for life, but execution records show that he was ultimately put to death. Because of the limited public documentation available, the exact conviction date and full sentencing history are not clearly confirmed.

Eugene H. James was executed by hanging in Maryland on August 12, 1949. He was approximately 31 years old.