George Joseph Cvek was born on April 7, 1917. He grew up in a troubled household, with a history of neglect and instability. As a young man, he drifted from place to place and struggled with employment. Cvek never built a stable life for himself and eventually turned to crime. He became known to authorities as a burglar, but his crimes took a darker turn. His reputation as “The Aspirin Bandit” came from his habit of asking women for a glass of water and aspirin before attacking them. Most of his crimes were driven by a mix of violence, sexual assault, and psychological disturbances. Despite his mild-mannered appearance, he hid a dangerous and twisted side that shocked even seasoned police officers when the truth came out.

On February 5, 1941, in the Bronx, New York City, Cvek entered the home of 29-year-old Catherine “Kitty” Pappas, the wife of a coffee importer. Using his typical ruse, he asked her for aspirin and water. Once inside, he attacked, raped, and brutally murdered her. The case caused public outrage, especially when newspapers revealed the disturbing details. After his arrest, Cvek confessed not only to the murder of Kitty Pappas but also admitted to sexually assaulting 14 other women across New York.

Cvek was quickly tried for murder, convicted in June 1941, and sentenced to death. There were no lengthy appeals. On February 26, 1942, just over a year after the murder, he was executed in the electric chair at Sing Sing Prison. His execution brought closure to a terrifying chapter for New York residents, though the trauma of his crimes haunted many for years.