Cannibalistic assaults of June 1965

In June of 1965 several attacks occurred that appear to share circumstantial links. Many of these attacks appear to be related to the abuse of "red drug" or "red rum."

2 June 1965

Cecil Belew attacked nurse Annette V. Krum at the Salvation Army food tent in Pershing Square. He ran from the tent and was subdued by several other men, most of whom were bitten by Belew. Annette Krum was severely disfigured from her injuries and later died from infection. The men who subdued Belew experienced severe pain where they were bitten and required antibiotics and other treatments. Belew was arrested by police but was later shot while trying to escape. During his attempted escape Belew attacked and bit three police officers, each of whom required medical treatment.

5 June 1965

Christian Malchow attacked his friends Lawrence Burzynski and Darrell Hollinger while they were all sleeping in a downtown alley. Malchow managed to chew off 90% of Burzymski’s face, including both ears, and severed his jugular vein. Hollinger woke during the attack and attempted to flee, but Malchow attacked and subdued him. Malchow then stripped and ate the face from Hollinger while the victim screamed in pain. A passing patrol car heard Hollingers screams and stopped. Malchow attempted to attack the officer but was shot and killed.

10 June 1965

Underground artist Randall M. Cropp attacked shopkeeper Francis Cuddy in a downtown liquor store. Cropp was killed by Cuddy, who kept several weapons behind the counter, before he could harm the shopkeeper. Cropp had recently exhibited s series of paintings and photographs depicting the residents of Skid Row. Cropp actually lived among the street people for several months in 1964 and early 1965, during which time he may have become addicted to the drug known as Red.

12 June 1965

A wino known Mungo attacks hot dog vendor Fred Phillips. Mungo bites off one of Phillips’ ears and flees into a nearby alley, where he is seen descending into the sewers. Mungo is not seen on the streets again. His body is later found in a downtown alley and taken to the city morgue.

23 June 1965

An encampment of street people is attacked by 3-4 unknown assailants who exit a blue pickup truck and begin randomly beating people with wooden clubs and metal pipes. Several people suffer severe lacerations but there are no deaths. One of the assailants is severely beaten by Ernesto Gabaldon, who flees when the other three thugs surround and attack him. The assailants then fled the scene.

24 June 1965

Well-known and widely liked street vendor Nikos Cosmatos is found dead at Samuel Luke Station subway platform in Hollywood. There are no marks or apparent signs of assault on his body. An autopsy is unable to determine the cause of his demise.