EPISODE 11: THE TRUE COUNT ## CHAPTER 1: THE NUMBERS GAME How many people did H.H. Holmes kill? This question has been asked for over a century, and the answers vary wildly. Holmes himself claimed 27 victims in one confession. Newspapers at the time suggested 100 or more. Modern estimates have ranged from 9 to over 200. The truth is more complicated—and ultimately unknowable. What we can do is examine the evidence systematically, separating confirmed victims from probable victims from possible victims from wild speculation. The result is a more honest accounting of Holmes's crimes—one that acknowledges both what we know and what we can never know. --- ## CHAPTER 2: THE CONFIRMED VICTIMS (9) Nine victims are confirmed beyond reasonable doubt. We have bodies, evidence, or admissions that establish these deaths with certainty. Benjamin Pitezel (September 1894) Holmes's partner in crime became his victim. Pitezel was found dead in Philadelphia, identified by his distinctive teeth and war injury. Holmes was convicted of this murder and executed for it. Alice Pitezel (September 1894) Benjamin's daughter, age 15. Found buried in a cellar in Toronto with her sister. Holmes confessed to killing them. Nellie Pitezel (September 1894) Benjamin's daughter, age 11. Found with Alice in Toronto. Death confirmed by physical evidence and Holmes's confession. Howard Pitezel (October 1894) Benjamin's son,...