In a daring escape, 20-year-old Ellen Hurley broke free from her dark and cramped prison in a Greenwich Village cellar on April 11, 1923. The young woman had been held captive for three weeks by Manfred Oliffares, a Chilean national, who lured her to his lair with promises of artistic squalor. But Hurley’s bravery and cunning led her to outsmart her captor and provide police with crucial information that resulted in Oliffares’ arrest. When police searched the cellar, they found bloodstains and a grim reminder of the horrors that Hurley endured during her lengthy confinement. The police investigation revealed that Oliffares had held multiple victims in his basement prison, and authorities are still searching for more potential captives. The people of New York City are left shaken by this heinous crime, and the police are lauding Hurley’s bravery as a beacon of hope in their quest for justice.
Related Federal Cases
- John Doe Sentenced to Life for Child Rape and Trafficking, New York… · Arkansas
- James Johnson, Producing Child Pornography, New York NY, 2023 · Alabama
- Robert Hadden, Sexual Abuse of Patients, New York NY, 2023 · Pennsylvania
- Kemar Hamilton Sent Back to Jamaica for Murder, New York NY, 2009 · Washington
- Ken Paxton Shuts Down NYC Firm Selling Harmful Binders, New York Ci… · Texas
Key Facts
- State: National
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Era: Historical
- Source: Library of Congress — Chronicling America ↗
📬 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Sex CrimesSex CrimesSex CrimesSex Crimes