Edward H. Rulloff

Edward H. Rulloff
A depiction of Edward H. Rulloff in a biography from 1871.
Born
John Edward Howard Rulloff

1819
DiedMay 18, 1871 (aged 51–52)
Cause of deathExecution by hanging
Other namesThe Genius Killer
The Man of Two Lives
MotiveRevenge for perceived infidelity (wife and daughter), robbery (Merrick)
ConvictionFirst degree murder
Details
Victims3–5
Span of crimes
1844–1870
CountryUnited States
StateNew York
Date apprehended
1870

John Edward Howard Rulloff (also known as Ruloff, Rulofson, or Rulloffson, as well as several aliases; 1819/1820 – May 18, 1871) was a Canadian-born American medical doctor, lawyer, schoolmaster, photographer, inventor, carpet designer, phrenologist, and philologist, in addition to a career criminal and serial killer. This dichotomy was exemplified in the title of a 1871 biography, The Man of Two Lives!. He was also known as "The Genius Killer". Rulloff's brain is said to be among the largest on record.