In Lafayette, Louisiana, a grim chapter closed with the execution of Alexis and Earnest LeBlanc, two young French brothers who modeled their lives after the infamous outlaw Jesse James.
Committing a brutal murder and robbery against merchant Simon Begnaud in Scott, LA, the brothers initially escaped with $4000, embarking on a lavish European spree.
However, their return led to their arrest and a full confession, which ended in their execution.
Youthful Murderers Hanged
LAFAYETTE, Louisiana. April 10, 1897. — The LeBlanc brothers were executed here at 1:10 p.m. Alexis and Earnest LeBlanc, both under 20, murdered Simon Begnaud, a merchant, at Scott, La., about a year ago.
They were born in France and were well educated. They determined to imitate Jesse James, get a fortune and return to Paris.
They got into Begnaud’s store, forced him to open the safe, bound and gagged him, and got the key from him. They obtained $4000. Then they forced him to sit on the bed, helplessly pinioned, and stabbed him to death.
The boys made a tour of Europe, and after squandering the money they returned and were arrested.
They made a full confession.
Source: The Union. (St. George, Utah), 10 April 1897.
