June 07

Born in 925 as the eldest son of Wuyue ruler Qian Liu, Qian Hongzun was appointed heir apparent early in life and groomed for succession. He received instruction in governance and military affairs in preparation for his future role. His unexpected death at the age of fifteen in 940 prevented him from ascending the throne, leading to a succession crisis in Wuyue. Despite never ruling, his status underscored the dynastic practices of the era and the importance of clear succession in medieval Chinese kingdoms. His premature death highlighted the fragility of youth in turbulent times.

Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was born in 1966 in Zarqa, Jordan and became involved in jihadist movements in the 1980s. He traveled to Afghanistan, receiving training alongside other extremists before returning to the Middle East. In 2004, he established al-Qaeda in Iraq, carrying out high-profile suicide bombings and targeting Shia communities. His brutal tactics and propaganda fueled sectarian conflict, destabilizing post-invasion Iraq. Al-Zarqawi's insurgency laid the groundwork for later extremist groups, including ISIS. He was killed by a U.S. airstrike in 2006, but his influence continued to shape regional violence.

Richard Ramirez was born in 1960 in El Paso, Texas and experienced a troubled childhood marked by abuse and exposure to violence. Between 1984 and 1985, he committed a series of home invasion murders and sexual assaults across Southern California. Ramirez's crimes were characterized by brutal violence, satanic symbolism, and a chilling lack of remorse. Dubbed the Night Stalker by the media, he sparked widespread fear until his capture in 1985. He was convicted of 13 murders and multiple other charges, receiving a death sentence in 1989. While awaiting execution on death row, Ramirez died of complications related to lymphoma in 2013.