They say truth is stranger than fiction. And once you hear the story of Mississippi’s Phantom Barber, you’ll definitely agree. Without a doubt one of the strangest parts of the state’s history, the real life horror story will send chills down your spine.

During the summer of 1942, several strange home invasions took place in the small town of Pascagoula. The culprit, who was dubbed the “Phantom Barber” by local newspapers, would wait for nightfall, sneak into the homes of unsuspecting residents, and steal locks of hair from their heads while they slept. Aside from hair, the Phantom Barber stole nothing else. At one point, however, he did leave a clue – a single footprint. Word of the break-ins spread like wildfire. Residents were extremely terrified, so much so that women refused to go out at night and pistol permits were being applied for in large numbers.

Eventually, the Phantom Barber changed his pattern. He broke into the home of the Heidelburgs and rather than cut their hair, he brutally assaulted them. William A. Dolan was charged with the attack on the couple; however, he vehemently denied that he was the Phantom Barber and wasn’t charged with any other attacks aside from the Heidelburgs.

Learn more about the Phantom Barber and his reign of terror in the video below:

Did you ever hear about the Phantom Barber? Have anything else to add to this hair-raising tale? Tell us in the comments section.

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