Episode 35: Martha Beck; The Lonely Hearts Killer

On this episode of MurdHer we explore the unsettling story of Patricia Allanson Taylor - a woman whose charm and grace masked a darker truth. She seemed to have it all after getting married and buying the home of her dreams.. Unfortunately it was never enough for Patricia.  What starts out as a seemingly ordinary life takes so many twists and turns that you might experience whiplash! Patricia’s story challenges our assumptions about appearances - and how far someone will go when the stakes are everything.   SOURCES: Everything She Ever Wanted - Anne Rule https://murderpedia.org/female.A/a/allanson-patricia.htm https://skdb.fandom.com/wiki/ALLANSON_Patricia_Vann_Taylor

A soldier, a wife—Sally McNeil’s life was anything but ordinary. From the heights of competitive bodybuilding to the depths of a turbulent marriage, her story is one of ambition, control, and explosive conflict. When years of tension finally reached a breaking point, the events that followed shocked the world of professional athletics. Was it self-defense, premeditation, or something even more complex? Join us as we explore the life, relationships, and the fateful day that changed everything.

In this chilling episode, we dive into the unsettling life of Velma Barfield, a woman whose calm demeanor concealed a dark and deadly secret. Known as the "Death Row Granny," Barfield was convicted of poisoning multiple people, including her own mother. But what led her down this path of murder? Was it a desperate bid for attention, financial gain, or something more sinister? We explore her troubled childhood, her relationships, and the twisted psychology behind her lethal actions. Join us as we unravel the haunting story of a woman who gained the trust of those around her—only to betray them in the most fatal of ways.

In this episode, we dive into the chilling and bizarre case of Viktoria Nasyrova, a woman whose life seemed straight out of a movie. From a twisted plot involving poisoning to fake identities, Viktoria's crimes blur the lines between reality and fiction. We’ll explore how she left behind a trail of deception, intrigue, and cheesecake crumbs. Tune in as we unravel her shocking story, packed with lies, secrets, and a dash of dark humor. Don't miss it—this is one case you’ll have to hear to believe!

In this episode, we’re diving into the bizarre and twisted case of Jennair Gerardot — a woman who took revenge to a whole new (and deadly) level. After discovering her husband’s affair, Jennair didn’t just confront the other woman, she decided to handle things in the most extreme way possible. Spoiler: it didn’t end well for anyone involved. Tune in as we break down this wild, tragic tale, with plenty of jaw-dropping moments, some questionable decisions, and a lot of "what were they thinking?"

Betty Broderick shot and killed her ex-husband, Dan Broderick, and his new wife, Linda Kolkena, in one of the most infamous cases of domestic rage. While it may seem like a cut-and-dry crime, the intense drama and emotional turmoil surrounding their bitter divorce sheds light on why Betty took such a drastic step. From betrayal to courtroom battles, this episode delves into the unraveling of Betty's life and the psychological pressure that led to the shocking murders. Was Betty a cold-blooded killer, or was she pushed to the edge? Listen in as we explore the layers of this tragic story and the events that led to Betty Broderick’s life sentence.   Sources: https://www.latimes.com/la-broderick-sg-storygallery.html https://www.oxygen.com/true-crime-buzz/when-is-betty-broderick-getting-released-from-prison Until the Twelfth of Never by Bella Stumbo

Kaitlin Armstrong was a yoga instructor living in Austin, Texas, until she became the prime suspect of a murder. How did this once seemingly ordinary woman transform into one of the most wanted fugitives in America? Was this crime an act of passion, or was something deeper at play? Explore the twists and turns of her story... Or should we say, her MurdHer?   SOURCES: https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/key-witness-colin-strickland-describes-tumultuous-relationship-with-kaitlin-armstrong-in-trial https://people.com/who-is-kaitlin-armstrong-moriah-wilson-killer-8669499#:~:text=The%20filing%20also%20alleged%20that,abandoned%20her%20as%20a%20child. https://cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/news/us-marshals-made-fake-yoga-instructor-ads-in-costa-rica-to-catch-kaitlin-armstrong/ https://www.foxnews.com/us/fugitive-kaitlin-armstrong-father-murder-accusations Chasing Evil Podcast

Joanna Dennehy is a rarity - a female serial killer. In a span of 10 days, she went on a killing spree that shocked the UK. Known for her cold demeanor and lack of remorse, Dennehy's case raises questions about the nature of evil and the factors that drive such heinous acts. This episode delves into her life, the details of her crimes, and the investigation that led to her capture. Join us as we explore the dark story of Joanna Dennehy and the impact of her actions.

The 40 Elephant Gang was one of the most notorious all-female crime syndicates in London. Known for their cunning and ruthless tactics, they dominated the criminal underworld from the late 19th century through the 1950s. This episode delves into their intricate heists, the personalities that led the gang, and the legacy they left behind. While some view them as anti-establishment heroines, others see them as dangerous criminals. Listen in and decide for yourself where you stand on the legacy of the 40 Elephant Gang.   Sources: https://www.ranker.com/list/diamond-annie-and-the-forty-elephants/genevieve-carlton https://londondarktourist.com/female-gangsters-forty-elephants/ https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/featuredarticles/2023/the-queens-of-the-forties-1683/#:~:text= Alice Diamond and the Forty Elephants, by Brian McDonald

Lucy Letby is one of the most notorious female serial killers in the U.K. She was accused and convicted of killing 7 infants under her care. Her sentencing was controversial, with some believing in her innocence, as discussed in a featured New Yorker article linked in our sources. However, within the U.K., she is widely seen as guilty. Tune in to hear the story and decide for yourself. Note: At the time of this recording, Lucy Letby was not being re-tried. Her re-trial for the murder of Baby K began on 6/10/24.   https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-65813112 https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/05/20/lucy-letby-was-found-guilty-of-killing-seven-babies-did-she-do-it https://open.spotify.com/show/1Kzpxy1tGKf0G4z0i3PfIM https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-65813112 https://www.thetimes.com/uk/law/article/lucy-letby-nurse-tried-kill-week-old-baby-with-insulin-tswp0zp58 https://tattle.life/wiki/lucy-letby-case/#allegations-amp-timeline