Who is Dark Angel Based On?
The TV series Dark Angel, which aired from 2000 to 2002, was based on the extraordinary true story of Mary Ann Cotton, a Victorian serial killer who was convicted of murdering three of her husbands and several of her children. The show was broadcast on October 31 and November 7, 2016, and starred Joanne Froggatt as Mary Ann Cotton, who was widely regarded as Britain’s first known female serial killer.
The True Story of Mary Ann Cotton
Mary Ann Cotton was born in 1832 in Northumberland, England. She was a woman with a troubled past, having been abandoned by her father and left to live with her mother in poverty. She married her first husband, George, at the age of 16, but he died of tuberculosis just a few years later. Mary Ann collected a significant insurance payout and married again, only for her second husband to die under similar circumstances.
The Investigation and Conviction
In 1872, Mary Ann Cotton was arrested and charged with the murder of her young stepson, Charles Edward Cotton. During the investigation, it was discovered that she had been poisoning her husbands and children with arsenic, which was readily available and unregulated at the time. The investigation was led by Detective Inspector Redmond, who was determined to bring Mary Ann to justice.
The Trial and Sentencing
Mary Ann Cotton was tried and found guilty of the murder of her stepson, Charles Edward Cotton. She was sentenced to death and executed by hanging on March 24, 1873, at Durham Gaol.
The Legacy of Mary Ann Cotton
Mary Ann Cotton’s case shocked the nation and led to significant changes in the way that poisonings were investigated and prosecuted. Her case also highlighted the need for better regulation of toxic substances, such as arsenic, which was widely available at the time.
Comparison to Other Serial Killers
Mary Ann Cotton is often compared to other serial killers, such as Jack the Ripper, who terrorized London’s East End in the late 19th century. While both killers were responsible for multiple murders, their motives and methods were different. Jack the Ripper was a serial killer who targeted prostitutes, while Mary Ann Cotton targeted her own family members.
Other Notable Female Serial Killers
There have been several other notable female serial killers throughout history. Some of the most well-known include:
- Kristen Gilbert: An American serial killer and former nurse who was convicted of four murders and two attempted murders of patients at a Veterans Affairs hospital.
- Marie Noe: An American serial killer who was convicted of murdering eight of her children between 1949 and 1968.
- Waneta Hoyt: An American serial killer who was convicted of killing all five of her children between 1965 and 1971.
Conclusion
Dark Angel is a TV series that was based on the true story of Mary Ann Cotton, a Victorian serial killer who was convicted of murdering three of her husbands and several of her children. Her case was significant not only because of the number of murders she committed, but also because of the shocking nature of her crimes. Mary Ann Cotton’s case highlights the need for better regulation of toxic substances and the importance of thorough investigations into suspicious deaths.