The First Female Serial Killer in England: Mary Ann Cotton
The term "serial killer" is often associated with men, but female serial killers have been recorded throughout history. One of the most infamous cases in England is that of Mary Ann Cotton, a woman who was tried and executed for the murder of her stepson and was responsible for the deaths of numerous others.
Mary Ann Cotton’s Life
Mary Ann Cotton was born in 1832 in Durham, England. Her early life was marked by poverty and instability, and she was sent to work as a servant at the age of 13. She married her first husband, George Ward, when she was 16 years old, but the marriage was short-lived and she was left a widow with a young daughter.
Cotton’s second marriage, to Charles Cotton, was more successful, but she soon became pregnant again. Her husband died suddenly, and she was left alone with two young children. This marked the beginning of a pattern of tragedy and loss that would follow Cotton throughout her life.
The Murders
Over the next few years, Cotton married again, and again, and again, each time experiencing a tragic loss. Her husbands would die suddenly, often of mysterious illnesses, and her children would die of fever or other illnesses. But Cotton’s neighbors and family members began to suspect that something was amiss. They noticed that she seemed to be getting rid of her husbands and children one by one, and they started to investigate.
The Investigation and Trial
In 1873, Cotton was arrested and put on trial for the murder of her stepson, Charles. The prosecution presented evidence that Cotton had a history of poisoning her loved ones, and that she had a motive for killing her stepson. Cotton’s defense team argued that she was innocent, but the jury was convinced that she was guilty. On March 24, 1873, Cotton was hanged for the murder of her stepson.
The Legacy of Mary Ann Cotton
Mary Ann Cotton’s case is considered one of the most shocking and tragic in English criminal history. Her story is a reminder that even in the most ordinary-seeming lives, tragedy and violence can lurk. Her case also highlights the fact that women can be just as deadly and calculating as men, and that they too can be driven to commit violent crimes.
Interesting Facts About Mary Ann Cotton
- Cotton was known for her beauty and charm, but also for her cold calculation and lack of emotion.
- She was known to have a history of making potions and concoctions using herbs and other ingredients, which some believe she used to poison her victims.
- Cotton’s victims were mostly her husbands and children, but she also targeted her mother and stepsons.
- Cotton’s trial was highly publicized and drew widespread attention from the press and the public.
Comparison to Other Female Serial Killers
- Aileen Wuornos: An American serial killer who was executed in 2002 for killing six men who picked her up as prostitutes.
- Dorothy Turner: An American serial killer who was convicted of murdering her three children and sentenced to life in prison.
- Elizabeth Báthory: A Hungarian countess who was accused of torturing and killing over 650 young girls.
Conclusion
Mary Ann Cotton’s case is a shocking reminder that female serial killers are not just myths or legends. Her life and crimes are a testament to the complexity and capacity for evil that exists within all of us. Despite her tragic and disturbing case, Cotton’s story also serves as a reminder of the importance of justice and accountability, and the need for societies to recognize and confront the darker aspects of human nature.