Sarah Jane Robinson

Serial Killer

Victims and Suspicious Deaths

• Oliver Sleeper – Robinson’s 72-year-old landlord died on August 10, 1881, in Massachusetts. Robinson had cared for him during his final illness, which was originally attributed to heart disease. Approximately $3,000 was reportedly discovered missing from his apartment. Robinson was later indicted in connection with his death, although she was not separately convicted of murdering him.
• Moses Robinson – Robinson’s 45-year-old husband died on July 25, 1882, while the family was living in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His death was initially blamed on drinking cold water after becoming overheated. An insurance company questioned the circumstances and refused to pay Robinson’s claim. His death was later treated as a suspected arsenic poisoning.
• Emma M. Robinson – Robinson’s 10-year-old daughter died on September 6, 1884, in the Boston-area household. Her death followed an illness similar to those suffered by other members of the family and was eventually included among the deaths attributed to Robinson.
• Annie Freeman – Robinson’s sister, approximately 45 years old, died on February 28, 1885, in Massachusetts. Annie became ill while within Robinson’s circle of care. Her death left Robinson increasingly involved in the affairs of Annie’s husband and child.
• Prince Arthur Freeman – Robinson’s 33-year-old brother-in-law died on June 27, 1885, in Massachusetts. He suffered violent gastrointestinal symptoms consistent with arsenic poisoning. Freeman carried a benefit policy reportedly worth $2,000. Robinson took responsibility for his young son and gained control of money intended for the child’s support. This was the murder for which she was ultimately convicted.
• Elizabeth “Lizzie” A. Robinson – Robinson’s 24-year-old daughter died on February 22, 1886, in the Boston area. Lizzie’s illness and death were considered suspicious because they followed the same pattern seen in earlier cases. Robinson and two alleged associates were later indicted in connection with her death.
• Thomas Arthur “Tommy” Freeman – Robinson’s seven-year-old nephew died on July 23, 1886, while under her control in Massachusetts. He was the son of Annie and Prince Arthur Freeman. His death attracted serious suspicion because his parents had already died and Robinson controlled the insurance funds intended for his care.
• William “Willie” J. Robinson – Robinson’s 22-year-old son died on August 12, 1886, after experiencing vomiting, convulsions and extreme physical suffering. Before his death, William reportedly indicated that his mother was responsible for his condition. A physician preserved portions of his stomach and organs for chemical testing. Analysis conducted through Harvard revealed a substantial quantity of arsenic, providing investigators with the evidence needed to arrest Robinson.

The Investigation

Trials and Conviction

Evidence Discovered in Her Former Home

Commutation and Death

Legacy