Mattie Troy Thomas: A Detailed Account of Her Crimes
Background
Mattie Troy, also known as Mary Thomas, was an African-American woman residing in Argentine, Kansas, in the early 20th century. Notably large in stature, weighing approximately 300 pounds, she was married to a ragman from Argentine. Her criminal activities, primarily involving poisoning, were driven by financial motives, particularly insurance fraud.
Criminal Activities
Mattie Troy's modus operandi involved insuring individuals and subsequently causing their deaths to claim insurance money. Her known and suspected victims include:
- David Marshall: In November 1909, Troy brought David Marshall from Kansas City to Topeka, Kansas. She administered arsenic to him, leading to his death on November 6, 1909. She then falsely claimed that the deceased was her stepson, David Troy, to collect insurance benefits.
- Unidentified Victims: Investigations suggested that Troy might have been involved in the deaths of several other individuals, including her husband and other children, though specific details and confirmations are scarce.
Investigation and Arrest
The suspicious circumstances surrounding David Marshall's death prompted an investigation by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company's agents. They discovered that David Troy, the supposed deceased stepson, was alive, leading to suspicions of fraud. A chemical analysis of Marshall's exhumed body revealed significant traces of arsenic, strengthening the case against Troy. She was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree murder and obtaining money under false pretenses.
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Account
