Jane Toppan: The Notorious Serial Killer Nurse
Introduction
Jane Toppan, born Honora Kelley in 1857, was a nurse who became one of the most infamous serial killers in American history. Known as "Jolly Jane," she used her medical knowledge to poison at least 31 victims. Her killing spree lasted from the late 1880s to 1901, primarily in Massachusetts. She was arrested in 1901 and later declared insane.
Her Method of Killing
Toppan used her position as a nurse to administer lethal doses of morphine and atropine to her patients. She would experiment with different drug combinations to see their effects, often climbing into bed with victims to watch them die. Her motivation was not only murder but also a twisted sense of control and pleasure.
List of Victims
Toppan confessed to 31 murders, though only a few have been well-documented. Some of her known victims include:
- Elizabeth Brigham (1899) – An elderly patient poisoned while under Toppan’s care in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
- Mary McNear (1899) – Another elderly patient killed with a morphine overdose in Massachusetts.
- Myra Connors (1899) – A friend and fellow nurse poisoned in Cambridge.
- Minnie Gibbs (1901) – A member of the Davis family who was poisoned.
- Genevieve Gordon (1901) – Another Davis family member who fell victim to Toppan’s poison.
- Alden Davis (1901) – The patriarch of the Davis family, killed by Toppan.
- Mattie Davis (1901) – The wife of Alden Davis and one of Toppan’s last known victims.
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