Sarah Jane Whiteling: The Female Poisoner of Philadelphia
Introduction
Sarah Jane Whiteling was an American serial killer who poisoned her husband and two children in the late 19th century. Her crimes shocked the nation and ultimately led to her execution, making her the first woman to be hanged in Philadelphia.
The Murders
Whiteling’s crimes took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1888. She used arsenic to murder her family, later claiming financial distress and personal hardships as her motives. Each victim suffered a slow and painful death before their bodies were examined, leading to her arrest.
Victims
- John Whiteling (husband) – Poisoned on March 20, 1888. He fell ill suddenly and died, with doctors initially attributing his death to natural causes.
- Willie Whiteling (son) – Poisoned on April 25, 1888. The young boy showed symptoms of arsenic poisoning, but his death was not immediately investigated.
- Bertha Whiteling (daughter) – Poisoned on May 21, 1888. After the deaths of her husband and son, Sarah Jane also killed her 9-year-old daughter.
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Account
