The Crimes of Patricia Vann Taylor Allanson
Early Life and Ambitions
Born on August 22, 1937, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Patricia Vann Taylor Allanson harbored dreams of embodying the quintessential Southern belle, reminiscent of Scarlett O'Hara from "Gone with the Wind." Her pursuit of this ideal led her down a path marked by manipulation, deceit, and murder.
The Allanson Family Murders
In 1974, Patricia married Tom Allanson, a man six years her junior, in a lavish ceremony where they dressed as Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara. Their union was marred by familial discord, particularly with Tom's parents, Walter and Carolyn Allanson, who disapproved of Patricia. On July 3, 1974, this tension culminated tragically when Walter and Carolyn were found shot to death in their home. Tom was arrested and convicted for their murders, receiving a life sentence. While Patricia was not directly implicated, suspicions arose regarding her influence over Tom and her possible role in orchestrating the crime.
Attempted Poisoning of Tom's Grandparents
Following Tom's incarceration, Patricia turned her attention to his grandparents, Nona and "Paw" Allanson. She endeared herself to them, eventually being named the primary beneficiary in their will. However, her intentions were far from benevolent. Patricia began administering arsenic to the elderly couple, causing them to fall gravely ill. Her malevolent actions were uncovered, leading to her arrest on August 6, 1976, for the attempted murders of Nona and "Paw" Allanson. In May 1977, she was found guilty and sentenced to two consecutive 10-year prison terms.
Crimes Against the Crist Family
After serving her sentence, Patricia was released in 1984 and adopted the name Pat Taylor. She, along with her daughter Debbie, posed as registered nurses and secured employment with the Crist family in Atlanta. During their tenure, James Crist Sr. died under suspicious circumstances in December 1988, and his wife, Betty, experienced severe health issues, later attributed to arsenic poisoning. Investigations revealed that Patricia had been poisoning the Crists. In April 1991, she and Debbie were indicted on multiple charges, including aggravated assault with intent to murder, theft, and impersonating a registered nurse. Patricia entered a plea agreement in June 1991 and was sentenced to eight years in prison.
Later Years and Continued Criminal Activity
Patricia was released from prison in 1999. Despite her previous convictions, she continued her illicit activities. In February 2008, at the age of 70, Patricia was arrested for "doctor shopping," having fraudulently obtained over 3,700 pain pills within a year. She faced three felony counts of unauthorized distribution, with bail set at $22,500. This arrest underscored her persistent disregard for the law and the well-being of others.
Conclusion
Patricia Vann Taylor Allanson's life is a chilling testament to the destructive power of unchecked ambition and manipulation. Her actions left a trail of devastation, affecting multiple families and leading to numerous deaths and suffering. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the potential for darkness within the human psyche.
