Lyda Catherine Southard

Serial Killer

Lyda Catherine Ambrose: The Black Widow of the Early 20th Century

Early Life

Born in 1891, Lyda Catherine Ambrose's early life remains largely undocumented. Her known history begins in 1917, marking the start of a series of calculated and heinous crimes.

First Fiancé: 1917

In 1917, in Keytesville, Missouri, Ambrose became engaged to an unnamed man. Shortly after he secured a $2,500 life insurance policy naming her as the beneficiary, he died unexpectedly from severe stomach pains. This sudden death raised no immediate suspicions, allowing Ambrose to collect the insurance payout. ...

Confirmed Victims: (1)

Edward F. Meyer , Date of Death: 1920-09-07

Suspected Victims:

Robert Dooley , Date of Death: 1915-10-12

Edward Dooley , Date of Death: 1915-08

Harlen Lewis , Date of Death: 1919-03

Lorraine Dooley Age: (2), Date of Death: 1915

Lyda Ambrose | Murderpedia