Janie Lou Gibbs

Serial Killer

Janie Lou Gibbs: The Georgia Serial Poisoner Who Murdered Her Family

Background

Janie Lou Gibbs, born Janie Lou Hickox on December 25, 1932, in Cordele, Georgia, was an American serial killer responsible for the poisoning deaths of five members of her immediate family. Between January 1966 and October 1967, Gibbs killed her husband, three sons, and infant grandson with arsenic. Her crimes were especially disturbing because they took place inside a family that appeared respectable and ordinary to neighbors. Gibbs was active in her church community and operated a nursery or daycare, putting her in the public role of a caregiver while members of her own household were dying one after another. Poison allowed the deaths to resemble serious illnesses rather than obvious acts of violence. The victims became sick, were taken for medical treatment, and initially received diagnoses that gave doctors little reason to suspect murder. Only after several members of the same family had died in less than two years did forensic testing expose what had actually been happening.

The Murder of Charles Clayton Gibbs

The first victim was Gibbs's husband of approximately eighteen years, Charles Clayton Gibbs, age 39. Accounts of the case describe Janie administering arsenic to Charles in food after he became ill. His condition deteriorated, and he was hospitalized. She reportedly continued bringing him food while he was receiving medical care, allowing her to maintain the appearance of a concerned wife caring for a seriously ill husband. Charles died on January 21, 1966. Doctors initially attributed his death to liver disease. There was no immediate murder investigation, and Gibbs received proceeds from life-insurance policies after his death. She was also known for giving part of the money to her church, reinforcing her image as a grieving but generous widow. At the time, the Gibbs family was associated with the Arabi and Cordele area of Crisp County, Georgia. ...

Confirmed Victims: (5)

Charles Clayton Gibbs Age: (39), Date of Death: January 21, 1966

Janie Lou Gibbs - Wikipedia