206 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
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Description
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Belle Gunness: The Notorious Black Widow of La Porte

Introduction

Belle Gunness was one of the most infamous female serial killers in American history. Born in Norway in 1859, she later immigrated to the United States, where she carried out a series of brutal murders in La Porte, Indiana. Her crimes involved luring suitors with promises of marriage, only to murder them for financial gain.

Early Crimes and Suspicious Deaths

Gunness's history of suspicious deaths began with the mysterious demise of her first husband, Mads Sorenson, in 1900. He died on the exact day his two life insurance policies overlapped, raising suspicions. The cause of death was ruled as heart failure, but later speculation suggests he may have been poisoned.

Murders in La Porte, Indiana

After moving to La Porte, Indiana, Belle Gunness continued her killing spree. She placed newspaper ads seeking wealthy suitors, inviting them to her farm. Many men responded, bringing large sums of money, only to disappear without a trace. Authorities later discovered dismembered remains buried on her property. ...Read More
Victims
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Confirmed Victims: (14)
  • Caroline Sorenson , Date of Death: 1896
  •     ...View 13 additional victims
    Killer's Details

    Belle

    Gunness

    November 11, 1859 Selbu, Sør-Trøndelag, Norway

    April 28, 1908 (aged 48) La Porte, Indiana, United States

    Female

    White

    14 (at least)

    1884 - 1908

    Illinois, Indiana

    07/03/2025