Ethel Lewis

Serial Killer

Ethel Lewis: The Michigan Infant-Death Investigation

Background

Ethel Lewis was a Michigan woman who became the central figure in a disturbing 1929 investigation involving the deaths of several infants and very young children. Contemporary newspaper reports described Lewis as living in the Eau Claire and Indian Lake areas of southwestern Michigan. She was investigated alongside her adult daughter, whose first name appeared in newspapers under several spellings, including Okel, Okal, Oakel and Opal Gorham. The case is sometimes summarized by modern sources as the work of a serial killer, but the surviving historical record is complicated. Most of the allegations came from statements attributed to Lewis's daughter during questioning. The daughter repeatedly changed portions of her account, gave conflicting totals for the number of children killed and was later found to be seriously mentally impaired. Lewis also reportedly made statements that investigators considered incriminating, although she initially denied responsibility.

The Death That Triggered the Investigation

The investigation began after the death of Clarence Wesley Gorham, the infant son of Okel and Herbert Gorham. Clarence died on February 10, 1929, at or near the Lewis family residence in Berrien County, Michigan. The child was approximately one year old. Lewis reportedly claimed that Clarence had died from whooping cough. However, the undertaker who handled the child's body noticed suspicious marks around his neck and contacted authorities. A coroner's examination reportedly found evidence consistent with choking or strangulation rather than a natural death. Investigators began questioning Lewis and her daughter, and the inquiry quickly expanded to include earlier deaths in the family. According to accounts published at the time, Okel Gorham accused her mother of poisoning Clarence by placing a harmful substance in the child's milk and then strangling him. She claimed that she had been present during the killing. Lewis initially denied knowing anything about the death, but authorities said she later broke down during questioning and made the statement, "I didn't know it would cause all this trouble." ...

Confirmed Victims: (6)

Clarence Wesley Gorham Age: (1), Date of Death: 1929-02-10

Okel Gorham