Rhonda Belle Martin

Serial Killer

Serial Killer Rhonda Belle Martin

Overview

Rhonda Belle Martin was an American serial killer who poisoned several members of her own family, including her husbands and children. Her crimes took place over several years in Alabama, and she was ultimately convicted and executed in 1957.

Crimes and Victims

Martin used arsenic to poison her victims, often over extended periods, making their illnesses appear natural. Her crimes came to light after her fifth husband fell seriously ill and survived, leading to an investigation and eventual confession.

• Claude Martin (First Husband) - Died under suspicious circumstances, but not formally investigated.
• Emmitt Martin (Son) - Died in 1944 from apparent arsenic poisoning.
• Ruth Evelyn Martin (Daughter) - Died in 1944 from arsenic poisoning.
• Anna Carolyn Martin (Daughter) - Died in 1945 from arsenic poisoning.
• Elberta Martin (Daughter) - Died in 1945 from arsenic poisoning.
• Rhonda Belle Thomley (Daughter) - Died in 1951 from arsenic poisoning.
• Lee Roy Gentry (Fourth Husband) - Died in 1952 from arsenic poisoning.
• Arnold Woodrow Martin (Fifth Husband) - Survived poisoning in 1956, which led to her arrest.

Investigation and Conviction

After Arnold Woodrow Martin fell ill and was hospitalized, doctors suspected poisoning. An investigation led to the exhumation of several bodies, revealing arsenic in their remains. Martin confessed to poisoning multiple family members but never provided a clear motive. ...Read More

Confirmed Victims: (6)

Emmitt Martin Age: (8), Date of Death: 1944

    ...View 5 additional victims
Suspected Victims:

Claude Carroll Martin Age: (51)

Survivors:

Arnold Woodrow Martin , Date of Attack: 1956

Rhonda Belle Martin - Wikipedia

    ...View 7 additional sources