By   Marilyn Bardsley  

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In 1968, ten-year-old Mary Bell cold-bloodedly murdered two playmates. Later, Mary had a daughter of her own. It would be very interesting to learn what kind of mother Mary turned out to be, but this has been shielded from public view since 2003 when Mary won in the British court the right to privacy for herself and her daughter.

There is one serial killer mom whose behavior is well documented — Marie Hilley.

Marie murdered her husband, but it didn't stop there. She poisoned her daughter and other close relatives. Her murderous escapades undermined what should have been the most sacred of family relationships. When it appeared she would finally be brought to justice for her crimes, she disappeared and began life anew with an assumed identity.

Then there was Marybeth Tinning, who became afamiliar sight in Schenectady's trauma centers. She usually came running into one of the city's emergency rooms, confused and hysterical, typically with one of her babies cradled in her arms, either dead or near dead. The medical staff knew Marybeth well. Some hated her. Others felt great sorrow and pity for her. That's because from January 3, 1972, the day her daughter Jennifer died, until December 20, 1985, when Tami Lynne was found dead in her home, all nine of Marybeth Tinning's children died suddenly and usually without any rational explanation. For thirteen years, no body knew why.

Probably the most legendary serial killer mom and wife was Belle Gunness, America's first black widow, who provides a very clear example of a female serial killer who never outgrew her psychopathic tendencies but simply refined her techniques.

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Contact Marilyn Bardsley at marilyn.bardsley@turner.com

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