Lavinia Fisher
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| Lavinia Fisher | |
|---|---|
| Born: | 1793 Charlestown, South Carolina |
| Died: | February 18, 1820 |
| Cause of death: | Hanging |
| Penalty: | Hanging |
| Killings | |
| Number of victims: | Dave Ross (escaped), unknown names for murder victims |
| Country: |  USA |
Lavinia Fisher (1793 – February 18, 1820) is widely recognized as the first female serial killer in the United States of America.[1] Her origins are unknown; however, Fisher resided in the United States for a large amount of her life. She was married to John Fisher, and both were convicted of murder and robbery.
[edit] Residence
Fisher and her husband John resided in South Carolina, United States for most of their life. Together, they owned a hotel, the Six Mile House, which they managed between 1810 and 1820. The hotel was located six miles north of Charleston, South Carolina, hence the name. After a short period, many reports were made to the local sheriff's department about guests disappearing. Due to lack of evidence, and the popularity of the couple with many locals, these complaints came to nothing.
[edit] Murders
An official encounter between Dave Ross and Lavinia began to spark controversy. It was this that would lead to the Fishers' trial and execution. Ross, who had been guarding the house, had been physically assaulted by members of a gang that had broken into the hotel. Ross expected help from Lavinia, but instead was choked by her. Then he reported that Lavinia smashed his head through a glass window. He escaped, and informed the authorities of what was happening.[2] During an investigation by police, Lavinia and John were discovered along with two other gang members. John surrendered the complete group in order to protect his wife and shield her from the possibility of gunfire. John and Lavinia were immediately arrested and taken to the Old City Jail.
They were tried together. John was hanged minutes before Lavinia was. Lavinia was hanged on February 18, 1820, wearing her white wedding gown. Just before hanging, she told the crowd: "If any of you have a message for the Devil, give it to me, for I am about to meet him!"[3]
[edit] References
- ^ Petro, Pamela (2002). Sitting Up With the Dead: A Storied Journey Through the American South. New York, New York: Arcade Books, p205. ISBN 1-55970-612-0.
- ^ Hendrix, Pat (2006). Murder and Mayhem in the Holy City. Charleston, South Carolina: The History Press, p29. ISBN 1-59629-162-1.
- ^ If you have anything to say to the devil. Women executed for murder in the USA. Retrieved on 31/10/2007
