Throughout history, women have committed heinous acts that defy societal expectations. While murder is often associated with men, this list highlights ten women who engaged in particularly brutal acts of murder by torture. From historical figures to modern criminals, these cases demonstrate the dark side of human nature.
10. Elizabeth Branch
In 1740, Elizabeth Branch and her daughter, Mary, were indicted for the murder of their dairymaid, Jane Buttersworth. Following a brutal beating after Buttersworth returned late from an errand, she was left unconscious and later died. Elizabeth attempted to conceal the crime by having Buttersworth's body secretly buried. The case drew significant attention and ultimately led to their execution, making it one of the most infamous servant-abuse trials of the 18th century.
9. Elizabeth Brownrigg
Elizabeth Brownrigg systematically tortured her apprentice, Mary Clifford, in the 1760s, leading to the girl's death. Brownrigg's household was notorious for cruelty, and witnesses testified to the horrific treatment Mary endured. After being found guilty of murder, Brownrigg was hanged, and her case highlighted the dark realities of the apprentice system in London.
8. Lorraine Thorpe
At just 15 years old, Lorraine Thorpe was convicted of double murder in 2010. She and her accomplice, Paul Clarke, brutally killed her father and a family friend, Rosalyn Hunt. Thorpe's actions included torturing Hunt over several days before ultimately killing her. Her case shocked the public due to the brutality involved and her young age.
7. Darya Nikolayevna Saltykova
Known as one of the most notorious figures in Russian history, Countess Darya Nikolayevna Saltykova is believed to have tortured and killed around 138 serfs. Her methods were unimaginably cruel, involving burning, freezing, and even sewing victims' lips shut. After a lengthy investigation, she was found guilty and confined to a convent for life.
6. Juana Bormann
As a concentration camp guard during World War II, Juana Bormann was known for her extreme cruelty. She was implicated in the deaths of prisoners, having beaten them and used her dog to maul them. After the war, she was tried for her war crimes and executed, standing out for her particularly brutal methods of torture.
5. Anneliese Kohlmann
Anneliese Kohlmann was another female guard infamous for her brutality during the Holocaust. She was known for whipping and beating prisoners, including pregnant women. Following the war, she received a relatively light sentence, which many survivors felt was unjust given her history of violence.
4. Christa Pike
In 1995, 18-year-old Christa Pike became the youngest woman sentenced to death in the U.S. for her involvement in the torture and murder of Colleen Slemmer. Pike lured Slemmer under false pretenses and subjected her to a horrific death, even keeping a piece of Slemmer's skull as a trophy. Pike remains on death row, with a history of violence continuing even behind bars.
3. Michelle Knotek
Michelle Knotek's home was described as a "house of horrors." She abused and tortured tenants, leading to the deaths of multiple individuals. Her victims were subjected to starvation, beatings, and humiliation. Knotek was convicted of second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter, and her story gained notoriety through the true-crime book "If You Tell."
2. Natalie Vinje
Natalie Vinje participated in the torture and murder of Tammie Howard, who was hanged and beaten for hours. After the crime was uncovered, investigators found Howard's remains, leading to Vinje's arrest. Initially charged with first-degree murder, she later pleaded guilty to manslaughter and received a reduced sentence.
1. Rosa Baca
Rosa Baca was convicted of beating her boyfriend, Jose Magaña, to death with a hammer in a brutal act that included a charge of torture. Her story involved a series of lies attempting to cover up the crime, but evidence led to her conviction. She was sentenced to life in prison, with prosecutors describing the murder as one of the most brutal cases in her county's history.
These women, each with their own chilling stories, remind us that the capacity for cruelty knows no gender. Their actions, often rooted in a mix of jealousy, power, and sadism, serve as a reminder of the darker aspects of human nature.