The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told Episode: The First American Female Serial Killer (Pt 3) Release Date: January 16, 2024 Host: Mary Kay McBrayer Guest: Harold Schechter
Introduction and Context
In the finale of the three-part miniseries on Jane Toppan, purportedly the first American female serial killer, host Mary Kay McBrayer delves deeper into the escalating depravity and recklessness of Toppan’s crimes. This episode contextualizes how Jane’s background and previous actions set the stage for her eventual unmasking and capture.
The Davis Family and Community Suspicion
Mary Kay begins by recounting the strained relationship between the Davis family and the town of Catamit, Massachusetts. The Davises, led by Alden Davis, ran a hospitality business but lived on the town's outskirts—a choice that bred suspicion and resentment. This animosity was compounded by Alden's Confederate war background and his involvement with the extreme Second Advent Church led by Charles Freeman.
Notable Quote:
"...the town of Catamit, Massachusetts didn't really like the Davis family." ([00:11])
Charles Freeman’s Sacrifice and Its Aftermath
In 1879, Charles Freeman, the leader of the Second Advent Church, violently sacrificed his young daughter, citing religious necessity. This atrocity led to his institutionalization and further alienated the Davis family from the community.
Notable Quote:
"After that, Jane kept killing her private nursing patients until June of 1901..." ([10:40])
Jane Toppan’s Escalating Crimes
Jane Toppan’s killing spree intensified with the demise of the entire Davis family within a short span. The community, already wary of the Davises, dismissed the deaths as divine retribution rather than recognizing the pattern of a serial killer. Toppan’s methods became increasingly reckless, involving morphine and atropine to poison her victims.
Notable Quote:
"It was easy to see the demise of the Davises as the hand of God delivering punishment, rather than see it for what it actually was, the work of an increasingly reckless and sloppy serial killer." ([00:11])
Manipulating the Davis Family
After murdering Mattie Davis, Jane moved in with the remaining Davis family members under the guise of providing comfort. Her manipulative tactics included setting fires and poisoning with lethal substances, ultimately leading to the deaths of Alden Davis and his daughters, Genevieve Gordon and Minnie Gibbs.
Notable Quote:
"Something comes over me. I don't know what it is. I seem to have a sort of paralysis of thought and reason." ([33:05])
The Final Acts and Arrest
Jane’s spree culminated in the blatant murder of the Davis family, which drew significant attention. However, it was not until Detective John S. Patterson exhumed the bodies and discovered arsenic traces that Jane’s crimes could be definitively connected to her. Her subsequent arrest on October 30, 1901, shocked the community and her acquaintances alike.
Notable Quote:
"I suspected they had been poisoned, but I didn't think Jenny Taupin would use anything as easily detected as arsenic." ([30:56])
Trial and Insanity Defense
During her trial, Jane shifted from pleading not guilty to confessing her crimes. Despite her calm recounting of the murders, her defense argued insanity—a claim ultimately upheld by the court, resulting in her lifelong confinement at Taunton Asylum. Jane’s inability to comprehend the gravity of her actions was evident in her own statements during the trial.
Notable Quote:
"I cannot make sense of it all. Something comes over me. I don't know what it is." ([33:05])
Interview with Harold Schechter
In an exclusive conversation, true crime author Harold Schechter discusses the complexities of Jane Toppan’s case, including the questionable validity of her purported confession published by William Randolph Hearst. Schechter emphasizes the importance of verifying historical accounts, especially those influenced by sensationalist media practices of the time.
Notable Quote:
"None of them were real confessions. Hearst would sometimes pay them a bunch of money." ([49:20])
Conclusion and Reflections
Mary Kay McBrayer reflects on the societal fascination with serial killers, particularly female perpetrators like Jane Toppan. She highlights the ongoing debate of nature versus nurture in Toppan’s case, acknowledging that while her upbringing and circumstances influenced her actions, there remains no definitive answer to her motivations.
Notable Quote:
"It really is the question, we can't stop trying to answer it." ([00:11])
Looking Ahead
The episode concludes with a teaser for the next installment, focusing on Holly Dunn, the sole survivor of a railroad serial killer, promising another deep dive into remarkable true crime narratives.
Additional Information:
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Book Recommendations:
- America's First Female Serial Killer, Jane Toppan and the Making of a Monster by Mary Kay McBrayer
- Fatal by Harold Schechter
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Resources:
- Visit Diversion Audio for more true crime stories and subscribe to their newsletter for exclusive content.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Mary Kay McBrayer ([00:11]): "The town of Catamit, Massachusetts didn't really like the Davis family."
- Mary Kay McBrayer ([10:40]): "After that, Jane kept killing her private nursing patients until June of 1901..."
- Mary Kay McBrayer ([33:05]): "I cannot make sense of it all. Something comes over me. I don't know what it is. I seem to have a sort of paralysis of thought and reason."
- Harold Schechter ([30:56]): "I suspected they had been poisoned, but I didn't think Jenny Taupin would use anything as easily detected as arsenic."
- Harold Schechter ([49:20]): "None of them were real confessions. Hearst would sometimes pay them a bunch of money."
- Mary Kay McBrayer ([00:11]): "It really is the question, we can't stop trying to answer it."
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing a structured overview of Jane Toppan's heinous crimes, her interactions with the Davis family, her eventual downfall, and expert insights from Harold Schechter. The inclusion of notable quotes with timestamps enriches the narrative, offering direct insights from the speakers.