The Damsel of Death

Aileen Wuornos was a rare case in American criminal history — a female serial killer. She murdered seven men in Florida between 1989 and 1990, claiming self-defense in most cases. Wuornos had a troubled childhood, marked by abuse, abandonment, and time spent as a teenage prostitute. Her life spiraled further into violence and crime, culminating in her infamous killing spree. Wuornos’ case became one of the most highly publicized trials of the early '90s, partly because of her gender and partly because of her claimed motives: she said she killed her victims to protect herself from rape and violence. However, evidence suggested robbery and premeditation, as personal belongings were often stolen and sometimes pawned.

She was arrested on January 9, 1991, at "The Last Resort" biker bar in Port Orange, Florida. Her companion, Tyria Moore, cooperated with police and played a key role in Wuornos’ confession.

Wuornos was tried for the murder of Richard Mallory first, and the evidence of her other murders was admitted during the trial. She was found guilty and sentenced to death.

Over the next year, she pled no contest to the murders of Humphreys, Burress, and Spears, and received additional death sentences.

She was executed by lethal injection on October 9, 2002, at Florida State Prison.

· Richard Charles Mallory, 51 — A man with a troubled past, lost to violence.

· David Andrew Spears, 47 — A hardworking construction worker.

· Charles Richard Carskaddon, 40 — A rodeo worker seeking new opportunities.

· Peter Abraham Siems, 65 — A devoted missionary, never found.

· Troy Eugene Burress, 50 — A dedicated delivery man and husband.

· Charles Edward Humphreys, 56 — A retired Air Force major and child advocate.

· Walter Jeno Antonio, 62 — A truck driver, security guard, and family man.