The infamous South African poisoner Daisy DeMelker killed several
husbands and her son in profit-driven offenses. She was an attractive woman who
earned nursing credentials but earned her living by marrying men, killing them and
reaping the resultant reward. This chapter describes DeMelker, and her monetarilymotivated
marriages. The MO, time frame, number of victims and victims were
analyzed. Significant serial killer rhetoric was considered. The investigation leading to
her arrest was discussed, and the trial described.
Keywords: Accomplice, Berea Nursing Home, Black widow, Boniface Anglican
Church, British army, British pound sterling, Capetown, Daisy DeMelker, Good
Hope Seminary, Hospital, Johanessburg, “Lady Death, ” Sarah Gertrude Millen,
Newspapers, Nurse, Poison, Seven Fountains, Daisy Hancorn-Smith, South
Africa, St. Mary the Lesser Anglican Church.
