When a former handyman was brought in, he denied having anything to do with the fire, claiming that he was not near the farm when the blaze occurred. Gunness collected money from both the expiring life insurance policy, and the one that went into effect that day, making a total of $5,000. Lamphere would not be enough for Belle. However, Gunness successfully convinced the investigators that she was innocent of any wrongdoing. Belle had lured this woman from Chicago on the pretense of hiring her as a housekeeper only days before she decided to make her permanent escape from La Porte. Biography claims that the remains of at least 40 men and children were found on Gunness' farm. Also unclear is how many victims Gunness had killed. She changed her name to Belle in 1881 when she came to the United States. When Andrew left home, he withdrew his life savings from the bank and was never heard from again. 4/28/1908 49 Fire set that kills children and where Belle's body was "supposedly" found headless. The daughter of a stonemason, Gunness immigrated to the United States in 1881 in search of wealth. In the smoldering ruins workmen discovered four skeletons. He slammed the door and then, in his underwear, leaped from the second-story window, barely surviving the fire that was closing in around him. But she also became somewhat of a legend, shrouded in mystery, revenge and money. Female Serial Killer Belle Gunness . He also stated that Andrew had answered a matrimonial ad that Belle Gunness had placed in a Norwegian language newspaper. [2] She killed most of her suitors and boyfriends, and her two daughters, Myrtle and Lucy. Little is known about her early life. All Rights Reserved. Gunness and Sorenson opened a candy store, but it soon burned down. Idaho Murders: What Led Police to Bryan Kohberger, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads, Name: Belle Gunness, Birth Year: 1859, Birth date: November 22, 1859, Birth City: Selbu, Birth Country: Norway. For these reasons and others, it's impossible to say how many people Gunness murdered. In 1881, at the age of 21, she moved to the United States in search of wealth and gave herself the Americanized name of Bella (Belle) Petersen. Although he almost left, Helgelien became convinced that he couldnt do so without looking harder for Andrew. An autopsy was considered unnecessary because the death was not thought suspicious. Basically, Belle Gunness was a female serial killer who poisoned her suitors and children. But as was the case with the candy store, Gunness and Sorenson were able to pocket the insurance money. She then dragged the corpse to the basement, dressed it in her own clothing, removed her false teeth, and placed them beside the headless corpse to ensure it would be identified as Belle Gunness. [9] At the time, police looked into reports of women suspected to be Belle, none of which led to her apprehension. It gave details of the slaying, and told of his part in the former murders which occurred at the Gunness farm, his task usually being the burying of the bodies in the garden. By the time her crimes were discovered at her burnt-out pig farm in 1908, her tally of victims had risen to at least 12, and possibly as high as 40. Four bodies were found at the Gunness farm. Local people refused to believe that her husband could be so clumsy he had run a hog farm on the property and was known to be an experienced butcher. I can tell from your letters that you are the man I want. She wanted the ground made level, so he filled in the depressions. She was also known as Hell's Belle, the . Soon enough, Gunness was depositing checks brought by her suitors, while the lovelorn men were never heard from again. In her reply, Belle offered true love and a life of wedded bliss but also mentioned a quick $1,000 that she needed to pay off a mortgage. Over the next several years, more men, sometimes accompanied by their children, would show up, their checks would be deposited, and they'd never be heard from again. [28], Hell's Princess: The Mystery of Belle Gunness, Butcher of Men is a 2018 non-fiction book by Harold Schechter on the life of Belle Gunness. Neighbors described the 200-pound Gunness as a rugged woman who was also incredibly strong. Serial killer Belle Gunness is reported to have murdered more than 40 people between 1884 and 1908 before disappearing without a trace. [citation needed] In 2008, DNA tests were performed on the headless corpse in an attempt to compare the DNA in the corpse against a sample from a letter Gunness had sent to one of her victims, but due to its age the sample was not able to be properly tested. Not long after, the children died, and the couple collected another insurance payment. No explanation was provided for what happened to the body's head. Asle Helgelien didn't believe Belle Gunness' claims that his brother, missing for months after answering the widow's lonely . We try to fit the pieces together through a few old photos, family and county records, and folklore. That man is out to get me, Gunness told the attorney. Soon after, Sorenson died of heart failure on the one day his two life insurance policies overlapped. The media surrounding the affair drew hundreds of people, and postcards were made. Jennie Olsen's death certificate. Helgelien became even more convinced of foul play when he went out to the ruins of Belles home and watched as the men digging for her head turned up eight mens watches, assorted bones, and human teeth instead. Benjamin Carling of Chicago, Illinois, was last seen by his wife in 1907 after telling her that he was going to La Porte to secure an investment with a wealthy widow. Bravely, Gunness responded that if he wanted to come and look for his brother, she would help search, but that if she was involved, Asle should pay her for her efforts. Usually accompanied by a handsome man, she was unrecognizable from the rough farm woman the locals were used to seeing. She made her home in Chicago and started working as a maid. He was found guilty of arson, but cleared of murder. She was the rarest of female psychopaths, a woman who engaged in wholesale slaughter, partly out of greed but mostly for the sheer joy of it. Gunness left her attorneys office. According to Harold Schechter, a true-crime author who wrote Hells Princess: The Mystery of Belle Gunness, Butcher of Men, Gunness knew exactly how to lure her victims onto her farm. Belle Sorenson Gunness, a notorious female serial killer born November 11, 1859 and declared dead April 28, 1908 was born Brynhild Paulsdatter Storseth. Belle had anywhere from 13 to 42 victims. As the investigation was ongoing, Asle Helgelien arrived in La Porte from South Dakota and told Sheriff Smutzer that he believed his brother, Andrew, had met with foul play at Gunnesss hands. In the pantheon of serial killers, Belle Gunness stands alone. Ray Lamphere, Gunness's hired hand, was arrested for murder and arson on May 22, 1908. Where was Belle Gunness born? 4/27/1908 49 Belle writes last will and testament. Story by Thomas Duke, 1910 . In 1881, when she was 21 years old, Belle Gunness moved to Chicago. In 1893, Belle met and married Mads Sorenson. [12] Blunt trauma and gashes characterized the skulls that were found that had been separated from the bodies. When the smoke cleared, authorities were left with so many bodies that they "stopped counting," according to Mental Floss. Or maybe she had developed a taste for murder. These are famous words by the convicted serial killer Aileen Wuornos who was put to death by lethal injection on October 9, 2002. He opened the hall door to a sheet of flames and screamed Gunnesss name and those of her children but got no response. However, when he was introduced to Andrew Hegelian Belles new husband-to-be, he made a scene, and Belle promptly fired him on February 3, 1908. Belle Gunness BrynhildPaulsdatterStrseth, later known as Belle Gunness, was born on November 11, 1859, in Selbu, Norway and died April 28, 1908 in La Porte, Indiana. She adopted an American name and found work as a servant. He had brought more than $1,000 with him to pay off her mortgage, or so he told neighbors, to whom Gunness introduced him as her cousin. It was reported that both the boat and carriage houses burned to the ground shortly after she acquired the property. How many are known? The First victims. But, for one reason or another, Gunness decided to emigrate from Selbu to Chicago in 1881. The couple collected the insurance money and bought a new home. Gunness claimed that Sorenson had come home with a headache, and she had given him quinine. Also counted was an adopted 10-year-old girl, identified as Morgan Couch, but who was later known as Jennie Olsen. Just one week after the ceremony, Peters infant daughter died of uncertain causes while alone in the house with Belle. In his statement, he revealed the details of Gunness crimes and swore she was still alive. Her family lived as tenants on a small farm owned by the Storseth family. Although her farmhouse burned down in April 1908, seemingly with her inside, some believe that Gunness slipped away perhaps to kill again. In this depraved story of sex, deception, greed, and murder, a veteran true-crime writer offers the first definitive history of Belle Gunness (circa 1859-1908), the most prolific female serial killer in American history.In previous books, Schechter (American Literature and Culture/Queens Coll. The district coroner reviewed the case, unequivocally announced that he had been murdered, and convened a coroners jury to look into the matter. How did Belle Gunness Kill Her Victims? Whether Gunness died in that fire remains unclear. YouTubeIn the early 20th century, Belle Gunness killed scores of men for their money. We know from the Guinness Book of World Records that the first twelve editions listed Belle Gunness' body count as twenty-eight "the greatest number of murders ever ascribed to a modern. Norwegian born Belle Gunness was born as Brynhild Paulsdatter Strseth in November 1859. Over the next several decades, Gunness was allegedly sighted in various cities nationwide. Before long, news of the gruesome discovery spread throughout the nation. She kept his trunk and fur overcoat. He showed up in hopes of finding his brother. Edgar Award Finalist: The true story of the female Norwegian immigrant who led a secret life as a serial killer in the early twentieth-century Midwest. The Story Of Belle Gunness, The Meat Cleaver-Wielding Serial Killer Of Turn-Of-The-Century Indiana. Though the authorities investigated, the formidable Belle was so convincing that no charges were ever filed. She died of tuberculosis while awaiting trial. Among the known facts about Belle Gunness is that she was an imposing woman, very tall and 250 pounds and that only one child - her second husband's daughter Swanhild - survived her clutches. In May 1908, after fire destroyed a LaPorte farmhouse, police made a gruesome discovery. Andrew Helgelien found her ad in the Minneapolis Tidende, a Norwegian-language newspaper. Gunness had insured both of the children and collected a large insurance check after each death. Initially, authorities found the remains of an adult woman and three children and quickly concluded that they belonged to the homeowner, a Norwegian immigrant known as Belle Gunness and her three foster children. Abraham Phillips, a railwayman of Burlington. We fixed him for keeps.. [1] When they failed to hear from him after that, the family contacted Gunness. Then, the farm became something of a tourist attraction, with thousands of gawkers turning up and in some cases, taking souvenirs, according to The New York Post. As The New York Post noted, she's been tied to at least 11 murders, and possibly dozens more, although the exact number of her victims may likely never be known. Think how we will enjoy each others company. Gunness wrote back, telling Asle Helgelien that his brother was not at her farm and probably went to Norway to visit relatives. In the end, she was awarded $8,500 (about $240,000 today), with which she bought a farm on the outskirts of La Porte, Indiana. Jennies body would later be found buried on her adoptive mothers property. No replies by letter considered unless sender is willing to follow answer with personal visit. The next thing she knew, her husband was dead. What followed were a series of insurance frauds and crimes, escalating in size and danger. To lure her last victim, Gunness wrote: My heart beats in wild rapture for you, My Andrew, I love you. Belle Gunness had asked him to level dozens of soft depressions in the ground, which supposedly covered trash. Only one person seemed to be catching on to Gunness habits: her foster daughter Jennie Olsen. On November 5, 2007, with the permission of descendants of Belles sister, the headless body was exhumed from the grave by a team of forensic anthropologists and graduate students from the University of Indianapolis to learn her true identity. Christie Hilkven of Dovre, Wisconsin, sold his farm and came to La Porte in 1906. Shutterstock. Belle Sorenson Gunness (born as Brynhild Paulsdatter Strseth; November 11, 1859 - April 28, 1908) was a Norwegian-American serial killer. Belle Gunness was known as many things: the "Female Bluebeard," the "High-Priestess of Murder," the "Mistress of the Castle of Death," the "Queen of Crime," and "Hell's Princess." . Triflers need not apply. Belle Gunness was born Brynild Paulsdatter Strseth on November 11, 1859 near Selbu, Norway. She is often referred to as Hell's Belle and authorities eventually found the remains of over forty victims on her farm property. On April 28, 1908, a fire destroyed a family farm near La Porte, Indiana. Gunness had a system. [1] Lamphere also asserted that the body thought to be Gunness's was in fact a murder victim, chosen and planted to mislead investigators. Fellow Norwegian-Americans flocked to her property hoping for a taste of home along with a solid business opportunity. The low end is 11, to account for her first two husbands, their children, and the children found dead on the family farm. Her victims were primarily men that Gunness convinced to come to her property with the promise of marriage. However the fourth, believed to be Gunness, was inexplicably missing its skull. She likely . Then, I did the planting.. [citation needed][14] However, a separate newspaper published a story with speculation regarding the second Lamphere confession. Her store and her home burned down, She and her husband collected the What is certain is that she murdered most of her boyfriends and her two daughters, Myrtle and Lucy. Belle Gunness was born as Brynhild Paulsdatter Strseth in Selbu, Sr-Trndelag, Norway on November 11, 1859. Some documented serial killers from history, we know very little about. I was not satisfied, Helgelien recalled, and I went back to the cellar and asked [one of Gunness farmhands] whether he knew of any hole or dirt having been dug up there about the place in spring.. The pair had four children: Caroline, Axel, Myrtle, and Lucy. Belle Gunness. She told him that she had fired her jealous farmhand, Lamphere, which caused him to go mad. He tried to rouse the lady of the house, the towering Belle Poulsdatter Sorenson Gunness, and he called the names of her . Taking in the grizzly scene, he immediately concluded that the fire was not accidental but arson and murder. Belle insisted that a meat grinder had fallen on his head, crushing his skull. However, she never went to the police to tell them about Lampheres allegedly life-threatening statements. Budsbergs sons had no idea their father had gone off to visit Gunness. We shall be so happy when you once get here, Gunness purred in one letter. Belle Sorenson Gunness (born as Brynhild Paulsdatter Strseth, November 11, 1859, Selbu, Norway- April 28, 1908 La Porte, Indiana) was one of America's most prolific known female serial killers. 40. La Porte County Historical Society MuseumInvestigators search for more bodies on Belle Gunnesss farm after the initial discoveries in 1908. Belle Gunness, born Brynhild Paulsdatter Strseth (November 11, 1859 [3] - possibly April 28, 1908), nicknamed Hell's Belle, [1] was a Norwegian-American serial killer who was active in Illinois and Indiana between 1884 and 1908. Best Known For: Serial killer Belle Gunness is reported to have murdered more than 40 people between 1884 and 1908 before disappearing without a trace. It is believed the couple produced two children whom Gunness poisoned in infancy for the insurance money. Belle Gunness "Hell's Belle" Gunness was America's most degenerate female serial killer in history, who likely killed both her husbands and all of her children. The only known child to have survived living with Belle Gunness was Peter's daughter . [27], The Farm, a 2021 film starring Traci Lords, is based on the Belle Gunness story. Over 40 victims had been found, including lovers, her husbands, and even her own children. Elliot Leyton. Belle Gunness was one of the first "Black Widows" and became a prolific serial killer. He died there of tuberculosis on December 30, 1909. The first doctor to see him thought he had suffered from strychnine poisoning. She then drugged his coffee and when the man was in a stupor, she split his head with a meat chopper. In fact, the farmhand did. Belle wore the finest clothing on those occasions, and her hair was adorned in the latest style. Ole B. Budsberg of Iola, Wisconsin, vanished in May 1907. After the fire, her victims were unearthed from their shallow graves around the farm. Gunness then began meeting wealthy men through a lovelorn column. He later stated that the expression on her face was so sinister and murderous that he let out a loud yell, and she immediately ran from the room without uttering a single word. You, the sweetest man in the whole world. One read: Personal comely widow who owns a large farm in one of the finest districts in La Porte County, Indiana, desires to make the acquaintance of a gentleman equally well provided, with view of joining fortunes. [7], She was at least 5'7" (170 cm) and weighed around 95 - 113 kg (210 - 250 lbs) and was physically strong and masculine in appearance. But once the tide turns away from Belle Sorensen of Gunness. American newspapers labeled Belle Gunness the Black Widow, Hells Belle, the Indiana Ogress, and the Mistress of the Castle of Death.. Come prepared to stay forever. These filled-in holes, Gunness had told Maxson, contained rubbish. [1] Lamphere stated that Gunness asked him to burn down the farmhouse with her children inside. But, there was another side to the woman that Lamphere saw, and soon the local folk would as well. At age 14, Gunness began working for neighboring farms by milking and herding cattle to save enough money for passage to New York City. From 1884 to 1908, it's believed that Belle Gunness killed, at least, 14 people. He disappeared from her farm within a week of his arrival. [21], After Gunness' crimes came to light, the Gunness farm became a tourist attraction. However, by the time anyone suspected Gunness in their deaths, they'd been dead for decades and their suspected murderer had vanished. Belle Gunness was born Brynhild Paulsdatter Storset on November 11, 1859, in Selbu, Norway. Belle explained that Peter reached for something on a high shelf and a meat grinder fell on him, smashing his skull. According to one census report, they also had a foster child named Jennie living with them. His widow, Gunness, collected on both policies $150,000 in todays dollars which she could have only done on that day. In late 1906 Belle told neighbors that her foster daughter, Jennie Olsen, had gone away to a Lutheran College in Los Angeles. There is speculation whether it was Belle because the body found seemed too small. [7] In Chicago, while living with her sister and brother-in-law, Gunness worked as a domestic servant, then got a job at a butcher's shop cutting up animal carcasses. Gunness was back a few days later to complain to the sheriff that Lamphere had visited her farm and argued with her. .css-m6thd4{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-family:Gilroy,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;font-weight:bold;color:#323232;text-transform:capitalize;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-m6thd4:hover{color:link-hover;}}Idaho Murders: What Led Police to Bryan Kohberger, Adnan Syed: A Complete Timeline of His Trial, Appeal and Killing of Hae Min Lee. Neighbors gossiped about the babies, since Gunness never appeared to be pregnant. Their life together seemed to be marked by tragedy. In June 1908, his widow was able to identify his remains from La Portes Paupers cemetery by the contour of his skull and three missing teeth. But she never showed up; instead, she cut across open fields and disappeared into the woods. Anderson was so startled by the ravenous expression in Gunness eyes that he left immediately. She was never tracked down and her death has never been confirmed. On April 27, 1908, Belle Gunness went to see an attorney in La Porte. A series of suspicious fires and deaths (mostly resulting in insurance awards) followed. Insurance frauds and crimes, escalating in size and danger the next several decades, Gunness decided to emigrate Selbu. Believed the couple collected another insurance payment put to death by who was belle gunness first documented victim injection October... To tell them about Lampheres allegedly life-threatening statements Hell & # x27 ; death... Replies by letter considered unless sender is willing to follow answer with personal visit county records and. Never showed up in hopes of finding his brother was not accidental but arson and.! Bank and was never heard from again of insurance frauds and crimes escalating... 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