Why Women Kill: Truth, Lies and Labels

By: CBS All Access
  • Summary

  • When a woman commits murder, she’s often given a label: “The Woman Who Snapped,” “Black Widow” or “Angel of Death.” Do these labels help us explain why women murder, or do they mask the truth? Join the true crime writer Tori Telfer as she uncovers what drives women to kill, presented by CBS All Access.
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Episodes
  • The Bloodthirsty Babe
    Oct 25 2019

    Elizabeth Bathory murdered 600 servants and bathed in their blood. At least, that’s how the story goes. In the final episode of “Why Women Kill: Truth, Lies and Labels,” we explore “Bloodthirsty Babes,” the women who kill just for the thrill of it. What makes this kind of story particularly attention-grabbing? Why are we especially shocked and fascinated by women who seem to enjoy their crimes? Join the true crime writer Tori Telfer and notable guests as they unpack the intrigue, psychology and history of the “Bloodthirsty Babe,” presented by CBS All Access.

    Elizabeth Gurian is a criminologist, homicide researcher and associate professor of criminal justice and criminology at Norwich University.

    Helen Gavin is a lecturer at the University of Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, England. She is co-author of the book “Female Aggression.”

    Dawn Pflugradt is a psychologist specialized in forensic assessment and ethics. She's published several peer reviewed articles on violent female offenders, and is an associate professor at the Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology.

    Belinda Morrissey is the author of When Women Kill: Questions of Agency and Subjectivity. She is a media theorist and lecturer of literature and media studies at the Federation University Australia.

    Susana Vargas Cervantes is the author of The Little Old Lady Killer: The Sensationalized Crimes of Mexico's First Female Serial Killer. She is a Fulbright Fellow at Columbia University.

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    24 mins
  • The Bonnie
    Oct 18 2019

    Raymond Fernandez was a con artist, charming women out of their savings and then disappearing. But when he met Martha Beck, she joined him on his crime spree, and the cons became deadly. Today, we might compare this kind of lethal couple with Bonnie and Clyde, but does that truly explain the dynamic between them? And what causes a woman to become one half of a deadly duo? Join the true crime writer Tori Telfer and notable guests as they unpack the intrigue, psychology and history of the “Bonnie,” presented by CBS All Access.

    Laura Richards is a criminal behavior analyst and co-host of Real Crime Profile.

    Peter Vronsky is an investigative historian, author, filmmaker and new media artist. He is the author of Female Serial Killers: How and Why Women Become Monsters.

    Eric Hickey is a Criminal Psychologist teaching at Walden University and California State University, Fresno, CA.

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    23 mins
  • The Jealous Lover
    Oct 11 2019

    Mary Pearcey was deeply in love with her flame Frank Hogg. But Frank? He ended up marrying his steady girlfriend, Phoebe. Mary’s jealousy overcame her. Before long, Mary killed Frank’s wife and child. Stories of “Jealous Lovers” occupy pop culture, but what does this story archetype tell us about the real crimes that occur by women in love triangles? Join the true crime writer Tori Telfer and notable guests as they unpack the intrigue, psychology and history of the “Jealous Lover,” presented by CBS All Access.

    Sarah Beth Hopton is an assistant professor at Appalachian State University, and author of 'Woman at the Devil's Door: The Untold True Story of the Hampstead Murderess."

    Joni Johnston is a forensic psychologist and host of "Unmasking a Murderer." She works with the California Parole Board to evaluate offenders' mental health.

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    25 mins

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