7 Young Female Serial Killers Who Defied Expectations
In the annals of true crime, serial killers are overwhelmingly male, driven by patterns of power, control, and predation. Women represent only about 10-15% of known serial killers, and those who strike at a young age are exceptionally rare. These cases shatter stereotypes, revealing how trauma, mental illness, and environmental factors can converge in unimaginable ways. This article examines seven young women whose crimes defied societal expectations of gender and age, focusing on their backgrounds, actions, and the profound impact on victims’ families.
From preteens to early twenties, these individuals committed multiple murders, often with chilling calculation. Their stories highlight the youngest perpetrators in modern history, prompting questions about nature versus nurture, the failures of child welfare systems, and the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator. While respectful remembrance of the victims remains paramount, analyzing these cases offers insights into prevention and the human capacity for darkness.
Ordered roughly by age at first offense, here are the seven whose youth made their atrocities all the more shocking.
1. Mary Bell: The 10-Year-Old from Newcastle
Mary Flora Bell, born in 1957 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, grew up in a profoundly dysfunctional environment. Her mother, Betty, was a sex worker who allegedly attempted to kill Mary multiple times, including by strangling her and injecting her with drugs. Neglected and exposed to violence, Mary exhibited disturbing behaviors early on, such as harming animals and role-playing violent scenarios.
The Crimes
On June 25, 1968, 10-year-old Mary, along with 13-year-old Norma Joyce Bell (unrelated), broke into a derelict house and strangled four-year-old Martin Brown. They left notes taunting police, including “Fuch off, we murder. Watch out, we’re comin for you.” Posing the body with toys, they returned to admire their work. A month later, on July 31, Mary alone lured three-year-old Brian Howe to wasteland, strangled him with a leash, carved an “M” into his stomach, and mutilated his genitals with scissors. These acts, separated by weeks, qualified as serial killings despite her age.
Trial and Aftermath
Investigators noted Mary’s lack of remorse and manipulative demeanor during questioning. In December 1969, both girls were tried at Newcastle Assizes. Norma was acquitted; Mary convicted of manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility, receiving indefinite detention. Released in 1984 with a new identity, she later had a daughter and lived quietly. Psychologists attributed her actions to severe trauma and possible psychopathy. Tragically, Martin and Brian’s families endured lifelong grief, with the community haunted by the loss of innocence.
2. Jasmine Richardson: The Preteen Accomplice in Medicine Hat
Born in 1992 in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, Jasmine Richardson appeared as a typical 12-year-old obsessed with horror films and online chats. She began a relationship with 23-year-old Jeremy Steinke, bonding over gothic interests. Her parents disapproved, leading to escalating tensions.
The Crimes
On April 22-23, 2006, Jasmine and Steinke murdered her family: stabbing her father Marc (42), mother Debbie (42), and brother Jacob (8). The scene was gruesome—Marc was stabbed over 20 times, Debbie nearly decapitated, and young Jacob’s throat slit. They fled, killing the family dog too, before arrest in Saskatchewan.
Trial and Aftermath
Charged as adults, Steinke received life for three first-degree murders; Jasmine pleaded guilty to manslaughter, sentenced to 10 years (six in custody). Paroled in 2016, she relocated. Experts cited peer influence, identity issues, and exposure to violent media. The Richardsons’ deaths devastated the community, underscoring risks of unchecked online relationships for vulnerable youth.
3. Caril Ann Fugate: Starkweather’s 13-Year-Old Partner in Crime
Caril Ann Fugate, born in 1943 in Lincoln, Nebraska, met 19-year-old Charles Starkweather in 1956. From a working-class family, she was rebellious and infatuated with the troubled garbageman.
The Crimes
In January 1958, after an argument, they killed Caril’s family: shooting stepfather Marion, mother Velda, and baby sister Betty Jean. Over 10 days, they murdered six more—Robert Jensen and Carol King (teens), a salesman, and a wealthy family—totaling 11 victims. Starkweather did most killings, but Caril participated, lying about her family’s whereabouts and fleeing with him.
Trial and Aftermath
Captured after a manhunt, Starkweather was executed in 1959. Caril, convicted of accessory to murder, received life but was paroled in 1976 after claiming coercion. She maintained innocence, though evidence suggested complicity. Psychologists noted adolescent rebellion amplified by psychopathic influence. Victims’ families, like the Wardens, suffered immense loss, with the spree inspiring films like Badlands.
4. Alyssa Bustamante: The Self-Harming Teen from Missouri
Alyssa D. Bustamante, born 1994 in California, endured a chaotic childhood: drug-addicted mother, absent father, sexual abuse by an uncle. Placed with grandparents in Missouri, she self-harmed, attempted suicide, and was on antidepressants by age 15.
The Crimes
On September 17, 2009, to feel “something,” Alyssa lured nine-year-old neighbor Elizabeth Olten into woods, strangled her, slit her throat, carved her, and buried her in a shallow grave. She had previously killed animals and attempted another kidnapping. The single confirmed human murder was meticulously planned and executed.
Trial and Aftermath
Arrested after confession, she pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and armed criminal action in 2012, sentenced to life plus 30 years. Diagnosed with major depression and borderline personality disorder, her case raised debates on juvenile brain development. Elizabeth’s family grieved publicly, her mother stating the pain never fades.
5. Myra Hindley: The Moors Murderess
Born 1942 in Manchester, England, Myra Hindley had a strict Catholic upbringing but turned rebellious. At 17, she met Ian Brady, a sadistic clerk, becoming his devotee.
The Crimes
From 1963-1965, ages 21-23, they abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered five children: Pauline Reade (16), John Kilbride (12), Keith Bennett (12), Lesley Ann Downey (10), Edward Evans (17). Bodies buried on Saddleworth Moor; they recorded Downey’s torture.
Trial and Aftermath
Caught in 1965, convicted in 1966 of three murders (later four), life sentences. Hindley died 2002. Experts saw her as manipulated yet active participant, with antisocial personality traits. Victims’ families, especially Bennett’s mother who died without closure, bore enduring sorrow.
6. Beverley Allitt: The Angel of Death Nurse
Born 1968 in England, Beverley Allitt craved attention, faking illnesses (Munchausen syndrome). Trained as a nurse at 21, she worked at Grantham Hospital.
The Crimes
In 1991, age 22, she attacked 13 children: killing four (Liam Taylor 7mo, Timothy Hardwick 11, Becky Phillips 2mo, Claire Peck 15mo) via insulin overdoses, air injections, or smothering. Nine survived harm.
Trial and Aftermath
Investigated via insulin anomalies, convicted 1993 of murder and attempted, indeterminate sentence at Rampton. Factitious disorder plus personality issues diagnosed. Victims’ parents, like Liam’s, campaigned for justice amid hospital negligence.
7. Miranda Barbour: The Satanic Slayer
Born 1993, Miranda Barbour endured abuse, drugs, entered sex work young. Claimed joining satanic cult at 13, killing 22 across states.
The Crimes
November 2013, age 20, with husband Elytte, she posted online, lured Troy LaFerrara (42) to car, stabbed him 20 times. Elytte dumped the body. Claims of prior murders unverified.
Trial and Aftermath
Convicted 2015 of first-degree murder, life without parole. Borderline personality and trauma cited, but sensational claims questioned. LaFerrara’s family mourned a loving father.
Conclusion
These seven women, all under 25 at their crimes, defied expectations of female criminality, which often skews toward poison or relational motives rather than violence. Common threads—abuse, neglect, mental health crises—underscore the need for early intervention. Yet, their agency in heinous acts reminds us evil transcends gender and age. Victims like Martin Brown, Elizabeth Olten, and Keith Bennett deserve eternal remembrance, their stories fueling reforms in child protection and juvenile justice. These cases challenge us to confront darkness without sensationalism.
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