Witches, Magic, Murder, & Mystery · Megan and Kara

371. MURDER: Lavinia Fisher, Serial Killer?

·24 min

Episode 371 of 'The Witches, Maddie, Murder, and Mystery' covers Lavinia Fisher, believed to be America's first female serial killer. The story follows Lavinia and her husband John, who operated the Six Mile Wayfarer House inn in early 1800s Charleston while part of the Highwaymen criminal gang. Lavinia allegedly seduced wealthy male guests to assess their finances, then poisoned them with oleander leaves for robbery or murder. The narrative includes escape attempts—one guest feigning poisoning effects to avoid robbery, another discovering a trap door bed designed to drop him to his death. Vigilantes eventually raided the inn and arrested the Fishers.

As heard by us

A loose Patreon hangout about Lavinia Fisher that stays skeptical and chatty.

This Patreon episode treats Lavinia Fisher as legend first and certainty second, and it keeps coming back to that tension. The hosts talk through the story in a loose, listener-friendly way, react as the details get stranger, and keep checking what still feels believable.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Press play if you want a Patreon bonus on Lavinia Fisher, supposedly America's first female serial killer, with two hosts who keep questioning the story instead of letting it sit neat.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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