Ep 9. Heartless

In season 8 episode 9 of Deadly Women, titled "Heartless," the focus is on three deadly women who are driven by their thirst for blood and power.

The first story follows the life of Belle Gunness, a Norwegian-American serial killer who is believed to have murdered more than 40 people in the United States during the early 20th century. Belle's reign of terror lasted for over a decade until her farm in Indiana caught fire, revealing grizzly evidence of her crimes. This segment delves into the motivations and methods that Belle used to trap and kill unsuspecting victims, including her own husbands and children.

The second woman featured in this episode is Marie Noe, a housewife from Philadelphia who was convicted of murdering eight of her ten children over the course of two decades. This segment explores the psychological and social factors that may have contributed to Marie's seemingly inexplicable behavior, including her own experiences with abuse and neglect. The story delves into the various strategies used by investigators to piece together the evidence of Marie's crimes and ultimately bring her to justice.

The third and final story focuses on Dorothea Puente, a landlord from Sacramento, California who was convicted of killing her tenants for their Social Security checks. The segment explores the complex web of lies and deception that Dorothea used to cover up her crimes and maintain her facade of respectability. The story also highlights the tireless efforts of the investigators who were determined to bring Dorothea to justice in a case that captivated the nation.

Throughout the episode, the audience is given a glimpse into the mindsets and personalities of these deadly women, as well as the social and cultural contexts that may have enabled their crimes. With a blend of interviews, reenactments, and archival footage, "Heartless" offers a nuanced and chilling portrayal of three women who were willing to go to extreme lengths to satisfy their own twisted desires.