Ep 13. If Looks Could Kill

In Deadly Women season 8 episode 13, entitled "If Looks Could Kill," viewers are taken on a chilling journey into the lives of women whose appearances proved deadly. In this episode, viewers learn that for some women, the desire for love, money, or control can drive them to commit heinous crimes, often exploiting their physical allure to manipulate those around them.

The episode begins by introducing Sarah Jo Pender, a young woman convicted of double murder. Pender was a stunningly beautiful young woman with a troubled past. After being released from prison on drug charges, Pender became involved with a notorious criminal group. In 2000, she and two men were convicted of killing her roommates, shooting them execution-style in the head and dumping their bodies in a ditch. Pender's looks and charm may have initially helped her gain the trust of her victims, but ultimately, her actions proved to be her downfall.

Next, the show delves into the story of Celeste Beard, a woman who used her beauty and conniving ways to manipulate the men in her life. After her first husband died in a mysterious accident, Beard married a wealthy man and proceeded to spend years attempting to embezzle his fortune. When her scheme was discovered, Beard was convicted of conspiring to murder her husband. While her looks may have helped her gain the trust of her victims, ultimately, it was her greed and deception that cost her everything.

The episode also explores the story of Jodi Arias, a woman who became notorious for the brutal murder of her ex-boyfriend, Travis Alexander. Arias' obsession with Alexander and her jealousy over his relationships with other women ultimately led her to pull out all the stops to win him back. When her advances were rebuffed, Arias violently attacked Alexander, stabbing him 27 times and shooting him in the head. Despite her attempts to plead self-defense, Arias was ultimately convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Throughout "If Looks Could Kill," viewers are shown how the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards often fuels the actions of these deadly women. In some cases, the women featured in this episode went to desperate lengths to maintain their looks, using drugs or surgery to enhance their appearance. For others, their looks were used as a tool for manipulation, luring in unsuspecting victims and ultimately leading them to their demise.

Ultimately, the stories told in this episode serve as a chilling reminder that beauty can be a powerful tool, one that can be used for both good and evil. Whether it's the desire for love, money, or control that motivates them, these women prove that the pursuit of beauty and perfection can sometimes lead down a dark and deadly path.