A.K.A- Angel of death

Childhood ChaosBeverly Allitt was diagnosed with Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome this syndrome consist of injuries to one self or other in order to gain attention. As a child Allitt would wear bandages over “wounds” but would not let anyone examine them. Beverly had convinced a doctor to remove her healthy appendix then picked at the surgical scar to keep it from healing. She would eventual turn to “doctor-hopping” as the medical examiners would learn that she was only seeking attention.

Adult lifeAllitts’ Munchausen Syndrome only got worse as people would pay less attention to her. In order to receive the attention she desired Allitt would do anything. She went to train as a nurse and even though she had terrible strings of absence and poor scores Allitt was given a temporary six-month contract at a highly under staffed hospital. Working in the children’s ward were two nurses during the day and one at night. Needing the help this is where Allitt was assigned.

Adult life continuedShe always seemed to be alone with the children when they went into cardiac arrest. On February 21, 1991 Allitt claimed the life of seven-month-old Liam Taylor. She would claim 3 more lives, Attempt to murder 3more children, and cause bodily harm to 6 other children before being arrested in November 1991.

Motive Allitt’s only motive was to seek the attention that she craved. She tried to receive this attention by self inflicted wounds and when that stopped working she moved on to children.

Methods

Overdoses of insulin, Lignocaine and Potassium

Characteristics of victims

•Adolescence ranging from seven weeks old to 11 years old•Many suffered chest infections

You’ve been caught15 month old Claire Peck, Allitt’s last victim had an autopsy done which revealed a high level of potassium in her blood. They also found lignocaine which is used for cardiac arrest and had never been used in a baby. Upon further examination of some other cases from Allitt’s ward they found high doses of insulin and that Allitt had reported the key to the insulin fridge missing. While looking at the daily nursing log the found that some pages were missing. These missing pages were later found in Allitt’s apartment. The detectives on the case found 25 suspicious episodes involving 13 victims 4 of which had died. what lead detectives to the killer was the link between the victims. They had all been cared for by only Allitt.

Charge and sentenceOn May 23, 1993 Beverly Allitt was charged with the murder of four children and attempted murder of multiple others and sentenced to 13 life sentences and must serve atleast 28 years in prison.

Hard to spot Dress presentable Look charming Polite Gain their victims trust

4 killer scenesWebsite would not work

Surprise surpriseI was more appalled than surprised by how cruel someone could be to a child and their families and yet get so little time (in my opinion) in jail. I was surprised though to learn how much damage a person can do in such a small amount of time. I was also surprised to learn that most serial killers are just like normal people presentable, charming, and polite.

Bibliography

http://www.angelfire.com/fl5/ikill4attention/http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/serial_killers/notorious/tick/1b.htmlhttp://www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/angels/beverly_allitt/4.html