The Most Notorious Female Serial Killers Throughout History

Female serial killers represent only a fraction of all serial murderers, yet their crimes have shocked the world. From 19th-century poisoners to modern killers, these women have claimed dozens of victims. Their stories reveal patterns of manipulation, cold calculation, and psychological complexity that distinguish them markedly from their male counterparts.

### History's Most Infamous Female Serial Killers

#### 1. Aileen Wuornos (USA, 1956-2002)

Aileen Wuornos killed seven men in Florida between 1989 and 1990 while working as a prostitute. She claimed all killings were committed in self-defense against rape or attempted rape, but the court found her guilty of premeditated murder. Wuornos became the first female serial killer to match the stereotypical male profile by targeting strangers randomly. Her case was portrayed in the Oscar-winning 2003 film "Monster," starring Charlize Theron. She was executed by lethal injection in 2002.

#### 2. Elizabeth Báthory (Hungary, 1560-1614)

Countess Elizabeth Báthory may be history's most prolific female serial killer, with an estimated 80 to 650 young female victims. The Hungarian noblewoman tortured and killed her victims at her castle between 1590 and 1610. Legend claims she bathed in her victims' blood to preserve her youth, though historians dispute this account. Báthory was never formally tried for her crimes and died in captivity in 1614, leaving behind one of history's most chilling mysteries.