10 Most Notorious Female Serial Killers in History
From 19th-century poisoners to modern murderers, these women committed some of the most shocking crimes ever recorded
**Erzsébet Báthory** stands at the top of the list as Guinness World Records' most prolific female murderer in history. This Hungarian countess faced investigation in 1610 when King Matthias launched an inquiry into her crimes. Over 300 witnesses testified against her, revealing a pattern of murder that earned her notoriety across centuries. Rather than execution, Báthory was imprisoned for her alleged crimes.
**Daria Nikolaevna Saltikova**, a Russian noblewoman, was arrested in 1762 for a suspected 138 murders, though she was ultimately convicted of murdering 38 of her serfs. Her victims were predominantly female servants who suffered physical abuse at her hands, making her one of history's deadliest documented killers.
**Mary Ann Cotton** (1832-1873) is recognized as Britain's first female serial killer. Operating in the 19th century, Cotton is suspected of poisoning around 21 victims using arsenic. Her victims included three husbands, a lover, a friend, her mother, and 11 children. She was hanged in 1896.
