Case File: Belle Gunness

Case File #10

WHO

Belle Gunness (1859-1908)

Hell’s Bell

WHEN

1884-1908

WHERE

Illinois and Indiana 

WHAT

Killed at least 14 people most of whom were men. She killed both of her husbands and her kids.

HOW

Would place ads for marriage in the paper to entice men to her rural property. 

WHY

Monetary gain from insurance payouts

NOW

She was never caught, but it was believed she perished in a fire. It is popularly thought that she escaped and faked her own death to avoid prosecution.