The Lonely Hearts Killers

2008-06-09 14:49:47

( Dating )



The Sensational Case of the Lonely Hearts Killers

The case of the Lonely Hearts Killers, which happened during the latter part of the 1940s, is quite unique as well as outrageous.

The two people behind the gruesome crimes were themselves victims of tumultuous and abused childhoods, which became the main motivation for the many merciless and deceitful acts of swindling and murder.

Who were the Lonely Hearts Killers?

Raymond Fernandez was the main perpetrator who as a child was physically abused by his father. As young as fifteen years old, he started a criminal life by petty stealing. While in jail, he learned some voodoo tricks which he allegedly used for the victims that later became his victims.

Raymond joined a lonely hearts club in 1947. He wrote very romantic letters to women, enough to convince them to marry him and bequeath their money, jewelry, and other properties to him. He would choose lonely but well-to-do women who deem themselves unattractive because of their age or social status.

Martha Beck, the accomplice, had an unhappy childhood of sexual abuse and ridicule because of her obesity. She herself almost became Raymond's victim, but she found him out and instead agreed to collaborate with him in his con activities.

Modus Operandi of the Lonely Hearts Killers

Raymond sent amorous letters to women who joined a lonely hearts club, using his charm and eloquence in capturing their hearts. The women finally agreed to meet him, and almost always they got charmed by Raymond's good looks and romantic personality. Martha tagged along as his sister even to the honeymoon and the victims' homes.

Numerous accounts claim that Raymond and Martha were in love with each other as well, but always posed as siblings whenever they meet their victims. Whenever a victim starts getting suspicious or become uncooperative with Raymond, she would be murdered by them.

The killing spree went on for almost two years, and claimed at least twelve fatalities. Every time the couple commits a murder, they would hide the bodies in basements or abandoned places to escape detection.

The couple was arrested right after the murder of their last victim and the victim's infant daughter. Police had come to question Raymond about another victim, but found the two dead bodies in the cellar. The two were tried and found to be sane individuals who had willingly committed the murders.

Even up to his death, Raymond had prided himself as being unusually charming, with an extraordinary crime pattern. Martha acted haughtily as well up to her time of execution.

Publicity about the Lonely Hearts Killers

The story of the Lonely Hearts Killers both outraged and intrigued the public. A book was released, which detailed the entire story beginning from the couple's childhood and youth.

The case also inspired two movie adaptations, the Honeymoon Killers in the 70s and the Lonely Hearts movie in 2006.


All rights Reserved © Tradenet Services srl
Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.