Ep 15. Baby-Faced Killers

In the 15th episode of the fifth season of Deadly Women, viewers are introduced to a group of female killers who appear innocent and harmless at first glance, earning them the title of "baby-faced killers." Through a series of reenactments and interviews with law enforcement officials, family members, and friends of the victims, the episode explores the psychology behind these seemingly meek and mild-mannered women who turned out to be ruthless murderers.

First, we meet Marybeth Tinning, a New York mother who lost nine of her children to supposed natural causes. However, after suspicions were raised about the cause of so many deaths in one family, an investigation revealed that Tinning had been suffocating her own children to death. With a calm and composed demeanor, Tinning was able to convince even her own husband that the deaths were accidental. The episode delves into her motives and the effects of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy on her actions.

Next, viewers are introduced to Marlene Olive, a Canadian nurse who used her profession to her advantage as she fatally injected her patients with lethal doses of drugs. With her innocent looks and quiet demeanor, Olive was able to convince her colleagues that the deaths were natural. However, when one of her colleagues became suspicious and reported her to authorities, Olive was arrested and sentenced to life in prison.

The episode also features the case of Kristina Fetters, a teenage girl from Iowa who killed her great-aunt with a hatchet. Fetters had been struggling with mental illness and had been in and out of psychiatric hospitals. However, her appearance and behavior seemed so unthreatening that her family never suspected she was capable of murder. The episode explores the tragic consequences of untreated mental illness and the importance of recognizing warning signs.

Finally, viewers are introduced to Jocylnne Marrero, a California woman who brutally murdered a man she had met through a personal ad. Marrero was described by those who knew her as sweet and kind, and she had no prior criminal record. However, after luring her victim to a motel room, she attacked him with a machete and left him to die. The episode looks at the psychological factors that led to Marrero's violent outburst.

Throughout the episode, experts in psychology, criminal justice, and law enforcement provide insight into the minds of these baby-faced killers. The episode raises important questions about how society perceives and stereotypes women, and how these assumptions can enable dangerous behavior to persist undetected.

Overall, Deadly Women season 5 episode 15 is a harrowing exploration of the darkness that can lurk beneath seemingly innocent exteriors. The episode raises important questions about the limits of human perception and the need for vigilance in identifying potentially dangerous individuals.