November 28, 1946 - Chisako Kakehi
Kakehi targeted a succession of romantic partners over many years, exploiting the intimacy of those relationships to administer cyanide — a method that went undetected long enough to raise suspicion in at least ten deaths before her arrest. The case drew particular attention in Japan for what it revealed about vulnerability within late-life partnerships and the mechanisms by which such crimes can go unexamined. Her trial was complicated by a retracted confession and a dementia defense, but Japan's Supreme Court ultimately found the evidence of deliberate, sustained intent too substantial to set aside.
From Wikipedia
Chisako Kakehi (筧千佐子, Kakehi Chisako; November 28, 1946 – December 26, 2024) was a Japanese serial killer who was sentenced to death for the murders of three men, including her husband, and for the attempted murder of a fourth. She was also suspected in at least seven other deaths.
Arrest
Kakehi was arrested in 2014 following an autopsy on her fourth husband, Isao Kakehi, which revealed traces of cyanide poisoning.
Trial
She initially pleaded not guilty, but during her 2017 trial, she confessed, stating that she had no intention of hiding her guilt and wanted to kill her husband out of "deep hatred"; two days later, she retracted this confession, claiming to not remember having said it. Her lawyers subsequently argued that she suffered from dementia and could not be convicted due to diminished responsibility.
In June 2021, the Supreme Court of Japan rejected her final appeal. One of the judges explained the decision based on Chisako's "ruthless crime(s) based on a planned and strong murderous intention."
Death
Kakehi was incarcerated in Osaka. After being found unresponsive by prison staff on the morning of December 26, 2024, she was transported to hospital, where she died later the same day. She was 78.
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