September 11, 1942 - Marybeth Tinning
What made this case so difficult to prosecute was the cover provided by apparent medical misfortune — nine children dying over fourteen years, their deaths attributed to natural or genetic causes until forensic evidence finally suggested otherwise. The inclusion of an adopted child among the victims undermined the genetic explanation that had shielded earlier investigations from scrutiny. Her conviction rested on a single confirmed case, leaving the full extent of what occurred across those fourteen years a matter of suspicion rather than legal determination.
From Wikipedia
Marybeth Roe Tinning (born September 11, 1942) is an American murderer and suspected serial killer who was convicted in New York State of the murder of her ninth child, 4-month-old daughter Tami Lynne, on December 20, 1985. She is suspected to be similarly involved in the previous deaths of her eight children, all of which took place within the span of fourteen years.
The causes of death for Tinning's first eight children was initially thought to be genetic. Even when their sixth child, Michael – who was adopted and not of blood relation – died in 1981, authorities failed to open an investigation. Eventually, Schenectady County prosecutors had enough evidence – a laboratory test indicating death from asphyxia by suffocation – to charge Tinning in Tami Lynne's death. In July 1987, she was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to twenty years to life in prison. An appeal to the New York Supreme Court, arguing that her confession was coerced and there was insufficient evidence to convict her, was denied.
It is unclear if Tinning has ever been diagnosed with Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSbP).
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