Japan’s ‘black widow’ serial killer sentenced to death for murdering three partners with cyanide cocktails
Chisako Kakehi, 70, became notorious after she dispatched a number of elderly men she was involved with, drawing comparisons with the spider that kills its mate after copulation
A one-time millionairess nicknamed the “black widow”, who tricked elderly lovers into drinking cyanide then pocketed millions in insurance payouts and inheritance, was sentenced to death in Japan on Tuesday.
Kyoto District Court condemned Chisako Kakehi, 70, to the gallows for the murder of three men – including a husband – and for the attempted murder of another, ending a high-profile case that has gripped the country.
Kakehi became notorious after using poison to dispatch a number of elderly men she was involved with, drawing comparisons with the spider that kills its mate after copulation.
“The accused made the victims drink a cyanide compound with a murderous intention in all four cases,” Judge Ayako Nakagawa told the court, according to public broadcaster NHK. “The cases were well prepared in advance. They were cunning and malicious. I have no choice but to impose the ultimate penalty.”
Prosecutors sought capital punishment while her defence counsel pleaded not guilty to the crime due to a lack of physical evidence, also arguing that she cannot be held responsible as she suffers from dementia.