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'Black Widows' Guilty of Murder

Pair killed homeless men after buying them life insurance policies

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 17, 2008 3:27 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Two elderly women known as the "Black Widows" have been convicted in a murder plot to obtain life insurance benefits from two homeless men they put up in apartments before killing them. Helen Golay, 77, and Olga Rutterschmidt, 75, took out a total of $2.8 million in life insurance policies on the two men, who were mowed down by cars six years apart. 

Golay buried her face in her hands as the verdicts were read, reports the Los Angeles Times. The two women accused each other of the murders, but the DNA of one of the men was found on the underside of Golay's station wagon. Golay faces life without parole and Rutterschmidt 25 years to life in prison.    

Olga Rutterschmidt reacts as she is found guilty of conspiracy to murder.
Olga Rutterschmidt reacts as she is found guilty of conspiracy to murder.   (AP Photo/ Luis Sinco,Pool)
Helen Golay , 77, listens as guilty verdicts are read. Golay was convicted murder and conspiracy, her co-defendant was convicted of conspiracy.
Helen Golay , 77, listens as guilty verdicts are read. Golay was convicted murder and conspiracy, her co-defendant was convicted of conspiracy.   (AP Photo/Luis Sinco, Pool)
Helen Golay in court during the trial. She was foud guilty of two counts each of murder and conspiracy.
Helen Golay in court during the trial. She was foud guilty of two counts each of murder and conspiracy.   (AP Photo/Allen J. Schaben, pool)
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Jury convicts Black Widows in trial
ABC News

California jury convicts elderly women in murder conspiracy
Associated Press

 
murder • hit-and-run • Black Widow • Helen Golay • Olga Rutterschmidt • Kenneth McDavid • Paul Vados • Michael Sklar

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LA's 'Black Widows' Get Life in Prison for Murders
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