Martha Rendell | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 10 August 1871 Australia |
| Died | 6 October 1909 (aged 38) |
| Cause of death | Execution by hanging |
| Criminal status | Executed |
| Conviction(s) | Wilful murder |
| Criminal penalty | Death |
| Details | |
| Victims | 3 |
Span of crimes | July 28, 1907 – October 6, 1908 |
| Country | Australia |
| State(s) | Western Australia |
Date apprehended | July 1909 |
Martha Rendell (10 August 1871 – 6 October 1909) was the last woman to be hanged in Western Australia, for the wilful murder of her de facto husband's son, Arthur Morris, in 1908. She was also suspected of killing his two daughters, Annie and Olive, by swabbing their throats with hydrochloric acid. Although the children died slow and agonizing deaths, they had been treated by a number of doctors during their illnesses, only one of whom expressed any doubts about their deaths.