The Redheaded Hellcat

Tea Time Crimes

Meet Rhonda Belle Martin, a mother, a wife, and a combination of the two (you read that right…), also nicknamed the Redheaded Hellcat. This woman took 1940s Alabama news outlets by storm. Join us as we jump into a TTC classic to kick off our post-spooky season.

Tea of the Day: Schisandra Tea

Theme Music by Brad Frank

Sources:

• “11 Highlights of 1907.” By: the Editors of Publications International, Ltd., How Stuff Works, https://history.howstuffworks.com/american-history/11-highlights-of-1907.htm
• On This Day, “Historical Events in 1907.” https://www.onthisday.com/events/date/1907
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/51985040/rhonda_belle-martin) accessed October 21, 2024), memorial page for Mrs Rhonda Belle Thomley Martin (4 Nov 1906–11 Oct 1957), Find a Grave Memorial ID 51985040, citing Montgomery Memorial Cemetery, Montgomery, Montgomery County, Alabama, USA; Maintained by Cheryl Thomley Rush (contributor 47780773)
• “Arsenic Murder Charged, Many Thought Victims.” The Evening Times (UP), Sat, Mar 10, 1956, Page 2, https://www.newspapers.com/image/292305373/
• “8 Arsenic Murders Laid to a “Hellcat.” Daily News (UP), Sat, Mar 10, 1956, Page 4, https://www.newspapers.com/image/455068088/
• “Bodies Exhumed.” The York Dispatch, Tue, Mar 13, 1956, Page 17, https://www.newspapers.com/image/614501236/
• “Confessed Poisoner Waived to Grand Jury.” Birmingham Post-Herald, Thu, Mar 15, 1956, Page 4, https://www.newspapers.com/image/793848987/
• “Bud Martin is Recovering at Biloxi Center.” Sun Herald, Tue, Mar 20, 1956, Page 3, https://www.newspapers.com/image/742205796/
• Waitress Facing Trial Today in Mass Murders.” The Montgomery Advertiser, Mon, Jun 04, 1956, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/262323780/
• “Poisoner Murderer Sentenced to die.” The Huntsville Times, Wed, Jun 06, 1956, Page 2, https://www.newspapers.com/image/554402033/
• “Jury Returns Death Verdict for Waitress In Poison Case.” The Montgomery Advertiser, Tue, Jun 05, 1956, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/262324152/
• “While Awaiting Appeal–Doomed Poison Slayer Beautifies Jail Chapel.” Birmingham Post-Herald, Tue, Nov 27, 1956, Page 15, https://www.newspapers.com/image/792989676/
• “Court Upholds Death Sentence Waitress.” The Birmingham News, Thu, Mar 14, 1957, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/574565822/
• “Mrs. Martin’s Plea Up Today.” The Montgomery Advertiser, Wed, Oct 09, 1957, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/256319473/
• “Mrs. Martin’s Life Ends In Kilby’s Electric Chair.” The Montgomery Advertiser, Fri, Oct 11, 1957, Page 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/256321493/
• “Gives Science Body: ‘Find why I killed.’” The Star-Ledger, Sat, Oct 12, 1957, Page 3, https://www.newspapers.com/image/1108278589/
• “Post-Mortem Study Request is Ignored.” The Roanoke Times, Sun, Oct 13, 1957, Page 54, https://www.newspapers.com/image/914678868/
• “Toxic Endings: When Poison is the Murder Weapon.” By Crystal Ponti, A&E True Crime Blog: Stories & News, Interview with Joni Johnston, November 23, 2020, https://www.aetv.com/real-crime/murder-by-poison
• “A Psychological Profile of a Poisoner.” By Joni E. Johnston, Psy.D., Reviewed by Ekua Hagan, Psychology Today, Posted July 9, 2012, https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-human-equation/201207/a-psychological-profile-of-a-poisoner