
Wicked Words - A True Crime Talk Show with Kate Winkler Dawson
Wicked Words - Richard White: Who Killed Jane Stanford?
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Jane Stanford's troubled legacy and mysterious death had multiple potential perpetrators, sparking suspicion and intrigue.
- The investigation into Jane Stanford's poisoning and death revealed conflicting evidence and left the true cause unresolved, overshadowing her substantial contributions to Stanford University.
Deep dives
The Mysterious Death of Jane Stanford
Jane Stanford, the co-founder of Stanford University, had a troubled life and met a mysterious death. She was a complicated figure, with feminist ideals, but also contradictory beliefs. After the death of her son, she dedicated herself to founding Stanford University, which was funded by her substantial wealth. However, suspicions arise when Jane is poisoned twice, the first attempt being a near miss. The second attempt, resulting in her death, raises questions about the motives and culprits. The case becomes even more convoluted as various individuals, including university officials and her own servants, are considered suspects. The police investigation leads to conflicting evidence, and the true cause of her death remains unresolved. Despite the controversy surrounding her life and death, Stanford University ultimately receives a significant endowment, solidifying its place as a prestigious educational institution.