Episode 560: “Jolly Jane” Toppan: Angel of Mercy (Part 1)

May 2, 2024

Discover the chilling story of Jane Toppen, a nurse turned killer who conducted medical experiments on patients, including injecting them with drugs and holding them close as they died. Uncover her deceptive and deadly ways, leading to a sensational trial in 1901. Explore her dark past, twisted desires, and manipulative behaviors, revealing a character consumed by sinister motives and a broken mindset.

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Introduction

00:00 • 2min

Spooky Morning and The Butcher Game

02:25 • 7min

The Dark Deeds of Jane Toppen

08:57 • 7min

The Tragic Impact of Custody Transfer on Jane and Delilah

16:24 • 6min

Identity Struggles and Family Deceit

22:50 • 7min

Exploring the Evolution of Deception and Manipulation

29:23 • 2min

Twisted Desires and Deceptive Behavior

31:51 • 13min

The Dark Secrets of Jane at the Hospital

45:20 • 5min

A Nurse's Deadly Deception

50:44 • 22min

Exploring Jane's Transition to Private Nursing and Manipulative Behaviors

01:12:46 • 3min

The Deceitful Nurse's Deadly Acts

01:16:12 • 21min

A Tale of Jealousy and Murderous Urges

01:37:28 • 3min

When Jane Toppan began training to be a nurse at Cambridge Hospital in 1885, she was bright, eager, and well-liked by her peers and seemed to form easy bonds with the oldest and most vulnerable patients. What no one knew at the time was, once Jane managed to get time alone with her patients, she began conducting medical experiments by injecting them with various drugs and even going so far as to get into bed with them to hold them close to her as they died from the overdoses she’d administered.

Thank you to the amazing Dave White of Bring me the Axe Podcast for research!

References

Boston Globe. 1902. "Agree that she's insane." Boston Globe, April 6: 1.

—. 1901. "Alden P. Davis' death due to another cause." Boston Globe, November 21: 1.

—. 1901. "Hint to watch Miss Toppan." Boston Globe, October 31: 5.

—. 1901. "Inquiry is under way." Boston Globe, August 31: 1.

—. 1902. "Is Miss Toppan sane." Boston Globe, March 26: 1.

—. 1904. "Jane Toppan an imbecile." Boston Globe, July 10: 6.

—. 1902. "Jane Toppan insane, found not guilty." Boston Globe, June 24: 1.

—. 1938. "Jane Toppan, poisoner of 31, dies in hospital at age pf 81." Boston Globe, August 18: 1.

—. 1901. "Marriage and money." Boston Globe, November 1: 1.

—. 1901. "Murder by poison." Boston Globe, October 31: 1.

—. 1901. "No cause for suspicion." Boston Globe, November 4: 2.

Lowell Historical Society. 2022. Lowell’s ties to “Jolly” Jane, Massachusetts’ Female Serial Killer. October 29. Accessed March 28, 2024. https://www.lowellhistoricalsociety.org/lowells-ties-to-jolly-jane-massachusetts-female-serial-killer/.

New York Times. 1904. "Jane Toppan, an extraordinary case of moral insanity." New York Times, October 23: A2.

—. 1938. "Miss Jane Toppan, 84, Mass poisoner, dies." New York Times, August 18: 15.

Schechter, Harold. 2012. Fatal: The Poisonous Life of a Female Serial Killer. New York, NY: Pocket Books.

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