37 Facts About Dorothea Puente

Dorothea Puente: The Early Years

Dorothea Puente's life began with a series of unfortunate events that shaped her future. Her early years were marked by hardship and instability.

1. Born on January 9, 1929, in Redlands, California, Dorothea Helen Gray faced a tumultuous childhood.
2. Her parents, Trudy Mae and Jesse James Gray, were both alcoholics, leading to a chaotic home environment.
3. By the age of 8, both of her parents had passed away, leaving her and her siblings in foster care.
4. Dorothea ran away from foster care multiple times, seeking stability and a sense of belonging.

A Troubled Adolescence

As a teenager, Dorothea's life continued to spiral out of control. Her actions during these years foreshadowed her later criminal behavior.

5. At 16, she married Fred McFaul, a soldier, but the marriage ended in divorce after just three years.
6. Dorothea had two daughters with McFaul, both of whom she gave up for adoption.
7. She was arrested for the first time in 1948 for forging checks, marking the beginning of her criminal record.
8. After her release, she married Axel Johanson, a union that lasted 14 years but was fraught with violence and instability.

The Boarding House Business

Dorothea's criminal activities took a darker turn when she began running a boarding house in Sacramento, California. This period marked the beginning of her most notorious crimes.

9. In the 1970s, she opened her first boarding house, catering to elderly and mentally disabled tenants.
10. Dorothea was known for her charm and generosity, often helping her tenants with their finances.
11. However, she was also embezzling money from her tenants, leading to a conviction for theft in 1982.
12. After serving a short prison sentence, she returned to running boarding houses, this time with deadly intentions.

The Murders

Dorothea Puente's boarding house became the site of numerous murders, as she preyed on her vulnerable tenants.

13. Between 1982 and 1988, she is believed to have murdered at least nine people.
14. Dorothea would drug her victims, then suffocate them before burying their bodies in her backyard.
15. She continued to collect their Social Security checks, using the money to fund her lavish lifestyle.
16. The first body discovered was that of tenant Leona Carpenter, whose remains were found in 1988.

The Investigation and Arrest

Dorothea's crimes eventually caught up with her, leading to a high-profile investigation and arrest.

17. In November 1988, police began investigating the disappearance of tenant Alvaro "Bert" Montoya.
18. A search of Dorothea's property revealed seven bodies buried in her backyard.
19. She was arrested on November 11, 1988, while attempting to flee to Los Angeles.
20. Dorothea initially denied any involvement in the murders, claiming she was being framed.

The Trial

Dorothea Puente's trial was a media sensation, drawing widespread attention to her gruesome crimes.

21. The trial began in October 1992 and lasted for several months.
22. Prosecutors argued that Dorothea had murdered her tenants for financial gain.
23. The defense claimed she was mentally ill and incapable of committing such heinous acts.
24. In August 1993, Dorothea was convicted of three counts of murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Life in Prison

Even behind bars, Dorothea Puente remained a figure of fascination and controversy.

25. She maintained her innocence throughout her incarceration, insisting she had been wrongfully convicted.
26. Dorothea spent her time in prison writing poetry and maintaining correspondence with pen pals.
27. She was housed at the Central California Women's Facility in Chowchilla.
28. Despite her crimes, she received numerous letters of support from people who believed in her innocence.

Death and Legacy

Dorothea Puente's death marked the end of a life filled with crime and deception, but her story continues to captivate the public.

29. She died on March 27, 2011, at the age of 82, from natural causes.
30. Dorothea's boarding house at 1426 F Street in Sacramento remains a point of interest for true crime enthusiasts.
31. Her life and crimes have been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and television shows.
32. The case raised awareness about the vulnerability of elderly and disabled individuals in boarding houses.

Interesting Tidbits

Beyond the well-known facts, there are some lesser-known details about Dorothea Puente that add depth to her story.

33. Dorothea was known for her impeccable appearance, often dressing in conservative clothing and wearing large glasses.
34. She was an avid reader, with a particular interest in crime novels and true crime stories.
35. Despite her criminal activities, Dorothea was a talented cook and often prepared meals for her tenants.
36. She had a knack for gardening, which she used to conceal the bodies of her victims.
37. Dorothea's story has inspired various works of fiction, including characters in novels and films.

The Final Word on Dorothea Puente

Dorothea Puente's story is a chilling reminder of how appearances can be deceiving. Known as the "Death House Landlady," she seemed like a sweet old woman but hid a dark secret. Her boarding house became a place of horror for many vulnerable people. Puente's crimes shocked the nation and left a lasting impact on how we view trust and safety. Her case also highlighted the importance of vigilance in our communities. Understanding her story helps us remember the victims and the lessons learned. It’s a stark example of how evil can lurk behind the most unsuspecting faces. As we reflect on these facts, we’re reminded to stay aware and protect those who might be at risk. Dorothea Puente's legacy is a haunting chapter in criminal history, urging us to look beyond the surface.