Dying for Chocolate: Cordelia Botkin and the 1898 Poisoned Candy Murders

In 1898, a family in Dover, Delaware, received a box of chocolates from an anonymous sender, leading to two deaths and five illnesses. The investigation led to Cordelia Botkin's indictment, and two sensational trials found her guilty. The case drew national attention due to its cross-country nature and the moral and sexual depravity of the main participants.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 148 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2020
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

On a scorching summer day in 1898, a family in Dover, Delaware, received a mysterious box of chocolates in the mail from an anonymous sender. Within days, two of the seven family members had fallen victim to the poisoned chocolates, while the remaining five fell ill but miraculously recovered. The hunt for the perpetrator swiftly shifted from Delaware to California, where a suspect was quickly identified: Cordelia Botkin, the lover of the husband of one of the poisoned women.

This captivating book delves into the shoddy investigation that resulted in Botkin's indictment and the two sensational trials, adjudicated in the press, that ultimately found her guilty. The case garnered national attention due to its cross-country nature and the fact that the supposed perpetrator had never set foot in Delaware in her life. Furthermore, it became a trial of the moral and sexual depravity of the two main participants, Botkin and Dunning (the husband), with the majority of the criticism directed towards Botkin.

The story unfolds against the backdrop of a society grappling with the evolving norms and values of the late 19th century. The family's encounter with the poisoned chocolates ignited a wave of fear and speculation, with the community questioning the morality and intentions of the unknown sender. The press played a pivotal role in shaping public perception, relentlessly reporting on the case and casting Botkin and Dunning as the embodiment of moral decay.

The trials themselves were a spectacle, with the press covering every detail with intense scrutiny. The courtroom drama was heightened by the sensationalized accounts of witnesses and the media's portrayal of Botkin as a femme fatale capable of orchestrating a diabolical plot. The public was captivated by the unfolding events, and the trials became a source of fascination for people across the nation.

Despite the overwhelming evidence against Botkin, there were still doubts and skepticism surrounding her guilt. Some believed that she was unfairly accused, while others argued that the husband, Dunning, was the true mastermind behind the crime. The trials were a testament to the power of the media and the public's thirst for scandalous stories.

In the end, Botkin was convicted and sentenced to death. However, her conviction was later overturned on appeal, and she was released from prison in 1901. The case remained a topic of debate and fascination for years to come, with many books, articles, and documentaries exploring the details and aftermath of the scandal.

The Botkin case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of media sensationalism and the impact it can have on the lives of individuals. It highlights the importance of a fair and impartial investigation, as well as the need to be cautious when accepting information from anonymous sources. The case also sheds light on the societal pressures and expectations of the late 19th century, particularly regarding gender roles and morality.

In conclusion, the Botkin case is a fascinating and cautionary tale that continues to captivate audiences to this day. It serves as a reminder of the power of the media, the importance of a fair trial, and the complexities of societal norms and values. Through its exploration of the shoddy investigation, sensational trials, and the moral and sexual depravity of the two main participants, the case offers a glimpse into the darker corners of 19th-century America.

Weight: 268g
Dimension: 150 x 226 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476683621