When we think of serial killers, shadowy figures lurking in the dark often come to mind. But sometimes, the most dangerous individuals blend seamlessly into society, hiding behind an unassuming facade. Dorothea Puente was one such individual—a con artist who ran a boarding house in Sacramento, California, while secretly preying on society’s most vulnerable. Her crimes shocked the nation, revealing a chilling pattern of deception, manipulation, and murder.
Early Criminal Activities
Before becoming infamous as the “Death House Landlady,” Puente had already built a history of fraud and deceit. She was arrested in the 1960s for forging checks and served time in jail. In the 1970s, she ran a boarding house where elderly tenants were drugged and had their Social Security checks stolen. As a con artist, she manipulated those around her for financial gain. Though convicted of theft, she managed to avoid significant jail time, setting the stage for her later, more sinister crimes.
The Boarding House Murders
In the 1980s, Puente operated a new boarding house at 1426 F Street in Sacramento. She portrayed herself as a kind-hearted caretaker who provided shelter for the elderly, disabled, and those struggling with addiction. However, beneath this charitable facade, the con artist systematically drugged and murdered tenants. Their bodies were buried in her yard, while she continued collecting their benefit checks.
Puente’s downfall began in 1988 when a social worker investigating a missing tenant, Alvaro “Bert” Montoya, grew suspicious. A search of the property led authorities to uncover seven bodies buried in the garden. The elderly landlady attempted to flee but was captured in Los Angeles days later.
Conviction and Sentencing
During her 1993 trial, Puente was charged with nine counts of murder. Prosecutors argued that victims were poisoned with overdoses of drugs like flurazepam before being suffocated. The defense insisted that Puente was merely a kind woman who took in troubled individuals who had died of natural causes. Despite these claims, she was convicted of three murders and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Her identity as a con artist was reinforced through financial records showing she continued collecting victims’ benefits even after their deaths.
Other Suspected Crimes
While Puente was only convicted of three murders, authorities suspect she was responsible for many more deaths. Several unexplained disappearances were linked to her earlier boarding house operations. Financial records indicated she had profited from multiple deceased individuals, a hallmark of a con artist at work. Some investigators believe her true victim count could be as high as fifteen or more, though these numbers remain unconfirmed.
Legacy of Deception
Even in prison, Puente maintained her innocence, insisting she had never harmed anyone. She became somewhat of a macabre celebrity, even publishing a cookbook titled Cooking with a Serial Killer. Her case continues to fascinate true crime enthusiasts, serving as a reminder of how dangerous a skilled con artist can be when hiding in plain sight. Check out Netflix’s “Worst Roommate Ever” episode featuring the story of Puente.
Final Thoughts
Dorothea Puente’s case remains one of the most shocking in American crime history. A con artist to the end, she took advantage of the elderly and vulnerable, all while presenting herself as a compassionate caretaker. Her boarding house, once a place of horror, now stands as a chilling reminder of the evil that can exist behind a grandmotherly smile. Some even refer to her as the Grandma Killer, emphasizing the disturbing contrast between her appearance and her actions.
For a deeper dive into Puente’s crimes and the investigation that led to her capture, check out UATwitch’s Streaming event on Tuesday, February 25th at 7:15 EST/6:15 CST/4:15 PST.
