DeepSummary
Morris Bulber and Paul Petrilo ran a murderous insurance fraud scheme in Philadelphia in the 1930s, using poison to kill people and collect their life insurance payouts. With the help of accomplices like Corinna Favato, they preyed on vulnerable and superstitious victims, convincing them to ingest arsenic disguised as magic 'healing powders.' The ring amassed an estimated $100,000 before getting sloppy and attracting police attention.
The investigation intensified when George Meyer, an informant, exposed Herman Petrilo's attempt to hire a hitman to kill his friend Ferdinando Alfonsi. This unraveled the whole conspiracy, leading to arrests, trials and convictions. Key figures like Herman Petrilo and Favato turned on each other as prosecutor Vincent McDevitt meticulously built cases against them.
In a series of dramatic trials, the ringleaders were convicted and received harsh sentences like the death penalty. Morris Bulber escaped execution by cutting a deal to testify, receiving a life sentence instead. His charisma and ability to manipulate had finally failed him as the law closed in on Philadelphia's infamous 'Murder Ring.'
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Morris Bulber and the Petrilo cousins ran an elaborate murder-for-insurance-profit scheme in 1930s Philadelphia, poisoning victims with arsenic disguised as 'magical cures.'
- An informant's tip exposed the conspiracy, leading to a meticulous investigation by prosecutor Vincent McDevitt that gradually unraveled the murderous ringleaders' crimes.
- Key members like Herman Petrilo, Corinna Favato and Morris Bulber turned against each other as the trial process intensified.
- The dramatic trials of 1939-1941 saw the ringleaders convicted of multiple murders and given harsh sentences like the death penalty, though the wily Bulber narrowly escaped execution.
- The case exposed the dangers of charlatans exploiting people's superstitions and vulnerabilities for criminal gain.
- Rigorous forensic investigation and prosecution efforts were crucial to dismantling the murderous criminal enterprise.
- Public horror was magnified by the killers' utter lack of remorse and predation on would-be customers within their community.
- Petrilo and Bulber's greed and arrogance ultimately led to their own unraveling as the murder ring became sloppy.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Bulbar squashed the poor animal with his shoe, then he reported to Millie that the ghost had been vanquished.“ by Vanessa Richardson
- “Meyer strung Herman along for weeks. Eventually, Hermann offered Meyer an additional $2,500 in counterfeit bills to finish the job.“ by Vanessa Richardson
- “McDevitt packed the jury with death penalty enthusiasts and called over 100 witnesses. Each spoke poison about Paul Petrilo, but none with more gusto than Morris Bulbur.“ by Vanessa Richardson
- “In truth, he used his skills to make money and take lives. And when he was backed into a corner, Morris Bulber sold out everyone who ever believed in him.“ by Vanessa Richardson
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Serial Killers
Spotify Studios
6/17/24