Elizabeth Ann Duncan: The Murder-for-Hire Plot, the Killing of Olga Duncan, and the Story of California’s Last Woman Executed in the Gas Chamber
Carl Tripp
Sep 2026 · Sonia Erirhomuru Solomon
Ebook
94
Pages
Tools
info
family_home
Eligible
info
About this ebook
What would drive a mother to orchestrate the murder of her own son’s pregnant wife? In 1958, a shocking killing in Southern California revealed a disturbing story of family conflict, resentment, money, and a murder-for-hire plot that would ultimately send Elizabeth Ann “Ma” Duncan to death row.Olga Duncan, a young nurse and newlywed, disappeared shortly after marrying Frank Duncan. What initially appeared to be a mysterious disappearance soon became a murder investigation when authorities uncovered evidence that she had been kidnapped and killed. The investigation eventually led detectives to two men who confessed to their involvement—and to a far more disturbing question: Who had wanted Olga dead?Prosecutors alleged that Elizabeth Duncan had arranged the killing because of her intense opposition to her son’s marriage. The case revealed a complicated web of family tensions, alleged payments, secret meetings, and a plan that ended with Olga’s life being brutally taken.The resulting trial became a sensational California murder case. Elizabeth maintained her innocence, while prosecutors presented evidence connecting her to the conspiracy. She was ultimately convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death.But the story did not end with the verdict.On August 8, 1962, Elizabeth Ann Duncan was executed at San Quentin State Prison, becoming the last woman executed by the State of California. Her execution brought a final chapter to a case that had captivated the public—but it could not erase the questions surrounding the people, motives, and decisions that led to Olga Duncan’s death.This book explores Olga’s life and disappearance, the relationship between Elizabeth and her son, the alleged murder-for-hire scheme, the investigation, the confessions, the courtroom battle, the death sentence, and the execution that made Elizabeth Duncan a unique figure in California criminal history.
What would drive a mother to orchestrate the murder of her own son’s pregnant wife? In 1958, a shocking killing in Southern California revealed a disturbing story of family conflict, resentment, money, and a murder-for-hire plot that would ultimately send Elizabeth Ann “Ma” Duncan to death row.Ol...
Discover more
Rate this ebook
Tell us what you think.
Reading information
Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.
