Deep Dive
What unusual event occurred at the dinner party in Richland Center, Wisconsin in 1891?
One of the guests, Rosa Zaldosky, fell ill and went upstairs, and shortly after, another guest, Ella Mollie, also became extremely sick and died the next morning from strychnine poisoning.
Why did Rosa Zaldosky feel the need to ask Ella Mollie about raw oysters during the dinner party?
Rosa had invited Ella and her sister to the party and asked if Ella liked raw oysters, which Ella said she did not. This seems suspicious since Rosa made oyster soup for the dinner, suggesting she knew Ella would avoid it.
What specific symptoms did Ella Mollie exhibit that suggest strychnine poisoning?
Ella had a sensation in her feet, which spread throughout her body, convulsions, a swollen tongue, and her back arched in a convulsion before she died. These are classic symptoms of strychnine poisoning.
Why did the police suspect Rosa Zaldosky of Ella Mollie's murder?
Rosa was the only other person who showed symptoms of illness, she had a motive as she was jealous of Dr. Mitchell's attention toward Ella, and she had access to the strychnine, which was kept in the house as rat poison.
How was the possibility of Dr. Mitchell's involvement in his wife's death Minnie Mitchell's death re-evaluated after Ella Mollie's murder?
After Ella's murder, authorities exhumed Minnie's body and found traces of strychnine. Dr. Mitchell testified that he had been medicating Minnie with nux vomica, a medicine derived from strychnine, which could explain the presence of the toxin.
Why did Rosa Zaldosky's conviction for Ella Mollie's murder face legal challenges?
Rosa's conviction was based on circumstantial evidence, and the community in Richland Center circulated a petition to appeal the case. The Supreme Court of Wisconsin declined to overturn the conviction, but Rosa was granted a pardon by the governor after serving six years in prison.
What evidence did the police find that pointed to strychnine as the cause of Ella Mollie's death?
A chemist at Rush Medical College in Chicago found strychnine in Ella's stomach contents, which were removed and delivered for analysis. The chemist determined that the amount found was a lethal dose.
How did Rosa Zaldosky allegedly administer the strychnine to Ella Mollie?
Rosa is believed to have laced chocolate creams with strychnine and given them to Ella and her sister Lily as a party gift. Ella complained about the bitter taste and began showing symptoms within 20 minutes.
What was the significance of the chocolate creams in the case?
The chocolate creams were the suspected vehicle for the strychnine. Ella bit into one and immediately complained about the bitter taste, followed by the onset of her symptoms within 20 minutes.
Why did the trial of Rosa Zaldosky for Ella Mollie's murder need to be moved to a different venue?
The trial was moved because many people in Richland Center knew about the case and were convinced of Rosa's guilt, which could have biased the local jury. The courtroom was packed, reflecting the high community interest in the case.
- Dinner party at Dr. George Mitchell's house
- Rosa falls ill with stomach pains
- Ella collapses and dies
- Rapid onset of symptoms suggests potent poison
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