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[The Poisonous Deception: The Case of Stella Nickell and the Excedrin Murders]-[Episode 44: The Seattle Excedrin Poisonings]

Morbid · B2 · 2019-02-09

True crime
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📋 Summary

The Fatal Dose: Unraveling the Crimes of Stella Nickell

In this episode of Mini Morbid, hosts Ash and Alaina delve into the chilling true crime case of Stella Nickell, a woman whose cold-blooded attempt to secure a life insurance payout led to a series of product-tampering murders in the Seattle area in 1986.

The Unexpected Deaths

The nightmare began on June 5, 1986, when Bruce Nickell collapsed and died shortly after taking four extra-strength Excedrin capsules for a headache. Initially, his death was attributed to natural causes, specifically emphysema. However, the situation turned sinister just a week later when 40-year-old Sue Snow, a bank vice president, also collapsed and died under nearly identical circumstances. Toxicology reports on Sue Snow revealed the presence of cyanide, which was subsequently traced back to contaminated Excedrin capsules.

A Calculated Deception

Investigators eventually discovered that five bottles of medication had been tampered with, two of which were provided to police by Stella Nickell herself, who claimed to have purchased them at different stores. This "bad luck" immediately raised red flags. Stella, who had a history of fraud and child abuse, had been vocal about her disdain for her husband Bruce, particularly after he quit drinking. Her daughter, Cynthia, later provided damning testimony, revealing that Stella had been obsessed with the unsolved Chicago Tylenol murders and had even attempted to kill Bruce previously using foxglove (digitalis).

The Smoking Gun: Algae Destroyer

The investigation took a decisive turn when forensic analysis of the contaminated capsules revealed tiny green specks. Investigators linked these to an algae destroyer used in a large aquarium in the Nickell home. A local fish store employee confirmed that Stella had purchased the product and had been instructed on how to crush it. This evidence proved that Stella had been crushing cyanide in the same container used for the algae treatment, leaving behind microscopic traces that connected her to all five poisoned bottles.

A Premeditated Scheme

Stella’s motive was purely financial. She had taken out a $76,000 life insurance policy on her husband in 1985, with an additional $100,000 accidental death benefit if he died under certain circumstances. To cover her tracks, she had visited the local library, leaving a digital trail by checking out books specifically on human poisoning. Despite her efforts, her fingerprints were found on the pages of these books, including the section on cyanide.

Justice Served

In 1988, Stella Nickell was found guilty of five counts of product tampering, two of which resulted in the deaths of Bruce Nickell and Sue Snow. She was sentenced to two 90-year prison terms and three additional 10-year terms. Even in the face of overwhelming evidence—including the "algae destroyer" residue and her own library records—Stella continued to maintain her innocence. The case remains a horrifying example of how greed and premeditation can turn common household items into lethal weapons, leaving behind a trail of senseless tragedy.

🎯Key Sentences

1
I feel a fool.
2
I hope everybody can forgive me for that.
3
I didn't sleep a lot last night.
4
You belong here.
5
I mean, one often does.
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📝Key Phrases

1
dive into
2
beg to differ
3
killing it
4
point the finger at
5
wrongful death suit
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📖 Transcript

Hey weirdos, before we dive into today's twisted tale, let me tell you about a place where the darkness never ends.
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