Mary Lee Orsini

Based on a true story.

Wife, mother, murderer.

Mary Lee Orsini was on trial for killing her husband when she ingratiated herself with her prominent defense lawyer. Her lawyer's wife was later found executed in the family home in upscale Pleasant Valley in Little Rock, Arkansas. The two murderers pointed to Mary Lee Orsini as the mastermind.

The local media scrutinized the case for two years, and Mary Lee Orsini was eventually convicted and died while serving life in prison. The case was as famous for its exposure of community relations as it was for the crime itself.

Though fictionalized in part, this story follows the development of the case and is based on testimonies and interviews. Some names have been changed to protect the identity of those involved.

Photo by Katie Moum on Unsplash