Choate, Pearl (1907–1983)

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Choate, Pearl (1907–1983)

American murderer (accused). Name variations: Pearl Choate Birch. Born May 31, 1907, in Texas; died Feb 1983 in Caldwell, Texas; married 7 times, the last to A. Otis Birch of California, 1966 (died 1967).

Worked as a private nurse for elderly Texas millionaires, 7 of whom she married shortly before their deaths, inheriting their riches; served 12 years in prison for the shooting death of 1 husband, which she claimed was in self-defense; after her release, married 95-year-old millionaire A. Otis Birch. Apparently there was some question as to whether or not 59-year-old Pearl had kidnapped him, but a judge found otherwise (1966); suspicions that she played a part in Birch's death some months later could not be proven.