Dean, Williamina (1844–1895)

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Dean, Williamina (1844–1895)

New Zealand murderer (accused). Name variations: Minnie Dean, Williamina McCulloch. Born Williamina McCulloch, Sept 2, 1844, at Renfrewshire, Scotland; died Aug 12, 1895, at Invergargill jail, New Zealand; dau. of John (engine driver) and Elizabeth (Swan) McCulloch; m. Charles Dean (innkeeper), 1872 (died 1908); children: 1 adopted daughter.

Immigrated to New Zealand as widow with 2 daughters; after marriage, began taking in unwanted babies for payment (c. 1887); convicted of murdering infants for financial gain (1895), was sentenced to death by hanging (the scandal resulted in enactment of child-welfare legislation).

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 2).