Spara, Hieronyma (d. 1659)

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Spara, Hieronyma (d. 1659)

Italian poisoner. Name variations: La Spara. Born in Rome, Italy; hanged 1659.

Called La Spara, sold poison to young wives looking to do away with their husbands; after several women disclosed their killings in the confessional, and the papacy learned of the secret society which met nightly at her home (1659), was arrested with companions, including La Gratiosa; apparently refused to confess under torture; found guilty, was hanged along with Gratiosa and 3 other women. More than 30 other members of La Spara's sisterhood were publicly whipped through the streets of Rome; an additional 9 women were hanged for poisoning a few months later; and a 2nd group was whipped through the streets.