Spinelli, Evelita Juanita (1889–1941)

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Spinelli, Evelita Juanita (1889–1941)

American murderer. Name variations: Mrs Evelita Juanita Spinelli. Born 1889; died in gas chamber at San Quentin, CA, Nov 21, 1941.

Gang leader known as the Duchess, organized robberies in San Francisco; after members of her gang murdered an owner of a barbecue stand during a hold-up, killed 19-year-old Robert Sherrard to keep him from talking; sent to gas chamber, the 1st woman officially executed in California.