This podcast details true crime cases. It contains adult themes and may contain descriptions of violence.

This episode contains explicit language. It is not intended for children.

Listen or discretion is advised.

Thank you for joining me for today's episode of Once Upon a Crime.

Those of you who are regular listeners of Once Upon a Crime

know that I'm particularly fascinated by women who commit the most heinous crimes.

Statistically, women constitute a much smaller percentage of those who commit violent crimes.

The death penalty is reserved for only the worst of the worst offenders in the United States.

Between 1973 and 1992, only 186 death sentences or just 2% have been imposed upon women.

If a woman receives a death sentence, you can bet that

her crime is considered extreme, particularly violent, or in some way breaks gender

norms. In this month's series I'll be sharing stories about a few of these women to learn about their crimes,

discover what made them kill, and determine what factors influence the jury's decision to send them to death row.

First step, I'll share a story of the youngest woman to be sentenced to death in the US in modern times. Consumed with jealousy

and rage toward a perceived romantic rival, a teen obsession turns deadly and results in a gruesome

and shocking murder. This is the story of Krista Pike. So, the In September 1994, 1994, Colleen Ann Schlemmer was excited. The 19-year-old

was about to start a new chapter in her life in Tennessee.

Born in Jacksonville, Florida on September 20th, 1975, Colleen had grown up with her mother May,

with whom she was extremely close, and a stepfather and sister.

Her biological father resided in another state.

Colleen had a honey blonde hair, a heart-shaped face, and blue eyes,

and was described by those who knew her as a lively

...