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Quick Synopsis (appears in most podcast apps)
In 1772 Portugal, an 18-year-old caregiver named Luísa de Jesus turned the era’s child-welfare “foundling wheel” into a murderous money scheme. Before authorities intervened, at least 33 abandoned infants lay buried on Monte Arroio or hidden beneath her cottage floorboards. We expose the systemic cracks, the killer’s psychology, and the reforms her crimes set in motion.
Episode Breakdown00:00 Opening scene on Monte Arroio
04:15 How foundling wheels worked—and failed
09:02 Luísa’s early life & public façade
15:30 The money trail: 600 réis per child
22:47 Forensic discoveries: graves & hidden clay pots
30:18 Confession to 28 murders
36:55 Trial, garrote, and public execution
43:20 Child-welfare reforms that followed
48:05 Today’s take-aways on safeguarding the vulnerable
Why This Case Still ResonatesLuísa de Jesus, Foundling Wheel Killer, Coimbra infanticide, 18th-century serial killer, female serial killer history, child-welfare reform, Foul Play podcast
Myths & Malice illuminates truth with empathy. Thank you for listening.4.5
947947 ratings
Quick Synopsis (appears in most podcast apps)
In 1772 Portugal, an 18-year-old caregiver named Luísa de Jesus turned the era’s child-welfare “foundling wheel” into a murderous money scheme. Before authorities intervened, at least 33 abandoned infants lay buried on Monte Arroio or hidden beneath her cottage floorboards. We expose the systemic cracks, the killer’s psychology, and the reforms her crimes set in motion.
Episode Breakdown00:00 Opening scene on Monte Arroio
04:15 How foundling wheels worked—and failed
09:02 Luísa’s early life & public façade
15:30 The money trail: 600 réis per child
22:47 Forensic discoveries: graves & hidden clay pots
30:18 Confession to 28 murders
36:55 Trial, garrote, and public execution
43:20 Child-welfare reforms that followed
48:05 Today’s take-aways on safeguarding the vulnerable
Why This Case Still ResonatesLuísa de Jesus, Foundling Wheel Killer, Coimbra infanticide, 18th-century serial killer, female serial killer history, child-welfare reform, Foul Play podcast
Myths & Malice illuminates truth with empathy. Thank you for listening.17,234 Listeners
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