Don't Send Your Elders Here - Amy Archer Gilligan's Deadly Home for the Aged

Amy Archer-Gilligan was an American serial killer who operated a nursing home in Windsor, Connecticut.

Early Life
Amy Duggan was born on October 31, 1873, in Milton, Connecticut. She married James Archer in 1897, and the couple opened a home for elderly people in Newington, Connecticut. After James’s death in 1910, she married Michael Gilligan in 1913.

The Nursing Home
Amy ran the "Archer Home for the Elderly and Infirm" in Windsor, which she had established with her first husband. The home catered to elderly residents, many of whom had no other family and relied on Amy’s care.

Suspicious Deaths
Over the years, a suspiciously high number of residents died under Amy’s care. Many of these deaths were attributed to natural causes, but a pattern emerged: many of the deceased had recently altered their wills in Amy’s favor or had taken out life insurance policies naming her as the beneficiary.

Investigation and Arrest
In 1914, the death of Franklin R. Andrews, a seemingly healthy man, raised suspicions. His family pushed for an investigation, which uncovered that Amy had purchased large quantities of arsenic. An exhumation and autopsy of several bodies revealed lethal doses of arsenic and strychnine.

Trial and Conviction
Amy was arrested in 1916 and went on trial for murder. Initially convicted of the murder of Franklin R. Andrews, she was sentenced to death. The sentence was later changed to life imprisonment after a retrial in 1919.

Later Life
Amy spent the rest of her life in prison and a mental institution. She died on April 23, 1962, at the age of 88.

Legacy
The case inspired the play and subsequent film "Arsenic and Old Lace," highlighting the macabre story of Amy Archer-Gilligan and her deadly nursing home.

[theresafisher]

The best way to protect against senior abuse is to visit your elderly relatives regularly.

[SakuraAsranArt]

Take a moment to appreciate the newspaper reporters who started investigation after the legal system showed no interest. There was a time when ordinary folk could turn to the media for help exposing all kinds of chicanery, corruption and cover-ups. I wish that was still the case.

[raycooper]

At 65, stories like this motivate me to take better care of my physical and mental health.

[ceirwynsinclair]

I was part of a high school production of Arsenic and Old Lace... I had NO IDEA it was related in anyway to true crimes! ... definitely sheds a new light on memories!

[nicolaiitchenko]

Every time I have directed Arsenic and Old Lace on the stage (both professionally and amateur) I have ALWAYS included, in the program a statement reading
"With special thanks to A.A., Gilligan"
To date, nobody has made mention or questioned this...

[nestandthimble]

Arsenic and Old Lace is one of my all time favorite old movies; The Ghost and Mrs. Muir is the other. I never knew the history behind the movie and I'm glad you shared it with us.

[brianoneil]

Born on Halloween and became a bit of a nightmare. Predestination?
Lovely work as always. Paul always make my day better.

[bbells]

As a former Hartford Courant delivery boy, I approve of this journalism. 😊

[tillyg]

Wow! She looks older than 40. Thank you for sharing.

[sherryramirez]

dude that connection to that play really blew my mind !

[AlanG]

Hell of a story! I loved Arsenic and Old Lace since I was a kid, had no idea of the story behind it. I looked it up, amazingly that house is still standing, I wonder if the folks living there know of its history?

[KarenAlexandrite-aka-PinkRose]

I've lived in Connecticut for years, and worked in Windsor, but had never heard this story before. Thank you, Paul!

[Flamsterette]

Thank you for the Thursday afternoon upload, Paul. Have a great weekend!

[Ms.HarmonyJ]

Paul, you and your squad consistently deliver mind-blowing videos that never fail to leave me in awe. The sheer joy that fills my heart when a notification appears, announcing the arrival of a brand-new video from you, is unparalleled. Sending heaps of love and raising a toast to you and your phenomenal team! Cheers! 🥂

[jenniferkennedy]

Love this guy, so happy for new episode..

[CheapCreep]

Her Kill/Death Ratio is through the roof. She carried her team.

[deniseleplatt]

Yay another wonderful Paul video to wake up to. Thanks so much

[susanq]

I love Arsenic and Old Lace! Thank you for showcasing the story and the people on whom it was based. However, I’m ever so mildly disappointed there wasn’t a real “Teddy” who’d sound a charge on his trumpet before running up the staircase.

[NanaBren]

Hello Paul, just a note to thank you for another interesting story. Sadly, elderly people are very vulnerable to being mistreated by their caregivers. In America, the government waffles between paying for home assistance and providing for nursing homes. Many elderly people fall through the cracks in the system and die prematurely due to bureaucracy. The truly lucky ones are able to live with loving family until their time. I don’t know if that’s the case in the UK, however. Have a good evening, my friend. ❤Brenda 😊 PS. Arsenic and Old Lace was my father’s favorite movie. 😂

[shirleybezuidenhout]

Wow 😮 how sad 😢 poor elderly people that are left so at someone else's beck and call. Very few family members have the time and patience to look after their own parents. Thanks for sharing 👍👍