From Sfgate · · 1m 30s
Last Woman Executed in California
Elizabeth Duncan, mother-in-law of nurse Olga Kupczyk, executed in 1962 after killing her pregnant daughter-in-law.
In brief
Elizabeth Duncan, mother-in-law of nurse Olga Kupczyk, executed in 1962 after killing her pregnant daughter-in-law. Elizabeth Duncan was executed in California for murdering her pregnant daughter-in-law Olga Kupczyk in 1958. Originally reported by Sfgate.
Olga Kupczyk in hospital
Olga Kupczyk, a 29-year-old nurse, cared for Elizabeth Ann Duncan after her 1957 suicide attempt.
“Your mother tried to get me to kidnap your wife”
Elizabeth Duncan's past
Elizabeth Duncan, born Hazel Nigh, married at least 10 times and ran a brothel in San Francisco.
“Your mother tried to get me to kidnap your wife”
Frank Duncan's marriage
Frank Duncan married Olga Kupczyk in 1958 after she became pregnant, but Elizabeth Duncan opposed the union.
“Your mother tried to get me to kidnap your wife”
Elizabeth's plan
Elizabeth Duncan hired two men to kill Olga Kupczyk, who was pregnant and living with her.
“Your mother tried to get me to kidnap your wife”
The murder
Elizabeth Duncan's men strangled Olga Kupczyk and buried her in a grave near Highway 150 in Santa Barbara.
“Your mother tried to get me to kidnap your wife”
Arrest and trial
Elizabeth Duncan was arrested for Olga Kupczyk's murder and convicted after a quick trial.
“Your mother tried to get me to kidnap your wife”
Execution
Elizabeth Duncan was executed in San Quentin's gas chamber on August 8, 1962, after her final appeal failed.
“Your mother tried to get me to kidnap your wife”
Aftermath
Frank Duncan, Olga's husband, was outraged by his mother's execution and claimed she was the best mother a son could have.
“Your mother tried to get me to kidnap your wife”
Unanswered questions
Elizabeth Duncan's body remains unaccounted for, with no permanent record in San Quentin's cemetery.
“Your mother tried to get me to kidnap your wife”
Legacy
California has never executed another woman since Elizabeth Duncan's death in 1962.
“Your mother tried to get me to kidnap your wife”
What to remember
Elizabeth Duncan was executed in California for murdering her pregnant daughter-in-law Olga Kupczyk in 1958.
