13. Aileen Wuornos

Aileen Wuornos, often referred to as the “Damsel of Death,” was a notorious American serial killer whose life story has captivated and horrified many. Born into a troubled environment, she turned to sex work to survive. Between 1989 and 1990, Wuornos murdered seven men in Florida, claiming that they had attempted to assault her.
Her crimes were characterized by a sense of *desperation* and survival amidst a life filled with abuse and hardship. Wuornos was ultimately captured, tried, and sentenced to death, sparking debates about mental health, gender, and the criminal justice system. Her life and actions raise complex questions about morality and victimhood.



