Aileen Wuornos

Aileen Wuornos, born Aileen Pittman on February 29, 1956, was an American serial killer whose life was marked by tragedy and violence. Engaging in street prostitution along the highways of Florida, Wuornos became infamous for her brutal crimes between 1989 and 1990, during which she shot, killed, and robbed seven of her male clients.

Initially, Wuornos claimed that her actions were a response to being raped or attacked, asserting that the homicides were acts of self-defense. However, she later abandoned this defense, leading to her conviction. In 2002, after spending over a decade on death row, Wuornos was executed for six of the murders, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to provoke discussion about justice and mental health.

Her life and crimes were dramatized in the 2003 film 'Monster,' which chronicles her journey from her first murder to her execution. The portrayal of Wuornos by Charlize Theron earned the actress an Academy Award for Best Actress, further cementing Wuornos' place in popular culture as a figure of both horror and sympathy.