Black Widow
The "Black Widow" series in 2024 is a three-part true crime documentary that premiered on September 15, 2024, on Sky Documentaries and NOW. It follows the decade-long police investigation into Dena Thompson, known as The Black Widow, who carried out a prolonged campaign of fraud, deception, bigamy, and murder over 20 years. She used Lonely Hearts columns to lure many husbands and lovers, coercing them into giving up their savings, homes, families, and freedom. The documentary includes first-hand testimonies and exclusive insights into her manipulative crimes.
This episode introduces Dena Thompson and her early tactics of fraud. It covers how she manipulated the men in her life, luring them into her web of lies.
The second episode delves into Thompson's bigamous marriages, exploring how she used these relationships to defraud her victims and build her criminal empire.
The final episode chronicles the decade-long police investigation that ultimately led to Dena Thompson's arrest and conviction. It reveals the challenges faced by law enforcement in catching such a skilled manipulator.