Dorothea Puente: The Death House Landlady
Dorothea Helen Gray, later known by her married name Dorothea Puente, was born on January 9, 1929. She developed a long pattern of fraud and criminal behavior long before her most infamous crimes Source 1.
In the 1980s, Puente operated a boarding house on F Street in Sacramento. She specifically targeted elderly, mentally ill, and disabled tenants while presenting herself to the community as a kind, grandmotherly figure Source 2.
Over several years, she murdered at least nine boarders. Her primary motive was financial gain—she killed residents to steal their Social Security checks and buried the victims in the yard of the property. Experts classify her as a high-functioning psychopath who killed methodically for profit rather than for sadistic pleasure Source 7.
Puente was convicted of three murders out of nine suspected killings and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. She died in prison on March 27, 2011 Source 5.
Her case earned her the nicknames “Killer Landlady” and “Death House Landlady.” HBO is currently developing a true-crime drama series titled Dorothea, and the former murder house is scheduled to be featured on Sacramento’s 2026 Historic Home Tour Source 3 Source 6.
FAQ
How many people did Dorothea Puente kill?
She was convicted of three murders but is suspected of killing at least nine boarders.
Why did Dorothea Puente murder her tenants?
Her primary motive was financial—she killed vulnerable residents to steal their Social Security checks.
What happened to the boarding house after her arrest?
The property remains standing and is now included as a stop on Sacramento’s Historic Home Tour.
Is there a TV series about Dorothea Puente?
Yes, HBO is currently developing a true-crime drama series based on her life and crimes.
Where did Dorothea Puente die?
She died in prison on March 27, 2011, while serving a life sentence.
Was Dorothea Puente considered a typical serial killer?
No—experts describe her as a high-functioning psychopath who killed methodically for financial gain rather than for sexual or sadistic reasons.
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