S36 Ep4: Serial Killers in History – The Foundling Wheel Killer

In 1772 Coimbra, 18-year-old courier Luísa de Jesus collected infants from the city’s anonymous “foundling wheel,” pocketed the state stipend of 600 réis per child, and quietly strangled 33 newborns before anyone noticed. Her arrest, public trial, and execution (she remains the last woman ever put to death in Portugal) forced the kingdom to overhaul its child-protection system. Reforms soon mandated stricter caregiver audits and, by 1783, a nationwide registry for every abandoned baby. What we uncover: The economic loophole that made infant-murder profitable. How lax paperwork and overworked staff masked a year-long killing spree. The public outcry that catalyzed Europe-leading oversight laws. Why Luísa’s case still informs modern discussions of gender, class, and crime. Content notice: This episode discusses infanticide and violence against children. Chapters 00:00 Opening discovery on Monte Arroio 04:15 Foundling wheels explained 09:02 Luísa’s background & cover story 15:30 The money trail 22:47 Forensic breakthroughs 36:55 Trial & execution spectacle 43:20 Policy fallout and lasting lessons Listen & Connect Follow Foul Play on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite app. Rate ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and review to help fellow ethical true-crime listeners find the show. SEO tags: Luísa de Jesus, Foundling Wheel Killer, Coimbra infanticide, 18th-century serial killer, child-welfare reform, Foul Play podcast Our Sponsors: * Check out Secret Nature and use my code SHANE for a great deal: https://secretnature.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands