Yiya Murano and the Poisoned Tea Murders

María de las Mercedes Bernardina Bolla Aponte de Murano, widely known as Yiya Murano, became one of Argentina's most notorious convicted killers. Three women in her social circle died after consuming food or tea associated with her during 1979. Investigators alleged that the deaths were connected to money the women had entrusted or lent to Murano.

Investigation

The deaths were initially treated separately. Suspicion grew when relatives and investigators noticed their proximity in time and the financial links between the women and Murano. Exhumations and toxicology examinations identified cyanide, transforming what had appeared to be natural deaths into a homicide investigation.

Legal status and legacy

Murano was convicted in 1985 and sentenced to life imprisonment. After serving part of the sentence, she was released under Argentina's legal rules then in effect. She consistently denied responsibility, but the convictions remained the legal resolution of the case.