Carlyle Harris
Medical student executed for morphine murder of his wife.
Carlyle Harris was a medical student at the New York College of Physicians and Surgeons who was convicted of murdering his wife, Mary Helen Potts, by administering an overdose of morphine in the form of sleeping pills. The case is notable because the murder was discovered by physicians solely due to the presence of severely contracted pupils, a characteristic symptom of morphine poisoning, after her death was initially attributed to a stroke.
Quick Facts
- Born
- September 1868
- Died
- May 8, 1893
- Occupation
- medical student
- Institution
- New York College of Physicians and Surgeons
- Victim
- Mary Helen Potts
- Marriage date
- February 8, 1890
- Conviction date
- February 8, 1892
- Execution location
- Sing Sing Prison
Facts from the source article.
Background
Carlyle Harris married Mary Helen Potts on February 8, 1890. He later killed her with an overdose of morphine in the form of sleeping pills. Although her death was first attributed to a stroke, physicians discovered the murder because she displayed severely contracted pupils, a characteristic symptom of morphine poisoning. Harris was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Charles E. Simms Jr., with witnesses including Dr. Rudolph Witthaus. He was represented by prominent defense attorney William F. Howe. Harris was found guilty of first degree murder on February 8, 1892, the second anniversary of his marriage to Helen Potts, and was executed in the electric chair at Sing Sing Prison on May 8, 1893.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Carlyle Harris?
Carlyle Harris (born September 1868) was a medical student at the New York College of Physicians and Surgeons who was convicted of poisoning his wife, Mary Helen Potts, with an excessive dose of morphine. He was ultimately executed on May 8, 1893.
How did Carlyle Harris kill his wife?
Harris administered a lethal quantity of morphine to Mary Helen Potts by hiding it inside what appeared to be ordinary sleeping pills. The marriage had taken place on February 8, 1890, and the drugging was the method by which she was murdered.
How was the morphine poisoning discovered?
Mary Helen Potts's death was first attributed to a stroke, but physicians later noticed that her pupils were severely contracted. That hallmark sign of morphine toxicity revealed the true cause of death and led to Harris's conviction.
More in Poisoning by Drugs, Medicaments and Biological Substances
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