Killing of Dot King
Unsolved 1923 chloroform murder of a New York model and actress.
The killing of Dot King, also known as Dorothy 'Dot' King, refers to the unsolved murder of a 29-year-old model, actress, and demimondaine in her Manhattan apartment on March 15, 1923. The case became a press sensation, and the term 'sugar baby' may have been popularized by journalists reporting on it.
Quick Facts
- Date of death
- March 15, 1923
- Location
- 144 West 57th Street, Manhattan, New York
- Cause of death
- chloroform
- Estimated time of death
- between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m.
- Value of stolen jewelry
- $15,000 (equivalent to $292,910 in 2026)
- Suspects
- Albert Guimares (arrested, released); J. Kearsley Mitchell (identified but not charged)
Facts from the source article.
Background
Dot King's body was discovered by a maid at around 11:30 a.m. on March 15, 1923. First responders initially deemed it a suicide due to burns around the mouth and an empty chloroform bottle, but detective Arthur A. Carey later determined it was murder. Evidence included an empty chloroform bottle, pieces of absorbent cotton, a man's vest pocket comb, a pair of large yellow men's pajamas under a couch, and a wad of cotton jammed under her nostrils. The autopsy revealed bruises around the mouth and a slight abrasion inside the lower lip. The killer likely entered through the door, which King may have voluntarily opened. The motive was believed to be robbery, as $15,000 worth of jewelry, an ermine coat, a wrap, a suitcase, and cash were missing. The telephone had been moved, suggesting the killer did not realize King had died. The window was opened, possibly to dissipate chloroform fumes.
More in Poisoning by Drugs, Medicaments and Biological Substances
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