Campus Crimes: The Murder of Jane Stanford
Summary
This episode of Crime House 24/7 examines the 1905 death of Jane Stanford, co-founder of Stanford University. It details how university president David Starr Jordan allegedly covered up her strychnine poisoning to protect the institution’s reputation and endowment. The story highlights the suspicious role of Jane’s secretary, Bertha Berner, and how modern historians have recently challenged the official ruling of natural causes.
Topics discussed
Intro, Campus Crimes series launch, and Jane Stanford teaser
Sponsors: Quince and Weight Loss by Hers
Jane Stanford's early life and marriage to Leland
The death of Leland Jr. and founding of Stanford University
Jane's leadership, lawsuits, and conflict with President Jordan
Sponsors: Wayfair and Great Wolf Lodge
Ideological clash with Jordan and the plan to fire him
The strychnine poisoning attempt and Jane's death in Hawaii
Initial investigation rules death as strychnine poisoning
Sponsors: Alma and BetMGM
Sponsor: Primally Pure skincare
Jordan's cover-up and the shifting story of Bertha Berner
The institutional cover-up and official ruling of natural causes
Modern historians reveal the truth: Bertha likely killed Jane
Conclusion: The legacy of the cover-up at Stanford
Outro, Crime House Plus promo, and final sponsors
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