Maria Barbella was an Italian immigrant in New York City who gained infamy in the late 19th century for becoming one of the first women sentenced to death in the U.S. In 1895, Barbella murdered her lover, Domenico Cataldo, by slashing his throat after he broke off their engagement and insulted her honor. Cataldo had promised to marry her but reneged, leading to the violent confrontation. Barbella’s trial attracted widespread attention, and she was initially sentenced to the electric chair. However, after a public outcry and support from immigrant communities, her case was retried, and her conviction was overturned in 1896. Barbella’s story highlighted issues of justice, gender, and immigrant rights in 19th-century America.
Become a Channel Member ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWCFthsYZHoPDIssCiD-mVQ/join
Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/wellineverofficial
Twitter ► https://twitter.com/WellINeverShow
Patreon ► https://www.patreon.com/wellinever
source
I'm trying to be as euphemistic as possible in my choice of words here, but if it is indeed true that this arrogant man took advantage of her by messing with her drink, then she had full right to murder him in broad daylight by her own hand. It would not feel entirely fair to me if she'd had someone else kill him on her behalf, and I dont really subscribe to "an eye for an eye" philosophy, but I do feel than you cannot go around physically harming people without their consent and then be shocked and horrifed when they do the same to you.
He didn't have much time to be shocked and horrifed himself, the arrogant pest, but the people around him certainly were.
This sort of behaviour still goes on today,look at that TRANS..BOXER?That beat that female boxer,domestic violence,threats in the workplace,etc..women get sent to prison for petty crimes,even now!
What accent does he have? I was trying to figure that out but I'm not really sure, I was thinking it was Scottish or Welsh but I just don't know!
I like it, sounds really nice!
There is no love in this world: the suicide rates and other unnatural causes of death can testify of it.
A great listen…thank you ❤
Even my wife enjoys listening to these vids
No matter how ghastly or gruesome the stories are – I always feel like a wave of comfort and "everything is fine" by the last line: "Well then, take care and I see you next time." 🥰
'A man that the city will not miss,' seems fairly apt under such circumstances.
Even to this day, judges guide the jury, which is NOT how it should be. "Trial by her peers." Good video, as usual. Peace and goodwill.
Looks like he asked for it..
🎵He had it coming. He had it coming. He only had himself to blame…..
While I dont condone the murder, the sheer desperation was enough to push Maria over the edge. We must realise how different it was back then. The absolute shame of being "soiled goods", coupled with the crushing difficulties trying to make a life in a foreign country in poverty is something few can imagine today. IMO she definitely did not deserve a death penalty. Thank you Paul for another entertaining, albeit sad story ❤
An Italian case from a bygone era is a real treat for me.. 👍🇮🇹
Poor Maria though.. "Only pigs marry!"
Domenico was rotten to the core! He took Maria's innocence away.. and that was something which likely shamed the poor woman and drove her to near insanity!
Her broken English didn't help her at her trial as she couldn't explain herself properly.. but I don't believe this was premeditated and I am glad the outcome was as it was..
Thank you Paul and team for a sad and fascinating case, brilliantly put together in this video.. and told, as always, with great empathy 👏🤗
Anyone else now saying 'torzo'?
Brilliant episode as always : )
I don’t think she was wrong
I don't know why her father didn't 'pay him a visit' as was acceptable in that situation at that time.
Thank you for sharing this story with us. I'm sorry she had to endure this horrible time. I'm very glad she was set free. Have a blessed weekend, sir.💕
Good for her! Throughout history it is always the woman, or girl, that tempted or seduced the man, while he is portrayed as the in-nocent victim snd his actions are never questioned. So, good on her, very brave lady! ☘️🙋💞🌿
Fantastic storytelling!