Christine Laverne Falling

Serial Killer

Christine Laverne Falling: The Florida Babysitter Murders

Background

Christine Laverne Falling was an American serial killer whose crimes took place in Florida between 1980 and 1982. Born Christine Laverne Slaughter on March 12, 1963, in Perry, Florida, she began working as a babysitter while still a teenager. Several children, and later an elderly man, died suddenly while they were alone with her. Because the early deaths appeared to have medical or accidental explanations, authorities did not immediately recognize the pattern. Falling was eventually convicted of three first-degree murders. She also confessed to causing other deaths, although she was not prosecuted for every case connected to her. Her known and suspected victims were particularly vulnerable: five were very young children, and one was a 77-year-old man. Falling generally killed by obstructing a victim's breathing with a blanket, pillow, or her hands. The first known victim, however, suffered a fatal head injury.

The Death of Cassidy Johnson

Two-year-old Cassidy Mae Marie Johnson became seriously ill while Falling was caring for her in Blountstown, Florida. On February 25, 1980, Cassidy was taken for medical treatment after Falling claimed that the child had passed out and fallen from her crib. Cassidy died three days later, on February 28, 1980. The death was initially associated with inflammation of the brain, but an examination revealed a serious injury to Cassidy's skull. A physician reportedly doubted Falling's account and attempted to alert law enforcement, but the warning was not properly investigated. Cassidy's death was therefore treated as an isolated tragedy rather than the beginning of a series of suspicious deaths. Falling later pleaded guilty to murdering her. ...

Confirmed Victims: (5)

Cassidy Johnson Age: (2), Date of Death: 1980-02-28

Christine Falling - Wikipedia