Josephine Gray, a Maryland woman infamously known as the “Black Widow,” was among the nearly 1,500 individuals granted clemency by President Biden on Wednesday. Gray, who was suspected of killing two ex-husbands and a lover, was serving a 40-year sentence for insurance fraud related to the deaths of these men between 1974 and 1996. Her release, part of Biden’s clemency initiative for non-violent offenders, has sparked controversy, particularly among those involved in her prosecution.
Gray, a grandmother known for her flamboyant attire, was initially charged with murder. However, she was ultimately convicted on federal insurance fraud charges in 2002. Her defense attorney successfully argued against a murder trial, citing that Gray, who was 55 at the time, would likely die in prison.
The circumstances surrounding Gray’s crimes were unusual. Investigators discovered voodoo materials, including dolls filled with needles, suggesting she may have used these practices to manipulate or harm her lovers. All of Gray’s suspected victims were found shot dead in their vehicles, including a lover of six years and two former husbands.
The decision to include Gray in Biden’s clemency initiative has been met with criticism. James Trusty, who prosecuted Gray in Maryland, expressed his frustration with the decision, questioning its alignment with the rule of law.
Gray’s suspected victims included her first husband, Norman Stribbling, found dead in his car in Maryland in 1974, and her second husband, William Gray, found dead in the trunk of his car in 1996. Investigators believed she had persuaded another lover, Clarence Gray, to murder William. Clarence was also found dead in his car in 1996.
The White House has not provided specific reasons for including Gray in the list of commutations. President Biden, in a statement about his clemency initiative, emphasized the importance of second chances and mercy for those who have shown remorse and rehabilitation.