Raymond Fernandez

March 3, 1949 - Grand Rapids, MI: Raymond Fernandez' face appears as an expressionless mask as he is
pictured for the first time behind bars following his arrest upon the sonfession of the "lonely hearts"
murder of Club member victims. Fernandez and his accomplice Martha Beck admitted the slaying
 of Mrs. Deliphene Downing and her daughter, Rainell, 21 months old. (Bettmann / Corbis)

Raymond Fernandez

Raymond Fernandez

Raymond Fernandez

Raymond Fernandez

Fernandez began writing dozens of letters to women in lonely hearts clubs. After gaining
their trust, he would steal money, jewelry, and other items, and then disappear.
The victims were often too embarrassed to report him to the police, and he was
able to work the con again and again.

Fernandez often used the name “Charles Martin” for his correspondence with his victims.

Raymond Fernandez and Martha Beck.

March 15, 1949 - Self Confessed "Lonely Heart" Slayers New York Bound. Grand Rapids, Michigan:
Raymond Fernandez and Mrs. Martha Beck, self confessed "Lonely Heart" slayers, shown in the
custody of two New York officials as they board a plane in Grand Rapids, bound for New York.
where they face the possibility of death in the electric chair. (Left to right): Charles Hildebrand,
 Nassau County, New York official; Fernandez; second New York official, unidentified;
and Mrs. Martha Beck. (Bettmann / Corbis)

Raymond Fernandez and Martha Beck.

Raymond Fernandez and Martha Beck.

June 14, 1949 - New York: Martha Beck and Raymond Fernandez (right) look as happy here as if they
were merely attempting to induce the man in center to accompany them on a picnic. Actually the chap
in center is their attorney, Herbert S. Rosenberg. He is defending the two, known as the "lonely hearts"
pair in their trial for murder in Bronx County Court. Mr. Rosenberg is particular about jury selection,
dropping frequent hints that part of the testimony may bear a distinct resemblance to excerpts
from the Kinsey Report. (Bettmann / Corbis)

August 16, 1949 - After signing a 73-page confession, filled with lurid sexual acts and the murder
of at least 17 women, Martha Beck and Raymond Fernandez went to trial in New York for the
murder of widow Janet Fay. Here, they stand with their lawyer after his summation.
(Bettmann / Corbis)

Raymond Fernandez and Martha Beck.

Daily News clipping, August 19, 1949.

Raymond Fernandez's last meal request.