There were two major motives for Gunness to do what she did. She really did have all of the odds in her favor and took advantage of this. During the early 1900’s, when she carried out her crimes, the justice system in the United States is not exactly what you would call up to par with today’s standards. This is clearly shown by Lamphere being charged with arson and being sentenced to twenty years in prison. Despite the fact that Gunness took out a large amount of money from the bank and also purchased five gallons of kerosine the day before the fire (Marimen et al., 2008, p. 94). We are both amazed that this was not further looked into and that the detectives and investigators on this case were so quick to presume the body found in the basement
