Mary Ellen Samuels Legal Challenges

Reference TimelineLast updated APR 10
SUMMARY

Mary Ellen Samuels, convicted of orchestrating the murders of her husband and a hitman, claimed on February 7, 2026, that her 1994 trial was unfair due to prosecutors engaging in 'slut-shaming' and is seeking freedom. As of April 10, 2026, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's denial of guilt-phase relief on her habeas corpus petition, specifically regarding a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel. This follows a December 2019 federal court decision that overturned her death sentence due to ineffective legal representation, though the California Supreme Court had affirmed her death sentence in June 2005. Samuels, often referred to as the 'Green Widow,' was convicted of soliciting and conspiring in the murders.

Timeline

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April 2026 — 1 developments

  1. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's denial of guilt-phase relief on Mary Ellen Samuels' habeas corpus petition in December 2021.

    The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's denial of guilt-phase relief on Mary Ellen Samuels' habeas corpus petition in December 2021. This decision pertains to a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel due to a potential conflict of interest, adding a new layer to her legal challenges.

February 2026 — 1 developments

  1. Mary Ellen Samuels, through newly filed court papers, claims her 1994 trial was unfair due to prosecutors allegedly engaging in 'slut-shaming.

    Mary Ellen Samuels, through newly filed court papers, claims her 1994 trial was unfair due to prosecutors allegedly engaging in 'slut-shaming.' She is seeking freedom based on these claims.

June 2025 — 1 developments

  1. A podcast transcript discussed Mary Ellen Samuels' case, referring to her as the 'Green Widow' and n…

    A podcast transcript discussed Mary Ellen Samuels' case, referring to her as the 'Green Widow' and noting that while sentenced to death, executions in California were rare or non-existent.

May 2025 — 1 developments

  1. A YouTube video detailed the case of Mary Ellen Samuels, the 'Green Widow,' describing how she orche…

    A YouTube video detailed the case of Mary Ellen Samuels, the 'Green Widow,' describing how she orchestrated her husband's murder and the subsequent murder of the hitman, and how her daughter avoided charges.

January 2025 — 1 developments

  1. A podcast episode discussed the case of Robert Samuels and Mary Ellen Samuels, the 'Green Widow,' noting her hiring of a hitman and then another to kill the hitman.

    A podcast episode discussed the case of Robert Samuels and Mary Ellen Samuels, the 'Green Widow,' noting her hiring of a hitman and then another to kill the hitman.

November 2023 — 2 developments

  1. Further details emerged about the investigation into Bob Samuels' murder, including autopsy findings and the nature of the crime, as part of a true crime series.

    Further details emerged about the investigation into Bob Samuels' murder, including autopsy findings and the nature of the crime, as part of a true crime series.

  2. A true crime podcast episode about Mary Ellen Samuels and the murder of her husband, Bob Samuels, was promoted.

    A true crime podcast episode about Mary Ellen Samuels and the murder of her husband, Bob Samuels, was promoted. The episode highlighted her collection of life insurance money after his death.

December 2019 — 1 developments

  1. In December 2019, a federal court overturned Mary Ellen Samuels' death sentence, citing ineffective legal representation.

    In December 2019, a federal court overturned Mary Ellen Samuels' death sentence, citing ineffective legal representation. The court found that her trial lawyer's failure to object to irrelevant evidence, such as her drug use and past photos, may have improperly influenced the jury's decision regarding her sentence.

November 2019 — 1 developments

  1. Federal habeas relief has been granted to Mary Ellen Samuels concerning her death sentence due to ineffective assistance of trial counsel.

    Federal habeas relief has been granted to Mary Ellen Samuels concerning her death sentence due to ineffective assistance of trial counsel. The relief was based on the failure to exclude prejudicial character evidence during the guilt-innocence phase of her trial. Samuels was convicted of soliciting and conspiring in the murders of her husband and another individual.

June 2005 — 1 developments

  1. The California Supreme Court unanimously affirmed Mary Ellen Samuels' death sentence, stating that s…

    The California Supreme Court unanimously affirmed Mary Ellen Samuels' death sentence, stating that she received a fair trial and that the evidence overwhelmingly linked her to the murders.

July 1994 — 3 developments

  1. A judge considered the jury's death penalty recommendation for Mary Ellen Samuels.

    A judge considered the jury's death penalty recommendation for Mary Ellen Samuels. The trial had featured lurid testimony and exhibits, including a photograph of Samuels covered in cash.

  3. Mary Ellen Samuels was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder, with special circumstances including multiple murders and murder for financial gain.

    Mary Ellen Samuels was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder, with special circumstances including multiple murders and murder for financial gain. She was also convicted of conspiracy and solicitation of murder.

June 1989 — 1 developments

  1. James Bernstein, the hitman allegedly hired by Mary Ellen Samuels to kill her husband, was found murdered.

    James Bernstein, the hitman allegedly hired by Mary Ellen Samuels to kill her husband, was found murdered. He was strangled and his body was dumped in a canyon. Samuels was accused of hiring two men to kill Bernstein to prevent him from cooperating with police.

December 1988 — 1 developments

  1. Robert Samuels, a motion picture camera assistant, was shot and killed in his Northridge home.

    Robert Samuels, a motion picture camera assistant, was shot and killed in his Northridge home. His wife, Mary Ellen Samuels, was later accused of orchestrating the murder for financial gain.