Mary Ellen Samuels Legal Case
Mary Ellen Samuels, convicted of orchestrating the murders of her husband and a hitman, claimed her 1994 trial was unfair due to prosecutorial 'slut-shaming' in newly filed court papers on February 7, 2026. As of May 25, 2026, a petitioner filed a brief in the Supreme Court of the United States regarding a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel due to a lawyer's alleged conflict of interest, following the Ninth Circuit's affirmation in December 2021 of a district court's denial of guilt-phase relief on her habeas corpus petition. Her death sentence was previously overturned in December 2019 by a federal court, citing ineffective legal representation for failing to object to irrelevant evidence.
Timeline
Want updates on this thread?
Track this storyTimeline of developments
May 2026 — 1 developments
Mary Ellen Samuels Case: Supreme Court Brief Filed on Ineffective Counsel Claim
A petitioner filed a brief in the Supreme Court of the United States in February 2022 regarding a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel due to a lawyer's alleged conflict of interest. The Ninth Circuit had previously expanded a Certificate of Appealability to include the claim that trial counsel was ineffective for failing to present a particular witness.
April 2026 — 1 developments
Ninth Circuit affirms denial of Mary Ellen Samuels' habeas corpus petition
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
Mary Ellen Samuels claims 1994 trial unfair due to alleged 'slut-shaming' by prosecutors
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
Podcast discusses Mary Ellen Samuels' 'Green Widow' case and rare California executions
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
YouTube video details Mary Ellen Samuels' orchestration of husband's and hitman's murders
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
Mary Ellen Samuels, the 'Green Widow,' hired hitmen to kill her husband and then 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
True crime series reveals Bob Samuels murder investigation details, autopsy findings
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.
Podcast episode promotes Mary Ellen Samuels' collection of life insurance after husband's murder
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
Federal Court Overturns Mary Ellen Samuels' Death Sentence Due to Ineffective Counsel
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
Mary Ellen Samuels granted federal habeas relief in death sentence due to ineffective 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
California Supreme Court Affirms Mary Ellen Samuels' Death Sentence
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
Judge Considers Death Penalty 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.
Jury recommends death penalty for Mary Ellen Samuels
The jury recommended the death penalty for Mary Ellen Samuels.
Mary Ellen Samuels Convicted of Double Murder, Conspiracy, and Solicitation
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
Hitman James Bernstein found murdered; Samuels accused of hiring killers to silence him
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
Wife Accused of Orchestrating Murder of Camera Assistant Robert Samuels
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.