‘Black widow’ sentenced for drugging husband days after wedding

A woman nicknamed the “Black Widow” for her ability to persuade grieving widowers to marry her, was sentenced to three and a half years less time served, for administering a noxious thing and failing to provide the necessaries of life.

Canadian Melissa Ann Shepard, 78, was charged last October after her latest husband, Fred Weeks, fell ill at a bed and breakfast in Nova Scotia four days after they wed.

Shepard pleaded guilty to administering a noxious substance and failing to provide the necessities of life.