 Debora Green ( née Jones ; February 28 , 1951 ) is an American physician who pleaded no contest to setting a 1995 fire which burned down her family 's home and killed two of her children , and to poisoning her husband with ricin with the intention of causing his death . The case was sensational , and covered heavily by news media , especially in the Kansas – Missouri area , where the crimes occurred . Though Green has petitioned for a new trial twice in recent years , her requests have not been successful . 
