Infamous Murderer Clara Phillips: The Tiger Woman of L.A.

Clara Phillips, also known as the "Tiger Woman," was a notorious Los Angeles murderer who killed Alberta Meadows, the woman she suspected of being her husband's mistress, in 1922. Her crime was fueled by jealousy and suspicion. The story of Alberta Meadows and Clara Phillips is a fascinating and tragic one, offering a glimpse into the darker side of human nature and the consequences of extreme jealousy and violence.
00:00 - Intro
00:33 - Clara's Early Life
02:52 - Rumours of an affair
06:50 - The Murder
11:55 - Initial Capture and Trial
15:13 - Escape from Jail and recapture
17:20 - Prison time and Aftermath
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[@qrufus]

I'm surprised that Clara was convicted of 2nd degree murder. If she's asking if a hammer can kill someone, it's safe to say that she's not planning on building something with it.

[@flavia8504]

My thought exactly.

[@catherinemorrison1909]

I expect it was classed as a crime of passion, still no excuse though

[@qrufus]

@@catherinemorrison1909 if she already had the hammer, or just grabbed for it during the attack, then I would understand the 2nd degree charge. But, she actively looked bought it and lured Alberta into a trap.

[@flavia8504]

@@qrufus Exactly. It was planned. Therefore first degree murder.

[@pignutpignut771]

Circumstantial evidence

[@laurieb3703]

I'm absolutely bewildered that she beat that innocent woman to death and only got 10 years! And then to top it off, divorced the man she viciously killed over! Rest easy Alberta 😢 How awful!!!

[@pamelacharbonneau3115]

Divorce the man first. The other woman would still be alive.

[@Scrinwaipwr]

Probably soft sentence because she's a woman. Misogyny and all that; many people then thought women incapable of barbarity even when they're literally dealing with a case of it.

[@michaelb8957]

Absolutely disgusting that she was sentenced to such a short term and should have rotted in jail. She showed no remorse and planned the killing, the killing of a completely innocent young woman. Justice was not served.

[@annedalton289]

Diffrent times then

[@SLOTHSRIDEUNICORNS]

Karens will Karen.

[@helenwhite2379]

Clara was a very, very dangerous woman. Obsessive and unhinged. Poor Alberta, my heart breaks for her 😢

[@ladyhonor822]

RN CCRN ??? 🧠🎠🎠🎠🏥🌻🌄🩺☦️🌍

[@nabila1379]

And she went out of prison, alive, with a new lover, and full of smile?! I just can't.

[@christinedowie2859]

😢gets to me too.

[@nabila1379]

@Kcolonel69 True villain arc.

[@joanneentwistle7653]

Thank you Paul for this case. I had never heard it before. I love my husband dearly, but I think he knows as well as me that if he cheated on me, I would simply open the door and wave him out the door. No hammer needed. I would prefer my freedom.

[@addie_is_me]

A cheater is not worth losing your freedom.

[@moomyung9231]

I would never want to be with anyone who wanted to be with someone else. Why even bother?

[@RuminatingWizard]

​@Addie that's what she just said

[@sarafleming9893]

And that’s exactly what I did. Informed my cheating husband he needed to find another place to live, that the divorce papers would soon arrive, and that he was free to chase as many women as he wanted. He proceeded to have an affair with someone I thought was my friend. She couldn’t understand why we all couldn’t stay friends. 😵 Sorry, but I don’t accept ‘sloppy seconds’.

[@janicehill5605]

OUTRAGIOUS 😢

[@WolfieDawn]

Wow. They poor girl barely knew the guy. How on earth Peggy lived with herself when that woman begged for help as she was killed...I would be needing serious, serious help sleeping. Shocking that their marriage couldn't deal with the strain of murder and prison. Crazy that people cheered for her.

[@kristyw89]

Her friend was beating a woman to death with a hammer in front of her and threatened to do the same to her when she tried to help. At least she immediately went to the police when she was dropped off

[@ccl005jn]

I would never cover for a spouse who had murdered someone, that to me is just as crazy as her actually doing the deed.

[@thegreencat9947]

Same punishment...I do believe.

[@DVD927]

Probably she was the boss in that relationship

[@marypatten9655]

Possible partners in crime.

[@kimsherlock8969]

I have an intuitive thought, Her baby was cheating on her with men? He married to fit the profile. He helped her as he was feeling guilty for her actions of jealous murder Knowing he had deceived her in coupling.

[@annedalton289]

She would get same sentence as partner !

[@donnariahi2975]

Jealousy is always a useless emotion. It isn’t anything more that treating the ‘loved’ one as a possession. Violence is never an answer, you can’t keep them, let them go. No one is worth that type of behavior. Thanks again, Paul et al for another excellent episode.

[@samends8863]

If its so useless, what is jealousy exactly? i asked wikipedia and it says; Jealousy usually expresses one's own fears, insecurities and biographical negative experiences. Thus, a jealous person may have fears of loss, another fears a breach of trust or a violation of values, yet another that the partner finds out in comparison that he himself has strong deficits (e.g., is too boring). Thus, a child (from the age of about six months) may become jealous if his parents pay more attention to the siblings. is it really always so useless?

[@mauricedavis2160]

Great and so true comment!!!🙏👌🦉❣️

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

NO emotion is utterly useless... The so-called "negative emotions" tell us "Something's wrong" in the context of our lives and situation... They mostly stem from fear, as fear stems from the anticipation of pain and/or discomfort... What's useless is the UNHEALTHY means of coping or trying to deal with them... Jealousy is bent around aspects of human nature... That's something you can't change, no matter how much or hard you ever try... The legitimate, and healthy, thing to do, then, is to determine that whatever is "wrong" is furthering an unhealthy (at least for you) situation, and to extricate yourself from it... In Clara's case, that would be either to address the rumors with her (then) husband and accept his word either that he'll stop flirting with Alberta, OR that they're only acquaintances and the rumor-mills are full of BS... At some point, either accept the relationship at face value and TRUST in him... OR determine the relationship is UNHEALTHY as it is, and leave him if she can't find the trust on which any decent relationship SHOULD be based... Murder and mayhem and torturing people to death... running amok and threatening other people, NOT even involved in any part of her life, situation, or relationship clearly did NOTHING good for the very thing she thought she was protecting... AND respect people as they are... PEOPLE. You can't take ownership of a life that's not yours, and it's outright wrong, stupid, self-destructive, and short-sighted to try. If you can't fit the relationship together to suit you, cut your losses and move on... simple as that. BUT make no mistake... Emotions are part of how we interpret reality and process ALL the layers of information to develop a sense of ourselves and our surroundings. Denying them is only going to bottle up the pressure until you (sooner or later) "explode" and start lashing out because you've NEVER developed a healthy means of processing or dealing with your emotions... ;o)

[@mauricedavis2160]

@@gnarthdarkanen7464 hmmm 🤔❣️

[@rhondasisco-cleveland2665]

Spoken as someone who isn’t a narcissist. Those folks care about their own happiness. Period

[@kimberlypatton205]

I am surprised her lawyer didn’t plead her as insane. She sure got off with a feather slap for killing a totally innocent person. Grand video as always , Paul & crew!

[@TheLadyT23]

Good grief! And they say the UK justice system is soft! That woman should never have been allowed out!

[@deadlysquirrel5560]

California hasn't changed a bit.

[@annedalton289]

Omg look how long ago it was different times then ! 🤦‍♀️

[@MaxChampagne69]

Yeah, this was California...

[@locklear7937]

Proof of why gossiping and spreading unfounded rumours concerning people can be very dangerous. You never know how a few careless words can impact innocent people should the wrong person hear them.

[@civillady13]

I’ve never understood spouses and relatives who know what their relatives/spouses have done and cover up for them. As difficult as it could be since I’m sure they still love the suspects wouldn’t you think knowing just exactly what the suspect is capable of and the violence involved the family would turn the suspect in. A wife who covers for and defend a husband who rapes or a person who sexually abuses children. Family who covers and defends someone who murders. When the family know beyond a shadow of a doubt and still tries to help the suspect escape is beyond me.

[@joanhoffman3702]

Me, too. You love this person, and they have done a terrible thing. On the other side, there was a father who realized his son was the serial arsonist being sought after and turned him in. And Martin Sheen turned his son Charlie in when Charlie was involved with drugs. Now some people may say nothing because they have been threatened and fear for their safety, but that’s not everyone.

[@lovingmayberry307]

How sad for Alberta. RIP Innocent one. 💜

[@sarab2324]

The fact that they claimed she killed her while having a seizure 😂 I have epilepsy and that’s hilarious to think they’d use that. Even small ones, that just wouldn’t happen.

[@kouldbanyone4983]

So do and the worst I’ve ever done was fart. 😂

[@annedalton289]

@@kouldbanyone4983😂😂😂😂😂

[@phyrhfbr1819]

I also have seizures and part of having seizures can mean post ictal violence... the absolute confusion right after waking up on the floor surrounded by people before your brain has come to its full faculties... this can lead to violence depending on how the person responds...ive shoved my wife off me before and she was just trying to help me but I didn't even recognize her as my wife for like 10 seconds... im glad your seizures are mild... i... I have horrible auras and post ictal states... aren't you blessed 🙏🏻🤔

[@jessicaclakley3691]

@@phyrhfbr1819so in that case, was there a case to be made that she was in one of these states when the murder was committed? I don’t believe she was (and neither did the jury) as she obviously purchased the hammer with the intent to commit harm/death but maybe the defense trying to use it as an excuse for her behavior was not as far fetched as it initially seemed?

[@phyrhfbr1819]

@@jessicaclakley3691 just smile 🙂

[@xaraxania]

its disgusting how easy she got off for that revolting crime, poor Alberta she was just a lonely lady and didnt get justice

[@deniseleplatt1616]

So sad what jealously can do. Thank you so much Paul, wonderful story

[@yvonnesosa1040]

I HATE jealousy. I lived with my mother who was a jealous freak with my father. He couldn’t speak with another woman if he would’ve been on fire!!! She would show up at his part-time jobs (after his everyday full time job), at the local grocery store ( he was a butcher). She’d stand at the end of the counter watching his every move. Especially when any woman would ask for an order of meat. She’d make discouraging remarks to the women. They’d look at her as if she was crazy! This behavior taught me that , jealousy is an evil trait to have in a relationship. I am not, nor, do I want anyone to be jealous for me… NO THANK YOU!

[@gaylegoodman9097]

Wow 😮! With no evidence, poor Alberta was brutally murdered for being an employee of a bank. Thank you so much for posting this video. It was very interesting. I always am pleased when I see you’ve posted a video, and click on it immediately 😊.

[@maramarxx2431]

Husband was a mess and had the worst intention.

[@LiterallyAllNamesAreTaken]

other than seeing with her own eyes, there’s not really a way to give proof, in those times

[@joanhoffman3702]

He was her “baby”? Not the sign of a healthy relationship.

[@Ironclockwork]

So much for her fixated attachment to her husband... Guess absence really does make the heart go yonder.

[@thegreencat9947]

Absence makes the heart grow fonder Too much absence makes the heart wander. 😁

[@verucasaltbaum2358]

Wow! That was incredible! Thank you for this story..I'd never heard it before!

[@snb6642]

What a sad case this was! And to think that Clara practically got away with murder.

[@deee5520]

She beat a young woman to death and only spent 10 years in prison? Sounds like what’s going on today. 😡

[@FourFeathersTarot]

Sounds like UK justice. Its a joke

[@thegreencat9947]

And in prison she was fully trained in carpentry.

[@rixx46]

I am familiar with the story, but nonetheless, I found the presentation riveting both the narration the performance in the accompanying video stills, really bring it to life. Another vivid tragic, well presented story. Thanks so much.

[@maramarxx2431]

Yes. It was very well done. The characters well portrayed👍

[@RevLeigh55]

I’ve heard about this case before, but it is best presented here.

[@Delicate_Disaster]

Imagine living in a time where you can just slap on a pair of glasses and everybody's like, "No, that's not the same person!"😂

[@vahgeuvje10]

This is an amazing story. I know every single spot you mentioned as I grew up in LA.

[@suzp2265]

Superb. Never heard of this absolutely mad story, the photos are mesmerising as is your delivery. Poor Alberta though, what a tragic brief life.

[@RowieSundog]

I love your production quality! The addition of tragic dramatic music really adds to the storytelling ❤

[@leonardstilwell1894]

So good, Paul. Thanks again for being a gem in the sordid history storytellers contingent on KZbin! 😉

[@dalepointer9414]

I am familiar with this case. When I was a kid living in Waco, her name came up through friends of my foster parents. They were devoted Christians and mentioned her at the kitchen table once in awhile. She may have come over to the house ( I remember her name ) but it may not have been her. This was in 1962. She or not, she was very nice and kind, especially the candy.

[@Ms.HarmonyJ]

Alright Paul another amazing video by you and your crew always a pleasure to see a new video from well I never

[@silenceofallthings]

Holy crap, how have I never come across this channel before?! Instant sub, and now I have a pile of videos to enjoy =D

[@lorraine2336]

Same here 👍

[@lioness7582]

me too 😊

[@lioness7582]

She probably got so short of a time because of her looks and the defense probably painted the victim as a home wrecker,jurors were probably all men.

[@tricivenola8164]

The term "narcissist" was not mentioned but if anybody was one... when she had all the attention on her, she bloomed, laughing and flirting with the public, and when it was gone, she became suicidal. It seems she was performing the whole time, with zero consideration for others. I feel for that sad little widow.

[@als3022]

All based on a rumor and an unhinged individual with no remorse. Sad to see

[@lynseydowns8993]

What a story, thank you Paul for another great episode.

[@TheRachaelJay]

I only just discovered this wonderful channel recently. I absolutely LOVE these old stories. They're fantastic and I'm now binge-watching them 😃

[@rmonson5002]

This was such a sad story. How horrible for Alberta. Completely innocent and so trusting. Makes me sad.

[@elora.2.x]

Wow just shows how out of control other whispers can make someone...

[@johnhenderson131]

I don’t think I would be able to sleep very comfortably next to a person that could commit such an unprovoked violent attack… I would at the very least be sleeping with one eye open (and in another state). If her objective was to keep her marriage alive then she didn’t think beyond her rage and her plan was destined to fail from the start. Nothing hath wrath like a woman scorned, even if it’s imaginary. She’s one very dangerous sociopath. I don’t see how, after what she said and the actions she took, such as purchasing the hammer and asking if it was possible to kill a women with the claw hammer….. the murder this was anything but first degree murder! Pathetic sentence especially for the era and justice system of the United States. I was sure she would be given a death sentence. If this was a man, I think the charges and sentence would have been more severe. She sure was determined to escape, quite a rascal..naughty girl!

[@pameversole5886]

Jealousy is crueler than the grave ~ My Grandma’s warning before my wedding. (How right she was)🥺

[@Gus_1]

Even though it is shorter in its effect?

[@moondancer4660]

Wow! That woman was insane!

[@ericleesmith6774]

Tiger Woman is a great nickname! Great story, well done as always, Paul.

[@brendaholliday6866]

My deepest condolences to the family, friends, loved ones and colleagues of, Alberta Meadows. May her soul rest in eternal peace.🌹

[@mauricedavis2160]

Excellent as always, how tragic, thank you Mr. Brodie!!!🙏😢⚖️🤔❣️

[@grettagirl2884]

What a sad case all because of a selfish, suspicious and cleverly adaptive schemer 😢. Thank you for the upload, Paul.

[@addie_is_me]

“Sennett Bathing Beauties” was not akin to playboy, they were entertainment and they showed their legs, but were pretty family friendly. I realized Clara knew what she was doing when she blamed the murder of that poor girl on someone else. She should have felt lucky with 10 years, considering it was murder. I can’t believe her husband helped afterwards. You can be loved too much fella. Get out when you can!

[@thegreencat9947]

Always healthy to have a few arguments. 😁

[@pearlsaminger9544]

In those days showgirls , shop girls were looked down on , showing amounts of flesh was unseemly , you were labelled virtually a scarlet woman.

[@PopCultureFan_]

​​​​@@pearlsaminger9544 correct! lol, i just wanted to say yeah... im not exactly sure looking at pretty girls in bathing suits could exactly be a ' family friendly', and uhh.... . the word 'Beauties' should maybe give anyone with a brain that this is not ' family friendly lol and personally i dont care what theyre showing off, im sure theyre doing it in a suggestive way and that i think is part of the problem, and you bet you a-- this is for the benefit of men, its just like the sports illustrated swimsuit model ffs, do you think that would be considered family friendly even tho they dont show anything?, i bet you most people would say a big fat NO. I guess the concept goes right passed some people. Btw im not the original poster!

[@moondancer4660]

It seems to me that most true crime stories are about insanely jealous husbands and wives or boyfriends and girlfriends. I have noticed that it has d r i p p e d down to the teenagers. Yesterday I read one where a 16-year-old girl said she would not speak to her boyfriend until he killed a girl that he had kissed. I don't know where or why America's teenagers got so crazy and got such wild ideas as to think they have the right to make someone else kill for them and then of course they both go to prison for life if it's America and for a few years if it's Europe.

[@moondancer4660]

​@@PopCultureFan_you seem to have plenty to say. I don't agree with it however. I suppose if I had lived back then I would have been considered a free thinking woman😅😅

[@Harley_Girl68]

Another awesome tale from the past! Thank you 😊

[@carpediem.9]

It's an insult to tigers to call her that 👀😄she was simply nuts...

[@sirstephen9825]

Tigers have claws so to do claw hammers. 🔨

[@joanfourie1753]

CRAZY WOMAN

[@marlsberlin7716]

I know someone like that and she'd murder you with no remorse for taking a chair off a table for another person. She goes into this rampages of pure ire and evil, her eyes go crazy and nothing anybody says or does can stop her. Good thing I'm much more intimidating.🙄

[@calebm9000]

One of the other sickening details to me is the crowd support she had. Imagine being the family of Alberta and hearing that.

[@littlelostfinn]

Whoa, never been so early! Thank you for bringing us such amazing content!!

[@fernandmathurin2720]

Thanks Paul for another great video here listening and watching on another extremely hot day from sunny saint Lucia love your videos hopefully everyone is well and safe

[@KappaYokai-er7xp]

Thanks for the hard work on your new video, guys :) always a pleasure to binge these ❤❤

[@paulstirling3261]

Great vid as always!

[@ladyrose837]

Wow, what an incredible case! Thank you for sharing!

[@mariaferreras4369]

Great story. Great photos. Your voice is amazing. You are a master story teller.

[@peterpedro7662]

Absolutely brilliant, one of the best stories you have told .

[@christinedelman887]

I just love your stories Paul and the presentation! Add to the fact you always speak and dress like a true gentleman, I'll never leave your channel ❤

[@alastairsmith1096]

Great, I've been waiting for this.

[@jasontuck-smith3896]

Love these videos!

[@traceymachen2667]

Hi Paul thanks for another fascinating story

[@maddieb.4282]

Why is nobody talking about how she described her husband as her baby and herself feeling “mother love” towards him?!?! O.o

[@geewilakers5229]

Right? I was thinking more people would be mentioning that. So so creepy.

[@rodeastell3615]

Great video and story. Thank you.

[@CarolineMitchell-ud5cr]

Your voice is very nice to listen to.

[@angelataylor4540]

2nd degree murder ! How on earth was that possible. It was cold hearted and planned, without a trace of evidence of an affair, the affair was the figment of the murderers imagination. Its was first degree and she should have been executed. The jury just couldn't comprehend that a woman could have committed such a crime. Justice was not done, for a nineteen year old widower.

[@elvenkind6072]

Really tragic and sad. An innocent woman killed for a man the killer didn't get to keep anyway.

[@yef122]

I've lived in the LA area all my life and somehow never heard of this story before. Reallly interesting. I knew all of the places mentioned in the video. I really enjoy your videos 😀 I

[@christinedowie2859]

That poor young girl 19 having lost her own sweetheart to be viciously hammered to death whilst her murderer just gets on with life. Well I never. Its so wrong.

[@basbleupeaunoire]

Excellent video. What a tragedy.

[@gmanette188]

Thank you so much

[@andygarside2418]

Paul's voice is really smooth, does anyone know where he's from? His accent sounds ever so slightly lowland Scottish.

[@frankey2356]

Definitely Scottish. A very light burr..

[@thejudgmentalcat]

Good story, Paul. Hope you and yours are doing well ❤

[@pamorama]

Another fantastic video. I love your voice, it tells a story beautifully.

[@AnnaAnna-uc2ff]

Thank you.

[@ClassicJoyfulMemories]

Greetings from the USA! Such an addictive channel!

[@gaylerex2752]

Another interesting story as only you can tell it!

[@lissaxoxo556]

I love your videos!!

[@CoraJean19]

Good story. Thanks!

[@snackman2005]

I'm a new subscriber and I love your content and your delivery!

[@stargater2892]

I'm afraid to admit that I look forward to your stories. Hmm should I be worried 🤦

[@Mrs.TJTaylor]

Jealousy, so unattractive.

[@thegreencat9947]

That and needy.

[@ColleenMulrey-yv6eq]

Hi there, I enjoy your videos, very well done, thank you, professional

[@gokuxsephiroth4505]

So heartbreaking... I really don't feel like justice was done here

[@desbelfastireland9982]

THANK YOU..

[@shiloallard9790]

Poor Alberta that’s terrible,she didn’t do anything and had her life extinguished,rest easy Alberta 😢💔

[@kayevans2964]

Wow! Hell hath no fury, and all that 😮

[@jasonmaccoul]

Thanks

[@WellINever]

Thank you for your generosity 🙏🙇

[@Natasha6090]

Never heard of this case it was very interesting

[@angeliapittman4776]

I loved your story your voice is easy to listen to.😊

[@catherinemorrison1909]

And this is why you shouldn't spread gossip x

[@rgibson7305]

"Disguising herself with a pair of eyeglasses." What in the Clark Kent shit is that.

[@blk5124]

Her sentence was far, far, far too lenient. What a disgrace to regard her victims life so little.

[@tinahale9252]

What an odd story. Indeed tragic for the victims

[@Aliese11]

What a great story

[@censusgary]

Waco, Texas these days is known mostly as the home of Baylor University and some “reality” TV stars, but in the late 19th century Waco was informally known as “Sox-Shooter Junction,” and had a quasi-legal red light district.

[@Flamsterette]

Thank you for the upload. If someone cheated on me, I'd show them the door. I don't know why people try to make it work. If you have kids, what kind of example or message are you sending them?

[@Emjay_____71]

The photos are so clear

[@honorablechairmanmeow8698]

When did Kaiser Franz get a KZbin channel?

[@patron8597]

Bringing a witness against you to the crime you are about to commit is a real bigbrain move.

[@FJB-1776]

Even if there had been an affair, I will never understand women (& men) killing their rival. If your partner is weak enough to step out, that's a them problem, not the side piece's problem 😒