Delphine Downing is a character based on Mrs. Delphine Downing, a Byron Center, Michigan widow. On February 26, 1949, she was killed by Ray Fernandez, a con artist whom, with his accomplice, Martha Beck, posed as brother and sister as they bilked then murdered widows whose lonely hearts club ads Fernandez answered. Two days later, Beck drowned Delphine's 20-month old daughter Rainelle in a bath tub on Fernandez's orders to get rid of her . After burying Delphine and Rainelle in the basement, they went to the movies. The police confronted them upon their return. They confessed, and were extradited to New York to stand trial for the murder of Albany widow Janet Fay. The Lonely Hearts Killers were executed at Sing Sing Prison on March 8, 1951.