Edme Castaing

Edme Castaing (1796–1824) was a French physician and the first person to use morphine to commit murder. He poisoned a patient in 1823, the wealthy Hippolyte Ballet, so that the victim's brother Auguste would inherit a fortune. After getting Auguste to make out a will in his behalf, Castaing poisoned him as well.

Castaing was arrested and at his trial, medical opinions differed as to the nature of the poison used. Castaing was convicted of Auguste's—but not Hippolyte's—murder. He was executed, still professing his innocence.