Frances Turner married William Kidder in 1865. It was only after their marriage that she discovered William had a daughter from a previous relationship, Louisa Kidder-Staples. Neighbors reported that Frances frequently beat Louisa when William was away. ​

In August 1867, while visiting her parents in New Romney, Frances took 11-year-old Louisa for a walk but returned alone, claiming Louisa had accidentally fallen into a ditch. Suspicious of her behavior, her family alerted the authorities. A search led to the discovery of Louisa's body in a pool of water. Frances was arrested and later tried at the Kent Spring Assize. Witnesses, including her own family members, testified about her animosity toward Louisa. The jury found her guilty of murder after just 12 minutes of deliberation. Frances was executed publicly at Maidstone Gaol on 2 April 1868, with approximately 2,000 people in attendance. ​