Shivangi Sinha
The Aileen Wuornos case generated immense public attention, but one event following her arrest left many people puzzled. Shortly afterward, Arlene and Bob Pralle, a childless couple from Florida, legally adopted her and stood by her side throughout the ensuing years. Their decision faced widespread criticism and confusion, yet the couple maintained that they were guided by their faith and acting according to God’s will. Netflix’s ‘Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers’ features archival footage from Arlene’s interviews with a news correspondent, offering insight into this unusual and deeply personal chapter of the case.
Arlene and Bob Pralle Claimed That God Instructed Them to Adopt a Convicted Killer
Arlene and Robert “Bob” Pralle were Pentecostal Christians from Ocala, Florida. They first learned about Aileen Wuornos after her arrest in January 1991 on charges of multiple murders committed between 1989 and 1990. In an interview, Arlene recalled that when she first saw Aileen’s picture in the newspaper, she “felt butterflies,” and what followed, she believed, was divine guidance. She claimed that just days after seeing the photo, both she and her husband heard from God, who instructed them to help Aileen as parental figures. Acting on this conviction, Arlene pursued the adoption process, and on November 11, 1991, Aileen was legally adopted by the couple, even though the killer was not present at the official hearing.
Arlene shared that she and Aileen spoke almost every day and frequently exchanged letters. The then-44-year-old said she introduced Aileen to faith, encouraging her to seek forgiveness and find redemption through God. During Aileen’s January 1992 trial, Arlene even took the stand and testified about the difficult childhood Aileen had endured, based on accounts from her family and friends. She alleged that Aileen had been abused and argued that she wasn’t truly a serial killer. Arlene also helped Aileen secure a defense attorney.
By 1993, Aileen had pleaded no contest to three additional murders, having already been convicted of one after the January 1992 trial, and pleaded guilty to two more. She explained that she wanted to “get right with God” and that if she was already facing the death penalty for one murder, she might as well confess to the rest. Throughout this period, Arlene remained in the media spotlight, supporting Aileen despite widespread criticism. Both she and her husband, Bob, faced intense public backlash for adopting and defending her. They maintained, however, that their actions were not motivated by financial gain. Arlene emphasized that she didn’t care whether Aileen was guilty or innocent; she simply felt a deep, God-given desire to be a mother.
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In 1994, Arlene Pralle became the focus of the documentary ‘Aileen Wuornos: The Selling of a Serial Killer.’ According to news reports, she and her husband, Bob Pralle, received around $10,000 for sharing their story. A few years later, in 1998, Arlene appeared on ‘American Justice,’ where she reflected on her relationship with her adoptive daughter. Originally from New Hyde Park, New York, Arlene attended Herricks High School and later Claremont Secondary School. She also studied at Parelli Natural Horsemanship, developing a passion for working with horses. Alongside her husband, Bob, she operated a horse breeding and boarding facility on their farm, which served as their primary source of income at the time she adopted Aileen.
Arlene and Bob remain deeply devoted to their faith. As of 2023, they were spending time in Alabama, actively participating in their local church community. They now appear to be retired and have since moved back to Florida, a decision Arlene said was made on her doctor’s advice. In mid-2025, Bob suffered a stroke and has been undergoing physical therapy, while Arlene diligently visits him at the facility almost every day. The couple is lifelong animal lovers and shares their home with several beloved cats, White Paws, Samuel, Luke, Lexi, and Raven, whom they treat like their own children.
Arlene also pet-sits for friends, and during a challenging period in July 2025, when she was battling pneumonia and Bob was hospitalized, they were grateful to have supportive friends who helped care for their pets. Arlene remains politically engaged, having publicly expressed her pro-Israel stance and continuing to follow news about rallies and political events closely from home. She still carries the same spirit and determination she had years ago, finding peace and fulfillment in her faith and the life she has built.
