Once Upon A Crime

In this special bonus episode of Once Upon a Crime, Esther sits down with journalist and investigator Crystal Gutierrez to discuss the missing persons case she and her team are actively investigating. The disappearance of 9-year-old Anthonette Cayedito, who vanished from her home in Gallup, New Mexico, in 1986. Crystal shares what it’s like to reinvestigate a decades-old disappearance, what keeps this case at the forefront of public memory, and why awareness still matters. Esther and Crystal also talk about the upcoming Beyond the Crime Convention, returning for its second year in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Esther will be a featured speaker. Case Discussed Anthonette Cayedito (Age 9) Missing from Gallup, New Mexico — April 6, 1986 📺 Anthonette Cayedito 911 Call (Video) https://youtu.be/sICCy_hOmKU?si=OYMNictYwHKELTrr Follow Crystal Gutierrez 📌 Crystal Gutierrez on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CrystalGutierrezTV Submit Tips If you have information about Anthonette Cayedito’s disappearance, please email tips to: 📩 info@beyondthecase.com Beyond the Crime Convention The Beyond the Crime Convention returns for its second year in Albuquerque, New Mexico — featuring speakers, creators, investigators, and advocates focused on cases that still need answers. 📍 Location: Albuquerque, NM 📅 Dates: April 11–12 🎤 Esther (Host of Once Upon a Crime) will be a featured speaker 📸 Convention Instagram https://www.instagram.com/beyondcrimeconvention/ 🎟️ Discount Code for Tickets ✅ BEYOND-OUAC See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this bonus episode of Once Upon a Crime, Esther revisits the horrific crimes of serial killer John Wayne Gacy, often referred to as “The Killer Clown,” and reviews the 2025 Peacock docu-drama Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy. The episode explores Gacy’s background, his crimes, the investigation's failures, and how the new series approaches the case from a victim-centered perspective. 🔍 Episode OverviewA concise but comprehensive summary of John Wayne Gacy’s life, early red flags, criminal history, and escalation into serial murder.A breakdown of the 1978 investigation that led to the discovery of 33 victims and Gacy’s eventual arrest.Key points from Gacy’s trial, sentencing, and 1994 execution after 14 years on death row.Esther’s review of the 2025 Peacock TV series, Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy:How the series differs from past portrayalsWhy its victim-focused storytelling stands outWhat is factually accurate and what is dramatizedA discussion of additional theories, research, and case details not included in the series.📚 Sources & Further ReadingDevil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy (2025), Peacock TV / Littleton Road Productions Creator & Showrunner: Patrick McManusRolling Stone – “Four Things ‘Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy’ Leaves Out” Elisabeth Garber-Paul (Oct 24, 2025)EBSCO Knowledge Advantage: John Wayne Gacy – Research StartersPeople Magazine – “‘Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy’ — What’s Fact, What’s Fiction?” Caroline Blair (Oct 20, 2025)This episode was brought to you by: Completing the Puzzle - Go to CompletingthePuzzle.com and use code OUAC for $10 off your first puzzle subscription box or gift card. Because no one’s been murdered while doing a puzzle.  Shop our OUAC MERCH SHOP holiday sale!  For a limited time, get up to 27% off all products — including $16 tees — during our Holiday Sale. But hurry, deals end December 15th! Place your order by the 15th for delivery before Christmas.  Shop now at onceuponacrime.dashery.com. ✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽  We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crime fans on an unforgettable adventure. Reserve your spot today with just 25% down—but hurry, space is limited and will sell out fast! 🔗 Click here to learn more and book your spot now! 📝 Connect With the Show Have thoughts about the series or the case? Want more bonus reviews? Let Esther know on social media or at truecrimepodcast.com.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special bonus episode, Esther and producer Lorena answer listener questions and share their own reflections after a six-week deep dive into the life, death, and murder of Elizabeth Short. Topics include: • Who the real Elizabeth Short was versus the myth of “The Black Dahlia” • Whether her killer was someone she knew or a stranger • Whether the murderer had medical training • The possibility of solving the case today with DNA • Theories on whether more than one person was involved Esther and Lorena also discuss what surprised them most during the series, how their theories have evolved, and why this case still grips us nearly 80 years later. Subscribe and stay tuned for more deep-dive true crime investigations. 📚 Sources Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder by John Gilmore The Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood by William J. Mann (upcoming) 👉 Pre-order the book here: Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood To explore more of William J. Mann’s fascinating work — including his previous bestsellers and a calendar of upcoming appearances — visit his author page on Simon & Schuster. Shop our OUAC MERCH SHOP holiday sale!  For a limited time, get up to 27% off all products — including $16 tees — during our Holiday Sale. But hurry, deals end December 15th! Place your order by the 15th for delivery before Christmas.  Shop now at onceuponacrime.dashery.com. ✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽  We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crime fans on an unforgettable adventure. Reserve your spot today with just 25% down—but hurry, space is limited and will sell out fast! 🔗 Click here to learn more and book your spot now! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the sixth and final episode of our series Broken: The Black Dahlia Murder, we explore the enduring cultural legacy of one of America’s most haunting unsolved crimes. For nearly eight decades, Elizabeth Short’s name, and the moniker “The Black Dahlia”. Has inspired countless books, films, television shows, and theories. But in the process, the real woman behind the legend has often been overshadowed by sensationalism, myths, and misinformation. In this episode, we revisit the most persistent theories surrounding her murder, including the widely publicized, but deeply controversial claims of the so-called “Black Dahlia Avenger” and retired LAPD detective Steve Hodel’s accusations against his father, Dr. George Hodel. We also introduce listeners to the thoughtful, evidence-based perspective offered by author William J. Mann in his forthcoming book, Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood (releasing January 26, 2026). Mann’s work offers a grounded theory that avoids conspiracies and centers on the real circumstances of Elizabeth Short’s life. Then, we turn inward to consider what the evidence and Beth’s own history suggest about the most likely scenarios behind her tragic death. This episode aims to give her her story back. About This Series BROKEN: The Black Dahlia Murder is a six-part Once Upon a Crime original series. Through extensive research, historical records, and firsthand accounts, Esther Ludlow uncovers the truth behind America’s most infamous unsolved murder, separating fact from fiction to rediscover the real woman behind the myth. Featured Guest: William J. Mann William J. Mann, is an acclaimed author and historian, whose work brings the glamour and the darkness of old Hollywood vividly to life. In this series, you’ll hear clips from my interview with him as we discuss his latest book, Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood — a gripping new take on one of America’s most infamous unsolved murders. 👉 Pre-order the book here: Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood To explore more of William J. Mann’s fascinating work — including his previous bestsellers and a calendar of upcoming appearances — visit his author page on Simon & Schuster. 📚 Sources Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder by John Gilmore The Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood by William J. Mann (upcoming) Contemporary newspaper archives, LAPD records, and witness interviews Series Conclusion This episode concludes our series Broken: The Black Dahlia Murder. If you’ve enjoyed this deep dive, please share the show with a friend, leave a review, and make sure you’re subscribed so you won’t miss our upcoming holiday specials and the new multi-part series launching in January. For updates, behind-the-scenes content, listener polls, merch discounts, and more, visit truecrimepodcast.com and follow us on social media. Thank you for joining us in remembering Elizabeth Short, not as a legend, but as a human being whose story deserves to be told with truth and compassion. Visit the new OUAC MERCH SHOP!  BLACK FRIDAY DEALS ARE LIVE! Shop now at onceuponacrime.dashery.com. ✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽 We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crime fans on an unforgettable adventure. Reserve your spot today with just 25% down—but hurry, space is limited and will sell out fast! 🔗 Click here to learn more and book your spot now! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Part Five of Broken: The Black Dahlia Murder, we examine the discovery of Elizabeth Short’s mutilated body, the forensic evidence revealed by the autopsy, and how early investigative missteps and media sensationalism derailed the search for her killer. We break down the crime scene on Norton Avenue, the medical examiner’s key findings—including signs of strangulation, postmortem mutilation, and the surgical precision of the bisection—and how these details shaped investigators’ understanding of the murder. About This Series BROKEN: The Black Dahlia Murder is a six-part Once Upon a Crime original series. Through extensive research, historical records, and firsthand accounts, Esther Ludlow uncovers the truth behind America’s most infamous unsolved murder, separating fact from fiction to rediscover the real woman behind the myth. Featured Guest: William J. Mann In this episode of Once Upon a Crime, we’re joined by William J. Mann, acclaimed author and historian, whose work brings the glamour and the darkness of old Hollywood vividly to life. You’ll hear clips from my interview with him as we discuss his latest book, Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood — a gripping new take on one of America’s most infamous unsolved murders. 👉 Pre-order the book here: Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood To explore more of William J. Mann’s fascinating work — including his previous bestsellers and a calendar of upcoming appearances — visit his author page on Simon & Schuster. 📚 Sources Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder by John Gilmore The Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood by William J. Mann (upcoming) Contemporary newspaper archives, LAPD records, and witness interviews 🎧 Next Time on Broken We’ll examine the “Black Dahlia Avenger” letters, the controversial Dr. George Hodel theory, and I’ll share my own conclusions about who killed Elizabeth Short and why. Follow & Subscribe Be sure to subscribe to Broken wherever you listen to podcasts. If you’re watching on YouTube, hit the notification bell to be alerted as soon as a new episode drops. Sponsors:  See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website: https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/ Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast Visit the new OUAC MERCH SHOP!  Shop now at onceuponacrime.dashery.com. ✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽 We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crime fans on an unforgettable adventure. Reserve your spot today with just 25% down—but hurry, space is limited and will sell out fast! 🔗 Click here to learn more and book your spot now! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this bonus episode, Esther takes listeners back to the earliest days of the Black Dahlia investigation — before the world even knew the victim’s name. Detectives faced a gruesome and mystifying crime scene in a quiet Los Angeles neighborhood. Who was the young woman whose body had been staged so deliberately? And who could have committed such a shocking crime? Using witness statements, police reports, and historical accounts, Esther reveals how investigators built their first list of suspects — and how each was eventually ruled out. From Elizabeth Short’s friends and lovers to shady landlords and reluctant witnesses, these early leads laid the groundwork for a case that would haunt Los Angeles for decades. 🎧 Next Time on Broken In the next episode, we’ll examine the shocking details of the crime scene and autopsy — how Elizabeth Short was killed, the forensic evidence left behind, and what it tells us about her murderer. We’ll also start piecing together theories about motive — and why her killer may have wanted her body to be found. Make sure you’re subscribed and that your app is set to automatically download new episodes so you don’t miss what’s next in Broken: The Black Dahlia Murder. About This Series BROKEN: The Black Dahlia Murder is a six-part Once Upon a Crime original series. Through extensive research, historical records, and firsthand accounts, Esther Ludlow uncovers the truth behind America’s most infamous unsolved murder, separating fact from fiction to rediscover the real woman behind the myth. 📚 Sources Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder by John Gilmore The Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood by William J. Mann (upcoming) Contemporary newspaper archives, LAPD records, and witness interviews Follow & Subscribe Be sure to subscribe to Broken wherever you listen to podcasts. If you’re watching on YouTube, hit the notification bell to be alerted as soon as a new episode drops. Sponsors:  See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website: https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/ Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast Visit the new OUAC MERCH SHOP!  For a limited time, get up to 27% off all products — including $16 tees — during our Grand Opening Sale. But hurry, deals end October 31st! Shop now at onceuponacrime.dashery.com. ✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽 We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crime fans on an unforgettable adventure. Reserve your spot today with just 25% down—but hurry, space is limited and will sell out fast! 🔗 Click here to learn more and book your spot now! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this fourth installment of Broken: The Black Dahlia Murder, we trace Elizabeth Short’s final, mysterious days — the missing week between her last confirmed sightings in early January 1947 and the shocking discovery of her body on January 15th. This episode follows “The Lost Week” through the eyes of those who crossed her path, beginning with Robert “Red” Manley, the married salesman who would become the first and most infamous suspect in the case. Listeners will hear how Manley’s brief encounter with Elizabeth turned his life into a nightmare — from his interrogation by the LAPD to his tragic decline under the weight of suspicion and mental illness. We’ll also explore the early stages of the investigation: the first crime scene discoveries, the detectives who took charge, and the swarm of reporters who would turn the story into a national obsession. Finally, we close with a look ahead — teasing the next chapter in this haunting story, where the list of suspects grows and the myths begin to take root. About This Series BROKEN: The Black Dahlia Murder is a six-part Once Upon a Crime original series. Through extensive research, historical records, and firsthand accounts, Esther Ludlow uncovers the truth behind America’s most infamous unsolved murder, separating fact from fiction to rediscover the real woman behind the myth. 📚 Sources Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder by John Gilmore The Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood by William J. Mann (upcoming) Contemporary newspaper archives, LAPD records, and witness interviews Featured Guest: William J. Mann In this episode of Once Upon a Crime, we’re joined by William J. Mann, acclaimed author and historian, whose work brings the glamour and the darkness of old Hollywood vividly to life. You’ll hear clips from my interview with him as we discuss his latest book, Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood — a gripping new take on one of America’s most infamous unsolved murders.  Pre-order the book here: Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood To explore more of William J. Mann’s fascinating work — including his previous bestsellers and a calendar of upcoming appearances — visit his author page on Simon & Schuster. 🎧 Next Time on Broken In a bonus episode, we’ll examine the full suspect list—from wartime lovers to Hollywood hangers-on—and the man who drew the most intense scrutiny of all: Mark Hansen. Who were they? What secrets did they hide? And which of them came closest to the truth? Follow & Subscribe Be sure to subscribe to Broken wherever you listen to podcasts. If you’re watching on YouTube, hit the notification bell to be alerted as soon as a new episode drops. Sponsors:  See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website: https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/ Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast Visit the new OUAC MERCH SHOP!  Shop now at onceuponacrime.dashery.com. ✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽 We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crime fans on an unforgettable adventure. Reserve your spot today with just 25% down—but hurry, space is limited and will sell out fast! 🔗 Click here to learn more and book your spot now! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 1946, Elizabeth Short – the young woman the world would later know as The Black Dahlia – returned to California chasing love, glamour, and a new beginning. Instead, she found herself drifting through a postwar Los Angeles filled with promise, danger, and people who would soon become key figures in one of the most infamous unsolved murders in American history. In this episode, we follow Beth — now calling herself Betty — from Long Beach to Hollywood and finally to San Diego in the final weeks before her disappearance. Along the way, she crosses paths with men who offer affection and opportunity, but whose motives aren’t always as pure as they seem. From the glitzy Florentine Gardens nightclub to the humble home of the French family, this chapter reveals the pattern that defined Elizabeth’s life: charm and tragedy, hope and heartbreak, played out against the glittering — and unforgiving — backdrop of midcentury Los Angeles. About This Series BROKEN: The Black Dahlia Murder is a six-part Once Upon a Crime original series. Through extensive research, historical records, and firsthand accounts, Esther Ludlow uncovers the truth behind America’s most infamous unsolved murder, separating fact from fiction to rediscover the real woman behind the myth. 📚 Sources Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder by John Gilmore The Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood by William J. Mann (upcoming) Contemporary newspaper archives, LAPD records, and witness interviews 🎧 Next Time on Broken In Part Four – The Lost Week, we trace Elizabeth Short’s final known days and nights — a week shrouded in rumor, mystery, and new revelations. Author William J. Mann joins us to discuss his groundbreaking research uncovering what really happened between her last sighting in San Diego and the moment her body was discovered in Los Angeles. Sponsors:  See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website: https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/ Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast Visit the new OUAC MERCH SHOP!  For a limited time, get up to 27% off all products — including $16 tees — during our Grand Opening Sale. But hurry, deals end October 31st! Shop now at onceuponacrime.dashery.com. ✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽 We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crime fans on an unforgettable adventure. Reserve your spot today with just 25% down—but hurry, space is limited and will sell out fast! 🔗 Click here to learn more and book your spot now! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before Elizabeth Short became known to the world as The Black Dahlia, she was a young woman searching for love and belonging in a world still recovering from war. In this bonus episode, Esther reads excerpts from Elizabeth’s personal correspondence with Lt. Joseph Gordon Fickling and Major Matthew “Matt” Gordon — two men who loved her deeply, and who reveal, through their letters, the hopes and heartbreaks of a woman who has too often been reduced to myth. These intimate writings offer a rare glimpse into Elizabeth’s voice — tender, romantic, and filled with dreams. Through her words, listeners will discover the woman behind the legend: hopeful, vulnerable, and forever chasing beauty in a world that often failed to show her kindness. 📚 Sources and References William F. Mann, Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood (Simon & Schuster, 2026) John Gilmore, Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder (Ameteur Press, 1994) Archival letters and family correspondence cited in:FBI Case File 62-00060: “Elizabeth Short Murder (Black Dahlia)”Los Angeles Examiner and Los Angeles Times historical archives (1947)Testimonies and recollections from:Phoebe Short (Elizabeth’s mother), in interviews compiled in the FBI case file 🔜 Next in the Series: In the next episode of Broken: The Black Dahlia Murders – Part Three, listeners will hear a detailed timeline of Elizabeth Short’s final months in Los Angeles, leading up to her infamous “lost week.” We’ll follow her movements across the city — the hotels, the friends, and the mysterious encounters that made up her last days — and begin to uncover the tangled web of people who crossed her path before her death. Sponsors:  See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website: https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/ Visit the new OUAC MERCH SHOP!  For a limited time, get up to 27% off all products — including $16 tees — during our Grand Opening Sale. But hurry, deals end October 31st! Shop now at onceuponacrime.dashery.com. ✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽 We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crime fans on an unforgettable adventure. Reserve your spot today with just 25% down—but hurry, space is limited and will sell out fast! 🔗 Click here to learn more and book your spot now! Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before she became The Black Dahlia, Elizabeth Short was simply Beth — a young woman with big dreams, an open heart, and a longing for something beyond the ordinary. In Part Two: Becoming Elizabeth, we step back in time to uncover the story of the woman behind the legend. From her childhood in Medford, Massachusetts, through family tragedy, illness, and the Great Depression, we follow Elizabeth’s journey into adolescence — a girl fascinated by Hollywood glamour and determined to create a better life for herself. We trace her adventures from the frozen streets of New England to the sun-drenched beaches of Florida and the military bases of California during World War II. Along the way, we meet the men who loved her — and the heartbreaks that would shape her fate. This episode explores the making of Elizabeth Short: the beauty, the dreamer, and the woman who walked fearlessly into a world that would one day remember her by another name. About This Series BROKEN: The Black Dahlia Murder is a six-part Once Upon a Crime original series. Through extensive research, historical records, and firsthand accounts, Esther Ludlow uncovers the truth behind America’s most infamous unsolved murder, separating fact from fiction to rediscover the real woman behind the myth. Sources & ReferencesLos Angeles Police Department and FBI case archives and reports.“Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood” by William J. Mann, Simon & Schuster, (Advanced Reader Copy), Publication date: January 13, 2026. “Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder” by John Gilmore.Historic articles from the Los Angeles Times and The Examiner (1947). (Accessed on Newspapers.com.)  Sponsors:  See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website: https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/ Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast Mortal Musings Podcast: https://mortalmusingspodcast.com/  Visit the new OUAC MERCH SHOP!  For a limited time, get up to 27% off all products — including $16 tees — during our Grand Opening Sale. But hurry, deals end October 31st! Shop now at onceuponacrime.dashery.com. ✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽 We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crimefans on an unforgettable adventure. Reserve your spot today with just 25% down—but hurry, space is limited and will sell out fast! 🔗 Click here to learn more and book your spot now! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In January 1947, a mother walking through a quiet Los Angeles neighborhood made a horrifying discovery — the bisected body of a young woman posed in a vacant lot. Within hours, newspapers had a headline that would echo for decades: The Black Dahlia Murder. In this first episode of BROKEN: The Black Dahlia Murder, host Esther Ludlow revisits the shocking discovery of Elizabeth Short’s body and explores how the media turned one of America’s most brutal crimes into legend. You’ll learn how police handed reporters nearly unrestricted access to the case, how wild speculation replaced evidence, and how myths — from “party girl” to “femme fatale” — erased the real woman behind the name. Seventy-eight years later, her story is still broken by rumor and sensationalism. Now, Once Upon a Crime seeks to restore the truth. In this six-part series, Esther will uncover the real Elizabeth Short — and tell the story the headlines never did.  About This Series BROKEN: The Black Dahlia Murder is a six-part Once Upon a Crime original series. Through extensive research, historical records, and firsthand accounts, Esther Ludlow uncovers the truth behind America’s most infamous unsolved murder, separating fact from fiction to rediscover the real woman behind the myth. Upcoming episode: Part Two: Discovering Elizabeth - The true biography of Elizabeth Short: her childhood, her dreams, and how her life led her to Los Angeles.  Release date: October 25th  Sources & ReferencesLos Angeles Police Department and FBI case archives and reports.“Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood” by William J. Mann, Simon & Schuster, (Advanced Reader Copy), Publication date: January 13, 2026. “Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder” by John Gilmore.Historic articles from the Los Angeles Times and The Examiner (1947). (Accessed on Newspapers.com.)  Sponsors:  See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website: https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/ Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast Killer Hearts to Hearts: https://www.killerhearttohearts.com/podcast Crime Salad: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crime-salad/id1457141569 ✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽 We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crimefans on an unforgettable adventure. Reserve your spot today with just 25% down—but hurry, space is limited and will sell out fast! 🔗 Click here to learn more and book your spot now! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In January 1947, Elizabeth Short’s brutal murder shocked Los Angeles — and turned her into the enduring legend known as The Black Dahlia. In this new six-part Once Upon a Crime series, host Esther Ludlow goes beyond the headlines to uncover the real woman behind the myth. Drawing on her background in criminal psychology and nearly a decade of experience researching and narrating Once Upon a Crime, Esther takes a deep dive into one of history’s most infamous unsolved murders — revealing new insights, hidden details, and the truth behind the legend. 🎧 Broken: The Black Dahlia Murder premieres October 13th. Don’t Miss Our Other Series While you wait for the premiere of Broken, you can listen to our full seven-part series, Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion — now available on all podcast platforms and on YouTube. It’s the tragic story of the last woman hanged in Britain, exploring love, obsession, and the ultimate price of passion. 🔗 Subscribe now and follow at truecrimepodcast.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special Aftershow episode, Esther and Lorena answer listener questions and reflect on the powerful story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be executed in the United Kingdom. Together, we unpack the psychology, the heartbreak, and the social forces behind one of Britain’s most infamous true crime cases. From Ruth’s volatile relationship with David Blakely to the justice system that sealed her fate, we dive deeper into what drove her — and what doomed her. Plus, Esther reflects on Ruth’s final act, and whether she believed it was her only escape. If you loved the Hanged series, this Aftershow gives you a chance to go behind the scenes, hear deeper insights, and join the conversation about love, obsession, and justice. Highlights:The emotional toll of toxic relationships and what they reveal about human behaviorGender, class, and morality in 1950s BritainHow Ruth Ellis’s childhood and early adult experiences informed her choices about love, relationships, and obsession  ✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽 We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crime fans on an unforgettable adventure. Reserve your spot today with just 25% down—but hurry, space is limited and will sell out fast! 🔗 Click here to learn more and book your spot now! Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review. Your support helps us bring more stories like Ruth’s to life. Sources: A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Ruth Ellis Story, Carol Ann Lee, Mainstream Publishing, 2013. The Last Woman to be Hanged: The Ruth Ellis Story, Robert Hancock, Seven Dials Publishing, 2020.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellis https://realcrimes.co.uk/ruth-ellis-jealousy-rejection-and-a-hanging/ https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/ruth-ellis-real-story-last-woman-hanged-murder-a-cruel-love-b1141748.html https://web.archive.org/web/20141204212735/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/women/ellis/5.html https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/sep/12/ukcrime.claredyer https://www.hampshirelive.news/news/history/woman-hanged-ruth-ellis-hampshire-4192091 https://www.crimemagazine.com/ruth-ellis-love-lust-and-death-gallows Sponsors:  See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website: https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/ Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast ✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽 We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crimefans on an unforgettable adventure. Reserve your spot today with just 25% down—but hurry, space is limited and will sell out fast! 🔗 Click here to learn more and book your spot now! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special bonus wrap-up episode of Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion, we step beyond the execution chamber and trace the ripple effects of Ruth’s final act—the shockwaves that forever altered the lives of those left behind. We’ll look at the family who grieved and struggled in the aftermath, the friends and supporters who fought to save her but could not, and even the men whose choices sealed her fate. 👉 Don’t miss this final look at the lasting legacy of Britain’s last woman to be hanged. 📌 Subscribe for the next and final episode in this series—a Q&A “After Show” where I’ll answer listener questions and share behind-the-scenes insights. ✉️ Send your questions and thoughts: esther@truecrimepodcast.com 📺 Watch episodes on YouTube and subscribe for updates: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast  Sources: A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Ruth Ellis Story, Carol Ann Lee, Mainstream Publishing, 2013. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellis https://realcrimes.co.uk/ruth-ellis-jealousy-rejection-and-a-hanging/ https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/ruth-ellis-real-story-last-woman-hanged-murder-a-cruel-love-b1141748.html https://web.archive.org/web/20141204212735/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/women/ellis/5.html https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/sep/12/ukcrime.claredyer https://www.hampshirelive.news/news/history/woman-hanged-ruth-ellis-hampshire-4192091 https://www.crimemagazine.com/ruth-ellis-love-lust-and-death-gallows Resources & Further ReadingDance with a Stranger (1985 film)ITV’s A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story (2025)Ruth Ellis: My Sister’s Secret Life by Muriel JakubaitLine Up for Crime by Duncan Webb Sponsors:  See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website: https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this final installment of our seven-part series, we follow Ruth Ellis through her last days and hours at Holloway Prison. Convicted of the murder of her lover, David Blakely, Ruth became the last woman hanged in Britain. We trace the frantic efforts made by friends, family, and even members of the public to win her a reprieve—and the powerful voices calling for her execution to go forward. We recount the haunting details of her final letters, her last walk to the gallows, and her shocking confession on the eve of her death that suggested she did not act alone. 📺 Watch episodes on YouTube and subscribe for updates: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast  Sources: A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Ruth Ellis Story, Carol Ann Lee, Mainstream Publishing, 2013. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellis https://realcrimes.co.uk/ruth-ellis-jealousy-rejection-and-a-hanging/ https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/ruth-ellis-real-story-last-woman-hanged-murder-a-cruel-love-b1141748.html https://web.archive.org/web/20141204212735/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/women/ellis/5.html https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/sep/12/ukcrime.claredyer https://www.hampshirelive.news/news/history/woman-hanged-ruth-ellis-hampshire-4192091 https://www.crimemagazine.com/ruth-ellis-love-lust-and-death-gallows Resources & Further ReadingDance with a Stranger (1985 film)ITV’s A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story (2025)Ruth Ellis: My Sister’s Secret Life by Muriel JakubaitLine Up for Crime by Duncan Webb Sponsors:  See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website: https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/ Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com  ✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽 We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crime fans on an unforgettable adventure. Reserve your spot today with just 25% down—but hurry, space is limited and will sell out fast! 🔗 Click here to learn more and book your spot now! Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review. Your support helps us bring more stories like Ruth’s to life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Ruth Ellis takes the stand in her own defense during her murder trial at the Old Bailey. What unfolds is one of the most disastrous testimonies in British legal history. Ruth answers questions with little emotion, even while recounting her tumultuous relationship with David Blakely, his violence, her miscarriage, and her decision to end their affair. Her matter-of-fact answers shock the jury, and her own attorney is stunned when she calmly admits, “I had an idea I wanted to kill him.” 🔗 Listen now to hear the dramatic conclusion of Ruth’s trial—and stay tuned for Part Seven, the final chapter of her story. ✨ Don’t miss the finale of this series, dropping September 8th. 📺 Watch episodes on YouTube and subscribe for updates: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast  🎟️ Join us at CrimeCon Denver (Sept 5–8, 2025) and hang out with Esther on Creator’s Row! Get discounted tickets at crimecon.com with code ONCE.   Sources: A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Ruth Ellis Story, Carol Ann Lee, Mainstream Publishing, 2013. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellis https://realcrimes.co.uk/ruth-ellis-jealousy-rejection-and-a-hanging/ https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/ruth-ellis-real-story-last-woman-hanged-murder-a-cruel-love-b1141748.html https://web.archive.org/web/20141204212735/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/women/ellis/5.html https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/sep/12/ukcrime.claredyer https://www.hampshirelive.news/news/history/woman-hanged-ruth-ellis-hampshire-4192091 https://www.crimemagazine.com/ruth-ellis-love-lust-and-death-gallows Sponsors:  See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website: https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/ Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com  ✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽 We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crime fans on an unforgettable adventure. Reserve your spot today with just 25% down—but hurry, space is limited and will sell out fast! 🔗 Click here to learn more and book your spot now! Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review. Your support helps us bring more stories like Ruth’s to life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Easter weekend 1955, Ruth Ellis reached her breaking point. After years of jealousy, violence, and betrayal, she spent a long, sleepless night replaying the wreckage of her life — and blaming one man: David Blakely. By Easter Sunday, her rage would boil over into an act that would shock Britain and seal her fate as the last woman hanged in the UK. In this episode, we follow Ruth’s final hours before the shooting — a day marked by obsessive phone calls, tense stakeouts, and a simmering fury that would explode in front of witnesses. This is the moment where obsession turned deadly. 🔍 Part Five picks up the story in the final hours before the shooting — the culmination of a deadly obsession. 🎧 Listen now to uncover the tragic and tense moments before Ruth Ellis pulled the trigger. #TrueCrimePodcast #RuthEllis #LastWomanHanged #TrueCrimeHistory #CrimeOfPassion #BritishTrueCrime #OnceUponACrime Sources: A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Ruth Ellis Story, Carol Ann Lee, Mainstream Publishing, 2013. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellis https://realcrimes.co.uk/ruth-ellis-jealousy-rejection-and-a-hanging/ https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/ruth-ellis-real-story-last-woman-hanged-murder-a-cruel-love-b1141748.html https://web.archive.org/web/20141204212735/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/women/ellis/5.html https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/sep/12/ukcrime.claredyer https://www.hampshirelive.news/news/history/woman-hanged-ruth-ellis-hampshire-4192091 https://www.crimemagazine.com/ruth-ellis-love-lust-and-death-gallows Sponsors:  See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website: https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/ Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast Join us in Denver for our favorite weekend of the year. CrimeCon Denver September 5 - 7 2025. Use code: ONCE to save. 🔗 - See you in Denver. ✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽 We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crimefans on an unforgettable adventure. Reserve your spot today with just 25% down—but hurry, space is limited and will sell out fast! 🔗 Click here to learn more and book your spot now! Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review. Your support helps us bring more stories like Ruth’s to life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is Part Four of our 7-part series, Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion. We trace the true story of the last woman hanged in Britain, exploring the tangled mix of love, obsession, and violence that sealed her fate. In this episode of Once Upon a Crime, the destructive love affair between Ruth Ellis and David Blakely spirals further into chaos. David’s jealousy and violent outbursts threaten Ruth’s livelihood, her home, and her relationships. By the winter of 1954, the tension between them reaches a breaking point. On Christmas Day, what should have been a festive celebration turns into a drunken, humiliating spectacle that shocks party guests and deepens Ruth’s emotional entanglement. As the new year approaches, Ruth’s world teeters on the edge — and the toxic bond she shares with David is leading them both toward disaster. Content Warning: This episode contains descriptions of domestic violence and emotional abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Sources: A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Ruth Ellis Story, Carol Ann Lee, Mainstream Publishing, 2013. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellis https://realcrimes.co.uk/ruth-ellis-jealousy-rejection-and-a-hanging/ https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/ruth-ellis-real-story-last-woman-hanged-murder-a-cruel-love-b1141748.html https://web.archive.org/web/20141204212735/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/women/ellis/5.html https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/sep/12/ukcrime.claredyer https://www.hampshirelive.news/news/history/woman-hanged-ruth-ellis-hampshire-4192091 https://www.crimemagazine.com/ruth-ellis-love-lust-and-death-gallows Sponsors:  See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website: https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/ Connect With Us: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review. Your support helps us bring more stories like Ruth’s to life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Part Three of “Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion”, we delve into the turbulent 1954 relationship between Ruth Ellis, David Blakely, and Desmond Cussen. Discover how Ruth’s guarded heart, David’s infatuation, and a dangerous rivalry set the stage for obsession, jealousy, and ultimately, tragedy. Sources: A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Ruth Ellis Story, Carol Ann Lee, Mainstream Publishing, 2013. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellis https://realcrimes.co.uk/ruth-ellis-jealousy-rejection-and-a-hanging/ https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/ruth-ellis-real-story-last-woman-hanged-murder-a-cruel-love-b1141748.html https://web.archive.org/web/20141204212735/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/women/ellis/5.html https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/sep/12/ukcrime.claredyer https://www.hampshirelive.news/news/history/woman-hanged-ruth-ellis-hampshire-4192091 https://www.crimemagazine.com/ruth-ellis-love-lust-and-death-gallows Sponsors:  See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website: https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/ Connect With Us: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review. Your support helps us bring more stories like Ruth’s to life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this gripping second installment of “Hanged,” we delve into Ruth Ellis’s tumultuous journey through London’s shadowy nightlife, her relationship with the infamous Morris “Morrie” Conley, and her turbulent romance with George Ellis. Discover how Ruth’s ambition and desire for stability drew her deeper into a world of glamour, vice, and violence.   From her early days working as a nightclub hostess, trading favors for survival, to her volatile marriage with George—an obsessive, alcohol-dependent man haunted by his past—this episode exposes the dark realities behind her quest for respectability and love.   Explore Ruth’s struggles with violence, her desperate attempts at stability, and the complex web of relationships that ultimately set her on the tragic path leading to Britain’s last woman execution. Sources: A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Ruth Ellis Story, Carol Ann Lee, Mainstream Publishing, 2013. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellis https://realcrimes.co.uk/ruth-ellis-jealousy-rejection-and-a-hanging/ https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/ruth-ellis-real-story-last-woman-hanged-murder-a-cruel-love-b1141748.html https://web.archive.org/web/20141204212735/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/women/ellis/5.html https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/sep/12/ukcrime.claredyer https://www.hampshirelive.news/news/history/woman-hanged-ruth-ellis-hampshire-4192091 https://www.crimemagazine.com/ruth-ellis-love-lust-and-death-gallows Sponsors:  See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website: https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/ Connect With Us: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website -  www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review. Your support helps us bring more stories like Ruth’s to life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Step into the haunting and captivating story of Ruth Neilson Ellis, the last woman to be executed in the United Kingdom. This Once Upon a Crime original series traces Ruth’s tragic life—from her fragile childhood amid the chaos of World War II, through her rise as a nightclub hostess caught in London’s glamorous yet dangerous underworld, to her devastating fall that culminated in her execution in 1955. Through historical insights and compelling storytelling, we explore the social and cultural forces that shaped Ruth’s destiny. Discover how a young girl scarred by family abuse, war, and heartbreak navigated a world of glamour, crime, and ultimately, despair.  This series is a powerful reflection on love, loss, and the devastating consequences of passion, raising questions about justice, society’s treatment of women, and the enduring human cost behind the headlines.  Stay Subscribed for Part Two: Next time, we delve deeper into Ruth Ellis’s life as a nightclub hostess, her tumultuous relationships, and how she fell into London’s seedier side—leading to a shocking climax that would mark her forever as a tragic figure in British history. Connect With Us: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review. Your support helps us bring more stories like Ruth’s to life. Sources: A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Ruth Ellis Story, Carol Ann Lee, Mainstream Publishing, 2013. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellis https://realcrimes.co.uk/ruth-ellis-jealousy-rejection-and-a-hanging/ https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/ruth-ellis-real-story-last-woman-hanged-murder-a-cruel-love-b1141748.html https://web.archive.org/web/20141204212735/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/women/ellis/5.html https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/sep/12/ukcrime.claredyer https://www.hampshirelive.news/news/history/woman-hanged-ruth-ellis-hampshire-4192091 https://www.crimemagazine.com/ruth-ellis-love-lust-and-death-gallows See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Discover the haunting story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman executed in the UK. This Once Upon a Crime series follows Ruth’s journey from a troubled wartime childhood to the smoky nightclubs of London’s underworld—and finally, to the crime that sealed her fate in 1955. Blending history and storytelling, we explore how love, violence, and society’s harsh judgments shaped Ruth’s life and legacy. A powerful reflection on justice, passion, and the human tragedy behind the headlines. A haunting journey through glamour, love, and tragedy. Subscribe and download now so you don’t miss a single episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jonathan Joss (1965–2025) was a Native American actor and musician renowned for his roles as John Redcorn in King of the Hill and Chief Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation. His tragic death on June 1, 2025, has brought attention to issues of hate crimes and the underrepresentation of Native American victims in media coverage. Native activists emphasize that Joss’ death highlights an underreported crisis of mental health disparities and violence against Native and LGBTQ communities. #JonathanJoss #TrueCrimePodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #IndigenousVoices #MediaBias #OnceUponACrime #JusticeForJonathanJoss #NativeAmericanIssues #SystemicNeglect #TrueCrimeAndTrauma Resources:  The Trevor Project – for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults in crisis, call 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678-678 or visit their website thetrevorproject.org.  StrongHearts Native Helpline – a culturally appropriate helpline for Native Americans impacted by domestic or sexual violence. Call 1-844-7NATIVE, that 1-844-762-8483 or visit strongheartshelpline.org Sources: https://www.fox7austin.com/news/jonathan-joss-murder-suspect-sigfredo-ceja-alvarez-bond https://apnews.com/article/king-of-hill-actor-fatally-shot-joss-68cdcbcdefd0515d5315755201245fca https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3rp3n54d98o https://www.tpr.org/podcast/fronteras/2025-06-13/fronteras-death-of-jonathan-joss-highlights-systemic-disparities-in-native-and-lgbtq-communities https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jonathan-joss-killed-investigation-sexual-orientation-what-to-know/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Joss https://deadline.com/2025/06/jonathan-joss-killed-king-of-the-hill-actor-1236420464/ https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2025/06/03/i-shot-him-suspect-admitted-to-killing-actor-jonathan-joss-amid-ongoing-feud-report-states/ Sponsors:  Cornbread Hemp - Visit cornbreadhemp.com/once and use code ONCE for 30% off your first order.  Links:  Join us in Mexico City March 27th - 30th, 2026! Travel with us for four unforgettable days in Mexico City for a safe, fun, and amazing experience! Tickets are on sale now and include meals, activities and expert local guides - all for $1951! (Flights not included.)  Click on the link to book your spot! Reserve your spot for just 25% down, pay in full, or apply for a payment plan at booking.  The first 8 people to book will receive and early bird discount!  https://trovatrip.com/trip/north-america/mexico/mexico-with-esther-ludlow-mar-2026 Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website -  www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pack your bags and grab your passport — we’re taking the Once Upon a Crime community on the road! In this special episode, we’re officially announcing our upcoming group trip to Mexico City, and trust us, you’re going to want in on this. From March 27–30, 2025, we’ll be exploring one of the world’s most vibrant cities together — filled with amazing food, iconic art, rich history, and a killer itinerary curated just for our true crime-loving community. You’ll travel with like-minded listeners, hang out with your hosts, and experience CDMX like a local. ✨ Trip Details:📍 Location: Mexico City📅 Dates: March 27–30, 2026💵 Price: $1951 (flights not included)🍽️ Includes 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Small group: 8–20 spots available🎧 Tune in now for all the details and get ready for an unforgettable adventure with Once Upon a Crime. 🔗 Links & Resources:💻 Learn more at https://trovatrip.com/trip/north-america/mexico/mexico-with-esther-ludlow-mar-2026 #OnceUponATrip #MexicoCity2025 #TrueCrimeTravels #PatreonExclusive #OUACCommunity #TravelWithUs See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week’s episode we’re going international! You’ll travel to London with Esther for a behind-the-scenes listen to the Once Upon a Crime live show recorded at CrimeCon UK on June 8th. Esther emceed a game show called “Killer Knowledge” where she challenged fellow true crime podcasters Neil and Megan from Mortal Musings on their true crime trivia knowledge. The audience even got in on the action to see who knew their true crime best. So, grab your detective hat and play along — let’s find out if you’re smarter than a podcaster Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website -  www.truecrimepodcast.com  OUAC Merchandise Store: https://my-store-db71ce.creator-spring.com - Use discount code CCUK25 for 15% off your order for a limited time!  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the fall of 1984, fear took hold of San Jose, California. In just six weeks, six young women vanished or were found murdered — their lives cut short under brutal and mysterious circumstances. As residents watched the headlines mount, few could imagine the horror hiding in plain sight. Six Weeks of Terror is a gripping true crime story that unravels the chilling timeline of Fernando Cota — a convicted rapist who slipped through the cracks and went on to terrorize a city. A routine traffic stop would crack the case wide open and lead to a horrifying discovery. Sources:   This episode was originally produced as a Once Upon a Crime Live Show presentation in San Jose, California, in July 2019.     Trova Trip: https://trovatrip.com/trip/north-america/mexico/mexico-with-esther-ludlow-mar-2026     Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime   Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dennis Rader, the self-proclaimed "BTK" killer—short for "Bind, Torture, Kill"—terrified Wichita and Park City, Kansas, for nearly two decades. But behind the mask of a monstrous mastermind was a man whose crimes were riddled with laughable mistakes, sloppy execution, and a bizarre craving for attention. In this episode, we dismantle the myth of BTK as a criminal genius and reveal the truth: Dennis Rader wasn’t brilliant—he was a bungler. Tune in as we unravel the twisted, error-filled path of one of America’s most incompetent, yet still deadly, serial killers.   Sources: Once Upon a Crime - Patreon Bonus: BTK Blunders, April 26, 2023 Confessions of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, The BTK Killer, Katherine Ramsland, PhD, ForeEdge Books, 2016.    Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  CrimeCon UK - www.crimecon.co.uk - Use our discount code ONCEUPON for tickets  Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 1968, the quiet streets of Scotswood, England, were shattered by a chilling discovery: two young boys, just three and four years old, had been murdered—and the killer was an eleven-year-old girl. Mary Flora Bell's name would soon become synonymous with one of Britain’s most disturbing criminal cases. In this episode, we explore the harrowing details of her crimes, the trial that stunned the nation, and the deeply troubled upbringing that may have shaped a child into a killer.   Sources: Once Upon a Crime Podcast, Season 1, Episode 7, Killer Kids: Mary Bell - https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s1-ep7-killer-kids-chapter-2-mary-bell/ https://www.theguardian.com/uk/1968/dec/18/ukcrime.childprotection https://allthatsinteresting.com/mary-bell https://www.crimelibrary.org/notorious_murders/famous/bell/bell_11.html     Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the summer of 1976, a small town in California was shaken to its core when 26 schoolchildren and their bus driver were abducted in broad daylight. The hijackers drove them to a remote rock quarry, where they were forced into a buried moving van—essentially a mass grave beneath six feet of earth. But an extraordinary act of bravery and resilience led by one victim - a 14-year-old boy - resulted in a daring escape after 36 terrifying hours underground. In this episode, we revisit the Chowchilla school bus kidnapping, uncover the twisted motives behind the ransom plot, and explore the lasting trauma carried by its survivors to this day. Sources: Once Upon a Crime Podcast - Season 2, Episode 84 - Last Stop: The Chowchilla School Bus Kidnapping. https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s2-ep84-last-stop-the-chowchilla-school-bus-kidnapping/ Chowchilla, CNN Films/HBO Max Originals, 2023. https://www.hbo.com/movies/chowchilla Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At the end of 2024, Once Upon a Crime released a two-part deep dive into The Life and Crimes of Sean Diddy Combs, unraveling the shocking allegations and federal charges facing the music mogul. Since then, the story has only grown more intense. With over 50 civil lawsuits filed and a federal trial set to begin on May 5th, the once-celebrated producer now finds himself at the center of one of the most high-profile legal battles in entertainment history. In this week’s episode, we catch up on where the case stands now, what Diddy’s life looks like behind bars, and what we can expect in the courtroom in the weeks ahead. Joining me is Brian Buckmire—legal contributor for ABC, co-host of Law and Crime Daily, and host of the new podcast Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy from 20/20 and ABC Audio. As a former senior staff attorney at The Legal Aid Society and an experienced homicide defense attorney, Brian brings deep legal insight and firsthand courtroom experience to this complicated and ever-evolving case. Tune in as we break down the legal landscape, explore the strategies at play, and try to understand the road ahead for one of music’s most powerful—and now controversial—figures. Episode highlights:The latest updates in the Diddy caseWhat life is like for him behind barsHow civil and criminal charges intersectWhat legal experts are watching for as the trial nearsA behind-the-scenes look at Bad Rap: The Case Against DiddyListen to Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy now wherever you get your podcasts. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to Once Upon a Crime for more true crime deep dives. Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the gripping conclusion of The True Tale of Lizzie Borden, we turn to the defense’s side of the story. What arguments did Lizzie’s lawyers make to counter the damning evidence? What did the jury ultimately decide—and why? Join me as we uncover the final chapter of this notorious case, from the courtroom verdict to the lasting legacy Lizzie Borden left behind. Don’t miss the dramatic end to one of America’s most enduring true crime mysteries. Catch Up: Missed Part 1 or 2? Be sure to listen to the previous episode to hear about the Borden family, the murders, and the investigation that led to Lizzie’s arrest. Sources: The Trial of Lizzie Borden, Cara Robertson, Simon & Schuster, 2019  https://www.grunge.com/69553/untold-truth-lizzie-borden/  https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/archive/2013/08/02/timeline-lives-lizzie-emma-abby/38186480007/  https://famous-trials.com/lizzieborden/1449-bowentestimony  https://www.encyclopedia.com/law/law-magazines/lizzie-borden-trial-1893  https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-lizzie-borden-got-away-with-murder-180972707/ https://www.biography.com/crime/lizzie-borden-life-after-murder-trial https://lizzie-borden.com/ Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Part 2 of The True Tale of Lizzie Borden, we step into the courtroom for one of America’s earliest media frenzies—the infamous trial of Lizzie Borden. After the shocking 1892 axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden, suspicion turned toward Andrew’s 32-year-old daughter, Lizzie. The brutal nature of the crime and the unexpected suspect captivated the nation. In Part 1, we explored the tense dynamics within the Borden household and followed the investigation that led to Lizzie’s arrest. Now, in this episode, we dive into the high-profile trial that gripped the country. Reporters packed the courthouse, headlines blared every development, and the public couldn’t get enough. And at the center of it all stood Lizzie Borden—facing a charge of capital murder and fighting for her life. Join me as we unpack the courtroom drama, the legal strategies, and the surprising twists in one of the most sensational murder trials in American history. What You'll Hear in This Episode:Inside the packed courtroom during Lizzie Borden’s murder trialHow the press and public helped shape the caseThe prosecution’s case against Lizzie Key testimony and courtroom drama Catch Up: Missed Part 1? Be sure to listen to the previous episode to hear about the Borden family, the murders, and the investigation that led to Lizzie’s arrest. Sources: The Trial of Lizzie Borden, Cara Robertson, Simon & Schuster, 2019  https://www.grunge.com/69553/untold-truth-lizzie-borden/  https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/archive/2013/08/02/timeline-lives-lizzie-emma-abby/38186480007/  https://famous-trials.com/lizzieborden/1449-bowentestimony  https://www.encyclopedia.com/law/law-magazines/lizzie-borden-trial-1893  Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On August 4, 1892, the quiet town of Fall River, Massachusetts, was rocked by a gruesome double murder. Andrew Borden and his wife, Abby, were found brutally hacked to death in their own home. But the most shocking twist? The prime suspect was none other than Andrew’s own daughter, 32-year-old Lizzie Borden. The crime and trial became one of the most infamous cases in American history, sparking a media frenzy that still captivates true crime fans today. But was Lizzie truly guilty, or was she wrongfully accused? In this episode, we set the stage for our deep dive into the Lizzie Borden case. We’ll explore the crime scene, the initial investigation, and the immediate fallout that left a community in shock. Over the next few episodes, we’ll uncover who Lizzie Borden really was, what happened inside that house on that fateful day, and whether she got away with murder.   Tune in and join us as we unravel one of history’s most chilling true crime mysteries. 🎙️ Subscribe now and don’t miss an episode! 🔍Join us on Patreon for bonus content and details you won’t hear anywhere else. 💬 Have a theory? Drop us a comment or email—we’d love to hear your thoughts!   #TrueCrime #LizzieBorden #UnsolvedMysteries #History #Podcast   Sources: https://youtu.be/e-vMDJ46zVQ?feature=shared https://www.grunge.com/69553/untold-truth-lizzie-borden/  https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/archive/2013/08/02/timeline-lives-lizzie-emma-abby/38186480007/  https://famous-trials.com/lizzieborden/1449-bowentestimony  https://lizzieandrewborden.com/LBForum/viewtopic.php?t=844  https://lizzieandrewborden.com/  https://www.encyclopedia.com/law/law-magazines/lizzie-borden-trial-1893  The Trial of Lizzie Borden, Cara Robertson, Simon & Schuster, 2019  “Narrow Cell Holds Lizzie Borden in Taunton Jail,” The Boston Globe, August 13, 1892   Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The name "Marcia Clark" has become synonymous with the infamous O.J. Simpson trial. As lead prosecutor in that high-profile case, Clark faced intense scrutiny, not only for her legal strategy but also for her appearance. Now, she's back with a compelling new book that dives into another sensationalized case: Trial by Ambush: Murder, Injustice, and the Truth about the Case of Barbara Graham. In this episode, Marcia Clark joins me to discuss the shocking 1950s capital murder trial of Barbara Graham. Accused of participating in a brutal home invasion robbery that ended in the victim's murder, Barbara's trial became a media circus. Dubbed "Bloody Babs," her beauty was weaponized against her, as the prosecution warned the jury not to fall for her "feminine wiles." But was Barbara Graham truly a cold-blooded killer, or was she an unfortunate woman caught in the wrong circumstances? Marcia Clark brings her extensive legal experience to this fascinating conversation, offering insights into how media sensationalism can distort public perception and impact justice. Don't miss this deep dive into one of the most controversial cases of the 20th century. Guest Bio: Marcia Clark is a renowned attorney, author, and public speaker best known for her role as lead prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson trial. Since then, she has become a best-selling crime novelist and legal commentator. Her latest book, Trial by Ambush, explores the injustices in sensationalized trials and reveals new insights into the Barbara Graham case. Links & Resources: Marcia Clark's Book: Trial by Ambush and her other books and novels can be found here: https://marciaclarkbooks.com/ Follow Marcia Clark on | Instagram and Facebook  Tune In: Don’t miss this powerful episode as Marcia Clark unravels the truth behind the headlines and shares her firsthand experience in navigating high-profile trials     Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website -  www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Women’s History Month: Honoring True Crime Trailblazers March is Women’s History Month, and we’re spotlighting the female trailblazers who revolutionized true crime. These women—authors, investigators, prosecutors, researchers, and victims’ advocates—played pivotal roles in shaping the genre, uncovering the criminal mind, aiding victims, and helping bring criminals to justice. In this episode, we explore the stories of three remarkable women whose work has left a lasting impact on true crime. Join me as we explore the stories of three extraordinary women who left an indelible mark on true crime. You won’t want to miss this!🎙️🔎 Listen to the Once Upon episode on Diane Downs here: https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s1-ep38-monstrous-moms-and-dastardly-dads-diane-downs/ Listen to the David and Cinnamon Brown case here:  https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s8-ep298-a-family-affair-david-and-cinnamon-brown/ Sources: https://www.novelsuspects.com/articles/ann-rule/ https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-ann-rule-dies-20150727-story.html A Killer by Design: Murderers, Mindhunters, and My Quest to Decipher the Criminal Mind, Ann Wolbert Burgess and Steven Matthew Constantine, Hachette Books, 2021.  https://www.biography.com/movies-tv/a61488077/ann-burgess-criminology-expert https://www.fbi.gov/video-repository/km-women-agents-2012.mp4/view https://magazine.wsu.edu/2013/07/31/kathleen-mcchesney-71-agent-of-change/   Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website -  www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this final episode of our series, So, I Married a Serial Killer..., we unravel the complex and unconventional love stories of Lyle and Erik Menendez—two brothers sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of their parents. Despite being condemned to spend the rest of their lives behind bars with no chance of parole, both Lyle and Erik found love. In fact, Lyle has been married twice while in prison, and Erik has maintained a marriage for over 25 years. But how did these romances blossom without shared homes, date nights, or even the possibility of physical touch? In this episode, we explore the women who chose to say, “I do,” to men they would never truly have in the real world. Who are these women? What drives someone to fall in love—and even marry—a convicted murderer they can never live with? Join us as we close out the series by diving deep into the love lives of the Menendez brothers and the women who chose to become Mrs. Menendez.   Sources: https://people.com/who-did-the-menendez-brothers-marry-8713328  https://www.eonline.com/news/1408857/lyle-menendez-and-erik-menendezs-wives-what-to-know-about-the-women-the-brothers-married-in-prison  https://www.today.com/popculture/lyle-erik-menendez-brothers-wives-married-rcna170459  https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna10573267  https://heavy.com/news/2017/01/rebecca-sneed-lyle-menendez-wife-married-prison-ceremony/  https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2014/09/lyle-menendez-gay-life-prison-eugene-weems-book/  https://thecinemaholic.com/anna-eriksson/  https://people.com/archive/life-love-behind-bars-vol-64-no-19/  https://people.com/archive/lyles-lady-vol-46-no-4/  https://thecinemaholic.com/anna-eriksson/  https://coopermagazine.co.uk/rebecca-sneed/  https://www.grunge.com/1436876/who-is-lyle-menendez-wife-rebecca/  https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna3540836#.WG8ThLYrLVo  https://www.msn.com/en-in/family-and-relationships/marriage/meet-milley-bucksey-lyle-menendez-s-21-year-old-girlfriend/ar-AA1uEvE7       Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website -  www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ted Bundy was one of the most notorious serial killers in American history—charming, calculating, and deadly. While he was suspected of abducting, raping, and murdering more than thirty women across six states, he also maintained romantic relationships. One woman unknowingly loved a monster, while another chose to stand by his side even as the world recoiled in horror. In this gripping chapter, we explore the twisted love story of Carole Boone, the woman who not only fell for Bundy after his arrest but also married him during his murder trial. What compels someone to love a killer? Join us as we delve into the psychology, obsession, and dark romance that defined one of history’s most disturbing relationships. Sources: Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes (2019), Netflix  Ted Bundy: Falling for a Killer (2020), Amazon Original   Defending the Devil, Polly Nelson, 2018.  The Only Living Witness, Hugh Aynesworth and Stephen Michaud, 2012. https://killerinthearchives.blog/a-profile-of-carole-ann-boone/ https://allthatsinteresting.com/carole-ann-boone https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a27379040/ted-bundy-wife-carole-ann-boone/ https://byliner.com/rose-bundy-is-ted-bundys-daughter-but-where-is-she-today/  https://www.pastchronicles.com/ted-bundys-wife/  https://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/artifacts/volkswagen-owned-by-ted-bundy/  https://law.justia.com/cases/florida/supreme-court/1984/57772-0.html  https://www.thetruecrimedatabase.com/case_file/ted-bundy-timeline/  https://www.biography.com/crime/ted-bundy-timeline-murders   Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website -  www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Throughout history, some of the world’s most notorious serial killers have drawn romantic attention, even after their heinous crimes were exposed. From Ted Bundy to Richard Ramirez, these men—locked away for unspeakable acts—still managed to captivate and attract devoted partners. But what compels someone to pledge their love and loyalty to a known murderer? In this episode, we dive into one of the most infamous cases of romantic obsession with a serial killer: the story of Doreen Lioy and Richard Ramirez, also known as "The Night Stalker." Despite overwhelming evidence of his brutal crimes, Lioy became Ramirez’s fiercest defender and ultimately married him while he was on death row. Was her devotion fueled by a misguided belief in redemption, a deep psychological compulsion, or something even darker? Join us as we explore the unsettling psychology behind these relationships, the societal fascination with dangerous men, and the mystery of why some women choose to look past the horrors to see someone they deem worthy of love.  Once Upon a Crime episode, Infamous Locales: The Cecil Hotel - Part 1.  https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s2-ep91-infamous-locales-the-cecil-hotel-part-1/  Sources: Carlo, Philip. The Life and Crimes of Richard Ramirez, The Night Stalker. New York: Citadel Press, 2006.  https://people.com/where-is-night-stalker-richard-ramirez-wife-now-8759972 https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/stalker-s-bride-3121711.php    Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website -  www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the early 1970s, the tranquil community of Santa Cruz, California, was shattered by a series of murders committed by two serial killers operating at the same time. Edmund Kemper, known as the "Co-ed Killer," murdered eight individuals, including six young women, his mother, and her friend, between May 1972 and April 1973. Simultaneously, Herbert Mullin embarked on his own killing spree in the same area, further terrorizing the residents. In this final episode of "Murder City," we delve into Santa Cruz's darkest period, exploring how law enforcement apprehended these predators and the chilling twist of their eventual incarceration as cellmates.   Sources: Murray, Emerson, Murder Capital of the World, 2021.  https://maamodt.asp.radford.edu/Psyc%20405/serial%20killers/Mullin,%20Herbert.htm  https://crimelibrary.org/serial_killers/weird/mullin/index_1.html  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_Mullin  https://biographs.org/herbert-mullin  https://diva.sfsu.edu/collections/sfbatv/search?q=herbert+mullin&page=1&sort=divadoc_date_dt&dir=desc&facets%5Btags%5D%5B0%5D=herbert+mullin  https://graduateway.com/herbert-mullins-a-case-study-of-a-serial-murderer/  https://crimelibrary.org/serial_killers/weird/mullin/explained_9.html  https://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/santa-cruz-kemper-mullin-frazier-murders-12841990.php  https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/163366300/fred-abbie-perez  https://www.mercurynews.com/2008/06/11/a-modern-day-lumberjack-protecting-life-and-limb/         Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website -  www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This month, I’m bringing you the story of three terrifying years that unfolded in Santa Cruz, California. Between 1970 and 1973, a series of murders rocked Santa Cruz, a once-peaceful beach community. Before it was all over, residents would live through unimaginable horrors - a prominent family wiped out in a mass murder by a deranged killer and two serial killers working simultaneously, but separately, in their midst.   In this second part of the series, we’ll pick up the story at the tail end of 1971. John Linley Frazier’s trial had just concluded, and he was sentenced to die. While the courtroom drama played out for one Santa Cruz killer, another was moving into town.   Edmund Emil Kemper III would become one of the most infamous serial killers on record. By the time he arrived in Santa Cruz in 1971, Kemper had already been convicted of a double murder.  Less than a year after his release from prison, he would commit a series of gruesome murders that would forever cast a dark shadow over sunny Santa Cruz.   I’ve taken an unprecedented deep dive into “The Co-ed Killer” to provide details about Kemper’s life and crimes you haven’t heard anywhere else.   This is part two of “Murder City: Santa Cruz, California 1970 to 1973 - Ed Kemper.    Sources: Murray, E. (2020). Murder Capital of the World.  Cheney, M. (1976). The Co-Ed Killer. Goodreads Press.  Edmund Kemper: The Life of the Co-Ed Killer. (2017). Hourly History.    Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website -  www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the 1970s, Santa Cruz, California, became known by a title no one else wanted - “Murder City.”  Between 1970 and 1973, a series of murders rocked the once peaceful beach community.  Before it was all over, residents would live through unimaginable horrors - a prominent family wiped out in a mass murder by a deranged killer and not one but two serial killers stalking their streets at the same time.    In this 3-part series, we’ll travel back in time to experience those three terrifying years in Santa Cruz - 1970 to 1973 - beginning with the mass murder of a prominent doctor and his family.  Just as the court was determining the first killer’s fate, another was making Santa Cruz his home and hunting grounds.  His crimes would make him one of the most infamous serial killers on record.     This is part one of “Murder City: Santa Cruz, California, 1970 to 1973.    Sources: Murray, E. (2020). Murder Capital of the World.  Ohta Family Murders in Soquel - Bay Area Television Archive John Linley Frazier | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers John L. Frazier - "LEGENDS" SANTA CRUZ GHOST HUNTERS https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Frazier-2125 https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/John_Linley_Frazier  John Linley Frazier - Wikipedia https://crimelibrary.org/notorious_murders/mass/john_frazier/5.html Frazier v. Superior Court, 5 Cal.3d 287 | Casetext Search + Citator https://history.santacruzpl.org/omeka/items/show/102337#?c=0&m=0&s=0&cv=0  John Linley Frazier | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers     Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website -  www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Harry Tyson Moore and his wife, Harriette, lived a quiet life but raised their voices for the rights of African Americans beginning in the 1930s. They are two unsung heroes of the Civil Rights Movement who became targets of a deadly attack on Christmas Day, 1951.  I’ll share with you this story of extraordinary courage, an unwavering fight for justice, and a shocking and cowardly act that turned a brave couple into martyrs for the civil rights of all Americans.  Sources: The Unsolved Murder of Civil Rights Activist Harry Moore | Smithsonian PBS - Freedom Never Dies: The Story of Harry T. Moore - Florida Terror - The Klan in Florida Microsoft Word - Harry Moore Executive Summary.doc Harry T. Moore: A Timeline of His Accomplishments and His Artifacts The Moores | MooreCulturalComplex https://truecrimediva.com/harry-harriette-moore/  Ku Klux Klan Harriette Vyda Simms Moore (1902-1952) • She died as she lived, for a cause she believed in - Florida Humanities Online - Explore, Read, Watch and Enjoy Florida https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/langston-hughes  https://allthatsinteresting.com/groveland-four  Harry T. and Harriette Moore | NAACP https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/at-christmas-evangeline-moore-thinks-of-her-martyred-parents-and-demands-justice/2011/12/22/gIQAtdcxHP_story.html  https://www.wucf.org/community/themooreproject/the-family/ https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2020/04/21/anderson-uncovering-floridas-mask-law/1314282007/   Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website -  www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast Freedom Never Dies: The Story of Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore - https://a.co/d/cLAQ82R Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1N480B0FV4R55?ref_=wl_share&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2DNHVXAqkCDecuRSjuDKGKjL86peHOnKuCkEL1-rr786QJfRbTcqiBwc8_aem_NDtZiP-4K_iUNL-lbbgNZQ    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome back to our two-part series on the life and crimes of Sean Diddy Combs. In this explosive second installment, I detail Diddy’s meteoric rise in the music industry, uncover the allegations regarding his volatile romantic relationships, and expose a shadowy past filled with violence and legal troubles dating back to the 1990s.   I’ll also shed light on Diddy’s infamous “White Parties” and the scandalous after-parties known as "Freak Offs," which are now at the center of a federal investigation involving racketeering, sex trafficking, and a slew of other allegations that have led to an indictment.   We’ll seek to uncover the possible motivations behind Combs’ risky lifestyle choices. Why Diddy do it? Why did Sean Combs trade the luxuries of fame and fortune for drug-fueled escapades, sexual scandals, and the alleged exploitation of others? What path led Diddy from a billionaire business mogul to the kingpin of an alleged decades-long criminal enterprise?   Join me as I dissect the cracks in Diddy’s polished persona to reveal a narrative far darker than anyone could have imagined.   Sources: https://www.revolt.tv/article/2019-11-02/84365/cant-stop-wont-stop-a-timeline-of-diddys-vast-career-and-accomplishments https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/diddy-friends-bad-boy-artists-abuse-violence-1235028178/ https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/sean-diddy-combs-controversies-timeline-1234889043/ https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/diddys-different-names-through-the-years-puffy-and-more/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/anafaguy/2024/03/31/why-the-1999-shooting-where-diddy-and-jennifer-lopez-were-arrested-has-new-attention/ https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3284652/who-diddys-vietnamese-american-baby-mama-dana-tran-and-she-really-supporting-him-she-gave-birth-sean  https://www.gq.com/story/j-cole-diddy-scuffle-explained-the-off-season https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13946547/real-reason-Usher-live-P-Diddy-revealed.html https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sean-diddy-combs-sexual-abuse-minors-buzbee-1235120511/ https://www.tmz.com/2024/09/26/diddy-naked-woman-table-party-resurfaced-pics/      Links:  Once Upon a Crime - Episode 11: The Day the Music Died - Tupac and Biggie - https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s1-ep11-the-day-the-music-died-chapter-3-tupac-and-biggie/ Once Upon a Crime - Episode 12: The Day the Music Died - Selena - https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s1-ep12-the-day-the-music-died-chapter-4-selena/   Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website -  www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast   Subscribe to Season 9 of Someone Knows Something: The Christine Harron Case  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/someone-knows-something/id1089216339 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

American musical producer and entrepreneur Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested in September  2024 on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking by force, and transportation for purposes of prostitution.  He is currently in federal custody awaiting trial in Brooklyn, New York.  Almost daily, new accusers are coming forward to share additional information about Combs’ alleged history of sexual assault, abuse, and sexual exploitation. In this 2-part series, we’ll dig into Sean Combs’ early life, career, and relationships to answer the question - why Diddy do it?  How did Sean Diddy Combs, a man who seemed to have it all - fame, money, and success - end up in scandal, disgrace, and facing dozens of felony charges and lawsuits?  In this first episode, you’ll learn how the bombshell allegations against Combs came to light. We’ll also examine his childhood and early life to determine what factors contributed to his behavior and alleged criminal activities. We’ll discover that, early on, cracks in the image Diddy presented to the world as a professional businessperson and star marker masked a narcissistic need for control that turned abusive in both his personal and professional lives.  Sources: Timeline: https://www.billboard.com/lists/sean-diddy-combs-allegations-timeline/november-28-2023-diddy-steps-down-as-chairman-from-revolt/ Nov 2023 - Cassie’s statement and lawsuit. https://apnews.com/article/diddy-sean-combs-cassie-lawsuit-e3681f1abbe38c11d829c269c9a89260 https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sean-combs-read-full-indictment-1235103933/  Complete text of lawsuit - https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/diddy-cassie.pdf  https://www.businessinsider.com/sean-diddy-combs-cassie-relationship-timeline-2023-11#september-2019-cassie-marries-alex-fine-9 https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/diddy-friends-bad-boy-artists-abuse-violence-1235028178/ https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/diddy-assault-women-college-1235028172/ United States District Court Southern District of New York, United States of American V. Sean Combs, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/media/1368556/dl   Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website -  www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over two days in 1980, prisoners at a New Mexico penitentiary, angry at the conditions they experienced inside its walls, rose up against their jailers and wreaked havoc upon officers and inmates alike.  It would be called the bloodiest prison riot in U.S. history.  Over thirty-six hours, thirty-three prisoners were killed, eight guards were brutally assaulted, and hundreds were injured.  The prison would never completely recover from the unprecedented violence that took place. In the years since, the Penitentiary of New Mexico, known as the Old Main Prison, has gained a reputation as one of the most haunted places in the state. After hearing the true story I’m about to tell you, you’ll understand why these traumatized spirits may still be lurking. Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Mexico_State_Penitentiary_riot https://www.koat.com/article/new-mexico-state-prison-riot-1908/42746860  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtxL6C_dNKw  Report of the Attorney General on the February 2 and 3, 1980 Riot at the Penitentiary of New Mexico - https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/72933NCJRS.pdf New Mexico Corrections Department website - https://www.cd.nm.gov/divisions/corrections-industries/old-main/  https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/devastating-penitentiary-riot-of-1980-changed-new-mexico-and-its-prisons/article_be64a016-31ae-11ea-a754-fb85e49fca77.html  Reports of hauntings at the prison -  https://www.codypolston.com/new-mexico-state-penitentiary-santa-fe-nm-more-witness-accounts-and-ghost-stories/   Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website -  www.truecrimepodcast.com  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I’ll share a story of an alleged demonic possession of a young boy in the 1940s.  While you may be skeptical of such a claim, several sources officially documented the case, including first-person eyewitnesses, making it difficult to dismiss these claims as mere superstition.   You’ll also hear how this case inspired a best-selling novel and blockbuster movie that helped to usher in an era of “Satanic Panic,” a phenomenon that would lead to accusations and criminal charges leveled against innocent people, some of whom were falsely convicted.    Sources: https://www.thescottsmithblog.com/2023/08/the-real-story-behind-exorcist-movie.html https://allthatsinteresting.com/roland-doe-the-exorcist-true-story https://play.max.com/video/watch/ec95d53c-2050-4361-afca-db7f96836670/94f26393-35be-4945-9fbf-b99b005674a0  https://www.slu.edu/universitas/archive/2014/exorcism.php https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/20/the-exorcist-boy-named-magazine   Links:  Season 6: Episode 248: Final Curtain Call - Paul Bateson and The Exorcist - https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s6-ep248-final-curtain-call-paul-bateson-and-the-exorcist/ Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our website: www.truecrimepodcast.com  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this first story, we’ll go back over one hundred years to learn about a Romeo and Juliet story that ended in cold-blooded murder.  On the property where the killing took place now sits a stone building known by locals as “The Witch’s Castle.”  Some say that the restless spirits of the murdered man, his widow, and the killer roam the area on nights when the moon is full.   This is the story of the murder of Mortimer Stump and the haunting of The Witch’s Castle.    Resources:  https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-witches-castle-portland-oregon  https://www.mckenzieriverreflectionsnewspaper.com/story/2013/24/2/history/mystery-surrounds-portland-s-first-public-execution/830.html  https://themorbidlibrary.com/2021/09/10/the-haunted-the-witchs-castle/  http://balchipedia.wikidot.com/danford  https://www.newspapers.com/image/900596109/?match=1&terms=mortimer%20stump  https://www.newspapers.com/image/1088419076/?match=1&terms=%22anna%20stump%22   Links: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our website: www.truecrimepodcast.com  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special Halloween episode, horror comes to a family in the middle of the night.  But unlike ghostly tales, this was all too real and was the last thing they’d ever expected as they invited the monster into their home.    Resources:  https://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/Bay-Area-suspect-allegedly-bludgeoned-victims-3217121.php https://www.therotundaonline.com/remembering-associate-professor-of-sociology-dr-debra-s-kelley/article_2fab25df-a3f5-527c-ba59-cf14588b4e00.html   Slain mom, teen had counseling over music - https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna32992286   Links:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the last chapter of "Till Death Do Us Part" a woman meets and quickly marries a man. He promises her a new life, but soon after the wedding she goes missing. It will take years of investigative and legal work to bring her killer to justice.  Sources: "Till Death Do Us Part: True Stories of Newlywed Murder Cases" by JJ Slate, RJ Parker Publishing, 2015.  "Father's Quest for Justice Ends" by Tom Long for The Santa Cruz Sentinel, August 13, 1989.  People v. Crew, Supreme Court of California, August 25, 2003.  Links: Let's Taco 'Bout True Crime - https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/lets-taco-bout-true-crime Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In July 1993, Mia Zapata, a rising star in the genre of punk rock music, joined what is morbidly referred to as “The 27 Club” - artists and celebrities whose lives ended at the age of 27. Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain, and Amy Winehouse all qualify. But like other members of this unfortunate club, Mia Zapata didn’t die as the result of a drug overdose or by her own hand.  She was murdered on the streets of Seattle just before she reached success with her band, The Gits. In this episode, I’ll detail the life, death, and lasting legacy of Mia Zapata. Resources:  Mia Zapata and The Gits: A Story of Art, Rock, and Revolution, Steve Moriarty, (2024) https://amzn.to/3T2cjgv  https://www.shondaland.com/inspire/a44362322/a-cross-between-janis-joplin-and-johnny-rotten-remembering-mia-zapata-of-the-gits/ https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/mia-zapata-murderer-dead-1170206/ https://web.archive.org/web/20130406042509/http://thegits.com/?page_id=410 https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/singer-s-killer-gets-37-years-1143741.php “Mia: Mia Zapata left her Louisville roots for a shot at success with her band, The Gits. But death ended her dream, and her killer is still at large,” James Nold, Jr., The Courier-Journal, Oct. 9, 1993.    Links:  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our website: www.truecrimepodcast.com  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 1975, a renowned drummer who played with some of the most prominent artists of the 1960s and ‘70s was found shot and killed after an apparent botched robbery.    But some suspected Al Jackson, Jr. had been set up for murder.  Was his soon-to-be ex-wife involved in his slaying? Was a friend’s relationship with a wanted fugitive to blame?  Or was he privy to sensitive music business information that made him a target?    Resources:  https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/nov/25/al-jackson-jr-memphis-sunset-the-mysterious-death-of-stax-heartbeat  http://staxrecords.free.fr/aljacksonpage.htm https://torontosun.com/news/world/hunter-murder-music-and-the-memphis-sound-of-stax-volt http://vancouverdrummer.blogspot.com/2017/09/al-jackson.html     Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our website: www.truecrimepodcast.com  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, a young Ohio man begins playing music before he is barely out of diapers. He and his brothers would form a band and shoot to the top of the charts. They were hometown heroes and certified music stars, but a baffling turn of events would end in a double tragedy.     This is chapter one in the Rocktober series, “Murdered Musicians” - Zapped - The Life and Death of Funk Musician Roger.    Resources:  https://www.dayton.com/news/local/icon-lost-one-dayton-most-gut-wrenching-murders-years-ago/g0LamsZlgO9s7NvR6Ar6cM/ https://www.daytondailynews.com/what-to-know/troutman-brothers-shot-dead-recording-artist-believed-victim-in-murder-suicide/HDHRGKMFV5BP5DQVK53FIE7DX4/ https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/zapp-brothers-found-dead-90905/ https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/local/photos-roger-troutman-and-the-legendary-zapp-band-through-the-years/s5jkHsjNadR3ym8L3YLK9H/ https://vimeopro.com/user15889254/unsung/video/301288752  https://www.grunge.com/931330/the-tragic-1999-murder-of-funk-legend-roger-troutman-explained/ https://ohtravel88.wordpress.com/2020/06/14/the-tragic-stories-of-roger-larry-troutman-and-ray-combs/   Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On a dark night in April 1989, a young man named Chip Flynn was shot in a Florida orange grove. His ex-girlfriend Kim was the only surviving witness and claimed a Black man had robbed, kidnapped, and killed Chip. A year later, Crosley Green was sentenced to death by an all-white jury for Flynn's murder. After 32 years behind bars, a judge ruled Green was wrongfully convicted — so why is he still in prison? Here’s a preview of the new “48 Hours” podcast, “Murder in the Orange Grove: The Troubled Case Against Crosley Green” which offers the most comprehensive deep dive into this shocking case that leaves one man fighting desperately for his freedom. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty has followed this controversial case for 25 years, delving into inconsistencies — from coerced confessions to allegations of a racial hoax — that challenge the integrity of the verdict. You can hear the rest of this episode by searching for “Murder in the Orange Grove: The Troubled Case Against Crosley Green”wherever you get your podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A formerly peace-loving man becomes obsessed with extreme political conspiracy theories. David DePape falls down a rabbit hole, consuming ever-more radical views on YouTube, blogs, and social media posts.   A perfect storm of factors will cause him to carry out a baffling and horrific attack after breaking into the home of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.    Resources:  “Paul Pelosi attack: From nudist activism to online hate, suspect David DePape’s strange descent,” Rachel Swan, Dustin Gardiner, and Sarah Ravani, The San Francisco Chronicle, November 16, 2023.    “Where is Nancy?: Here’s what happened, minute by minute, inside the Pelosi home,” Megan Cassidy, The San Francisco Chronicle, November 3, 2022.    “David DePape Sentenced after Conviction on Assault and Attempted Kidnapping Charges,” Press Release, Office of the Attorney General, May 17, 2024.   “Gypsy Taub Speaks Out About Ex-Boyfriend David DePape,” Jay Barmann, SFist.com, October 31, 2022.    “Ex-wife of man who attacked Paul Pelosi is barred from court,” Brian Krans, KQED, June 18, 2024.    Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime   Dani After Dark - Watch my interview on “Dani After Dark” on YouTube - https://youtu.be/_krzF5A1t7I?si=1dY4TgRrQA3DtrLC See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this month’s series, “The Politics of Murder,” we’ll take a look at cases where violent acts are perpetrated upon political figures.  In this episode, a disgruntled man whose life is unraveling due to his own actions places the blame on the policies of one political party.  His random act of violence will turn a pleasant day at a ballpark into ten minutes of horror and chaos.     Sources:  https://www.secretservice.gov/sites/default/files/reports/2020-06/Hodgkinson.pdf https://www.washingtonian.com/2018/05/28/terrifying-story-of-the-congressional-baseball-shooting-steve-scalise/ https://www.politico.com/news/2021/04/21/2017-baseball-field-shooting-fbi-conculsion-483993   Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this month’s series, “The Politics of Murder,” we’ll take a look at cases where violent acts are perpetrated upon political figures.  First up, a young man begins to lose his grip on reality and fixates on a congressperson whom he targets for assassination.  Jared Lee Loughner’s mass shooting at a community political event will spark debate regarding violent political rhetoric, gun control laws, and the state of mental health care in the U.S.   Sources:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Tucson_shooting http://edition.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/08/arizona.shooting.suspect/ http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/09/arizona.shooting.investigation/index.html https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/03/27/gabby-giffords-shooting-records/2024589/ http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/15/arizona.shooting.images/index.html https://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/08/justice/arizona-loughner-sentencing/index.html https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/03/27/gabby-giffords-shooting-records/2024589/ https://www.cnn.com/2012/08/07/us/arizona-loughner-plea/index.html  https://theweek.com/articles/488172/arizona-massacre-should-sarah-palin-share-blame   Links:  Once Upon a Crime on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before Ted Bundy became a collective symbol of a real-life boogeyman and the person who helped coin the term “serial killer,” he was a son, a brother, a grandson, and a cousin - someone with friends and family members who loved him and never could have suspected the evil that lay within him and would come to destroy so many lives.    In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with one of those family members - someone who grew up with Ted Bundy and with whom he shared a close relationship.   Edna Cowell Martin knew Bundy as “cousin Ted.”  Having to face the horror of what her cousin had done and the chaos of the media circus surrounding his arrest, trial, and execution, Edna and her family chose to remain anonymous…until now.     Edna’s new memoir, “Dark Tide: Growing Up with Ted Bundy,” reveals new details of his life, personality, and family relationships through his cousin Edna’s memories, photographs, and letters from Bundy himself.  We learn what it was like for his family members to grapple with the realization that a person they loved and thought they knew well was one of the most infamous serial killers in U.S. history.    *** You can purchase the book “Dark Tide: Growing Up with Ted Bundy” at the link below or ask for it at your favorite independent bookstore.    https://amzn.to/3SQ3MNR   One listener will win a copy of the book.  To enter, go to our Instagram page, look for the “Dark Tide” post, and follow the instructions to have a chance to win. Good luck!  https://www.instagram.com/OnceUponaCrimePod/   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A young woman grows up hearing stories about her abusive grandfather. She takes it upon herself to learn the whole truth about him. In the course of her investigation, shocking revelations come to light, and she begins to ask the question - was Jim Mordecai a serial killer?   Sources: The Truth About Jim, 2024, Skye Borgman, director. Distributed by HBO Max.  https://www.foxnews.com/us/california-woman-suspects-relative-was-serial-killer-uncovering-family-secrets  https://www.the-sun.com/news/10391888/truth-about-jim-mordecai-hbo-sierra-barter/ https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-reviews/the-truth-about-jim-docuseries-1234968110/  https://www.businessinsider.com/jim-mordecai-zodiac-killer-the-truth-about-jim-sierra-barter-2024-2  https://www.theeducationisthub.com/jim-mordecai/    Links. Once Upon a Crime on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this month’s series, “Buried Family Secrets,” I’ll share stories about family secrets that hid decades-old murders and may have prevented the killers from facing justice. Fortunately, in each case, one family member dared to share the truth so justice could be served.  In this first episode, when Lloyd Ford disappears in 1980, his wife claims he’s run off with another woman. But her 12-year-old knows the truth and will be forced to keep her mother’s deadly secret for over two decades.    Sources:  The Devil You Know, Season 3, Episode 5. (2012) Director: Mary Bissell https://www.idahopress.com/news/gough-admits-to-1980-murder/article_cf5cb179-e997-57c2-bd80-08239f2f9b3e.html https://thecinemaholic.com/judy-gough-where-is-lloyd-fords-wife-now/   Links: Once Upon a Crime on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Devil Went Down to Georgia: Race, Power, Privilege, and the Murder of Lita McClinton, written by Deb Miller Landau, is the story of the murder-for-hire of Lita McClinton Sullivan in 1987.     Lita was a beautiful, accomplished woman from a respected Atlanta family. Her interracial marriage to millionaire Jim Sullivan in 1970s Georgia was noteworthy in itself. Their differences fueled their deep attraction for each other in the beginning—she was a college-educated, Black debutante from the South. He was a white entrepreneur from working-class Boston, ten years her senior.     They fell in love and soon married.  But, before long, Lita found herself trapped in a marriage with a controlling man who treated her as a possession. When Lita filed for divorce from Jim Sullivan a decade later, it set off a series of events that ended in her violent death and subjected her family to a decades-long search for justice.    I spoke with Deb Miller Landau about this decades-old murder case detailed in her book, available now in your favorite bookstore or online retailer.    Links:  The author’s website - www.debword.com and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dml_author/   A Devil Went Down to Georgia: Race, Power, Privilege and the Murder of Lita McClinton, Deb Miller Landau, Pegasus Books, 2024. ISBN 9781639366835    To purchase the book on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4dk0zOD See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week’s episode, a young woman, newly engaged and expecting a baby, goes for a morning run in the serene beachfront town of Ceiba, Puerto Rico, and finds herself trapped in a nightmare.  Still finding the inner courage to keep her wits about her, the terrified woman’s actions would help solve her own murder.   Sources:  “Kidnap Victim Called Fiancee Before Slaying,” SFGate.com, Feb 7, 2009. https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Kidnap-victim-called-fiance-before-slaying-3173177.php  “Murder in Puerto Rico,” Latitude38.com, Feb 6, 2009. https://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/murder-in-puerto-rico/  “Puerto Rican Indicted in Pregnant Woman’s Slaying,” SavannahNow.com, Feb 5, 2009. https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/2009/02/06/puerto-rican-indicted-pregnant-womans-slaying/13603126007/  “Puerto Rican Man Gets 105 Years in Killing of Pregnant San Jose Native,” Associated Press, June 1, 2009.  https://coastalcourier.com/news/state-national/puerto-rican-gets-105-years-for-killing-savannah-woman/      Links:  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this month’s series, “Resorting to Murder,” I share cases proving that murder never takes a holiday. This week’s case tells the story of a rocky mother-daughter relationship, a fight over an inheritance, and a cold-blooded murder that occurred at a luxury resort.  Was the murder of socialite Sheila von Wiese-Mack the desperate act of an abused child or spurred on by an entitled young woman’s greed?   Sources:  https://www.chicagotribune.com/2015/12/09/heather-mack-accuses-slain-mom-of-cheating-her-out-of-inheritance/ https://people.com/heather-mack-suitcase-killer-everything-to-know-7509623  Heather Mack discusses her relationship with mother: Exclusive (people.com) https://www.cbsnews.com/news/american-couple-sentenced-to-prison-for-bali-suitcase-murder/  https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/interviews-with-bali-suitcase-killers-uncovers-disturbing-details-behind-the-gruesome-murder/ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3838671/Body-Suitcase-killer-Tommy-Schaefer-claims-ex-Heather-Mack-does-drugs-drinks-sex-female-prisoners-daughter-close-speaking-time-conviction-letter-friends.html   Links:  Once Upon a Crime on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this month’s series, I’ll share cases of vacations that turned deadly.  Even in the most serene and beautiful locations, murder never takes a holiday.   This week, an award-winning television producer, his beautiful and successful Brazilian-born wife, and young children take a family vacation to a tropical resort.  When Monica Beresford-Redman is found murdered just yards from their hotel suite, her husband becomes the main suspect.   Was the circumstantial evidence all pointing to Bruce Beresford-Redman as the murderer merely a series of coincidences or proof of his guilt?  Was he a victim of terrible luck, or did he resort to murder?    Sources:  48 Hours: Bruce Beresford-Redman: The Verdict, Season 28, Episode 22, 2015.  In the Matter of the EXTRADITION OF Bruce Ainsley BERESFORD-REDMAN. United States District Court, Ninth Circuit, California, C.D. California. Dec. 2, 2010.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Beresford-Redman https://abcnews.go.com/US/documents-detail-beresford-redman-death-mexico/story?id=12815694 https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/beresford-redman-cancun-murder-tv-producer/2419136/ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7453793/Survivor-producer-jailed-wifes-death-spotted-release.html https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/a-survivor-producer-a-dead-2-755386/   Links:  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast CrimeCon UK - September 21st and 22nd in London. Get your discounted ticket by using my discount code ONCEUPON when you purchase your ticket at www.crimecon.co.uk.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Once Upon A Crime, we delve into the horrific story of Christian Longo, a man who portrayed himself to his family, friends, and community as a devoted husband, loving father, and successful businessman while leading a double life. He lived a life of lies and deception.  When he could no longer keep up the facade, he disposed of his old life in favor of a new one…by destroying his entire family.   This is the second installment of the 'Deadly Dads' series, highlighting fathers who became nightmares for their families.   00:00 Introduction 01:32 The Discovery Of Bodies 03:06 Investigations and Christian Longo's Lies 06:09 Family Background and Financial Deception 09:38 A Life of Crime and On The Run 11:58 Final Crimes and Capture 17:05 Trial, Sentencing, and Aftermath   Sources: State v. Longo, Filed Nov. 9, 2006, Supreme Court of the State of Oregon “The Journalist and the Murderer,” Michael Finkel, Vanity Fair Magazine, June 2005.  “Longo Prosecutors Offer Motive,” Andrew Kramer, Associated Press, March 12, 2003 “The Pretender: The Case of Christian Longo”, 48 Hours, CBS News, Original air date May 31, 2005.    Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime Our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this first episode of season 9 I’ll share the harrowing story of family annihilator, Ronald Gene Simmons. Known for his obsessive need for control and order, Simmons carried out a meticulously planned series of murders in December 1987, ultimately killing 14 of his family members and two others. This episode captures the disturbing details of his life, his manipulative and abusive behavior, and his final act of violent retaliation that led to his arrest, trial, and eventual execution in 1990.    00:00 Introduction to Family Annihilators 00:39 Case Overview: Ronald Gene Simmons 01:33 Early Life of Ronald Gene Simmons 07:16 Family Life and Military Career 22:09 Abuse and Control 38:32 Escalation and Mass Murder 44:05 Aftermath and Legal Proceedings 47:08 Conclusion Sources:  “Zero at the Bone,” authors Bryce Marshall and Paul Williams, Pocket Star Books, New York, NY, 1991. https://archive.org/details/zeroatbone00mars/page/n5/mode/2up?view=theater  https://murderpedia.org/male.S/s1/simmons-ronald-gene.htm https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/ronald-gene-simmons-3731/  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362847782_Defending_Ronald_Gene_Simmons_A_Question_and_Answer_Session_with_Attorney_John_Harris   Links: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We kick off the ninth season of Once Upon a Crime with an episode that dives into the chilling case of Michael Cummins, a 25-year-old from Westmoreland, Tennessee, who committed one of the state's most horrific mass murders. Cummins, who had a history of mental health issues and violent behavior, murdered eight people, including six family members, in 2019. 00:00 Celebrating a Milestone: 8 Years of Once Upon a Crime 00:47 Start of Season 9: Family Annihilators 01:35 Case Overview: Michael Cummins 02:11 Cummins' Troubled History 02:48 Escalating Violent Behavior 03:34 Cumulative Legal Troubles 06:27 Mental Health Struggles 07:37 2017-2019: Increased Violence and Arrests 14:26 The Massacre 19:29 Investigation and Capture 20:29 Trial and Sentencing 22:40 Community and Family Reactions 25:18 Concluding Remarks    Resources:  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/crime/2019/04/30/sumner-county-killings-micheal-cummins-family-victims/3622442002/ ​​https://www.newschannel5.com/news/westmoreland-murder-suspect-armed-and-on-the-run https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/crime/2019/04/29/sumner-county-killings-who-suspect-michael-lee-cummins-tennessee-homicide-mass-murder/3609438002/ https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/news/brain-scans-of-tennessee-man-who-admits-to-killing-eight-convince-prosecutors-to-drop-death-penalty   Links:  Once Upon a Crime on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this bonus episode I discuss the 4-part documentary series "Dead North" that premiered on A&E in late May.  My special co-host is my brother, Tony.   Ways to watch: https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/tv-shows/dead-north/about http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfAvQ-DZtzo https://play.google.com/store/tv/show?id=hJP2D07sNYvoOnuQy60VqA&cdid=tvseason-iDb1vI20xZwH3DauTgXuyw&gdid=tvepisode-gfAvQ-DZtzo https://www.amazon.com/Winter-is-Coming-Part-1/dp/B07DC6WGST/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1530203353&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=dead+north+documentary Today's sponsors: www.campaignliving.com - Use offer code ONCE to get $75 off your order. www.pb.com/once for a 60-day free trial for all C200 models.  www.Talkspace.com/ouac and use offer code OUAC to get $45 off your first month.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happy Thanksgiving! Just sharing some info about the holiday schedule of podcast releases and some shout outs to listeners and podcasters! Thanks to our new sponsor Audible who is offering our listeners a 30-day free trial and a free audiobook download! Go to www.audibletrial.com/onceuponacrime for your free offer.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the final episode of Season Eight of 'Once Upon A Crime,’ I delve into the case of Robert Durst, a wealthy New York real estate heir with a mysterious and criminal past. His involvement in several crimes, including the disappearance of his wife Kathie in 1982, the execution-style murder of his friend Susan Berman in 2000, and the murder and dismemberment of his neighbor Morris Black in Galveston, Texas in 2001, was famously told in the HBO documentary series “The Jinx,” in 2015. “The Jinx, Part 2” was just released as a follow-up series this month on HBO MAX and concludes this weekend.  In this final “Best Of” episode, we revisit my episode on Robert Durst from Season 6, in which I focused on Robert Durst’s involvement in the murder of Morris Black and examined how he was able to get away with murder.  00:00 Welcome to the Bonus Episode: A Season Finale Reflection 01:57 The Intriguing Case of Robert Durst: A True Crime Deep Dive 08:27 A More Casual Approach to Storytelling 10:15 The Bizarre and Gruesome Tale of Robert Durst in Galveston 18:36 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead to Season Nine Links:  Season 6, Episode 213: Getting Away with Murder - Robert Durst, https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/videos/episode-213-getting-away-with-murder-robert-durst/ Season 6, Episode 214: Getting Away with Murder - Doris Duke,  https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s6-ep214-episode-214-getting-away-with-murder-doris-duke/ Season 6, Episode 215: Getting Away with Murder - Ted Kennedy and Chappaquiddick,  https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s6-ep215-episode-215-getting-away-with-murder-ted-kennedy-and-chappaquiddick/ CrimeCon 2024: https://www.crimecon.com/ Use my discount code ONCE for 10% off your registration.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This month in Once Upon a Crime’s “Best Of” series, we highlight significant episodes as the podcast rounds off its eighth year. This week, I’ve chosen to revisit a story from 2018 about the serial murders of over 500 women in Juarez, Mexico, between 1993 and 2011. You’ll hear about the disturbing pattern of disappearances and murders of young women from that city. The episode also discusses the widespread negligence and victim-blaming by the police, the negative impacts of labeling women based on their employment and economic status, and the appalling cycle of violence that seemed permitted due to a lack of legal repercussions. 07:49 The Border City of Juarez 08:04 Impact of NAFTA on Juarez 10:06 Role of Women in Juarez 17:04 Victim Blaming and Police Negligence Links:  Season 2, Episode 87: Last Stop: The Murdered Women of Juarez - https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s2-ep87-last-stop-diana-the-hunter-of-bus-drivers-and-the-murdered-women-of-juarez/ Let’s Taco ‘Bout True Crime: The Crime Junkie Plagiarism Scandal - https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/11008412 Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime CrimeCon 2024 in Nashville: https://www.crimecon.com/CC24 Sponsors:  Detective Perspective - Listen to Detective Perspective every Monday on all podcast platforms or watch on YouTube every Tuesday. Criminal Coffee - www.criminalcoffeeco.com - Use my discount code UPONACRIME10 for 10% off your order.  A portion of every bag or box of coffee sold is donated to help solve crime!  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This Best Of episode of Once Upon a Crime revisits the mysterious disappearance of Jeanine Sanchez Harms from Campbell, California, in 2001. This case is unique for a number of reasons, including its proximity to my hometown and studio and the shocking, unforeseeable conclusion.  It also stands out due to its 'no body murder' status and complex detective work. Jeanine, recently divorced, goes missing after a night out involving a somewhat reluctant date and interaction with several individuals, including two men, Alex Wilson and Maurice Nasmeh. The community's efforts to keep the case in the public eye led to critical breakthroughs years later and ended in a shocking conclusion no one could have predicted.  This episode is presented in a more personal, casual narration style, inviting listeners to delve into the intriguing, tragic mystery surrounding Janine Sanchez Harms. 05:49 The Disappearance of Janine Sanchez Harms: A Detailed Account 10:45 The Investigation Unfolds: Clues and Suspects 15:22 A Break in the Case: The Persian Rug Clue 16:01 Conclusion and Invitation to Explore More Links:  Season 6, Episode 227: Murder in My Hometown: Jeanine Sanchez Harms - https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s6-ep227-murder-in-my-hometown-jeanine-sanchez-harms/ CrimeCon - Use promo code: ONCE for 10% off at https://www.crimecon.com/ Trova Trip Travel Survey - Click here to take our fun, 8-question travel survey. https://trovatrip.com/host/profiles/esther--fr746 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode of 'Once Upon a Crime' revisits a popular series from Season 1 titled 'The Day the Music Died,' focusing on the tragic endings of musical icons, including Selena Quintanilla Perez.  The episode explores Selena's rise to fame as a star in Tejano music, her groundbreaking achievements, and her untimely death at 23. Additionally, it delves into Selena's early life and career, her family's influence, the formation of Selena y Los Dinos, and her significant impact on Tejano and pop music. The episode also covers her troubled relationship with Yolanda Saldivar, who was convicted of embezzling from Selena’s businesses and ultimately responsible for her tragic death. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the final series for season eight of Once Upon A Crime, we provide a retrospective look at the most compelling episodes from the show's archive, particularly highlighting those that newer listeners might have missed.  This episode revisits the story of Betty Broderick from Season 1, part of the 'A Woman Scorned' series, which delves into crimes committed by women against their romantic partners.  Betty Broderick's tumultuous marriage, marked by jealousy, arguments, and ultimately, her husband's infidelity with his younger secretary, spirals out of control, leading to tragic consequences.  This is one of our most downloaded episodes about a female killer and the most viewed on Once Upon a Crime’s YouTube channel. You can listen to the other episodes of “A Woman Scorned,” which feature notable cases such as Jodi Arias and Clara Harris. Links are provided below.  To listen to the entire episode, click on this link. - https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s1-ep42-a-woman-scorned-betty-broderick/ A Woman Scorned - Jodi Arias - Part 1 and 2: https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s1-ep43-a-woman-scorned-jodi-arias-part-1/ https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s1-ep43-a-woman-scorned-jodi-arias-part-1/ A Woman Scorned - Clara Harris: https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s1-ep45-a-woman-scorned-murder-by-mercedes/ Links: Thrive Market—thrivemarket.com/once—When you become a member, you can get 30% off your first order PLUS a free gift up to $60! Patreon - patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Trova Trip - Take our travel survey and get ready to travel with me!  https://trovatrip.com/host/profiles/esther--fr746 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re wrapping up Season 8 on the way to Once Upon a Crime’s 9th birthday! We’re sharing six of our “Best Of” Episodes from the archives to celebrate eight years of true crime podcasting.  First up, you’ll hear a clip from one of our most popular episodes released as discussions with everyone’s favorite co-host, my sister, Yolanda.  We’ll break down the O.J. Simpson case with details you may not have heard before.   Links:  Season 6: Episode 225: Breaking Down the O.J. Simpson Case with Yolanda - https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s6-ep225-breaking-down-the-oj-simpson-case-with-yolanda/ Season 3: Episode 115: The Darlie Routier Case w/Yolanda - https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s3-ep115-the-darlie-routier-case-with-guest-co-host-yolanda-from-not-perfect-or-functional-podcast/ Season 2: Episodes 71 and 72: The 12 Crimes of Christmas - Laci Peterson, Parts 1 and 2 - https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s2-ep71-the-12-crimes-of-christmas-laci-peterson-part-1/ https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s2-ep71-the-12-crimes-of-christmas-laci-peterson-part-1/ Sponsors:  Lume - www.lumedeodorant.com - Use code ONCE for 15% off your first purchase.  Crimecon - https://www.crimecon.com/ - Use code ONCE for 10% your ticket. Patreon - Become an OUAC super fan. Starting at $2 a month. https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponACrime See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the last chapter of the series “Manipulated to Murder,” I’ll share a story about a predator who hid behind a false identity to manipulate young and impressionable teens into committing the senseless murder of a vulnerable young woman.  Sources:  https://law.alaska.gov/press/releases/2024/011124-Schilmiller.html  https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/6154251/Schilmiller-Court-Docs-061419.pdf https://lawandcrime.com/crime/catfished-killer-takes-plea-deal-in-2019-death-of-best-friend-murdered-in-exchange-for-9m-from-fake-millionaire/  https://law.alaska.gov/press/releases/2024/021224-Brehmer.html  https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/content/news/Who-is-accused-killer-Darin-Schilmiller-Cynthia-Hoffman-murder-suspect-511444111.html https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/crime-courts/2023/07/13/indiana-man-pleads-guilty-to-child-porn-charge-linked-to-anchorage-teens-killing-in-catfishing-scheme/  https://medium.com/the-legal-beagle/astonishing-case-in-the-unusual-murder-by-denali-brehmer-of-best-friend-beginning-with-social-media-b6ad8c827830 https://www.the-sun.com/news/10406051/cynthia-hoffman-murder-hire-plot-denali-brehmer-sentenced/ Links: Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com Travel with me! Click on the link to take a 2-minute survey to help me plan our first adventure! https://trovatrip.com/host/profiles/esther--fr746 Dr. Phil interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCBOXtwHVg4&ab_channel=Dr.Phil  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pamela Smart became a household name - not for being the next Barbara Walters as she’d hoped but for orchestrating the cold-blooded murder of her husband - using her teenage lover as the trigger man. The case became a media sensation when it hit the news cycle in 1990.  It was such a high-profile case that millions watched the trial unfold live on television.  It was the very first time a murder trial in the U.S. received “gavel-to-gavel” coverage on a newly launched cable television channel dedicated to true crime content - Court TV.  Sources:  https://web.archive.org/web/20150215233410/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/family/smart/1.html https://www.nhmagazine.com/breaking-silence-cecelia-pierce-speaks/ “Do you remember Pamela Smart? She got four boys to kill her husband 29 years ago. Now, they’re free. She isn’t,” Manuel Roig-Franzi for The Washington Post, Jan 15, 2019. Links: Travel with me! Click on the link to take a 2-minute survey to help me plan our first adventure! https://trovatrip.com/host/profiles/esther--fr746 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this month’s series, we’ll look at people who were manipulated into committing murder.  First up, we’ll take a look at a case where a mother pressures her child to kill his father.  That fact alone would make this story truly horrible but it was not the last murder Marie Witte orchestrated.  The next one would be as cold-hearted as it was gruesome. Sources:  https://murderpedia.org/female.W/w/witte-hilma.htm  https://thecinemaholic.com/how-did-paul-witte-die-where-are-eric-witte-and-hilma-marie-witte-now/  Snapped: Hilma Marie Witte, Season 31, Episode 19, Oxygen TV, 2022.  https://www.oxygen.com/snapped/crime-news/hilma-marie-witte-convinced-sons-to-kill-husband-grandmother  Evil Lives Here: She Made Me Do It, Season 2, Episode 2, HBO MAX,  2017.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this final episode of “Tarnished Hollywood,” I’ll share a story about a promising young actor who ran afoul of the law.  His decision to immerse himself in gang culture at the expense of an acting career would lead to a life sentence in a prison cell and a brutal and bizarre end to his life at the age of 36. Sources:  https://chicagodefender.com/how-an-infamous-boyz-n-the-hood-cameo-led-to-real-life-murder/ https://www.thetruecrimedatabase.com/case_file/kevin-roby/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amanda Hayes, an actress known for roles on The Sopranos and The Stepford Wives, was convicted of conspiring with her husband, Grant Hayes, to murder Laura Ackerson, his ex-wife and mother of his two children.  The murder  and its cover-up would be one of the most grisly crimes investigators had ever encountered.  Sources:  Bitter Remains, author Diane Fanning, Berkley Books, 2016.  See No Evil: Who killed Laura Ackerson and where are they now?  ID’s See No Evil: Who killed Laura Ackerson and where are they now? (sportskeeda.com) Amanda Hayes: Deadly Women -  https://deadlywomen.fandom.com/wiki/Amanda_Hayes  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Danny Masterson is an American actor best known for his role in That 70’s Show. In 2020, he was charged with raping three women in 2001 and 2003. Masterson and his victims were all members of the Church of Scientology. The church’s policies and threats toward the victims caused a 20-year delay in bringing the crimes to justice. Sources:  A Timeline of Danny Masterson’s Controversies, Skyler Caruso for People.com, Sept 7, 2023 https://people.com/tv/danny-masterson-charged-rape-timeline-of-allegations/  Danny Masterson’s Long History with the Church of Scientology, Christina Dugan Ramirez for People.com, March 3, 2017.  https://people.com/celebrity/danny-masterson-history-church-of-scientology/  Danny Masterson Used Drugging, Scientology to get Away with Rape, Prosecutor Says, Andrew Dalton, AP News, May 16, 2023  https://apnews.com/article/danny-masterson-rape-retrial-ecf0ee15fb71ef603dc4ad30ba74f3dd Danny Masterson was Convicted of Rape. What Happens to Scientology?, Tony Ortega for RollingStone, June 5, 2023.  https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/danny-masterson-rape-conviction-scientology-accountability-1234764377/  Two Hollywood stars are accused of rape, but Scientology is also on trial, Diana Dasrath and Corky Siemaszko for NBC News, Sept 7, 2023. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/two-hollywood-stars-are-accused-rape-scientology-also-trial-rcna54196 Danny Masterson is Sentenced to 30 Years to Life in Prison for Two Rapes, Derrick Bryson Taylor, Livia Albeck-Ripka, and Michael Levenson for The New York Times, Sept 7, 2023.  https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/07/arts/television/danny-masterson-rape-trial-sentencing.html#:~:text=Danny%20Masterson%2C%20the%20actor%20best,Judge%20Charlaine%20F. Danny Masterson Branded a ‘Suppressive Person’ After Being Expelled from the Church of Scientology, Favour Adegoke for TheBlast.com, October 24, 2023.  https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/danny-masterson-branded-suppressive-person-180002162.html#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20report%2C%20the,growth%20of%20those%20around%20them. Former members reveal hell of life inside Church of Scientology, 60 Minutes Australia, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Na0EfFTp50 The Untold Story of Danny Masterson, WatchMojo.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPGe120Mlh4 The Most Shocking Revelations from Danny Masterson’s First Trial, Natalie Finn for E News, Sept 7, 2023.  https://www.eonline.com/news/1350935/the-most-shocking-revelations-from-danny-mastersons-rape-trial Links:  CrimeCon 24 -https://www.crimecon.com/CC24 - Use offer code ONCE for 10% off your registration. Listen to Marooned - https://visitmarooned.com/  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

...1 historic steam train... ...9 exceptional true crime podcasts... ...9 tales woven with the spirit of Women's Day... ...Will YOU unravel the mysteries aboard? This International Women's Day, join Shane Waters and Wendy Cee on an unprecedented journey through the heart of England to Crimecon UK in London. Mysteries on the True Crime Express is not just a podcast episode; it's an immersive voyage into the depths of true crime, history, and the indomitable spirit of women. Aboard this old-world locomotive, you'll encounter the hosts of 9 distinguished true crime podcasts, including Esther Sanchez Ludlow of Once Upon A Crime. Each host presents a captivating story that not only chills the spine but also illuminates the historical essence of Women's Day. From the comfort of Shane and Wendy's compartment to the lively ambiance of the dining car, each tale unfolds in a unique setting on the train, adding layers of intrigue and ambiance to this auditory experience. So, secure your ticket and settle into your seat... ...but be forewarned... ...the journey ahead is filled with twists and turns. Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance: 1. Deep Dark Secrets (https://www.deepdarksecretspodcast.com/) 2. The Trail Went Cold (https://www.trailwentcold.com/) 3. The Cult Vault (https://www.cultvaultpodcast.com/) 4. Extinguished (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/extinguished/id1711608332) 5. Once Upon a Crime (https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/) 6. True Crime and Wine with Sherrilyn Dale (https://open.spotify.com/show/6zDVtsctjbO1OWeeL3iXXN) 7. Defense Diaries (https://defensediaries.com/) 8. Dip in and Out with Lucy (podcasts) 9. Foul Play: Crime Series (https://www.itsfoulplay.com/) Join all the shows you heard in this episode at Crimecon UK in London! Go to Crimecon.co.uk and use code ONCEUPON Listen to Shane’s other holiday collaborations here: https://www.itsfoulplay.com/collaborations See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special episode, I speak with author Gareth Russell.  His new book, The Palace: From the Tudors to the Windsors, 500 Years of British History at Hampton Court, gives us a look at the storied history of what is called the most beautiful palace in England.  But, behind the walls of Hampton Court, true tales of intrigue, sex scandals, assassination plots, and murder played out among the royals and court members.   Links: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Gareth-Russell/500660891  https://www.amazon.com/Palace-Windsors-British-History-Hampton/dp/1797169165 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-palace-mr-gareth-russell/1143030248 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In history, there have been several monarchs known as “Mad Kings” - monarchs who were plagued by erratic and even violent behavior often attributed to mental illness. King Eric the XIV of Sweden is one such ruler. While intellectually brilliant, King Eric suffered from extreme paranoia, which led to erratic, violent, and even murderous behavior. Sources:  Disturbed Facts About Eric XIV Of Sweden, The Butcher King - Factinate Eric XIV, King of Sweden, Britannica.com  https://www.britannica.com/biography/Erik-XIV Karin Mansdotter, wikipedia.com  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karin_Månsdotter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This month, we’re taking a peek at royal families. What secrets and scandals lie behind these noble houses? In this week’s episode, I’ll tell you about an illicit affair an heir to the British throne engaged in with a French courtesan during WWI.  Marguerite Alibert retained evidence of her affair with Prince Edward that she would later use as blackmail when she was on trial for the murder of another prince.   Sources:  Marguerite Alibert: Courtesan, Murderess and Blackmailer of a King  - Historic Mysteries, December 2021.  The murderous mistress of Edward VIII before he met Wallis Simpson - NZ Herald The Perfect Murder, Royalty Magazine Monthly, Jan 2023 https://www.royalty-magazine.com/books-film/the-perfect-murder-2.html Marguerite Alibert was a Royal Mistress who got away with Murder, Shannon Quinn, History Collection, Nov 16, 2018.  https://historycollection.com/marguerite-alibert-was-a-royal-mistress-who-got-away-with-murder/ Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime - Purchase an annual membership at the $5 level or above by February 26th to be entered to win a night out in San Francisco with Esther!  Edgar Allen Poe Speakeasy information - www.edgarallenpoebar.com For information on the Generation Why/Once Upon a Crime Podcast Meetup on February 22nd go to https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/p/upcoming-events/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this month’s series, we’ll take a look at the dark side of royalty. I will detail crimes, sex scandals, and even murders that have occurred within royal families.   First up, a member of the British royal family, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York’s reputation is muddied when his close, personal friend, Jeffrey Epstein, is exposed as a sex trafficker of underage girls. Prince Andrew will fall even further into disgrace when one of Epstein’s victims accuses him of sexual assault while she was a minor. Sources:  Andrew: The Problem Prince (Channel 4 Documentary), 2023,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95BujL2mFnM&t=1880s  The Fall of Prince Andrew: A Timeline, Harry Taylor and Rachel Hall for The Guardian, Feb 12, 2022 https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jan/13/prince-andrew-a-timeline Will no one rid King Charles of his turbulent prince - Andrew has to go, but how to do it?, Martha Gill for The Guardian, Jan 14, 2024.  https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/14/will-no-one-rid-king-charles-of-his-turbulent-prince-andrew-has-to-go-but-how-to-do-it Who is Prince Andrew? All About Queen Elizabeth’s Disgraced Son, Lynsay Eidell for People.com, Jan 10, 2024 https://people.com/royals/prince-andrew-all-about-queen-elizabeth-son/ Prince Andrew ‘spent weeks’ at Epstein’s home - witness, Max Matza for BBC News, Jan 5, 2024.  https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67898784 Prince Andrew Won’f Face a New Police Investigation - But He Still Might be Evicted from Royal Lodge, Erin Vanderhoof and Katie Nicholl for Vanity Fair, Jan 5, 2024.  https://www.vanityfair.com/style/prince-andrew-new-documents-evicted-from-royal-lodge Why Prince Andrew was so close to Jeffrey Epstein: Scandal in the House of York, Real Royalty on YouTube, Jan 4, 2024. Links: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime - Purchase an annual membership at the $5 level or above by February 26th to be entered to win a night out in San Francisco with Esther!  Edgar Allen Poe Speakeasy information - www.edgarallenpoebar.com For information on the Generation Why/Once Upon a Crime Podcast Meetup on February 22nd go to https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/p/upcoming-events/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the summer of 1984, a young woman kidnapped in Northern California finally makes her escape after seven years of violence, torture, imprisonment, and coercive control. While free from the physical restraints of her horrific experience, the emotional battle is just beginning.  The investigation and legal battles unfold while the victim, Colleen Stan, attempts to rebuild her life.  Resources: True Crime Documentary: The Girl in the Box - YouTube The 'Girl In The Box' Case And The Tragic Story Of Colleen Stan (allthatsinteresting.com) Colleen Stan Was Kidnapped and Kept in a Box for 7 Years - A&E True Crime (aetv.com) Girl in the Box Speaks: How I Survived My Seven-Year Ordeal (people.com) Cameron Hooker & Wife Janice Today: Where Are They Now? (heavy.com) PEOPLE v. HOOKER (1988) | FindLaw  Perfect Victim, Christine McGuire & Carla Norton, Arbor House/William Morrow Publishers, 1988.   Links:  Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 1977, a young woman kidnapped by a married couple while hitchhiking is taken to their home and imprisoned for the next seven years. During this time the woman is subjected to depraved torture, sensory deprivation, and sexual abuse. Deep and pervasive brainwashing and coercive control make it less and less likely she will ever escape, despite one of her captors eventually telling her the terrible truth which could facilitate her breaking free.  Resources: True Crime Documentary: The Girl in the Box - YouTube The 'Girl In The Box' Case And The Tragic Story Of Colleen Stan (allthatsinteresting.com) Colleen Stan Was Kidnapped and Kept in a Box for 7 Years - A&E True Crime (aetv.com) Girl in the Box Speaks: How I Survived My Seven-Year Ordeal (people.com) Cameron Hooker & Wife Janice Today: Where Are They Now? (heavy.com) PEOPLE v. HOOKER (1988) | FindLaw  Perfect Victim, Christine McGuire & Carla Norton, Arbor House/William Morrow Publishers, 1988.   Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime Our website - www.truecrimepodcast.com For information on the Once Upon a Crime/Generation Why Meetup in San Jose, California go to https://www.facebook.com/events/758402692774634. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this first part of a 3-part episode, I share an infamous kidnapping case that began in 1977 in northern California.  The kidnapping of Colleen Stan become famously, and chillingly, known as “The Girl in the Box” case.   It’s an incredible story of unprecedented evil but also one of faith, strength, and the courage of a young girl to survive a horrific nightmare at the hands of the worst kind of predator.   Sources:  True Crime Documentary: The Girl in the Box - YouTube The 'Girl In The Box' Case And The Tragic Story Of Colleen Stan (allthatsinteresting.com) Colleen Stan Was Kidnapped and Kept in a Box for 7 Years - A&E True Crime (aetv.com) Girl in the Box Speaks: How I Survived My Seven-Year Ordeal (people.com) PEOPLE v. HOOKER (1988) | FindLaw  Perfect Victim, Christine McGuire & Carla Norton, Arbor House/William Morrow Publishers, 1988.  Links: February Meetup with Generation Why - https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/p/upcoming-events/ Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As we wrap up 2023, I ask the question, “What was your true crime obsession this year?”  In this episode, I’ll find out what true crime cases your favorite true crime podcasters were talking about.   You’ll hear my discussions with Tyler from Minds of Madness, Michael from True Crime Guys, Leroy from Excuse Me, That’s Illegal, Jerri from FBI Retired Case File Review, and Eric, from True Consequences.   I’ll also share the most exciting milestones and events for Once Upon a Crime in 2023 and tell you about the true crime stories I was most obsessed with this year.  Go to our YouTube Channel to watch the video chats of these discussions, or join our Patreon to get the uncut versions.  You’ll learn more about me and my guests as we go “off-topic.”   Links:  Once Upon a Crime on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/onceuponacrimepodcast Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponACrime Our website: www.truecrimepodcast.com Our Guests’ links:  Tyler - Minds of Madness https://mindsofmadnesspodcast.com Michael - True Crime Guys  https://linktr.ee/Truecrimeguysproductions Goodnight Sugar Babe: The Killing of Vera Jo Reigle - https://www.amazon.com/Goodnight-Sugar-Babe-Killing-Reigle/dp/B0757CSRSV Leroy - Excuse Me, That’s Illegal https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/excuse-me-thats-illegal/id1526994548 https://www.tiktok.com/@excusemethatsillegal.pod?lang=en https://www.patreon.com/excusemethatsillegal/ Jerri - FBI Retired Case File Review https://jerriwilliams.com Eric - True Consequences  https://www.trueconsequences.com https://angelsvoicesnm.org The Garden: Commune or Cult? - https://go.discovery.com/show/the-garden-commune-or-cult-discovery-atve-us My recommendations:  Candy - https://press.hulu.com/shows/candy/ Love and Death - https://www.max.com/shows/love-death/f7b16534-5a7b-4e0e-906f-406d25e6b7af Finding Tamika - https://www.audible.com/pd/Finding-Tamika-Audiobook/B09R52P8PW See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 1958, 19-year-old Starkweather went on a killing spree that shocked the nation. He took his 14-year-old girlfriend, Caril, with him.   The story of that crime spree has become a legend in true crime history, and Starkweather and Fugate have been portrayed as villains on par with Bonnie and Clyde.  In this episode, I revisit this case by speaking with best-selling true crime author Harry MacLean.  His new book Starkweather: The Untold Story of the Killing Spree That Changed America takes a comprehensive look at this case and comes to some new conclusions about Caril Fugate’s guilt or innocence in the murders.   Links:  To learn more about Harry MacLean and purchase his books, visit www.harrymaclean.com. To watch “In Broad Daylight” - https://youtu.be/Q_A3N75uV-4?si=BkK5oN_z9FpIYaxL See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this month’s episodes, I’ll wrap up 2023 by discovering what listeners, podcasters, and other true crime experts list as their “true crime obsessions” this year.  This week, I’m privileged to talk to veteran true crime journalist, correspondent, podcaster, and celebrity Erin Moriarty.  Erin has been a correspondent for 48 Hours on CBS Television for over three decades. Her award-winning true crime podcast My Life of Crime has returned for season four. I’ll talk with Erin about her life as a true crime reporter, the cases she’s covering on the podcast this season, and learn her true crime obsession(s) in 2023! Links:  “My Life of Crime with Eric Moriarty: A 48 Hours Original Podcast” - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/erin-moriarty-my-life-of-crime-48-hours-podcast/ “48 Hours on CBS” - https://www.cbsnews.com/48-hours/ Once Upon a Crime on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/onceuponacrimepodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A missing person’s case in Columbus, Ohio, grows cold.  It seemed that what happened to 20-year-old Ashley Howley would remain a mystery until a psychic medium connected with the spirit of the missing girl.  Did Ashley Howley return from beyond to solve her own murder?  Resources: A Vision of Murder: Professional Psychic Medium, Shelly Stewart-Soldan, The Citizen Online, Oct 9, 2023.  Missing woman’s family left to wait, The Columbus Dispatch, April 5, 2008. Metro Detroit psychic says she communicates with the dead, Gus Burns, mLive.com, April 14, 2014. www.Kristyrobinett.com  Restless Souls, Season 1-Ep 1, Investigation Discovery Channel, April 14, 2014.  Ashley Lyn Howley, Porchlight USA, June 11, 2007  Man Pleads Guilty to 3 Slayings, 10TV.com, July 22, 2008.  Tipster in killing portrayed as out to avoid prosecution, The Columbus Dispatch, July 27, 2008.  Triple killer gets life without parole, The Columbus Dispatch, July 22, 2008. Offender Detail: Robert MacMichael II, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Feb 7, 2022.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The family of a missing man turns to a psychic in a desperate attempt to locate him.  Rosemarie Kerr’s psychic predictions as to the fate of Andre Daigle would prove to be so accurate that she was later called to testify at his murder trial.   Resources:  “A Mysterious Murder and a Psychic Detective,” JournalOnline, March 19, 2022, https://journal.com.ph/a-mysterious-murder-and-a-psychic-detective/ State v. Horne, Court of Appeal of Louisiana, Fifth Circuit, Dec. 13, 1989 https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/5914c06eadd7b049347b3be4 “Cypress Psychic Tells Court of Helping to Solve Murder,” The Los Angeles Times, Feb. 7, 1988.  Rosemarie Kerr: Touching Into the Other Side of Light, Blog by Rosemarie Kerr, November 7, 2006.  Links: Become a Patreon member today - https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponACrime Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC17PL60EqRV7DcDdgLC3YTQ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two ten-year-old girls went missing in Soham, Cambridgeshire, England in 2002.  After one of the most extensive searches in British criminal history, one of the girls’ parents consults a psychic in a desperate attempt to find them.  When the perpetrator is identified, Dennis McKenzie’s predictions about what happened to the girls will be eerily accurate.  Resources: Soham Murders, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soham_murders “I’m the Soham Psychic” - https://www.express.co.uk/expressyourself/135069/I-m-the-Soham-psychic Ian Huntley: Faking It: Tears of a Crime, www.YouTube.com  Being the Soham Psychic: The Man Who Talks to the Other Side, Dennis McKenzie, Hachette Books UK, 2009.  Links: Patreon: www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Theresa Cross Knor was jealous, controlling, and abusive to her partners and children. After murdering one husband and getting away with it, her children became her next targets.  She would make her children complicit in the murders of two of their siblings and would almost get away with murder again. Resources:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theresa_Knorr Theresa Knorr: The Mother Who Burned Her Daughter Alive, from The Lineup, May 9, 2019 Theresa Knorr: Murderpedia Mother’s Day, Denis McDougal, Ballentine Books, 1995.  Links: Website: www.truecrimepodcast.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

..1 eerie corn maze... ...9 haunting figures... ...9 spine-tingling tales... ...Will YOU find your way out? This holiday season, step into a labyrinth of shadows and suspense with Shane Waters as your guide. In this chilling collaboration, you'll encounter the hosts of 9 acclaimed true crime podcasts, each offering a dark tale and a life lesson to send shivers down your spine. This is not just a special episode; it's an immersive journey through a maze of twisted paths and unsolved mysteries. So, lift your lantern high and venture into 'Maze of Secrets'... ...but be warned... ...not everyone makes it to the end… Prepare to get lost in the stories, but find yourself in their lessons. It's an odyssey of crime, mystery, and eerie life lessons that you won't soon forget. This is Shane’s 5th holiday collaboration. If you dare to walk this twisted path with us, you're in for a night you'll never forget. Are you ready? Podcasts are listed here in order of appearance: Frightful (https://www.itsfrightful.org/) Marooned (https://visitmarooned.com/) Rotten to the Core (https://www.itsrottentothecore.com/)mur Murder, She Told (https://www.murdershetold.com/) Obscura (https://www.itsobscura.com/) Crimelines (https://linktr.ee/crimelines) Once Upon a Crime (https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/) The Trail Went Cold (https://www.trailwentcold.com/) Foul Play: Crime Series (https://www.itsfoulplay.com/) Listen to the other holiday collaborations here: https://www.itsfoulplay.com/p/collaborations/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week I’m continuing the series “A Family Affair,” detailing cases of a parent involving their children in murder plots.  This time a mother and daughter team up to murder family members for financial profit and to rid themselves of the “burden” of caring for them.  This is the case of Diane and Rachel Staudte aka “The Antifreeze Murders”.  Stay tuned at the end of the episode for a special bonus! I interviewed Laurah Norton, friend, and fellow podcaster, about her new book “Lay Them to Rest: On the Road with the Cold Case Investigators Who Identify the Nameless,” just released by Hachette Publishing. If you purchase “Lay Them to Rest” by October 17th, 2023, at 20% off the publisher’s price, use code LAYTHEMTOREST.  www.hachettebookgroup.com Resources:  “I Forgive Mom For What She Did…” The Springfield New-Leader, Springfield, Missouri, Jan 22, 2016. “20/20 Will Feature Diane Staudte…”, The Springfield New-Leader, Springfield, Missouri, Feb 25, 2022. “How Diane and Rachel Staudte Killed Their Family with Antifreeze,” True Crime Blog: Stories and News, Nov. 9, 2022. “Mother convicted of poisoning her family maintains her innocence,” ABC News, Feb 25, 2022. “Pastor Tips Off Police in Antifreeze Murders,” People.com, Feb 25, 2022.  “Just the Two of Us: The Lethal Mother-Daughter Bond Between Serial Killers Diane and Rachel Staudte,” written by Joni E. Johnston, Psy.D., published in Medium.com, Sep. 30, 2021.  Links:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1730325570622505 - OUAC Facebook Fan Page https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com - The Fall Line Podcast with links to episodes and the link to purchase the book Lay Them to Rest.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this month’s series “A Family Affair,” I’ll share cases in which children are manipulated into involvement in criminal offenses - even murder - at the direction of a parent. First up, lust and greed spur a man to manipulate his 14-year-old daughter into committing murder.  Later, when facing a lengthy prison sentence, loyalty to her father causes Cinnamon Brown to keep her father’s secret…at first.  Resources: The Real Murders of Orange County: Stolen Youth, Season 3, Episode 9, July 21, 2023, Oxygen Network.  https://www.oxygen.com/the-real-murders-of-orange-county/season-3/episode-9/stolen-youth -  If You Really Loved Me, author Ann Rule, Simon and Schuster Books, 1991.  “An Almost Perfect Murder”, Los Angeles Times, August 19, 1990.  https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-08-19-vw-3027-story.html - lots of details “The Tragic Story of Cinnamon Brown” All That’s Interesting,  May 17, 2023.   https://allthatsinteresting.com/cinnamon-brown “Girl in Brown Family Slaying Case Paroled After 8 Years” The Los Angeles Times, Feb 29, 1992, https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-02-29-me-2474-story.html People v. Brown, 1992, Court of Appeal, Fourth District, Division 3, California. Decided April 23, 1992, https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ca-court-of-appeal/1771760.html See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A 19-year-old college student dies as a result of a fraternity hazing incident at Pennsylvania State University in 2017. It will result in the largest criminal indictment of a fraternity in American history.  RESOURCE LINKS:  “Penn State is Still Keeping Secrets on Frat Row” - https://video.vice.com/en_us/video/penn-state-drinking/5a74f2a3f1cdb375f62d5ddd “What Happened the Night of Beta Theta Pi’s Bid Acceptance Night” -  https://onwardstate.com/2017/05/05/what-happened-the-night-of-beta-theta-pis-bid-acceptance-night/ “How a Fatal Frat Hazing Became Penn State’s Latest Campus Crisis” - https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017/10/penn-state-fraternity-hazing-death Death of Tim Piazza - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Tim_Piazza Pennsylvania State University Grand Jury Report on the Hazing Death of Tim Piazza - Released from the Court of Common Pleas, Centre County, Pennsylvania, December 15, 2017. https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4329784-Grandjury-Report.html Links:  Once Upon a Crime’s Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1730325570622505 Check us out on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast/videos Join Patreon for ad-free, early-release episodes, and behind-the-scenes peeks into the podcast! https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponACrime See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.