Once Upon A Crime | True Crime - Esther Ludlow

Episode 204: The Trailside Killer, Part 1 May 10, 2021

This month I’ll be sharing a 3-part miniseries. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Northern California was terrorized by a series of random murders that took place on hiking trails in state parks, national forests and coastal lands. The public began to suspect that a serial killer was lurking among them and the media began referring to him as “The Trailside Killer”.
In this first part, I’ll detail some of the Trailside Killers earliest victims and describe how he was allowed to slip through the cracks in the criminal justice system and set loose to stalk and kill more than ten people.
Resources:
The Sleeping Lady: The Trailside Murders Above the Golden Gate by Robert Graysmith, Penguin Books, (1990)
People v. Carpenter, Supreme Court of California, Nov 29, 1999.
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Episode 203 Artful Crimes, Volume 2: The Van Gogh Museum Heist Apr 26, 2021

In 2002, two paintings were stolen from The Van Gogh Museum worth $30 million dollars. The investigation into this crime would involve law enforcement in several countries. Special investigators in both art crimes and organized crime units would also be brought in to solve the case of the missing Van Goghs.
Resources:
Documentary: Stealing Van Gogh (2018), Julian Hendy, Director.
“How 20 Stolen Van Gogh Paintings were Recovered” by Erik Shilling for Atlas Obscura, Sept. 30, 2016.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/how-20-stolen-van-gogh-paintings-were-recovered-35-minutes-after-a-heist
“As Stolen Van Goghs Return to View, a Thief Tells All” by Nina Siegal for The New York Times, Mar 19, 2017.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/19/arts/design/van-gogh-museum-theft-octave-dunham.html
“Italian police bust drug trafficking Camorra Clan”. Posted on Gangsters, Inc., Mar 21, 2017.
https://gangstersinc.ning.com/profiles/blogs/italian-police-bust-drug-trafficking-camorra-clan-and-retrieve-st
“How Two Stolen Van Gogh Paintings Made it Home After a 14-Year Saga” by Isaac Kaplan for Artsy.Net, Mar 21, 2017.
https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-two-stolen-van-gogh-paintings-made-14-year-saga
Sponsors:
Acorn TV - www.Acorn.TV - Use my promo code ONCE to get your first 30 days free.
StoryWorth - www.StoryWorth.com/once to get $10 off your first purchase.
Links:
CrimeCon UK - www.CrimeCon.co.uk - Use my promo code ONCEUPON21 to get 10% of your registration.

Bonus Episode - CrimeConVersations with Mens Rea Apr 21, 2021

This bonus episode is brought to you by Once Upon a Crime in partnership with CrimeCon UK. I have a CrimeConVersation with Sinead from Mens Rea Podcast about true crime, being a true crime podcaster, women and true crime and more.
You can listen to Mens Rea Podcast or connect with Sinead at www.mensreapod.com.
To join me at CrimeCon UK go to www.crimecon.co.uk. When you register use my offer code ONCEUPON21 to get 10% off your ticket!
To listen to more CrimeConVersations you can go to CrimeCon’s website at www.crimecon.co.uk or follow CrimeCon UK on Instagram @CrimeCon_UK.

Episode 202: Artful Crimes, Volume 2 - Frank Lloyd Wright and the Taliesin Massacre Apr 19, 2021

Famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright begins an affair with Martha “Mamah” Borthwick. When the scandal threatens his career and reputation, he builds a home near Spring Green, Wisconsin. Called “Taliesin”, it was supposed to be a place of peace and refuge for the couple, but in 1914, it became the site of a horrifying massacre.
Resources:
“Soulmate Stunt Loses its Zest”, Kokomo Daily Tribune, August 3, 1910.
Frank Lloyd Wright by Jan Adkins, published by Penguin Random House, 2008
“Cook massacres seven at Wisconsin home Frank Lloyd Wright built for his mistress”, by Mara Bovsun for The New York Daily News, Jan 25, 2014.
Sponsors:
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Links:
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1730325570622505
Patreon: www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime

Bonus Episode - Listener Q&A Apr 14, 2021

To celebrate reaching 200 episodes we created a bonus episode to answer listener questions. Thanks everyone for submitting them!
Links:
www.Patreon.com/onceuponacrime
To listen to our "haunted" episode go to Episode #108 - Haunted Homicides: The LaLaurie Mansion. Some hear a "ghost" at minute 20 or so.
The Scott Peterson episodes with my sister, Yolanda is #71 and #72 - The 12 Crimes of Christmas - Laci Peterson, Part 1 and 2.
Special thanks to Lorena Garcia for co-hosting this episode with me and to all the listeners who sent in questions!

Episode 201: Artful Crimes, Volume 2: The Murder of Mary Pinchot Meyer Apr 12, 2021

A contemporary artist is murdered in broad daylight in Washington D.C. Conspiracy theories about who was responsible begin to swirl after her close connection to John F. Kennedy is revealed.
Resources:
“The Last Painting of Mary Pinchot Meyer” by Maria Hummel for Counterpoint, June 5, 2019.
https://crimereads.com/the-last-painting-of-mary-pinchot-meyer/
“The forgotten female artist who may have been murdered by the CIA” by Alina Cohen for Artsy.net, May 16, 2019.
https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-forgotten-female-artist-murdered-cia
“Dovey Johnson Rountree, Barrier-Breaking Lawyer Dies at 104 by Margalit Fox for The New York Times, May 21, 2018.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/21/obituaries/dovey-johnson-roundtree-dead.html
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Acorn TV - Get your first 30 days free by going to www.Acorn.TV and using promo code ONCE.
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Links:
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Episode 200: Chopped: Anjette Donovan Lyles Mar 22, 2021

A young widow opens her own restaurant in Macon, Georgia in the 1950s. Suspicions arise when the people closest to her begin falling ill and dying. Was Anjette Lyles a serial killer?

Episode 199: Chopped: Anthony Kelly and Gordon Ramsay's "Bad Boys Bakery" Mar 15, 2021

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay enters London's Brixton Prison in 2012 in an attempt to teach a group of inmates to run a successful bakery. Would he succeed or would the men return to a life of crime once the cameras stopped rolling?

Episode 198: Chopped: David Viens Mar 09, 2021

In this series we'll take a look at the restaurant industry to ask "What happens when good cooks go bad?". In this episode, a restaurateur in Southern California is suspected of murder when his wife disappears. What detectives discover would shock and horrify the community.

Episode 197: Hookups from Hell: Takahiro Shiraishi - "The Twitter Killer" Feb 23, 2021

A serial killer preys on vulnerable women in Tokyo, Japan. He will meet his victims on Twitter. (Caution: This episode contains the subject of suicide.)

Episode 196: Hookups from Hell: Wade Ridley - "The Match.com Murderer" Feb 16, 2021

Two women meet a man on Match.com. After they end the relationship, he vows deadly revenge.

Episode 195: Hookups from Hell: Mark Twitchell - "The Dexter Killer" Feb 09, 2021

A Canadian man, inspired by the television show Dexter, lures his murder victims through online dating sites.

Episode 194: Serial Predator: Curtis Dean Anderson - Part 3 Jan 26, 2021

In Part 3 of this miniseries, Curtis Dean Anderson confesses to a high-profile missing child case. He would be investigated for a series of abductions and murders of children in Northern California. Was he a serial killer as he claimed or was it just another manipulation by this serial predator?

Episode 193: Serial Predator: Curtis Dean Anderson - Part 2 Jan 19, 2021

In part two of this miniseries the bravery of an 8-year-old girl unmasks a serial predator named Curtis Dean Anderson. He would be linked to the disappearance of Xiana Fairchild.

Episode 192: Serial Predator: Curtis Dean Anderson - Part 1 Jan 12, 2021

A 7-year-old goes missing from Vallejo, California in 1999. It would be some time before Xiana Fairchild would be linked to a serial predator who would ultimately be connected to several missing and murdered women and children in Northern California and beyond. This is the first part of a month-long series about serial predator Curtis Dean Anderson.

Episode 191: The Craziest Crime Stories of 2020 w/Leroy Luna Dec 15, 2020

This week my special guest is Leroy Luna from Excuse Me, That's Illegal Podcast. We discuss some bizarre crimes, the dumbest criminals and crime stories that could only have happened in 2020.

Episode 190: Cases You Probably Haven't Heard About, But Should Have Dec 08, 2020

In this episode I'll share three true crime cases you may not have heard of, but should have. My special guest host is Laurah from The Fall Line and One Strange Thing Podcasts.

Episode 189: Body of Evidence: Stacy Peterson Nov 17, 2020

Two women thought they'd met the man of their dreams. But one of them would be found dead of mysterious circumstances and one would go missing never to be seen again. Would justice prevail to convict Drew Peterson for these crimes?

Episode 188: Body of Evidence: Sierra LaMar Nov 10, 2020

A teenager goes missing in Morgan Hill, California never to be seen again. It would take meticulous detective work to prove she'd been the victim of a murder and bring her killer to justice.

Episode 187: Body of Evidence: Anne Marie Fahey Nov 03, 2020

This month's series features crimes that were solved...without a body. Tom Capano thought he'd pulled off the perfect murder when his ex-girlfriend disappeared. Meticulous detective work and dogged determination would be needed to solve the crime.

Episode 186: Ghosts in the Attic: Daniel LaPlante Oct 19, 2020

A story about a teenage stalker who hides in his victim's homes to prey upon them becomes an urban legend. But, the true life and crimes of Daniel J. LaPlante would be a real-life horror story.

Episode 185: Ghosts in the Attic: Otto Sanhuber Oct 12, 2020

The mysterious murder of Fred William Oesterreich in Los Angeles in 1922 would be revealed years later as one of the strangest and most bizarre true crime cases in California history

Episode 184: Ghosts in the Attic: Natasha Ryan Oct 05, 2020

In 1998, a 14-year-old disappeared from Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. It would be feared she had become a victim of serial killer, Leonard Fraser, but this story would end with a shocking revelation.

Episode 183: Bad Teacher: John J. Donovan, Sr. Sep 21, 2020

A multimillionaire in a feud with his family over money and property perpetrates a bizarre hoax in order to get revenge on his children and hold on to his assets.

Episode 182: Bad Teacher: Vincent Brothers Sep 14, 2020

A well-respected educator in Bakersfield, California is accused of a brutal crime - the murders of five of his family members.

Episode 181: Bad Teacher: Mary Kay Letourneau Sep 07, 2020

In this month's series "Bad Teacher" I'll share cases of educators who committed newsworthy crimes.
First up, a 34-year-old teacher scandalizes the nation when she is convicted of child rape with one of her 6th grade students.

Episode 180: Familiar Strangers: Anastasia Romanov, Part 2 Aug 31, 2020

In Part 2 of Familiar Strangers - Anastasia Romanov, a young woman comes forward claiming to be the Grand Duchess Anastasia. The investigation into her claim would take decades to solve her true identity.
I welcome back my sister, Yolanda, to help me discuss all the ins and outs of this case!

Episode 179: Familiar Strangers: Anastasia Romanov, Part1 Aug 24, 2020

On this first part of a 2-part episode, I share the fascinating story of the disappearance of the last imperial family of Russia, the Romanovs.

Episode 178: Familiar Strangers: Walter Collins, Part 2 Aug 10, 2020

On this second part of a two-part episode we continue the story of 9-year-old Walter Collins who went missing from Los Angeles in 1928. In part two, we discover that a serial killer, Gordon Stewart Northcott, has been preying on boys and young men in the LA area. Was Walter Collins a victim of Northcott's?

Episode 177: Familiar Strangers: Walter Collins - Part 1 Aug 03, 2020

A young boy who goes missing in 1928. When he returns home, his mother will say he's an imposter, but her claims are dismissed. Who was the boy claiming to be her missing son and what happened to the real Walter Collins?

Episode 176: Stranger Than Fiction: Starr Faithfull and "BUtterfield 8" Jul 27, 2020

The life and tragic death of a young socialite in the 1930s inspires an Academy Award winning movie. But, Starr Faithfull's life was far from the glamorous treatment it would receive on the big screen.

Bonus Episode: "Ripped from the Headlines" with author Harold Schechter Jul 22, 2020

As a bonus for this month's theme "Stranger Than Fiction" I interviewed author Harold Schechter about his new book, Ripped from the Headlines: The Shocking True Stories Behind the Movies' Most Memorable Crimes, an anthology of forty true crime cases that inspired films.

Episode 175: Stranger Than Fiction: Belva Gaertner & Beulah Annan and Chicago Jul 13, 2020

Two women accused of murder in the Roaring 20s would become the inspiration for one of the best known and longest running shows in American musical theater history. This is the story of the real life Roxie and Velma from "Chicago".

Episode 174: Stranger Than Fiction: Richard Crafts and "Fargo" Jul 06, 2020

In 1986, a beautiful young mother discovers her husband is cheating on her and files for divorce. Soon afterward, she goes missing. Discovering what happened to Helle Crafts would take an small army of detectives, forensic scientists, serologists, forensic anthropologists, a police diving team and other investigators to unravel this bizarre crime and would inspire an Academy-Award winning film.

Episode 173: Till Death Do Us Part: Nancy Andrade and Mark Crew Jun 29, 2020

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.

Episode 172: Till Death Do Us Part: Kelly Ecker and Scott Samson Jun 22, 2020

A bride sees many red flags in her relationship before walking down the aisle. but her fear of angering her fiancee would compel her to go through with the ceremony. Within hours, that decision would become fatal.
#domestic violence #coercive control

Episode 171: Till Death Do Us Part: Jordan Graham and Cody Johnson Jun 08, 2020

A new bride decides she's made a mistake in tying the knot. The decision she makes in order to end the marriage will be a shocking act of cruelty.

Episode 170: Till Death Do Us Part: Wendy Trapaga and Michel Escoto Jun 01, 2020

In this series, I'll share cases of newlyweds who's lives were cut short by the person who vowed to love them forever.
In this first case, a young bride is unaware that her new spouse married her to collect on a $1 million dollar insurance policy.

Episode 169: Last Dance: The Pelley Murders - Part 2 May 18, 2020

In Part 2 of "The Pelley Murders" I'll tell you about Jeff Pelley's trial, theories of the murder and give you a strange and compelling story about who else may have been responsible for the murders of Bob Pelley and his family.

Episode 168: Last Dance: The Pelley Murders - Part 1 May 11, 2020

A 17-year-old is suspected in the murder of four of his family members because he was forbidden from attending his prom. Was this a case of a homicidal teen or a rush to judgement?

Episode 167: Last Dance: Adam Sapikowski May 04, 2020

In this series, "Last Dance", I share stories of crimes that happened on prom night. In the first episode, a teenager commits an act of parricide then attends his prom and holds a party at the crime scene.

Episode 166: StepMonsters - Joshua and Jerome Ellis Apr 27, 2020

An abusive stepfather gets his comeuppance when his stepsons turn on him resulting in a grisly murder.

Episode 165: StepMonsters: Tracey Wright Apr 20, 2020

A child, unwanted from birth and neglected by her birth parents, is hopeful that her new stepmother will love her like a daughter. It is not to be and her story will become a cautionary tale in the U.K. of how the child protective system spectacularly failed Lauren Wright.

Episode 164: StepMonsters: The Disappearance of Charlie Bothuell Apr 06, 2020

In our new series, “StepMonsters,” I’ll share stories of bad stepparents whose actions became true crime news. In this first episode I'll share the story of a young boy who went missing and was found in a very unlikely place. Was he the victim of abuse as he would claim and, if so, who was the person most responsible - his stepmother, his own father or both?

Episode 163: Swan Songs: Evelyn Dick Mar 30, 2020

A gruesome crime would become a media sensation in Canada in 1946 when a beautiful young woman was accused of the grisly murder. This is the case of the infamous Evelyn Dick and the Torso Murder of 1946.
Link to listen to the song "Evelyn Dick" by The Forgotten Rebels - https://youtu.be/OAkxFSM_rNs

Episode 162: Swan Songs - Gerald Friend - "Polly" Mar 23, 2020

In 1991, Kurt Cobain released a song on the album Nevermind. Titled "Polly" the song was inspired by a kidnapping and rape of a young girl in Tacoma, Washington. This is the story of that crime.
Listen to "Polly" by Nirvana here: https://youtu.be/3H0NHHKBemg

Episode 161: Swan Songs: Jennifer Levin Mar 09, 2020

A young girl is brutally murdered in New York's Central Park in 1986. Her killer, Robert Chambers, would be dubbed "The Preppy Killer" in the press and his victim's name would be dragged through the mud. This is the real story of "The Preppy Murder" you haven't heard before.

Episode 160: Swan Songs: Katherine Korzilius Mar 03, 2020

The mysterious death of a young girl inspires Jon Bon Jovi to record a song dedicated to her. This is the case of Katherine Korzilius.

Episode 159: Bad Seeds: Leslie Arnold Feb 25, 2020

In Nebraska, in 1958, a high school junior holds animosity towards his mother and takes deadly revenge. He is caught and imprisoned and, years later, disappears for decades. Where is Leslie Arnold today?

Episode 158: Bad Seeds: Lowell Lee Andrews Feb 11, 2020

In Kansas in 1958, an 18-year-old kills both of his parents and his only sibling. Was it a case of greed, mental illness, or was Andrews just a "bad seed"?
#parricide #InColdBlood #TheBrothersKaramazov #deathrow #familyannihilators

Episode 157: Bad Seeds: Marlene Olive Feb 04, 2020

In 1975, a rebellious teen enlists her boyfriend to kill her parents in a small, Northern California town. The gruesome crime would be dubbed "The Barbecue Murders" in the press.

Episode 156: Behind the Crime: Aileen Wuornos Jan 28, 2020

In this special episode I'll do an in-depth look at the infamous serial killer Aileen Wuornos.
Time stamps:
Early Life: 02:41
Teen Years: 13:25
Young Adult Life: 32:17
On the Road: 35:30
Criminal Activity: 36:12
Tyra: 47:30
The Victims: 55:57
Closing In/The Arrest: 1:36:40
The Confession: 1:44:46
Arlene Pralle/Adoption: 1:51:50
The Trial: 1:56:42
Death Sentence: 2:04:26
Execution 2:12:44
Final Thoughts: 2:14:35

Bonus Episode: Happy New Year from Once Upon a Crime Jan 05, 2020

On this bonus episode I share the highs and lows for 2019, list the top episodes of last year, talk about upcoming events and share the last word on the 2019 plagiarism scandal.

Episode 155: Analyzing the JonBenet Ramsey Case with Jack Luna Dec 17, 2019

On this special episode my guest is Jack Luna from Crime Machine Podcast. We discuss the evidence and theories behind the JonBenet Ramsey Case.

Episode 154: The Mysterious Death of Mrs. Jerry Lee Lewis w/Erica Kelly Dec 10, 2019

On this special episode, I discuss the death of Shawn Stephens Lewis. Shawn was the fifth wife of Jerry Lee Lewis, the rock and country music star. When Shawn Lewis was found dead in Lewis's mansion on August 24, 1983, many questions would remain unanswered as to how she died.
My very special guest this week is Erica Kelly from the Southern Fried True Crime podcast!

Episode 153: AMA and Case Updates for 2019 Dec 03, 2019

On this year-end wrap up episode, I answer listener questions and share updates on cases I've covered in past episodes.

Episode 152: Fugitives from Justice: Ruth Eisemann-Schier Nov 26, 2019

In this last episode about fugitives on the run from the law I tell you the story of the very first woman ever to make the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List. Ruth Eisemann-Schier, along with her boyfriend, Gary Krist, carried out a bizarre kidnapping plot in 1968.

Episode 151: Fugitives from Justice: Alex Kelly Nov 19, 2019

A young man from a wealthy family is accused of committing two rapes while still in high school. Before he could be tried on these charges he'd flee the jurisdiction and disappear for eight years before finally being brought to justice.

Episode 150: Fugitives from Justice: Nazira Ugalde and Brenda Delgado Nov 12, 2019

In this episode I’ll share two separate cases of women who became part of a very small and exclusive club - women who made the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List.
Nazira Ugalde killed for financial gain and flees to South America. A young woman in Texas, Brenda Delgado, plans the murder of her romantic rival and disappears soon after being questioned by police.

Episode 149: Fugitives from Justice: Jesse James Hollywood Nov 05, 2019

A small time drug dealer kidnaps a rival's younger brother in order to settle a debt. The unfolding series of events would become one of California's most bizarre and tragic kidnapping cases on record and would even inspire an award-winning Hollywood movie.

Episode 148: Rocktober: Rock and Roll Haunts Oct 21, 2019

In this episode I dig into my file of spooky stories to share some haunted happenings in the world of rock and roll.
#themansionatlaurelcanyon #redhotchilipeppers #slipknot #hauntedhouses #bonscott #joshuatreeinn #halloween #ghoststories

Episode 147: Rocktober: The Bob Marley Assassination Attempt Oct 14, 2019

Bob Marley went from singing R&B harmonies in Trenchtown, Kingston, Jamaica to becoming a pioneer of reggae music, bringing his own blend of reggae, rock and ska music to a global audience. But as a popular figure in Jamaica, he was unwillingly thrust into the country’s political strife. The situation became so dangerous for Marley that on December 3, 1976, he became a target of assassins.

Episode 146: Rocktober: Altamont, The Rolling Stone and The Hells Angels Oct 07, 2019

A free concert took place in northern California in December of 1969 featuring The Rolling Stones. It would descend into chaos due to poor planning, rampant drug use and the ill-advised use of the Hells Angels as concert security.

Episode 145: Taunting Terrors: Ruth Finley and The Poet Sep 30, 2019

A woman begins receiving harassing phone calls and letters from a stalker. It would take years to discover who the anonymous man was, but when he was finally identified a shocking secret would be revealed.

Episode 144: Taunting Terrors: Susan Jaeger Sep 23, 2019

A 7-year-old goes missing while on a family camping trip in 1973. Anonymous calls would be placed demanding a ransom, but, the trail would grow cold until exactly one year later when the kidnapper would call her mother to brag about taking her daughter.

Episode 143: Taunting Terrors: Little Gregory and The Crow Sep 16, 2019

In a small French village, a little boy goes missing and the family receives anonymous letters from a person taking responsibility who is dubbed "The Crow". This strange case could be considered the Jon Benet Ramsey case of France.

Episode 142: Taunting Terrors: Shari Faye Smith Sep 09, 2019

A young girl goes missing in South Carolina in 1985. Soon after, her kidnapper would begin calling her family - but not to make demands for her safe return, but only to cruelly taunt them. This is the first chapter in the series "Taunting Terrors".

Episode 141: Cursed Hollywood: The Poltergeist Curse Aug 26, 2019

A horror film franchise is seemingly cursed when it experiences tragedies including hauntings, serious accidents, fatal illness and murder.
#DominiqueDunne #LouPerryman #HeatherORourke

Episode 140: Cursed Hollywood: The Little Rascals Aug 19, 2019

From 1922 to the 1940s over 40 child actors would be cast in a popular series of short films and many of them would later fall victim to strange accidents, illnesses, drug addiction, financial hardship, murder and suicide. This is The Curse of The Little Rascals.

Episode 139: Cursed Hollywood: The Curse of Superman Aug 12, 2019

Every manifestation of the Man of Steel - comic books, television shows and films - has been marked by bad blood, shattered careers, tragic accidents and even murder. This is the Curse of Superman.

Episode 138: Cursed Hollywood: Diff'rent Strokes Aug 05, 2019

Three child actors become stars after being cast in the sitcom Diff'rent Strokes in 1978. But, all three would go on to live troubled adult lives including drug addiction, legal troubles and untimely death.
These are the stories of Todd Bridges, Dana Plato and Gary Coleman.

Episode 137: Deadly Therapy - Susan Polk Jul 29, 2019

Susan Polk enters into a relationship with her therapist when she is a young girl. Years later, after 20 years of marriage, she will claim she has been abused by her husband for decades. After he is found dead in their guest house the question would be, was this a case of self-defense or a cold-blooded murder?

Episode 136: Deadly Therapy: Terrance Cottrell Jul 28, 2019

A mother seeks help for her special needs child, but a church prayer service ends tragically.

Episode 135: Deadly Therapy - Candace Newmaker Jul 08, 2019

In the second chapter of the series "Deadly Therapy" a young girl who grows up in an unstable home is placed up for adoption. Her adoptive mother finds her behavior problematic and has her undergo a new and controversial therapy - with tragic results.

Episode 134: Deadly Therapy: James Arthur Ray Jul 01, 2019

This month's series, "Deadly Therapy", details cases of people seeking help from experts, but rather than receiving healing, their journeys came to an abrupt and deadly end. In Chapter One, James, Arthur Ray, success coach and guru, requires his followers to perform extreme mental and physical challenges in the pursuit of “enlightenment” with deadly results.

Episode 133: Twin Terrors: Sunny and Gina Han Jun 24, 2019

Identical twin sisters, Sunny and Gina Han were lifelong rivals. One sister's jealousy would lead her to plot her twin's murder.

Once Upon a Crime LIVE at CrimeCon 2019 Jun 22, 2019

In this bonus episode, I interview Jan Broberg and Skye Borgman about their documentary film "Abducted in Plain Sight" LIVE at CrimeCon 2019 in New Orleans.

Bonus Episode - CrimeCon 2019 and Travel Tales Jun 22, 2019

On this bonus episode I take you along with me to CrimeCon 2019 in New Orleans and my travels to New York City and Toronto for the Toronto True Crime Film Festival.

Episode 132: Twin Terrors: The Gibbons Sisters - Part 2 Jun 10, 2019

I continue the story of the Gibbons Sisters - twins who were locked in a battle their entire lives. Neither believed they could survive without the other, but controlled each other so completely they only spoke to or associated with one another. When they reached adolescence, they knew they had to find some way to break out of this destructive twin bond or both would perish. Their desperation lead them to commit increasingly antisocial and criminal acts. This is part two of "The Silent Twins".

Episode 131: Twin Terrors: The Gibbons Sisters - Part 1 Jun 03, 2019

June and Jennifer Gibbons were identical twins who, from a very young age, were so bonded to one another that they created their own “twin language” to communicate speaking only to one another. They rejected any other relationships including their own parents and siblings. Later, they would construct a fantasy world that only they inhabited. This lead to more serious anti-social behavior that resulted in a shocking crime spree.

Bonus Episode: Where Are They Now? - The Cleveland Kidnappings May 24, 2019

"Lost and Found" was the very first series of Once Upon a Crime in June, 2016. In that series I covered the story of three young women who were held captive and abused by Ariel Castro for over a decade. In this bonus episode we give you an update about these survivors - Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry and Gina De Jesus.

Episode 130: Disorder in the Court: Ellie Nesler May 13, 2019

A mother takes justice into her own hands in Jamestown, California in 1993 when she discovers her son has been abused by a child molester. Some called her a hero, others denounced her actions as vigilantism. This is Chapter 2 of "Disorder in the Court".

Episode 129: Disorder in the Court: The Atlanta Courthouse Killer May 06, 2019

In 2005, a man on trial for rape escapes custody in Atlanta's Fulton County Courthouse and goes on a violent rampage. This is Chapter 1 of "Disorder in the Court".

Episode 128: Bad Sports: Ten Cent Beer Night Apr 29, 2019

A summer ball game descends into chaos when a promotional event goes seriously awry. This is the last chapter in the series "Bad Sports" recounting the Cleveland Indians' "Ten Cent Beer Night" riot.

Episode 127: Bad Sports: Soccer Brawl in Brazil Apr 15, 2019

A friendly soccer game on a dusty field in Brazil turns into a horrific act of violence.

Episode 126: Bad Sports: Sally "Killer" McNeil Apr 08, 2019

Ray and Sally McNeil were a married couple who were both accomplished athletes in the sport of professional bodybuilding. But, a combination of infidelity, abuse and anabolic steroid use would lead to a final, bloody confrontation on Valentine’s Day, 1995.

Episode 125: Bad Sports: Thomas Junta - "Hockey Dad" Apr 01, 2019

A neighborhood ice rink, a pee-wee hockey pick-up game and some unsportsmanlike conduct leads to a confrontation between parents that ends with tragic results.

Episode 124: Murder Memories: Paul Cox Mar 25, 2019

A man starts having vivid memories of a violent crime he believes he may have committed during an alcoholic blackout.

Episode 123: Murder Memories: Eileen Franklin - Part 2 Mar 18, 2019

I conclude the story about Eileen Franklin who claimed to have witnessed her friend, 8-year-old Susan Nason's murder in 1969. She would say her memory of the event was only recovered after 20 years. Her story would begin a debate about the validity of "recovered memories" used in criminal trials.

Episode 122: Murder Memories: Eileen Franklin - Part 1 Mar 11, 2019

A woman reports that she witnessed the murder of her best friend and then forgot about it for decades until her memory resurfaced about the terrible event.

Episode 121: Three Strikes and You're Dead: Michael Keith Moon Feb 26, 2019

A career criminal commits multiple murders plus an attempted murder and continues to be released on parole. This is the case of Michael Keith Moon.

Episode 120: Three Strikes and You're Dead: Louise Peete - Part 2 Feb 19, 2019

In the conclusion of the Louise Peete story, the convicted murderess is released from prison and, before long, goes on to commit another violent crime.

Introducing - Let's Taco 'Bout True Crime! Feb 13, 2019

I'm pleased to announce my new podcast "Let's Taco 'Bout True Crime"! Each episode will feature me and a special guest host talking about what's new, hot and trending in true crime - in a fun and casual format.
First episode drops on February 19th!

Episode 119: Three Strikes and You're Dead: Louise Peete - Part 1 Feb 12, 2019

In this episode. I share a story about a particularly lethal woman who''s long criminal career saw her acquitted of a murder, sentenced to life for another and still released to continue her murderous ways. This is Part One of the case of Louise Peete.

Episode 118: Three Strikes and You're Dead: Kenneth Allen McDuff Feb 05, 2019

A man murders three innocent teens in 1966, is sentenced to death and is later released from prison to kill again. This is the case of Kenneth Allen McDuff aka "The Broomstick Killer".

Episode 117: Black Widows: Black Widow Sisters Jan 29, 2019

A rare form of serial killer are Black Widows - women who kill their spouses and other family members - usually for financial gain. Even more rare are Black Widow Sisters. This week I'll share two stories of sisters who set up murder syndicates for profit.

Episode 116: Black Widows: Betty Lou Beets Jan 15, 2019

A woman is discovered to have murdered two of her husbands and hiding their bodies in her yard.

Episode 115: The Darlie Routier Case with Guest Co-Host Yolanda from Not Perfect or Functional Podcast Dec 18, 2018

As a special holiday episode Yolanda from Not Perfect or Functional Podcast aka my little sister returns! This time we discuss the ever-debated Darlie Routier case.

Episode 114: Mistletoe and Murder: Marvallous Keene - The Christmas Murder Spree Dec 11, 2018

On Christmas week 1992, a series of murders took place in Dayton, Ohio. Some would call it a case of “thrill killing” others would point to juvenile delinquency, dysfunctional family issues or just plain bad kids. The identified “ringleader” would fit none of these stereotypes and yet, made the decision to go on a murder spree that would shock his community.

Episode 113: Mistletoe and Murder: The Carnation Christmas Murders Dec 04, 2018

Three generations of one family are murdered on Christmas Eve, 2007 in Carnation, Washington.

Episode 112: Listener Suggestions: Erika and Benjamin Sifrit - Killer Couple Nov 27, 2018

A young couple play a deadly game with perfect strangers on Memorial Day weekend, 2002 in Ocean City, Maryland.
#homicide #killercouples #thrillkillers

Episode 111: Listener Suggestions: Suzane von Richthofen "Evil Blonde" Nov 20, 2018

In 2002, a wealthy couple is found murdered in their home in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Their own daughter soon because a suspect and the case becomes a media sensation in Brazil.

Episode 110: Listener Suggestions: The Texas Cadet Murder Nov 13, 2018

A young couple conspire to kill a romantic rival in Texas in 1995. Thanks to listener Casey Graham for the suggestion of this case. This is the case of Diane Zamora and David Graham - The Texas Cadet Murder case.

Episode 109: Listener Suggestions: Craig Price - The Warwick Slasher Nov 06, 2018

When a series of brutal crimes takes place in one neighborhood in Rhode Island in 1989, investigators zero in on an unlikely suspect - a teenage boy who would be considered one of the country's youngest serial killers.

Episode 108: Haunted Homicide: The LaLaurie Mansion Oct 22, 2018

The last chapter of "Haunted Homicide" is the story of the LaLaurie Mansion known as "the most haunted house in America". In this episode you'll hear the TRUE story of Madame Delphine LaLaurie who is called "the socialite serial killer".

Episode 107: Haunted Homicide: The Tower of London Oct 15, 2018

The Tower of London has a long history of torture, murder and royal intrigue. It has also been the scene of many ghostly sightings over its 950-year history. Travel with me to through the Tower to uncover some of its dark history.
#ThomasBecket #WilliamWallace #HenryVIII #AnneBoleyn #ThePrincesintheTower #RichardIII #TudorEngland #ElizabethI

Episode 106: Haunted Homicide: The Amityville Horror House and Ron DeFeo Oct 08, 2018

A house with a dark history is purchased by a young couple in 1975. They soon begin experiencing unexplained and terrifying events inside the home. Was it a result of their imaginations run wild? A hoax? Or the after effects of a horrific multiple homicide committed there?
#Amityville #AmityvilleHorror #DeFeoMurders #RonaldDeFeo

Episode 105: Haunted Homicide: Herb Baumeister and Fox Hollow Farm Oct 01, 2018

A serial killer uses his own home as his killing grounds. After his crimes are discovered his property, Fox Hollow Farm, will be considered one of the most haunted places in the midwestern United States. This is chapter one of the series, "Haunted Homicide".
#HerbBaumeister #hauntings

Episode 104: Fast Food Felonies: The Wendy's Chili Finger Scam Sep 24, 2018

A woman finds a finger in a fast food item. A lawsuit is filed and investigators quickly learn that something's not quite right with her claim and a scam is discovered. #scams #hoaxes

Episode 103: Fast Food Felonies: The Fast Food Killer Sep 17, 2018

A series of fast food restaurant robberies take place in Nashville, Tennessee in 1997. The accused, Paul Dennis Reid, would claim that his early history of brain damage was to blame. #serialkillers

Episode 102: Fast Food Felonies: The Taco Bell Strangler Sep 10, 2018

A series of women are found raped and strangled in their homes in Charlotte, North Carolina between 1992 and 1994. Later it would be discovered that they could all be linked to one man - a manager at a Taco Bell restaurant in Charlotte.
#CharlotteStrangler #serialkiller #HenryLouisWallace #FBIprofilers

Episode 101: Written in Blood: Anne Perry - Part 2 Aug 27, 2018

Part 2 of The Parker-Hulme Murder Case. In the conclusion, we'll discover that one of the convicted murderers would go on to an illustrious career as one of the world's most well known crime-fiction writers. Her past would stay concealed for almost 40 years before her true identity was discovered.

Episode 100: Written in Blood: Anne Perry - Part 1 Aug 20, 2018

A brutal murder takes place in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1954. Two teenage girls are quickly identified as the murderers. The crime would become infamous in New Zealand and the girl exposed as a well-known writer decades later. This is Part 1.
#Parker-HulmeMurder #NewZealand #PaulineParker #JulietHulme #matricide

Episode 099: Written in Blood: J.J. Paulsen and Richard Klinkhamer Aug 13, 2018

In this second chapter of "Written in Blood" I detail cases of two writers who became wife killers - and then hid their crime from the public. #domesticviolence #authors #writers

Episode 098: Written in Blood: Jack Abbott and Issei Sagawa Aug 06, 2018

In this series I detail crimes committed by authors or writers. First up, two authors who became literary celebrities despite their criminal history....or even because of it.
#JackHenryAbbott #IsseiSagawa #NormanMailer #GaryGilmore #TheExecutionersSong #Japan #cannibalism

Episode 097: Wild Things: The Pacific Heights Dog Mauling Case - Part 2 Jul 23, 2018

This week we wrap up the Pacific Heights dog mauling case. The attack on Diane Whipple was horrific and lead to a public outcry against the dog owners, Robert Noel and Marjorie Knoller, who continued to deflect responsibility and blame the victim.

Episode 096: Wild Things: The Pacific Heights Dog Mauling Case - Part 1 Jul 16, 2018

A fatal dog mauling case shocked the San Francisco Bay Area and the world in early 2001. When the details were revealed about the dogs and their owners the story took a bizarre twist.
#dianewhipple #marjorieknoller #robertnoel #sfdogmauling #paulcornfedschneider

Episode 095: Wild Things: The Murder of Dian Fossey Jul 09, 2018

Dian Fossey became the foremost expert on the mountain gorillas of the Congo. She conducted the first long-term field study of these animals and her story was immortalized in the book and movie Gorillas in the Mist. A few days after Christmas 1985 Dian Fossey was found brutally murdered in her cabin at the primate research center she founded. People around the world wanted to know who killed Dian Fossey?
#Rwanda #poachers #gorillaconservation #Virunga #Karisoke

Episode 094: Wild Things: The San Francisco Zoo Tiger Attacks Jul 02, 2018

If true crime stories teach us anything it's that man is the most dangerous animal of all. In this new series I will detail cases where human's behavior results in wild animals becoming involved in crime stories.
This series will NOT detail cases of animal cruelty.
First up, a tiger escapes its enclosure at a zoo and attacks three men? Was the tiger provoked? What would cause an animal to attack humans out of the blue?

Bonus Episode: "Dead North" Jun 28, 2018

On this bonus episode I discuss the 4-part documentary series "Dead North" that premiered on A&E in late May.

Episode 093: Infamous Locales: The Cecil Hotel - Part 3 Jun 07, 2018

A young, Canadian college student goes missing from the Cecil Hotel while visiting Los Angeles in 2013. The hotel's surveillance camera captures bizarre behavior by the young woman adding to the mystery.
#ElisaLam #mysteriousdeaths #elevatorvideo

Episode 092: Infamous Locales: The Cecil Hotel - Part 2 Jun 04, 2018

We continue the series "Infamous Locales" with another true crime story from the infamous Cecil Hotel. This time, I'll tell you about another serial killer who made the Cecil his base of operations - Jack Unterweger, "The Vienna Woods Killer".
#serialkillers #Austria #Vienna #ViennaWoodsKiller

Episode 091: Infamous Locales: The Cecil Hotel - Part 1 May 28, 2018

The Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles has been home to at least two serial killers, numerous tragic deaths, a sniper shooting and one mysterious death. Join me for this first installment of a 2-part episode covering the Cecil Hotel's history. #serial killers #RichardRamirez #TheNightStalker

Episode 090: Ted Bundy, Jon Benet and Jodi Arias or What I Learned at CrimeCon May 21, 2018

In this special episode I give a wrap-up of CrimeCon - all the true crime celebrity sightings, the true crime podcast rockstars I got to hang out with, and all the inside gossip and info. I also discuss a couple of cases related to what I learned in CrimeCon sessions this year - the Patsy Ramsey 911 call, Ted Bundy and Jodi Arias.

Episode 089: Infamous Locales: Whitechapel and the Jack the Ripper Murders May 14, 2018

The district of Whitechapel in London, England was the location of one of the most infamous, unsolved serial murders in history - the Jack the Ripper Murders. But, there was possibly a second serial murderer operating at the same time. Journey with us to Whitechapel for some historical true crime cases.

Episode 088: Infamous Locales: The Beverly Hills Bermuda Triangle May 07, 2018

One intersection in Beverly Hills has been the site of many events from airplane crashes, car accidents, and murders. Could it be a coincidence or is the area cursed?
#beverlyhills #bermudatriangle #howardhughes #hollywood #bugsysiegel #ronnichasen

Bonus Episode - Patreon Sneak Peek Bonus Story May 03, 2018

Surprise! Here's an extra episode for you since I'm off this week. This is as bonus episode that I would normally make available only for Patreon members, but I'll give you a little sneak peek of Patreon bonus content by sharing it with everyone.
This is the story of another murder committed by the Aum Doomsday Cult that did I did not talk about on Episode #86: Last Stop: Chapter 3: The Tokyo Subway Attack.

Episode 087: Last Stop: Diana the Hunter of Bus Drivers and the Murdered Women of Juarez Apr 23, 2018

A woman takes revenge for hundreds of raped and murdered women in Juarez, Mexico by targeting city bus drivers.
#vigilantes #serialkillers #femicide

Episode 086: Last Stop: The Tokyo Subway Attack Apr 16, 2018

On March 20, 1995 a group of men board the Tokyo Metro subway and release deadly sarin gas. The mass murder was ordered by Aum Supreme Truth cult leader Shoko Asahara.
#massmurder #cults #Japan #terrorism #chemicalweapons

Episode 085: Last Stop: The Hijacking of Bus 174 Apr 09, 2018

Hostages are taken on a bus in central Rio de Janeiro in 2000. The entire incident would be televised live. #hijacking #Brazil

Episode 084: Last Stop: The Chowchilla School Bus Kidnapping Apr 02, 2018

In 1976, in the small farming community of Chowchilla, California, a school bus full of children is kidnapped for ransom.
#kidnappings #Chowchilla #ransom #crimehistory #California

Episode 083: Unusual Criminal Defenses: The Affluenza Defense Mar 26, 2018

Wealthy and overprivileged youth commit crimes and then their defense attorneys use their indulgent upbringing to claim "diminished responsibility". I'll discuss the cases of Ethan Couch and Leopold and Loeb.

Episode 082: Unusual Criminal Defenses: The Twinkie Defense Mar 12, 2018

Supervisor Dan White murders San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk in 1978. His defense would claim "diminished capacity" to keep him from being sentenced to death. The media dubbed this "The Twinkie Defense". But, what really caused Dan White to become a double murderer?

Episode 081: Unusual Criminal Defenses: The Sleepwalking Defense Mar 06, 2018

Our first chapter of "Unusual Criminal Defenses" outlines three cases where killers claimed to be sleepwalking while committing their crimes.
#kennethparks #scottfalater #alberttirrell

Episode 080: Academy Award Winning Crimes: Stolen Oscars, Streakers and Deadly Deeds Feb 27, 2018

The last chapter of this series continues with stories of the darker side of the Academy Awards. You'll hear about missing and stolen Oscars, the tragic story of the Oscar Night Streaker and a murder committed by the son of an Oscar winning songwriter.

Episode 079: Academy Award Winning Crimes: Chapter 3: The Killing Fields and Dr. Haing S. Ngor Feb 20, 2018

A man escapes the genocide in Cambodia and becomes an Academy Award Winning Actor in the U.S.

Episode 078: Academy Award Winning Crimes: Roman Polanski Feb 13, 2018

Roman Polanski lives a life of hardship and tragedy before becoming an award winning director - and a fugitive from justice after being charged with the rape of a 13-year-old girl.
#hollywoodcrimes #charlesmanson #sharontate

Episode 077: Academy Award Winning Crimes: The Dog Day Afternoon Bank Heist Feb 06, 2018

The Academy Awards is held annually to honor the best of Hollywood. But, there is a darker side of this star-studded ceremony. The first is the true story of the crime portrayed in the Academy Award winning film Dog Day Afternoon.
#bankrobberies #johnwojtowicz #chasemanhattanbank #newyorkcrimes

Episode 076: Survivor Stories: Mary Vincent Jan 30, 2018

The last chapter of "Survivor Stories" is the terrifying story of the attack on Mary Vincent by Larry Singleton in Northern California in 1978. Singleton would become one of the most despised and feared criminals in California history.
#Californiacrime #rapists #hitchhikers #murderers

Episode 075: Survivor Stories: Tracey Thurman Jan 23, 2018

Tracey Thurman survives a vicious attack by her estranged husband, Buck Thurman, in broad daylight and in front of police officers. She will file a federal lawsuit against the Torrington Police Department for failure to protect.
#domesticviolence #traceythurman #buckthurman

Episode 074: Survivor Stories: I Survived Ted Bundy - Rhonda Stapley Jan 16, 2018

A young woman is offered a ride by a nice looking man in Salt Lake City in 1974. By the end of the day she would be attacked and almost killed by the infamous serial killer, Ted Budy.
#serial killers #tedbundy #rhondastapley #survivors

Episode 073: Survivor Stories: The Abduction of Elizabeth Shoaf Jan 09, 2018

A 14-year-old girl masterminds her own rescue when a pedophile kidnaps her and hides her in an underground bunker deep in the woods.

Episode 072: The 12 Crimes of Christmas: Laci Peterson - Part 2 Dec 19, 2017

Part 2 of my discussion of the Laci Peterson case will finish up the timeline of the investigation and do a deep dive into the background and psychology of Scott Peterson. I'll give my analysis of what factors contributed to Scott Peterson's crime.

Episode 071: The 12 Crimes of Christmas: Laci Peterson: Part 1 Dec 19, 2017

This very special episode details the disappearance of Laci Peterson on Christmas Eve, 2002. Laci, 8-months pregnant at the time was found murdered months later. Her husband, Scott was charged with her murder and the murder of their unborn child. Me and my co-host, Yolanda Norris of the Not Perfect of Function Podcast provide analysis of this case and details you may not have heard before.

Episode 070: The 12 Crimes of Christmas: Holiday Hijinx Dec 12, 2017

We're talking Black Friday Madness, Grinchy burglars, and more true crime holiday craziness on this special holiday edition episode.
Hear holiday greetings from some of my pod friends including Canadian True Crime, True Crime Garage, Southern Fried True Crime, Insight Podcast, True Crime Island, Murder Road Trip, The Cleaning of John Doe, Killifornia Dreaming and Done Disappeared.

Episode 069: The 12 Crimes of Christmas: Very Bad Santas Dec 05, 2017

This month's series is all about holiday-related true crimes. First up, crimes committed by bad Santas.

Episode 068: Murder in the Family: Fritz Klenner and Susie Lynch Nov 28, 2017

Cousins get revenge by murdering family members.

Episode 067: Murder in the Family: Sante and Kenny Kimes Nov 21, 2017

A mother-son team of grifters turns to murder to get away with their financial schemes.
serial killers, Sante Kimes, Kenny Kimes, con artists, true crime

Episode 066: Murder in the Family: The Gonzalez Sisters Nov 14, 2017

One of the most prolific serial killer families in history was discovered in Jalisco, Mexico in 1964. This is the story of the Gonzalez Sisters.

Episode 065: Murder in the Family: The Briley Brothers Nov 07, 2017

Three brothers going on a killing spree in Richmond, Virginia in 1979.
murder, serial killers, death row, prison escapes, executions

Episode 064: Halloween Tales: Volume 2 Oct 23, 2017

In this special Halloween episode I share creepy urban legends...with a twist - they are based on true crimes.

Episode 063: Fakes, Frauds & Liars: The Warrior Eli Hoax Oct 16, 2017

A pregnant mother dies as a result of a car accident. Thousands of Facebook friends mourn her loss. Could her whole life have been fabricated online? Chapter 2 tells the fascinating story of a case of Munchausen by Internet.

Episode 062: Fakes, Frauds and Liars: Belle Gibson Oct 09, 2017

This series kicks off with a case from Australia and one of the most well-known cases of Munchausen's by Internet.

Episode 061: With Friends Like These: Christine Paolilla Oct 02, 2017

Christine Paolilla was befriended by Rachel Koloroutis and Tiffany Rowell and her life changed for the better. Why, then, did she turn on them in such a deadly way?

Episode 060: With Friends Like These: Doe Roberts Sep 25, 2017

A woman goes missing in a small town in Tennessee. Soon, a kidnapper calls demanding a ransom. The communication from him becomes more bizarre and townspeople begin to believe the culprit might be one of their own community members. Podcasts: Not Perfect of Functional, Twisted Philly, Murder Road Trip, The Minds of Madness, True Crime Fan Club, Generation Why, The Peripheral, Pleasing Terrors, Killafornia Dreaming, The Fall Line

Episode 059: With Friends Like These: Bobby Kent Sep 11, 2017

This series details cases where friends turn on friends - with deadly results. This is Chapter 2 - The Murder of Bobby Kent.

Episode 058: With Friends Like These: Kirsten Costas Sep 04, 2017

Jealousy and a deep desire to be accepted by the popular crowd drives a high school student to murder.

Episode 057: Sick and Murdered: Marie Hilley - Part 2 Aug 28, 2017

Marie Hilley becomes a fugitive after murdering her husband and poisoning her daughter in Alabama.

Episode 056: Sick and Murdered: Marie Hilley - Part 1 Aug 21, 2017

The story of Marie Hilley's life is one of the most strange and bizarre true crime cases I've encountered. There are so many twists and turns in this case that I've split it into two parts. Frank and Marie Hilley early in their marriage. Once Upon a Crime Podcast Fan Page on Facebook

Episode 055: Sick and Murdered: Beverley Allitt - Britain's "Angel of Death" Aug 14, 2017

Our second chapter focuses on a case of Munchausen by Proxy - but this time the perpetrator is a health care worker preying on unsuspecting hospital patients. Beverley Allitt was a British serial killer dubbed "The Angel of Death". Many believe she killed because she had Munchausen's Syndrome. Others simply believe she was an evil person who used her position to attack the most vulnerable - the young and helpless. Save

Episode 054: Sick and Murdered: Laurie Williamson - Munchausen by Proxy Aug 07, 2017

A rare phenomenon causes a mother to make her children ill for her own selfish gain. Chapter 1 of "Sick and Murdered". Laurie Williamson is wheeled into court to face charges (she claimed to be paralyzed). Resources: Podcasts featuring the Dee Dee & Gypsy Blanchard Case - Generation Why - Episode 234 Sword and Scale - Episode 49 Documentary: Mommy Dead and Dearest

Episode 053: Millionaire Murders: Ted Ammon - Murder in the Hamptons - Part 2 Jul 31, 2017

Part 2 of "Murder in the Hamptons" tells of the ugly and costly divorce of Ted and Generosa Ammon and how hate a resentment boiled over to murder. Clockwise from top: Greg & Alexa Ammon, The East Hampton beach house, Danny Pelosi, Ted Ammon, Generosa Ammon Check out this independent podcast! The Noir Factory Podcast Book: Almost Paradise: The East Hampton Murder of Ted Ammon by Kieren Crowley

Episode 052: Millionaire Murders: Ted Ammon - Murder in the Hamptons - Part 1 Jul 24, 2017

A love story turn into a murder when a multi-millionaire finds himself in an ugly and vicious divorce.

Episode 051: Millionaire Murders: Edmond Safra - Murder in Monaco Jul 17, 2017

A billionaire banker dies under suspicious circumstances in Monaco.

Episode 050: Millionaire Murders: Spoiled Son - Dale Ewell Jul 10, 2017

A family is murdered in their Fresno home. Was it for the inheritance?

Episode 049: Murder in Paradise: Murder on Palmyra Jun 26, 2017

Two couples collide on a deserted island on the South Seas. Only one would leave alive.

Episode 048: Murder in Paradise: Missing in Aruba Jun 19, 2017

After Natalee Holloway another woman goes missing in Aruba - was it an accidental death or a murder?

Episode 047: Murder in Paradise: The Monster of Florence Jun 12, 2017

A serial killer strikes in Florence, Italy.

Episode 046: Murder in Paradise: The Yosemite Murders Jun 05, 2017

A serial killer hunts and kills women in and around Yosemite National Park.
Cary Stayner, Carole Sund, Joie Armstrong

Episode 045: A Woman Scorned: Murder by Mercedes May 22, 2017

Clara Harris finds out her husband of 10 years is having an affair and takes matters into her own hands - in a particularly gruesome way.

Episode 044: A Woman Scorned: Jodi Arias - Part 2 May 15, 2017

Part 2 tells about the investigation, interrogation, arrest and trial of Jodi Arias for the murder of Travis Alexander. This is Chapter 3 of "A Woman Scorned"

Episode 043: A Woman Scorned: Jodi Arias - Part 1 May 09, 2017

A young woman who felt spurned by her on-again-off again lover and realizaing she couldn’t have him for herself, decides to take deadly revenge. This case became one of the most sensationalized trials on record.
Chapter 2 of "A Woman Scorned" is the murder of Travis Alexander by Jodi Arias.

Episode 042: A Woman Scorned: Betty Broderick May 02, 2017

In 1989, Betty Broderick guns down her ex-husband and his new wife. Did her cheating husband cause her to snap or did she commit cold-blood, premeditated murder?
This is Chapter 1 of our new series "A Woman Scorned".

Episode 041: Monstrous Moms and Dastardly Dads: Charles Rothenberg Apr 25, 2017

A divorced dad takes revenge out on his ex-wife by attempting to murder his own son.
Charles Rothenberg, David Rothenberg

Episode 040: Monstrous Moms and Dastardly Dads: Susan Smith Apr 18, 2017

A woman reports her car stolen with her 2 young sons inside. After a 9 day search, the unthinkable would be discovered.
Michael and Alex Smith, kidnapping, carjacking,

Episode 039: Monstrous Moms and Dastardly Dads: John List Apr 11, 2017

An entire family is found murdered in their home in 1971. The patriarch, John List, murdered his wife, mother and children and then disappeared.
List Family murders, America's Most Wanted, fugitive

Episode 038: Monstrous Moms and Dastardly Dads: Diane Downs Apr 03, 2017

Three children are shot on a lonely road one night in 1983. Was it the work of a violent stranger or was it even more horrifying? Could their own mother be to blame?

Episode 037: Murder Methods - Mass Murder: Female Mass Murderers Mar 27, 2017

In this episode I detail a rare phenomenon - female mass murderers. You'll hear three cases of women who killed several people in a single incident in the U.S., Germany and Kuwait.
Jennifer San Marco, workplace shootings, Sabine Radmacher, Nasra Yousef Al-Enezi

Episode 036: Murder Methods - Mass Murder: The San Ysidro McDonald's Massacre Mar 20, 2017

The worst case of mass murder in the U.S. at the time occurred on July 18, 1984. The shooter entered a crowded McDonald's restaurant in San Ysidro, California and killed 21 men, women and children before the siege was over.
James Huberty, mass murderers

Episode 035: Murder Methods - Mass Murder: Richard Speck and The Crime of the Century Mar 14, 2017

Eight student nurses are found dead one morning in 1966. There was only one survivor. This is the case of mass murderer Richard Speck.

Episode 034: Murder Methods - Mass Murder: Howard Unruh and the Walk of Death Mar 07, 2017

A WWII vet goes on a killing rampage in Camden, New Jersey in 1949.
historical true crime, spree killers, mass murders, Howard Unruh

Episode 033: Sweetheart Killers: The Lonely Hearts Killers Feb 28, 2017

A couple deceive, rob and, ultimately, kill women who place ads in "Lonely Hearts" columns in the 1940s.
Martha Beck, Raymond Fernandez, killer couples

Episode 032: Sweetheart Killers: Charles Starkweather and Caril Fugate Feb 21, 2017

Two teens go on a killing spree in America's heartland in 1958.
Charles Starkweather, Caril Fugate, Carol Fugate, spree killers, American murderers, teenage killers, killer couples

Episode 031: Sweetheart Killers: Alton Coleman and Debra Brown Feb 13, 2017

A couple begin a reign of terror across several states in the Midwest United States in the summer of 1984. The FBI would be called in to find and apprehend the serial killers.
Alton Coleman, Debra Brown, killer couples, serial killers, spree killers

Episode 030: Sweetheart Killers: Amy Fisher - The Long Island Lolita Feb 07, 2017

A young girl infatuated with an older, married man sets out to eliminate her rival - his wife of 15 years. But, the story is soon discovered to be more sordid than originally thought.
Amy Fisher, Joey Buttafuoco, Mary Jo Buttafuoco, New Jersey, Long Island

Episode 029: Artful Crimes: The Gardner Museum Heist Jan 31, 2017

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, Massachusetts is robbed of over a half a billion dollars of rare art in 1990.
art crimes, art heists

Episode 028: Artful Crimes: Andy Warhol and Valerie Solanas Jan 24, 2017

A young aspiring writer shoots pop art icon Andy Warhol in 1968.
Valerie Solanas, art, pop art

Episode 027: Artful Crimes: Caravaggio: The Bad Boy of Rome Jan 17, 2017

The great artist Caravaggio lives an unparalleled life as a painter of masterpieces and as a mercurial and violent young man who became a convicted murderer before the age of 35.
true crime artists murderers historical crime

Episode 026: Artful Crimes: The Death of Vincent Van Gogh Jan 10, 2017

The series "Artful Crimes" details cases of crimes committed by and against artists. In Chapter 1 we'll explore the death of Vincent Van Gogh - suicide or murder?

Episode 025: Holiday Homicides: Murder in Madison Dec 30, 2016

A man leads police to a body buried in a snowbank on Christmas Day, 1977. This murder in Madison, Wisconsin, would captivate the public with a tale of sex, murder, drugs and money.
Barbara Hoffman

Episode 024: Holiday Homicides: The Lawson Family Murders Dec 20, 2016

On Christmas Day, 1929, one of the country's worst mass murders took place in North Carolina. This is Chapter 2 of Holiday Homicides: The Lawson Family Murders.

Episode 023: Holiday Homicides: The Ashland Tragedy Dec 12, 2016

In the early morning hours of Christmas Eve, 1881, a brutal attack was perpetrated on three sleeping teens in Ashland, Kentucky.
historical murder, holiday homicides

Episode 022: True Crime Game Changers: Amber Hagerman and the AMBER Alert Dec 05, 2016

A 9-year-old girl is abducted in Arlington, Texas. The community and, ultimately, the country would call for changes in the way law enforcement responds to missing and abducted children

Episode 021: True Crime Game Changers: Polly Klaas Nov 29, 2016

The murder of a young girls leads to sweeping changes in sentencing laws.
Polly Klaas, Richard Allen Davis, Petaluma, abductions

Episode 020: Bonus Episode: Holiday Schedule and Shout Outs Nov 21, 2016

Happy Thanksgiving! Just sharing some info about the holiday schedule of podcast releases and some shout outs to listeners and podcasters!

Episode 019: True Crime Game Changers: Francine Hughes and The Burning Bed Nov 17, 2016

An abused woman spends years being beaten and terrorized by her husband while police and others turn a blind eye. In desperation, she takes the law into her own hands.
Francine Hughes, domestic violence, burning bed, Mickey Hughes

Episode 018: True Crime Game Changers: Kitty Genovese Nov 08, 2016

A young woman's murder becomes and indictment on American apathy and changes the way crime is reported
Kitty Genovese, Kew Gardens, Queens, New York, Winston Mosley

Episode 017: Bonus Episode: Halloween Tales Oct 28, 2016

On this special bonus Halloween episode I share something a little different. Instead of the usual true crime case I'm sharing two ghost stories with you. Feel free to listen in the dark! Happy Halloween!
Halloween, ghost stories, spooky tales, La Llorona, Bloody Mary

Episode 015: Fatal Fans: John Lennon Oct 11, 2016

Mark David Chapman stalks and murders John Lennon on a New York city street in 1980. This is Chapter 3 of Fatal Fans.
stalkers

Episode 016: Fatal Fans: John Hinckley Oct 11, 2016

John Hinckley, Jr. tries to impress an actress by killing President Ronald Reagan. Was he legally insane? This is the final chapter in the series "Fatal Fans".
stalkers

Episode 014: Fatal Fans: Rebecca Schaeffer Oct 04, 2016

An unhinged fan has murderous plans towards young actress Rebecca Schaeffer.
stalkers, celebrity crime, Robert John Bardo

Episode 013: Fatal Fans: Theresa Saldana Sep 13, 2016

A young actress is stalked by an unhinged drifter who is intent on killing her.
celebrity crime, stalking, Arthur Jackson

Episode 012: The Day the Music Died: Selena Sep 09, 2016

The Queen of Tejano Music is gunned down by a fan in 1995.
Selena Quintanilla, Yolanda Saldivar, fatal fans

Episode 011: The Day the Music Died: Tupac and Biggie Aug 28, 2016

Two of music's biggest rap stars are cut down in their prime. But, who killed them? This week's episode - Tupac and Biggie.
Tupac Shakur, Biggie Smalls, Christopher Wallace

Episode 010: The Day the Music Died: Kurt Cobain Aug 17, 2016

The second installment in the series about the tragic endings of musical icons this time I discuss the life and death of Nirvana's frontman, Kurt Cobain. Justin Evans from the Generation Why and The Peripheral podcasts weighs in on "Soaked in Bleach" and the murder theory.

Episode 009: The Day the Music Died: Marvin Gaye Aug 02, 2016

This series tells the tragic stories of recording artists who were killed or died under mysterious circumstances. In the first chapter, Marvin Gaye, a top R&B recording artist is murdered by a family member in 1984.

Episode 008: Killer Kids: Brenda Spencer Jul 26, 2016

The first school mass shooting in the U.S. is committed by a 16-year-old year girl.
Brenda Spencer, school shootings, mass shootings

Episode 007: Killer Kids: Mary Bell Jul 19, 2016

An 11-year-old is accused of murdering two boys in the 1960s.
British crime, kids who kill, killer kids

Episode 006 Bonus Episode Making a Murderer in Conversation Jul 13, 2016

A bonus episode partially recorded at The Warfield Theater in San Francisco, CA. Making a Murderer's Dean Strang and Jerry Buting on their speaking tour "A Conversation on Justice".
Steven Avery, Brendan Dassey, Theresa Halbach

Episode 005: Killer Kids: Jesse Pomeroy Jul 05, 2016

A young serial killer terrorizes South Boston in 1872.
historical crime, serial killers

Episode 004: Bonus Episode: Stockholm Syndrome and Patty Hearst Jun 23, 2016

When kidnap victims are held for a period of time the public often wants to know "why didn't they try to escape?" This episode explains a psychological phenomenon known as "Stockholm Syndrome", how it might apply to the victims I discussed in the series "Lost and Found", and share probably the most well-known case of Stockholm Syndrome, the kidnapping of Patty Hearst.

Episode 003: Lost and Found: The Cleveland Kidnappings Jun 09, 2016

Three girls go missing over as many years in a Cleveland, Ohio neighborhood. Years go by before they are ever seen again. When it was revealed who had taken them and what they were subjected to the city was stunned to find that the perpetrator had been right under their nose all along.
Ariel Castro, Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, abductions,

Episode 002: Lost and Found: Elizabeth Smart Jun 09, 2016

This is our second installment in the series "Lost and Found". Elizabeth Smart was a 14-year-old girl from a loving, Mormon family living in Salt Lake City, Utah. The family's kindness towards a local transient would make her a target for kidnapping. Her ordeal would encompass months of captivity and hundreds of miles before the final outcome in her story.
Brian David Mitchell, Wanda Barzee, child abductions, kidnapping

Episode 001: Lost and Found: - Jaycee Dugard Jun 09, 2016

This is the first installment in our series "Lost and Found". An 11-year-old girl is abducted by strangers in broad daylight. The abductors have carefully planned for their captive. The story of this well-publicized kidnapping is even more bizarre and unbelievable than you might have heard.
Jaycee Lee Dugard, Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, Phillip Garrido

Episode 000: Welcome to Once Upon A Crime! Jun 09, 2016

Welcome to Once Upon a Crime the true crime podcast that tells the story behind the story of real life crime.
New episodes release every Monday. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Pandora or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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