Once Upon A Crime

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Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion - Part Three: Love Triangle Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

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

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See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website:

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If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review. Your support helps us bring more stories like Ruth’s to life.

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Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion - Part Two: Into the Night Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

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.

Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion - Part One: Becoming Ruth Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

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.

Hanged: Ruth Ellis and The Price of Passion Jul 20, 2025

Show notes

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.

The Murder of Jonathan Joss Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

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

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OUAC Live in London - Killer Knowledge Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

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

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Murder in My Hometown: Six Weeks of Terror - The San Jose Murders Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

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.

BTK Blunders - The Bumbling Serial Killer Dennis Rader May 19, 2025

Show notes

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

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Child of Darkness: Mary Bell May 12, 2025

Show notes

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:

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Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast

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Buried Alive - The Chowchilla School Bus Kidnapping May 05, 2025

Show notes

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

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.