Join me as I dive into some of the most fascinating and thought provoking true crime stories told one chapter at a time. Kidnappings, murders, mysterious disappearances, serial killers, celebrity crime and more will be covered.
Listeners of Once Upon A Crime | True Crime that love the show mention: upon a crime, ouac, ester, love esther, thanks esther, thank you esther, kitty genovese, jack luna, esther does an amazing, bob marley, true crime podcasters, marvin gaye, crime is one, esthers, listening to esther, different series, john travolta, well researched and easy, great research and storytelling, unnecessary banter.
The Once Upon A Crime | True Crime podcast is a fantastic addition to the true crime genre. Esther, the host, is incredibly dedicated and puts a lot of work and research into each episode, resulting in high-quality content. It's clear that she goes beyond regurgitating easily found news articles and provides thorough insights due to her background in counseling/psychology. The stories told on this podcast are captivating and well-crafted, showcasing Esther's excellent writing skills.
One of the best aspects of The Once Upon A Crime podcast is Esther's ability to tell stories. She has a talent for narrating and keeping listeners engaged throughout each episode. Her deep research shines through as she presents cases in a comprehensive and empathetic manner. Additionally, the episodes without guests are particularly enjoyable as they allow Esther's storytelling abilities to take center stage.
On the other hand, some listeners have expressed dissatisfaction with the episodes that involve interviews with guests. They feel that Esther tends to talk over her interviewees, making it difficult for them to fully share their insights or experiences. Some also feel that her interviewing skills can be improved, suggesting that she takes a breath and slows down during conversations. These criticisms focus on specific aspects of the podcast and do not take away from the overall quality of content.
In conclusion, despite some minor flaws in interviewing techniques, The Once Upon A Crime | True Crime podcast remains an exceptional true crime podcast. The dedication, research, and storytelling skills showcased by Esther make it stand out among others in the genre. Whether you're a true crime addict or just starting your journey into podcasts, this show is definitely worth a listen for its engaging content and compelling narratives.

Taylor Parker presented herself as a hardworking Texas country girl, a devoted girlfriend, an heiress to a family fortune—and soon, an excited mother-to-be.There was just one problem.Much of it wasn't true.Taylor wasn't an heiress. The millions she promised her boyfriend didn't exist. And despite the ultrasound photos, maternity pictures, growing belly, gender reveal, and nursery, Taylor wasn't pregnant—and couldn't become pregnant.But as her supposed due date came and went, Taylor was running out of ways to keep the deception alive.On October 9, 2020, 21-year-old Reagan Simmons-Hancock—35 weeks pregnant with her second daughter—was murdered inside her New Boston, Texas, home. Taylor then attempted to pass Reagan's baby off as her own.In this episode of Once Upon a Crime, we examine the years of deception that preceded the murder and ask a larger question: What happens when maintaining the person you've invented becomes more important than admitting the truth?We'll explore Taylor Parker's history of fabricating illnesses, wealth, crises, and relationships; the extraordinary lengths she went to in order to convince boyfriend Wade Griffin that she was pregnant; and the prosecution's contention that the fake pregnancy was part of Taylor's desperate effort to keep him from leaving her.We'll also look beyond the Netflix documentary Maternal Instinct to examine Taylor's background and family relationships, as well as the conflicting psychological and neurological testimony presented during the penalty phase of her trial.As Wade Griffin would later say of Taylor:"She painted a pretty picture."But when that picture began to fall apart, Reagan Simmons-Hancock and her daughter, Braxlynn, would pay an unimaginable price.Content Warning: This episode discusses the murder of a pregnant woman, fetal abduction, pregnancy loss, and violence. Some listeners may find the subject matter particularly distressing.Sources & Further ReadingTexas Court of Criminal Appeals — Parker v. State of Texas (2025) The court's opinion affirming Taylor Parker's capital murder conviction and death sentence. This is an especially valuable source for the trial evidence, prosecution theory, testimony concerning Parker's deceptions, and issues raised on appeal. Read the court opinion via JustiaNetflix — Maternal Instinct Jessica Dimmock's 2026 documentary examines the Taylor Parker case through interviews, law-enforcement footage, and people directly affected by Parker's deceptions and crimes. Maternal Instinct — Netflix TudumNetflix Tudum — Maternal Instinct Director Interview Director Jessica Dimmock discusses the case, fetal abduction, and questions surrounding Parker's psychological evaluation. Read the director interviewKTAL/NBC 6 — Taylor Parker Trial Coverage Extensive local reporting from Parker's capital murder trial, including testimony from former boyfriend Wade Griffin and other witnesses. https://www.ktalnews.com/news/crime/taylor-parker-trial/ex-boyfriend-takes-stand-in-taylor-parker-capital-murder-trial/KTLA/Nexstar — Red Flags Revealed During Taylor Parker Trial Reporting on testimony concerning Parker's false pregnancy and the suspicions raised by people close to her and Griffin. https://ktla.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/red-flags-revealed-in-trial-of-woman-accused-of-killing-woman-unborn-child/TIME — The True Story Behind Maternal Instinct Background reporting published in connection with the release of the Netflix documentary. https://time.com/article/2026/06/12/maternal-instinct-true-story-netflix/Yahoo — Taylor Parker Family Guide Additional background concerning Parker's family, relationships, and personal history. https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/taylor-parker-family-guide-everything-181259347.htmlThe Tab — Taylor Parker's Childhood and Family Background Supplemental reporting about Parker's upbringing and testimony concerning her family history. https://thetab.com/2026/06/18/details-about-taylor-parkers-childhood-and-trauma-you-should-know-after-maternal-instinctThe Tab — Taylor Parker Hospital Interrogation Additional reporting concerning Parker's statements and behavior at the hospital following the crime. https://thetab.com/2026/06/17/full-video-of-taylor-parkers-hospital-interrogation-is-worse-than-what-was-in-maternal-instinctAdditional Background Wikipedia — Murder of Reagan Simmons-Hancock https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Reagan_Simmons-HancockSupport Once Upon a Crime on Patreon: patreon.com/onceuponacrimePatreon members get access to monthly bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, videos, ad-free episodes, blooper reels, and more—starting at just $5 per month.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In July 2022, 17-year-old Mackenzie Shirilla was behind the wheel of a car that slammed into a brick building in Strongsville, Ohio, at nearly 100 miles per hour. Her boyfriend, 20-year-old Dominic “Dom” Russo, and their friend, 19-year-old Davion Flanagan, were killed. Mackenzie survived.What initially appeared to be a horrific accident soon became a double-murder investigation.Mackenzie maintained that she couldn't remember the moments before the crash, and her defense raised the possibility that a medical condition caused her to black out. But investigators pointed to surveillance footage, vehicle data showing full acceleration and no braking in the final seconds, and troubling evidence from Mackenzie's relationship with Dom. She was ultimately convicted of murder and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.The 2026 Netflix documentary The Crash introduced the case—and Mackenzie herself—to a much wider audience. But in this episode of Once Upon a Crime, we look beyond the question of accident or murder to examine the contrasting images of Mackenzie Shirilla.There was the Mackenzie she presented on social media: a fashion-loving, rebellious would-be influencer seemingly devoted to her longtime boyfriend.There was the Mackenzie investigators and prosecutors said existed behind the screen: a volatile and controlling girlfriend whose private messages and recorded interactions with Dom told a much darker story.And then there is the Mackenzie the public sees today—the convicted murderer whose old TikToks, behavior after the crash, and first prison interview have been dissected by millions of strangers searching for evidence of guilt, innocence, or remorse.Who was the real Mackenzie Shirilla? And how much can social media—or even a documentary—really tell us about the person behind the image?****truecrimepodcast.com - For links to all our social media channels and Patreon. Support the show by visiting our sponsors! Vinted - Ready to clean out your closet and make some extra money? Download the Vinted app for free and start listing!Talkiatry - Go to talkiatry.com/ONCE to complete a short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Jones Road - Head to jonesroadbeauty.com and use code ONCE at checkout to receive a free full-sized mascara with your first purchase.ResourcesNetflix — The Crash The 2026 documentary examines the crash, investigation, trial, and competing accounts of what happened, and includes Mackenzie Shirilla's first public interview from prison. https://www.netflix.com/title/81941710Netflix Tudum — The Crash: The Case and Documentary Background on Dominic Russo and Davion Flanagan, the investigation, surveillance and vehicle evidence, trial, and interviews featured in the documentary. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/the-crash-release-date-newsNetflix Tudum — Mackenzie Shirilla Speaks from Prison More about Mackenzie's interview for The Crash, her claim that the collision was not intentional, the POTS defense, and the role her social-media history played in perceptions of the case. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/the-crash-where-is-mackenzie-shirilla-nowNetflix Tudum — Mackenzie and Dom's Text Messages The filmmakers discuss thousands of text messages and recorded calls released by Strongsville police and what they reveal about the relationship between Mackenzie and Dom. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/the-crash-mackenzie-shirilla-text-messagesOhio Court of Appeals — State v. Shirilla, 2026-Ohio-830 The March 2026 appellate decision affirming the dismissal of Shirilla's petition for post-conviction relief. https://law.justia.com/cases/ohio/eighth-district-court-of-appeals/2026/115101.htmlTime Magazine - “The Harrowing True Story Behind ‘The Crash'” https://time.com/article/2026/05/15/the-crash-true-story/People - “Mackenzie Shirilla Loses Last Chance to Appeal Murder Conviction at State Level” https://people.com/mackenzie-shirilla-loses-last-chance-to-appeal-murder-conviction-state-level-12094674Criminally Obsessed - “Mackenzie Shirilla ‘Loves Being Hated”: Forensic Psychologist Reacts to Netflix's ‘The Crash' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPoybP5gE8YIf you or someone you know is experiencing dating abuse: National Domestic Violence Hotline https://www.thehotline.org Call 800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.Sources and additional reading: Netflix/Tudum, Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals, court records and materials cited in the episode.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 shares the complete interview with journalist Annette McGivney, author of Plastic Shaman: The True Story of a Deadly Self-Help Retreat and America's Misguided Quest for Wellness, expanding on the 2009 Sedona sweat lodge tragedy and self-help guru James Arthur Ray. McGivney details Ray's rise from 1990s business motivational speaking to fame via The Secret and Oprah, his blending of secular “prosperity gospel” with spirituality, and prior warning incidents of heat illness before 2009. They discuss why attendees stayed in the dangerously hot lodge (cost, credibility, coercion, impaired thinking), staff dynamics, and profiles of victims Kirby Brown, Liz Newman, and James Shore. The conversation also covers commercialization and appropriation of Indigenous ceremonies, the term “plastic shaman,” Ray's post-prison comeback and lack of regulation, his 2025 death, McGivney's personal wellness journey, red flags, and the Seek Safely resourceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 2009, self-help superstar James Arthur Ray invited dozens of followers to a six-day retreat near Sedona, Arizona, promising a life-changing journey of spiritual transformation. Instead, his Spiritual Warrior program ended in tragedy when three participants—Kirby Brown, James Shore, and Liz Neuman—died following an extreme sweat lodge ceremony.Once Upon a Crime first covered the case in 2019 as part of our Deadly Therapy series. Now, Esther revisits the story with new insight from journalist and author Annette McGivney, whose new book, Plastic Shaman: The True Story of a Deadly Self-Help Retreat and America's Misguided Quest for Wellness, takes a deeper look at the tragedy and the culture that allowed it.Throughout the episode, Annette discusses her years of research into the case, the warning signs that preceded the deaths, the psychological pressure that kept participants pushing past their physical limits, and Ray's appropriation of Indigenous spiritual traditions. The case also raises a question that remains relevant today: When does the pursuit of self-improvement cross the line into exploitation—and how do we recognize a dangerous guru before it's too late?Patreon Bonus: You'll hear excerpts from Esther's conversation with Annette throughout this episode. Once Upon a Crime Patreon members can hear the complete, uncut interview with Annette McGivney, where she shares more about her investigation, the people at the center of the tragedy, and what the Sedona case can teach us about today's self-help and wellness industry.Become a member starting at just $5 per month at patreon.com/onceuponacrime.Featured Book: Plastic Shaman: The True Story of a Deadly Self-Help Retreat and America's Misguided Quest for Wellness by Annette McGivneyhttps://www.torreyhouse.org/plastic-shaman https://azdailysun.com/flaglive/annette-mcgivney-dives-into-impacts-of-self-help-schemes-with-new-book-plastic-shaman/article_42b52fe1-5d6d-4c40-9693-dd2dd468307e.htmlSupport the show by visiting our sponsors! Vinted - Ready to clean out your closet and make some extra money? Download the Vinted app for free and start listing!Talkiatry - Go to talkiatry.com/ONCE to complete a short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Jones Road - Head to jonesroadbeauty.com and use code ONCE at checkout to receive a free full-sized mascara with your first purchase. 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, we ask a disturbing question: did the Scott Peterson case inspire other men to murder their wives?We examine the cases of Lori Hacking, Jennifer Corbin, and Teresa Lane, three women whose murders shared striking similarities with the Peterson case. In some instances, the connection went beyond coincidence. One killer reportedly followed Peterson's trial closely, while another allegedly referenced Peterson directly before murdering his wife.We also turn the question around: could Scott Peterson himself have been influenced by earlier disappearances and murders that occurred while he was a college student in San Luis Obispo?From staged accidents and disappearances to the dangerous myth of “no body, no crime,” this bonus episode explores how high-profile murder cases can become cautionary tales... or, in the wrong hands, criminal blueprints.Sources: Erased: Missing Women, Murdered Wives, Marilee Strong, Jossey-Bass Publishers, 2008. “Death and the Dentist,” Rob Stafford for NBC News, October 18, 2006https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna15253153“Thomas Lane, convicted of wife's murder, sentenced to death,” Jared Boyd, AL.com, June 7, 2016. https://www.al.com/news/mobile/2016/06/mobile_man_accused_of_killing_3.htmlThomas Robert Lane v. State of Alabama, Feb. 5, 2010, accessed on Findlaw.com. https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/al-court-of-criminal-appeals/1507261.htmlSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Part Two of Scott Peterson Revisited, Esther is joined by her sister Yolanda to take a closer look at the claims now being made on behalf of convicted murderer Scott Peterson.In 2024, the Los Angeles Innocence Project announced that it was investigating Peterson's claims of actual innocence. The following year, his attorneys filed a habeas corpus petition arguing that new evidence and scientific analysis undermined key elements of the prosecution's case. A judge rejected those claims in April 2026, but the LA Innocence Project has said it plans to appeal.Now Esther and Yolanda reopen the case for themselves.Together, they examine the major arguments being presented as evidence of Peterson's innocence: the burglary across the street from the Peterson home, witnesses who claimed they saw Laci walking her dog after Scott left that morning, new theories about where Laci and Conner entered San Francisco Bay, evidence suggesting Laci may have known about Scott's fishing boat, and questions surrounding when Conner died. They also revisit allegations that investigators developed tunnel vision and ignored evidence that didn't fit their theory of the crime. What actually caused detectives to focus their attention on Scott? Were other leads adequately investigated? And does the so-called “new evidence” meaningfully change the circumstantial case that led a jury to convict him?More than two decades after Laci and Conner Peterson were murdered, Esther and Yolanda separate what's new from what has been argued before, challenge each other's assumptions, and ask the question at the heart of Scott Peterson's latest bid for freedom:Is there truly new evidence of innocence — or simply a new way of presenting an old defense?Content warningThis episode discusses the murder of a pregnant woman and the death of an unborn child.Links to our original episodes:This episode revisits research originally presented in Episodes 71 and 72 of Once Upon a Crime in 2017, along with subsequent court rulings and the claims presented by the Los Angeles Innocence Project in Scott Peterson: The New Evidence.https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s2-ep71-the-12-crimes-of-christmas-laci-peterson-part-1/https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s2-ep72-the-12-crimes-of-christmas-laci-peterson-part-2/Other resources: People Magazine article (with photos of van, “Laci note” with handwriting comparison, etc.) https://people.com/pieces-forensic-evidence-could-lead-scott-peterson-freedom-exclusive-12014816?hid=bc2984855ed727914fef22dff40e20764d844358&did=24648672-20260713&utm_source=ppl&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ppl-true-crime_newsletter&utm_content=071326&lctg=bc2984855ed727914fef22dff40e20764d844358&lr_input=f39d77450fcf063cdc7d94fda7ecdf5efd39306fc49121111e7af41f018cc829&campaign=18955543 For Laci: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, and Justice, Sharon Rocha, Crown Publishers, 2006. YouTube: Crime & Justice, “Scott Peterson Case: Lead Detective Dismantles “New Evidence” Claimshttps://youtu.be/a5qvh_KVvW0?si=hSlZWEh6DcvzcgY_YouTube: East Idaho News, “Homicide Detective Jon Buehler and legal analyst Beth Karas on the truth about Scott Peterson”https://youtu.be/U8OlJsSdWxM?si=t7mRvJluYIhjv8LBhttps://www.stanislaus-da.org/pdf/news/2026/press-release-05-12-2026-SPeterson.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawTJwBZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR573on0mjwU15IxHrPF2s_dROtgKY4mxWsO_FbqPJzGzGd_qwChWikSZPIFiw_aem_UvmC6ZEk7nqxD9jDoOFt7ALos Angeles Innocence Project Court Filings: Notice of Motion for DNA Testing, Jan 17, 2024 https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ev6pivmu5f34w0f4fsj4c/1405-DNA-Motion.pdf?rlkey=3a2im5v5osa1b6jxjb739b3hj&e=1&dl=0Notice of Motion for Post-Conviction Discovery, Jan 17, 2024https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wa5itop6v4mxgx5bdojqc/1054.9-Discovery-Motion_Redacted.pdf?rlkey=api1iepe8sw96utwe2aiy3j1x&e=1&dl=0See 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 Scott Peterson Revisited, we look beyond the evidence to examine the man at the center of the case. Was Scott Peterson capable of murdering his pregnant wife, Laci, and their unborn son, Conner?We explore Scott's family history, childhood, relationships, repeated infidelities, and carefully cultivated image as the family's “Golden Boy” and “Mr. Perfect.” We also consider the patterns of deception and compartmentalization that emerged throughout his life and ask whether they offer clues to how he could commit such a devastating crime—and continue to deny responsibility more than two decades later.Unmasking Scott Peterson examines the man behind the carefully constructed image and asks: What happens when maintaining the mask becomes more important than confronting reality?Content warningThis episode discusses the murder of a pregnant woman and the death of an unborn child.Sources and further listeningInside the Mind of Scott Peterson, Keigh Ablow, M.D., St. Martin's Press, 2005.Till Death Do Us Part: Love, Marriage, and the Mind of the Killer Spouse, Dr. Robi Ludwig and Matt Birkbeck, Atria Books, 2006.When the Husband is the Suspect, F. Lee Bailey with Jean Rabe, A Forge Book, 2008. Witness for the Prosecution of Scott Peterson, Amber Frey, Regan Books, 2005. For Laci: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, and Justice, Sharon Rocha, Crown Publishers, 2006. Blood Brother: 33 Reasons My Brother Scott Peterson is Guilty, Anne Bird, Regan Books, 2005. “Fun and unpredictable, that was the real Laci,” Diana Walsh for The San Francisco Chronicle, May 30, 2004. “William “Kent” Gains - December 8, 1972 - August 21, 2021, Epilogg.com. Links to our original episodes: This episode revisits research originally presented in Episodes 71 and 72 of Once Upon a Crime in 2017. https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s2-ep71-the-12-crimes-of-christmas-laci-peterson-part-1/https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s2-ep72-the-12-crimes-of-christmas-laci-peterson-part-2/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 OUAC Merchandise Shop - https://onceuponacrime.dashery.comYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Twenty-three years after the murders of Laci Peterson and her unborn son, Conner, the case against Scott Peterson is once again under scrutiny.In January 2024, the Los Angeles Innocence Project announced that it was representing Peterson and investigating his claims of actual innocence. Since then, his attorneys have filed new challenges to his conviction, arguing that previously overlooked evidence and new scientific analysis undermine the prosecution's case.In July 2026, A&E aired the two-part documentary Scott Peterson: The New Evidence, produced by the Los Angeles Innocence Project, bringing many of these claims back into the national conversation.In Part One of this two-part series, we'll revisit the case from the beginning and examine the evidence that originally led investigators to focus on Scott Peterson.We review the timeline surrounding Laci's disappearance on Christmas Eve 2002, Scott's secret relationship with Amber Frey, the investigation that followed, and the discovery of Laci and Conner's remains months later near the area where Scott said he had been fishing.We'll also look at the legal history of the case after Scott's conviction, including the California Supreme Court's decision to overturn his death sentence, his resentencing to life without parole, and the more recent efforts by the Los Angeles Innocence Project to reopen the case.Content warningThis episode discusses the murder of a pregnant woman and the death of an unborn child.Sources and further listeningThis episode revisits research originally presented in Episodes 71 and 72 of Once Upon a Crime in 2017, along with subsequent court rulings and the claims presented by the Los Angeles Innocence Project in Scott Peterson: The New Evidence.Links to our original episodes: https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s2-ep71-the-12-crimes-of-christmas-laci-peterson-part-1/https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s2-ep72-the-12-crimes-of-christmas-laci-peterson-part-2/Coming nextIn Part 2, Esther and her sister, Yolanda, evaluate the new innocence claims one by one and discuss whether any of them materially change the evidence against Scott Peterson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More than twenty years after Laci Peterson's murder captivated the nation, one of America's most infamous true crime cases is back in the spotlight.In this upcoming special two-part series, Once Upon a Crime host Esther Ludlow revisits the case with fan-favorite co-host Yolanda, taking a fresh look at the investigation, the evidence, and the questions that continue to divide the public. Originally covered by the podcast in 2016, this updated series examines what's changed, and why so many people are debating Scott Peterson's guilt once again.The disappearance of eight-months-pregnant Laci Peterson on Christmas Eve 2002 sparked a media frenzy unlike anything seen before. As investigators uncovered Scott Peterson's affair with Amber Frey and his shocking lies about his marriage, public opinion quickly turned. Months later, the bodies of Laci and her unborn son, Conner, were discovered along the shores of the San Francisco Bay, leading to Scott's arrest, conviction, and death sentence.But the story didn't end there.With new legal challenges from Scott Peterson's defense team, renewed attention from the Los Angeles Innocence Project, and recent documentaries reigniting debate, the case has become the subject of fresh scrutiny. Could key evidence have been misunderstood? Were important leads overlooked? Or does the original investigation still point to the same conclusion?Subscribe to Once Upon A Crime so you don't miss this upcoming series. Next episode drops Monday August 10, 2026See 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 revisits the murder of Sheila von Wiese Mack through the new book When Lambs Become Wolves by retired Sergeant Rasul T. Freelon, who knew Sheila and her daughter Heather years before the Bali killing. Freelon recounts how a 2010 theft report led to repeated police contact, revealing escalating child-to-parent violence: Heather's manipulation, financial fraud, and assaults that included breaking Sheila's arm and later a brutal attack. Despite diversion programs, mentoring, probation, and numerous calls for service, Sheila often refused to press charges, focused on saving her family, and ultimately told Freelon, “She's going to kill me.” When Lambs Become Wolfs. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0809339943?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallbackResorting to Murder: The Body in the Suitcase: https://art19.com/shows/once-upon-a-crime/episodes/eef34649-e83a-47cb-a960-5403629b2295 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Part 2 of the Sylvia Likens case examines the heartbreaking final hours of Sylvia Likens, one of the most horrific child abuse and murder cases in American history. On October 26, 1965, after months of unimaginable torture inside a home in Indianapolis, Indiana, 16-year-old Sylvia was carried upstairs for a bath before she was discovered unresponsive. As Gertrude Baniszewski scrambled to cover up the abuse with a fabricated confession letter, investigators immediately recognized the devastating evidence of prolonged torture. Including severe burns, starvation, countless injuries, a fatal subdural hematoma, and the chilling message carved into Sylvia's abdomen.The investigation took a dramatic turn when Sylvia's younger sister, Jenny, courageously told police, "Get me out of here, and I'll tell you everything." Her testimony unraveled Gertrude Baniszewski's lies and led to the arrests of Gertrude, several of her children, and neighborhood teenagers who participated in or witnessed the abuse.Sources:https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/longform/likens-looking-back-indianas-infamous-crime-50-years-laterhttps://www.indystar.com/story/news/history/retroindy/2013/10/24/sylvia-likens/3178393/House of Evil: The Indiana Torture Slaying - John DeanTorture Mom: A Chilling True Story of Confinement, Mutilation, and Murder - Ryan Green, 2018.The House from Hell: The True Story of Gertrude Baniszewski, Genoveva Ortiz, Sea Vision Publishing, 2024. https://www.history101.com/sylvia-likens-the-family-she-left-behind/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Sylvia_Likens#Gertrude_Baniszewskihttps://murderpedia.org/female.B/b/baniszewski.htmhttps://www.history101.com/sylvia-likens-the-family-she-left-behind/https://www.theindianalawyer.com/articles/35446-lawyers-book-retraces-indys-infamous-sylvia-likens-murder-caseSponsors: 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 OUAC Merchandise Shop - https://onceuponacrime.dashery.comYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Police arrived at the New York Street house and quickly realized the story didn't add up. Within hours, Gertrude Baniszewski, her children, and neighborhood teens were arrested in the torture of 16-year-old Sylvia Likens. In court, everyone pointed fingers—mother against children, children against mother. Leaving one question: who was lying?Subscribe and listen to Once Upon a Crime for part two.Episode drops Monday July 13, 2026. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Some crimes are so shocking that they force us to ask a question that seems impossible to answer. Not 'Who did it?' We know who did it. Not even 'Why?' Though we'll spend this series trying to understand that. The question is this:How did an entire neighborhood watch a teenage girl disappear in plain sight?Over three months in the fall of 1965, dozens of people entered a small house on East New York Street in Indianapolis. Children played there. Teenagers gathered there. Neighbors stopped by. A minister visited. Police responded to the home. A public health nurse knocked on the door.Yet sixteen-year-old Sylvia Likens remained trapped inside…starved and tortured. By the time anyone finally listened, it was too late.Sources:https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/longform/likens-looking-back-indianas-infamous-crime-50-years-laterhttps://www.indystar.com/story/news/history/retroindy/2013/10/24/sylvia-likens/3178393/House of Evil: The Indiana Torture Slaying - John DeanTorture Mom: A Chilling True Story of Confinement, Mutilation, and Murder - Ryan Green, 2018.The House from Hell: The True Story of Gertrude Baniszewski, Genoveva Ortiz, Sea Vision Publishing, 2024. https://www.history101.com/sylvia-likens-the-family-she-left-behind/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Sylvia_Likens#Gertrude_Baniszewskihttps://murderpedia.org/female.B/b/baniszewski.htmhttps://www.history101.com/sylvia-likens-the-family-she-left-behind/https://www.theindianalawyer.com/articles/35446-lawyers-book-retraces-indys-infamous-sylvia-likens-murder-caseSponsors: 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 OUAC Merchandise Shop - https://onceuponacrime.dashery.comYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How does an ordinary home become the scene of extraordinary evil, and how does a community fail to save a sixteen-year-old girl? This week on Once Upon a Crime, we begin a two-part series on the murder of Sylvia Likens, examining the heartbreaking facts of the case and the psychological forces that turned one Indianapolis home into an innocent girl's torture chamber, drawing seemingly ordinary children into unimaginable cruelty. Follow Once Upon a Crime, new episodes drop every MondaySee 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 1965, 16-year-old Sylvia Likens was left in the care of a mother of seven while her parents traveled for work. What should have been a temporary arrangement turned into one of the most horrifying child abuse and torture cases in American history. As the abuse escalated behind closed doors, an entire neighborhood witnessed signs of cruelty, manipulation, and neglect. Yet Sylvia's suffering continued in plain sight.Next week, Once Upon a Crime takes a deep dive into one of the most infamous true crime cases of the 20th century. A story of abuse, torture, manipulation, and the tragic death of Sylvia Likens that continues to haunt America decades later.Subscribe to Once Upon A Crime so you don't miss this gripping two-part series. New episodes drop every MondaySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

She poisoned her husband.She nearly killed her own daughter.She vanished while out on bail.Then she reinvented herself with a brand-new identity… and somehow convinced people she was her own twin sister.This week on Once Upon a Crime, we unravel the unbelievable case of Marie Hilley. One of the most notorious Black Widows in American true crime history.What began as the life of a seemingly ordinary wife and mother spiraled into a shocking saga of poisoning, manipulation, fraud, and deception that stretched across multiple states and identities. As investigators closed in, Marie stayed one step ahead by crafting elaborate lies, faking illnesses, and ultimately attempting one of the strangest identity swaps ever seen in a criminal case.From arsenic poisoning to forged documents and a fugitive run worthy of a movie script, this case is as bizarre as it is disturbing.If you think you've heard every wild true crime story, think again.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A black widow. A poisoner. A con artist. A master manipulator.This week on Once Upon a Crime, Esther dives into the unbelievable case of Marie Hilley. A woman accused of murdering her husband, nearly killing her own daughter, disappearing while out on bail, and creating entirely new identities to stay one step ahead of the truth.As investigators closed in, Marie spun outrageous stories and convinced friends, family, and complete strangers to believe them. The deeper this case goes, the stranger it gets.One of the most bizarre and fascinating true crime stories Esther has ever researched is now live 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.

She could become whoever people needed her to be.A devoted wife.A loving mother.A trusted friend.A helpless victim.But behind the carefully crafted image was one of the most manipulative and deceptive women in true crime history.In this chilling new episode of Once Upon a Crime, Esther dives into the shocking case of Marie Hilley. A woman whose lies, manipulation, and alleged poisoning crimes left devastation everywhere she went. When Marie's husband died unexpectedly, no one suspected murder. Later, as her daughter became gravely ill, doctors struggled to explain the mysterious symptoms consuming her body.From poisoning and fraud to psychological manipulation and identity deception, the story of Marie Hilley is stranger than fiction and packed with twists that seem impossible to believe.“Marie Hilley: Black Widow and Master Manipulator” drops Monday, June 29 wherever you get your podcasts.Get episodes early and ad-free by joining Patreon at 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.

What happens when a killer reinvents herself so completely that even the people closest to her believe the lie?In this shocking new episode of Once Upon a Crime, Esther explores the bizarre and twisted case of Marie Hilley. A woman accused of poisoning her husband to death, later poisoning her own daughter, escaping justice, and creating an entirely new identity to avoid capture.But Marie's deception didn't stop there.... The deeper this case goes, the stranger it becomes.From poisoning and fraud to identity theft and psychological manipulation, “Marie Hilley: The Woman Who Became Her Own Twin” is one of the most unbelievable true crime stories you've probably never heard.The episode drops Monday, June 29, wherever you get your podcasts.Want early access and ad-free episodes? Join Patreon at 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.

After the explosive Bundy For the Defense series, Once Upon a Crime took its first extended hiatus in the podcast's ten-year history. But behind the scenes, the team has been busier than ever.What's been happening during the break? Appearances at the Beyond the Crime Convention in Albuquerque and Crime Con in Las Vegas, being featured on Impact x Nightline's “Terror on the Trail” exploring the Trailside Killer case, as well as interviews for two upcoming History Channel episodes.As Once Upon a Crime celebrates its tenth anniversary on June 9th, the podcast is entering an entirely new era.Season 11 will feature more immersive storytelling across both the podcast and YouTube, updates on fan-favorite true crime cases, listener Q&As, expert guests, deep dives, and a brand-new long-form serial killer investigation.For the first time ever, Esther will also share their own personal story and reveal the experience that shaped her fascination with true crime, justice, and criminal psychology.After ten years, Once Upon a Crime is evolving into something bigger, more personal, and more immersive than ever before.Subscribe now so you don't miss the start of Season 11.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For ten years, Once Upon a Crime has explored some of the world's most haunting true crime stories. Uncovering secrets, examining criminal investigations, and telling the stories of victims, survivors, investigators, and killers whose lives were forever changed by crime.But now, for the first time, host Esther Ludlow is ready to tell her own story.In this deeply personal teaser for Season 11, Esther reveals that her fascination with true crime began with an experience that profoundly shaped how she sees justice, trauma, and the ripple effects crime leaves behind. After a decade of telling other people's stories, she's finally ready to share the one story she's never fully told before.Season Eleven of Once Upon a Crime marks a dramatic new chapter for the podcast. One that promises new storytelling, deeper personal connections, and a journey unlike anything listeners have heard before.Everything is about to change.The full Season 11 announcement drops Monday, June 22nd.Subscribe now so you don't miss what's to come. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For ten years, Once Upon a Crime has explored the world's most fascinating true crime stories, covering infamous murders, criminal investigations, disappearances, and the hidden truths behind headline-making cases.Now, after hundreds of episodes and millions of downloads, we're preparing for the podcast's most ambitious season yet.Thanks to all our listeners for supporting the show through ten incredible years of true crime coverage. What's ahead in Season 11? Brand-new stories, exciting new formats, special guests, major announcements, and an immersive experience that could take some listeners halfway around the world.This isn't just another season of Once Upon a Crime... it's something bigger.The official Season 11 announcement drops Monday, June 22nd.Subscribe now so you don't miss what could become one of the most talked-about true crime podcast seasons yet.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For nearly ten years, Once Upon a Crime has taken listeners deep into the world of true crime, uncovering hidden secrets, questioning official narratives, and exploring the stories behind some of history's most fascinating criminal cases.Host Esther Ludlow has always looked beyond the headlines to reveal the human stories at the center of crime.But now, something bigger is coming.Season Eleven of Once Upon a Crime is unlike anything Esther has ever done before, and this new season promises to take listeners on an unforgettable journey into one of true crime's most compelling cases.The official Season 11 announcement drops Monday, June 22nd.Subscribe now so you don't miss the reveal, and be among the first to hear what's next for one of the longest-running independent true crime podcasts.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 chapter of Ted Bundy for the Defense, the mask comes off.After the shocking courtroom moment in which Bundy cross-examined first responders and forced graphic testimony about the Chi Omega crime scene, the trial shifts decisively in the prosecution's favor. Survivors take the stand. Forensic evidence tightens the noose. And Bundy—convinced he is the smartest man in every room—continues to grandstand, clash with his attorneys, and challenge the judge.Instead of saving himself, he helps convict himself.In this episode, we follow the full arc of Bundy's reckoning:The devastating prosecution case in the Chi Omega murdersBundy's tantrums and power plays in courtThe guilty verdict and death sentenceThe overwhelming evidence in the murder of 12-year-old Kimberly LeachThe bizarre courtroom marriage to Carol BooneYears of appeals, delays, and manipulation from Death RowBundy's final “bones-for-time” confessionsHis last interview, last phone calls, and executionAt the center of it all is Bundy's pathological need for control—over the media, over his attorneys, over the court, over the narrative, and even over the memory of his victims.This is the episode where Ted Bundy stops being a media myth and is revealed for what he truly was.The reckoning.Sources: The Bundy Murders: A Comprehensive History, Kevin M. Sullivan, McFarland and Company, 2020 (Second Edition).Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers, Caroline Fraser, Penguin Press, 2025. The Devil's Defender, John Henry Browne, Chicago Review Press, 2016.A Light in the Dark: Surviving More than Ted Bundy, Kathy Kleiner Rubin and Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Chicago Review Press, 2024.Theodore Robert Bundy vs. State of Florida, Supreme Court of Florida, No. 59,128. May 9, 1985. | https://library.law.fsu.edu/Digital-Collections/flsupct/dockets/59128/op-59128.pd“Bundy: Is this quiet, polite, intelligent man a mass murderer?,” The Orlando Sentinel, December 24, 1978. Accessed on newspapers.com | https://www.newspapers.com/image/225594506/?clipping_id=new“Bundy: Attorney, Witness, and Defendant,” The Miami News, July 6, 1979. Accessed on newspapers.com | https://www.newspapers.com/image/302743129/?match=1&terms=Bundy%3A%20Attorney%2C%20Witness%20and%20Defendant%20 About This Series:Ted Bundy for the Defense examines Ted Bundy's criminal cases through the lens of his courtroom behavior and his insistence on controlling his own fate. This series separates myth from fact, focusing on documented evidence, trial records, and survivor testimony.Sponsors: Weight Loss by Hers: Visit ForHers.com/ONCE to get a personalized, affordable plan to reach your goals. Talkiatry: Head to talkiatry.com/once and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in minutes.Events & Appearances:Meet Esther and Lorena in person at:Beyond the Crime Convention – Albuquerque, NM | April 11–12 - beyondcrimeconvention.comCrimeCon – Las Vegas, NV | May 29–31 - crimecon.com Links: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com OUAC Merchandise Shop - https://onceuponacrime.dashery.comYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After escaping from a Colorado jail, Ted Bundy fled to Florida — and unraveled.In this episode, we follow Bundy's path to Tallahassee, the brutal Chi Omega sorority house murders, the attack on Cheryl Thomas, the abduction of 12-year-old Kimberly Leach, and Bundy's eventual arrest in Pensacola after 46 days on the run.Gone is the methodical charmer of the Pacific Northwest. In his place: a reckless, frenzied killer who has lost control.About This Series:Ted Bundy for the Defense examines Ted Bundy's criminal cases through the lens of his courtroom behavior and his insistence on controlling his own fate. This series separates myth from fact, focusing on documented evidence, trial records, and survivor testimony.Sources: The Bundy Murders: A Comprehensive History, Kevin M. Sullivan, McFarland and Company, 2020 (Second Edition).Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers, Caroline Fraser, Penguin Press, 2025. The Devil's Defender, John Henry Browne, Chicago Review Press, 2016.Sponsors: Completing the Puzzle: Go to CompletingthePuzzle.com and use code OUAC for $10 off your first puzzle subscription box or gift card.Weight Loss by Hers: Visit ForHers.com/ONCE to get a personalized, affordable plan to reach your goals. Talkiatry: Head to talkiatry.com/once and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in minutes.Events & Appearances:Meet Esther and Lorena in person at:Beyond the Crime Convention – Albuquerque, NM | April 11–12 - beyondcrimeconvention.comCrimeCon – Las Vegas, NV | May 29–31 - crimecon.com Links: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com OUAC Merchandise Shop - https://onceuponacrime.dashery.comYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcastSee 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 1974, Seattle was gripped by fear as young women disappeared and witnesses began describing a polite man named “Ted” and his tan Volkswagen. As newspapers cautiously reported on a possible suspect, few believed the man they were describing could be dangerous.He looked like a law student. A volunteer. Someone people trusted.In this Once Upon a Crime minisode, we examine Ted Bundy before his trials—through the people who knew him best and the warning signs that surfaced long before his name became infamous.About This Series:Ted Bundy for the Defense examines Ted Bundy's criminal cases through the lens of his courtroom behavior and his insistence on controlling his own fate. This series separates myth from fact, focusing on documented evidence, trial records, and survivor testimony.Next up in Part Three:The Chi Omega sorority house attacks, the assault on Cheryl Thomas, and the final unraveling of Ted Bundy's carefully constructed persona.Sources: The Bundy Murders: A Comprehensive History, Kevin M. Sullivan, McFarland and Company, 2020 (Second Edition).Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers, Caroline Fraser, Penguin Press, 2025. The Devil's Defender, John Henry Browne, Chicago Review Press, 2016.Sponsors: Completing the Puzzle: Go to CompletingthePuzzle.com and use code OUAC for $10 off your first puzzle subscription box or gift card.Weight Loss by Hers: Visit ForHers.com/ONCE to get a personalized, affordable plan to reach your goals. Talkiatry: Head to talkiatry.com/once and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in minutes.Events & Appearances:Meet Esther and Lorena in person at:Beyond the Crime Convention – Albuquerque, NM | April 11–12 - beyondcrimeconvention.com - Use our discount code BEYOND-OUAC. CrimeCon – Las Vegas, NV | May 29–31 - crimecon.com - Use our discount code ONCE. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Part Two of Ted Bundy for the Defense, we follow Ted Bundy from his first arrest in Utah through conviction, psychological evaluation, escalating murder charges, and the escape attempts that would ultimately unleash his most violent crimes.About This Series:Ted Bundy for the Defense examines Ted Bundy's criminal cases through the lens of his courtroom behavior and his insistence on controlling his own fate. This series separates myth from fact, focusing on documented evidence, trial records, and survivor testimony.Next up in Part Three:The Chi Omega sorority house attacks, the assault on Cheryl Thomas, and the final unraveling of Ted Bundy's carefully constructed persona.Sources: The Bundy Murders: A Comprehensive History, Kevin M. Sullivan, McFarland and Company, 2020 (Second Edition).Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers, Caroline Fraser, Penguin Press, 2025. The Devil's Defender, John Henry Browne, Chicago Review Press, 2016.Sponsors: Completing the Puzzle: Go to CompletingthePuzzle.com and use code OUAC for $10 off your first puzzle subscription box or gift card.Weight Loss by Hers: Visit ForHers.com/ONCE to get a personalized, affordable plan to reach your goals. Talkiatry: Head to talkiatry.com/once and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in minutes.Events & Appearances:Meet Esther and Lorena in person at:Beyond the Crime Convention – Albuquerque, NM | April 11–12 - beyondcrimeconvention.comCrimeCon – Las Vegas, NV | May 29–31 - crimecon.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A recent Los Angeles Times article has reignited worldwide interest in the Black Dahlia murder, spotlighting an amateur sleuth's theory that attempts to link the case to the Zodiac Killer—and naming Marvin Margolis as a “new” prime suspect.But Marvin Margolis is not new.In this bonus episode, we're joined once again by author William J. Mann, whose extensively researched new book, Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood, is released today. Long before the headlines, Mann identified Margolis as the strongest—and most credible—suspect in the history of the case.In this follow-up interview, Mann responds directly to the recent media coverage, clarifies what his investigation does and does not support, and explains why decades of armchair detective theories have often missed the mark.This episode cuts through the noise to restore context, credit, and clarity—placing today's headlines against the backdrop of years of original investigative work.Listen to the Once Upon a Crime series, Broken: The Black Dahlia Murderhttps://www.truecrimepodcast.com/introducing-broken-the-black-dahlia-murder-a-once-upon-a-crime-original-series/About the Book:Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood By William J. Mann Available now wherever books are soldGuest:William J. Mann Author of Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywoodwilliamjmann.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Ted Bundy for the Defense: Part One, we examine the earliest confirmed crimes of Ted Bundy and the investigation that led to his first conviction.This episode follows Bundy's documented attacks beginning in 1974, starting with the brutal assault of Karen Sparks and the murder of University of Washington student Lynda Ann Healy. As young women continue to disappear across Washington State, investigators begin to notice a disturbing pattern—college-aged victims with similar physical characteristics, abducted under similar circumstances.We track Bundy's movements from Washington to Utah and Colorado, including the Lake Sammamish abductions that introduced the “Ted” suspect and his relocation to Utah as law enforcement closed in. The episode details the disappearances and murders of Nancy Wilcox, Melissa Anne Smith, Laura Aime, and others, highlighting how Bundy's crimes escalated while investigators struggled to connect cases across state lines.Part One also explores Bundy's personal life and psychology—his unstable academic career, rejection from elite law schools, political ambitions, and turbulent romantic relationships—and how these failures fueled a growing sense of entitlement and resentment.The episode concludes with the attempted kidnapping of Carol DaRonch, her survival and identification of Bundy, his arrest in Utah, and his 1976 conviction for aggravated kidnapping—marking the first time Ted Bundy was held criminally accountable.Sources: The Bundy Murders: A Comprehensive History, Kevin M. Sullivan, McFarland and Company, 2020 (Second Edition).Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers, Caroline Fraser, Penguin Press, 2025. The Devil's Defender, John Henry Browne, Chicago Review Press, 2016.A Light in the Dark: Surviving More than Ted Bundy, Kathy Kleiner Rubin and Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Chicago Review Press, 2024. https://www.aetv.com/articles/most-bizarre-moments-ted-bundy-murder-trialshttps://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/why-narcissistic-killers-like-ted-bundy-choose-to-represent-themselves-in-court/ar-AA1RPSDrhttps://youtu.be/KcBBevSoOmQ?si=jU9iGq1m0dfwP-2chttps://www.crimeandinvestigation.co.uk/articles/killer-who-defended-himself-unique-and-very-public-trial-ted-bundyhttps://johndrogerslaw.com/ted-bundys-criminal-trials-a-detailed-examination/https://www.nytimes.com/1978/12/10/archives/allamerican-boy-on-trial-ted-bundy.htmlhttps://www.crimelibrary.org/criminal_mind/psychology/defending_oneself/7.htmlhttps://www.esquire.com/entertainment/a27375563/ted-bundy-trial-lawyer-true-story/Sponsors: Completing the Puzzle: Go to CompletingthePuzzle.com and use code OUAC for $10 off your first puzzle subscription box or gift card.Weight Loss by Hers: Visit ForHers.com/ONCE to get a personalized, affordable plan to reach your goals. Talkiatry: Head to talkiatry.com/once and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in minutes.Links: Beyond the Crime Convention - beyondcrimeconvention.com. April 11th & 12th, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Use discount code BEYOND-OUAC. CrimeCon 2026 - crimecon.com/CC26 - May 29th - 31st, Las Vegas. Use our discount code ONCE. About This Series:Ted Bundy for the Defense examines Ted Bundy's criminal cases through the lens of his courtroom behavior and his insistence on controlling his own fate. This series separates myth from fact, focusing on documented evidence, trial records, and survivor testimony.Coming Next:In Part Two, investigators uncover crucial forensic evidence linking Bundy to additional murders, while Bundy grows increasingly confident in his ability to outsmart the justice system—setting the stage for his most reckless decision yet.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ted Bundy is often remembered as charming, intelligent, and dangerously persuasive—a serial killer who outsmarted investigators and manipulated everyone around him. But how much of that story is myth?In this introductory episode of Ted Bundy for the Defense, we set the stage for a three-part series that examines Bundy not through the lens of legend, but through the courtroom—where his greatest gamble wasn't murder, but his decision to represent himself.Bundy believed he was smarter than his attorneys, smarter than prosecutors, and smarter than the system itself. That belief would lead him to take control of his own defense in multiple trials across three states—Utah, Colorado, and Florida—with consequences he never fully grasped.We'll begin by debunking some of the most persistent myths surrounding Ted Bundy, including his so-called charisma, his alleged brilliance, and the idea that he was always one step ahead of law enforcement. We'll also preview the most disturbing and surreal moments from his trials—moments where Bundy used cross-examinations to force witnesses to describe the aftermath of his crimes in graphic detail, stunning jurors and revealing far more about Bundy than he intended.This series isn't about glorifying a killer. It's about exposing how arrogance, control, and self-delusion helped lead Ted Bundy to the electric chair.Coming Up in This Series:Part One: We trace Bundy's crimes from the early 1970s through his 1976 Utah trial for the attempted kidnapping of Carol DaRonch—the first time Bundy insisted on defending himself in court, and the first major crack in his self-image.Part Two: As investigators in the Pacific Northwest quietly connect the dots between multiple murders, Bundy is arrested in Colorado for the murder of Caryn Campbell. Given access to a law library while preparing his own defense, Bundy makes a decision that allows him to escape—again—and flee to Florida.Part Three: We follow Bundy to Florida, where his violence escalates with the Chi Omega sorority house murders, the attack on Cheryl Thomas, and the murder of twelve-year-old Kimberly Leach. The series concludes with Bundy's capital murder trials in 1979 and 1980, where his courtroom performances ultimately become his undoing.Ted Bundy for the Defense explores what happens when a defendant becomes his own worst enemy—and when belief in one's own brilliance proves fatal.Sponsors: 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. See a list of all 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/@OnceUponACrimePodcastVisit the new OUAC MERCH SHOP! Shop now at onceuponacrime.dashery.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 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 DiscussedAnthonette Cayedito (Age 9) Missing from Gallup, New Mexico — April 6, 1986

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.

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 involvedEsther 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.

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 SeriesBROKEN: 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. MannWilliam 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.

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 SeriesBROKEN: 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. MannIn 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.

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.

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 SeriesBROKEN: 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.

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 SeriesBROKEN: 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.

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.

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 SeriesBROKEN: 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/@OnceUponACrimePodcastMortal 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!

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 SeriesBROKEN: 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/@OnceUponACrimePodcastKiller Hearts to Hearts: https://www.killerhearttohearts.com/podcastCrime Salad: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crime-salad/id1457141569✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City!

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.

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!

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.

By now you've probably heard that Esther is leading an exclusive group trip to Mexico Cityfrom March 27–30, 2026. If you've been thinking about joining us for this unforgettable four-day adventure, the time to act is RIGHT NOW!For the next THREE people who book, we're giving you an extra $50 OFF our already discounted Early Bird Price. That's a total of $150 in savings when you use code TT150MC at checkout (case sensitive). But hurry—this deal EXPIRES on 9/22or as soon as those 3 spots are gone!https://trovatrip.com/trip/north-america/mexico/mexico-with-esther-ludlow-mar-2026✨ What's Included:Guided tour of the Historic Mexico City CenterColorful food market visitMezcal mixology class + tasting

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.

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.”

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.

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_Ellishttps://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.htmlhttps://web.archive.org/web/20141204212735/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/women/ellis/5.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/sep/12/ukcrime.claredyerhttps://www.hampshirelive.news/news/history/woman-hanged-ruth-ellis-hampshire-4192091https://www.crimemagazine.com/ruth-ellis-love-lust-and-death-gallowsSponsors: 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/@OnceUponACrimePodcastSupport 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_Ellishttps://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.htmlhttps://web.archive.org/web/20141204212735/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/women/ellis/5.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/sep/12/ukcrime.claredyerhttps://www.hampshirelive.news/news/history/woman-hanged-ruth-ellis-hampshire-4192091https://www.crimemagazine.com/ruth-ellis-love-lust-and-death-gallowsSponsors: 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/@OnceUponACrimePodcastSupport 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_Ellishttps://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.htmlhttps://web.archive.org/web/20141204212735/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/women/ellis/5.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/sep/12/ukcrime.claredyerhttps://www.hampshirelive.news/news/history/woman-hanged-ruth-ellis-hampshire-4192091https://www.crimemagazine.com/ruth-ellis-love-lust-and-death-gallowsSponsors: 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/@OnceUponACrimePodcastSupport 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.