Once Upon A Crime

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: At 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.com CrimeCon – 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.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.

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.com CrimeCon – 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.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the summer of 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 Conventionbeyondcrimeconvention.comUse our discount code BEYOND-OUAC. CrimeConcrimecon.comUse 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 Conventionbeyondcrimeconvention.comCrimeConcrimecon.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 Murder https://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 sold Guest: William J. Mann Author of Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood williamjmann.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-trials https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/why-narcissistic-killers-like-ted-bundy-choose-to-represent-themselves-in-court/ar-AA1RPSDr https://youtu.be/KcBBevSoOmQ?si=jU9iGq1m0dfwP-2c https://www.crimeandinvestigation.co.uk/articles/killer-who-defended-himself-unique-and-very-public-trial-ted-bundy https://johndrogerslaw.com/ted-bundys-criminal-trials-a-detailed-examination/ https://www.nytimes.com/1978/12/10/archives/allamerican-boy-on-trial-ted-bundy.html https://www.crimelibrary.org/criminal_mind/psychology/defending_oneself/7.html https://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/@OnceUponACrimePodcast Visit 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 Discussed Anthonette Cayedito (Age 9) Missing from Gallup, New Mexico — April 6, 1986 📺 Anthonette Cayedito 911 Call (Video) https://youtu.be/sICCy_hOmKU?si=OYMNictYwHKELTrr Follow Crystal Gutierrez 📌 Crystal Gutierrez on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CrystalGutierrezTV Submit Tips If you have information about Anthonette Cayedito’s disappearance, please email tips to: 📩 info@beyondthecase.com Beyond the Crime Convention The Beyond the Crime Convention returns for its second year in Albuquerque, New Mexico — featuring speakers, creators, investigators, and advocates focused on cases that still need answers. 📍 Location: Albuquerque, NM 📅 Dates: April 11–12 🎤 Esther (Host of Once Upon a Crime) will be a featured speaker 📸 Convention Instagram https://www.instagram.com/beyondcrimeconvention/ 🎟️ Discount Code for Tickets ✅ BEYOND-OUAC See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this bonus episode of Once Upon a Crime, Esther revisits the horrific crimes of serial killer John Wayne Gacy, often referred to as “The Killer Clown,” and reviews the 2025 Peacock docu-drama Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy. The episode explores Gacy’s background, his crimes, the investigation's failures, and how the new series approaches the case from a victim-centered perspective. 🔍 Episode Overview summary of John Wayne Gacy’s life1978 investigationGacy’s trial, sentencing, and 1994 executionreview of the 2025 Peacock TV seriesDevil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacynot included in the series📚 Sources & Further Reading Devil in Disguise: John Wayne GacyRolling StoneEBSCO Knowledge Advantage:John Wayne Gacy – Research StartersPeople MagazineThis episode was brought to you by: Completing the Puzzle - Go to CompletingthePuzzle.com and use code OUAC for $10 off your first puzzle subscription box or gift card. Because no one’s been murdered while doing a puzzle. Shop our OUAC MERCH SHOP holiday sale! For a limited time, get up to 27% off all products — including $16 tees — during our Holiday Sale. But hurry, deals end December 15th! Place your order by the 15th for delivery before Christmas. Shop now at onceuponacrime.dashery.com. ✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽 We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crime fans on an unforgettable adventure. Reserve your spot today with just 25% down—but hurry, space is limited and will sell out fast! 🔗 Click here to learn more and book your spot now! 📝 Connect With the Show Have thoughts about the series or the case? Want more bonus reviews? Let Esther know on social media or at truecrimepodcast.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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