Once Upon A Crime

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.

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

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: Secure your spot with just 25% down, pay in full, or choose a payment plan at booking. 👉 Don’t wait — this is the lowest price you’ll see for this trip, and it’s only available for the next 3 people. Book today using the link below, and we’ll see you in Mexico City! 🌎 Code: TT150MC Deadline: 9/22 OR once the next 3 spots are gone! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On this week’s episode we’re going international! You’ll travel to London with Esther for a behind-the-scenes listen to the Once Upon a Crime live show recorded at CrimeCon UK on June 8th. Esther emceed a game show called “Killer Knowledge” where she challenged fellow true crime podcasters Neil and Megan from Mortal Musings on their true crime trivia knowledge. The audience even got in on the action to see who knew their true crime best. So, grab your detective hat and play along — let’s find out if you’re smarter than a podcaster Links: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com OUAC Merchandise Store: https://my-store-db71ce.creator-spring.com - Use discount code CCUK25 for 15% off your order for a limited time! YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast

In the fall of 1984, fear took hold of San Jose, California. In just six weeks, six young women vanished or were found murdered — their lives cut short under brutal and mysterious circumstances. As residents watched the headlines mount, few could imagine the horror hiding in plain sight. Six Weeks of Terror is a gripping true crime story that unravels the chilling timeline of Fernando Cota — a convicted rapist who slipped through the cracks and went on to terrorize a city. A routine traffic stop would crack the case wide open and lead to a horrifying discovery. Sources: This episode was originally produced as a Once Upon a Crime Live Show presentation in San Jose, California, in July 2019. Sponsors: To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/onceuponacrime Trova Trip: https://trovatrip.com/trip/north-america/mexico/mexico-with-esther-ludlow-mar-2026 Links: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast

Dennis Rader, the self-proclaimed "BTK" killer—short for "Bind, Torture, Kill"—terrified Wichita and Park City, Kansas, for nearly two decades. But behind the mask of a monstrous mastermind was a man whose crimes were riddled with laughable mistakes, sloppy execution, and a bizarre craving for attention. In this episode, we dismantle the myth of BTK as a criminal genius and reveal the truth: Dennis Rader wasn’t brilliant—he was a bungler. Tune in as we unravel the twisted, error-filled path of one of America’s most incompetent, yet still deadly, serial killers. Sources: Once Upon a Crime - Patreon Bonus: BTK Blunders, April 26, 2023 Confessions of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, The BTK Killer, Katherine Ramsland, PhD, ForeEdge Books, 2016. Sponsors: Gabb Mobile - gabb.com/once Spot & Tango - spotandtango.com/once La Pure - All thriller, no filler! Upgrade your skincare routine with our all-natural Beef Tallow, made with rich, skin-loving vitamins and natural oils. Take 40% OFF today at https://lapurenaturals.com/ONCE Cornbread Hemp - cornbreadhemp.com/ONCE To advertise on this podcast, please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/onceuponacrime Links: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime CrimeCon UK - www.crimecon.co.uk - Use our discount code ONCEUPON for tickets Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast