CRIME: Aimee Semple McPherson
From Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes by Crime House
May 1, 2026 · 45 min · Episode 57
About this episode
This episode examines the mysterious disappearance of evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson and the ensuing investigation and public reaction.
In 1926, famed evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson vanished from a California beach, sparking a nationwide search and fears that she had been kidnapped or killed. Weeks later, she reappeared with a dramatic story of abduction, claiming she had escaped from her captors in the desert. In this episode of Conspiracy Theories, Cults, and Crimes, Vanessa Richardson examines the disappearance of Aimee Semple McPherson, the investigation into her claims, and the intense public reaction that followed. As authorities began to question her account, conflicting evidence and witness testimony fueled suspicions that the kidnapping may have been staged. The case became a media sensation, blurring the line between crime, scandal, and spectacle, and leaving behind one of the most controversial and debated stories of the early 20th century. Head over to our Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes YouTube channel to WATCH our video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@Conspiracytheoriescultscrimes If you’re new here, don’t forget to follow Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Conspiracy Theories, Cults and Crimes is a…
People in this episode
Host: Vanessa Richardson
Topics covered
- disappearance
- abduction
- media sensation
- investigation
- public reaction
- crime
- scandal
Keywords
- Aimee Semple McPherson
- disappearance
- abduction
- California
- media sensation
- crime
- scandal
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: PAVE Studios
Places: California
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