189: The List Family Massacre, Part One

189: The List Family Massacre, Part One

From Cousins on Crime by Cousins on Crime

May 20, 2026 · 51 min · Episode 189

About this episode

This episode discusses the John List family massacre and the subsequent manhunt that ensued.

In the winter of 1971, Westfield, New Jersey found itself right in the middle of a world-wide manhunt. The fugitive, who murdered his entire family, left a note justifying the killings as mercy on their souls for the financial ruin that would soon befall them. It would take an international TV show and one very keen neighbor to capture the man that had evaded police for nearly two decades. Instagram: @CousinsonCrimePodcast Email: CousinsonCrime@gmail.com Theme Music by AleXZavesa For Bonus Content, Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/CousinsOnCrime Check out our merch store! https://cousinsoncrime-shop.fourthwall.com/? Sources: https://allthatsinteresting.com/john-list Forensic Files https://tubitv.com/tv-shows/438027/s01-e09-the-list-murders https://www.upi.com/Archives/1990/04/05/Sister-in-law-Accused-family-killer-dominated-by-bedridden-wife/2883639288000/ https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/23081/helen-list/photo https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/ROA-Times/issues/1990/rt9004/900410/04100195.htm https://www.nytimes.com/1971/12/09/archives/5-in-jersey-family-slain-husband-sought-5-in-jersey-family-are.html…

People in this episode

Host: Cousins on Crime

Topics covered

  • family massacre
  • true crime
  • 1970s crime
  • manhunt
  • murder
  • psychology of crime

Keywords

  • John List
  • family massacre
  • Westfield New Jersey
  • manhunt
  • 1971
  • true crime

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Forensic Files, America’s Most Wanted, New York Post

Places: Westfield, New Jersey

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