MYSTERIOUS DEATH: The Lipstick Killer

MYSTERIOUS DEATH: The Lipstick Killer

From Murder: True Crime Stories by Crime House

May 1, 2026 · 50 min · Episode 156

About this episode

This episode examines the investigation and confession of the Lipstick Killer, William Heirens, amidst doubts about his guilt.

In 1945, a series of shocking murders gripped Chicago, each more disturbing than the last, and one marked by a message scrawled in lipstick that would haunt the city. Police soon arrested 17-year-old William “Bill” Heirens, who quickly became known as the Lipstick Killer. In this episode of Murder: True Crime Stories, Carter Roy examines the investigation, the intense interrogation that led to Heirens’ confession, and the lingering doubts that have fueled decades of debate over whether the right person was held responsible. Head over to our Murder True Crime Stories YouTube channel to WATCH our video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@MurderTrueCrimeStories If you’re new here, don’t forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios 🎧 Need More to Binge? Listen to other Crime House Originals Clues, Crimes Of…, Serial Killers & Murderous Minds, Crime House 24/7, and more wherever you get your podcasts! Follow me on Social Instagram: @Crimehouse TikTok: @Crimehouse Facebook…

People in this episode

Host: Carter Roy

Topics covered

  • murder investigation
  • true crime
  • interrogation
  • confession
  • historical crime
  • Chicago
  • debate over guilt

Keywords

  • Lipstick Killer
  • William Heirens
  • Chicago murders
  • true crime stories
  • 1945
  • interrogation
  • confession

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: PAVE Studios

Places: Chicago

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