Once Upon A Crime

After the explosive Bundy For the Defense series, Once Upon a Crime took its first extended hiatus in the podcast’s ten-year history. But behind the scenes, the team has been busier than ever.What’s been happening during the break? Appearances at the Beyond the Crime Convention in Albuquerque and Crime Con in Las Vegas, being featured on Impact x Nightline’s “Terror on the Trail” exploring the Trailside Killer case, as well as interviews for two upcoming History Channel episodes.As Once Upon a Crime celebrates its tenth anniversary on June 9th, the podcast is entering an entirely new era.Season 11 will feature more immersive storytelling across both the podcast and YouTube, updates on fan-favorite true crime cases, listener Q&As, expert guests, deep dives, and a brand-new long-form serial killer investigation.For the first time ever, Esther will also share their own personal story and reveal the experience that shaped her fascination with true crime, justice, and criminal psychology.After ten years, Once Upon a Crime is evolving into something bigger, more personal, and more immersive than ever before.Subscribe now so you don’t miss the start of Season 11.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For ten years, Once Upon a Crime has explored the world’s most fascinating true crime stories, covering infamous murders, criminal investigations, disappearances, and the hidden truths behind headline-making cases.Now, after hundreds of episodes and millions of downloads, we're preparing for the podcast’s most ambitious season yet.Thanks to all our listeners for supporting the show through ten incredible years of true crime coverage. What’s ahead in Season 11? Brand-new stories, exciting new formats, special guests, major announcements, and an immersive experience that could take some listeners halfway around the world.This isn’t just another season of Once Upon a Crime... it’s something bigger.The official Season 11 announcement drops Monday, June 22nd.Subscribe now so you don’t miss what could become one of the most talked-about true crime podcast seasons yet.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 SeriesBROKEN: 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. MannWilliam 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 HollywoodTo 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.📚 SourcesSevered: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder by John GilmoreThe Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood by William J. Mann (upcoming)Contemporary newspaper archives, LAPD records, and witness interviewsSeries ConclusionThis 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 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 BrokenIn 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 SeriesBROKEN: 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.📚 SourcesSevered: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder by John GilmoreThe Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood by William J. Mann (upcoming)Contemporary newspaper archives, LAPD records, and witness interviewsFollow & SubscribeBe 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/@OnceUponACrimePodcastVisit 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 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 SeriesBROKEN: 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.📚 SourcesSevered: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder by John GilmoreThe 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 BrokenIn 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/@OnceUponACrimePodcastVisit 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 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 SeriesBROKEN: 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 & ReferencesLos Angeles Police Department and FBI case archives and reports.“Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood” by William J. Mann, Simon & Schuster, (Advanced Reader Copy), Publication date: January 13, 2026. “Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder” by John Gilmore.Historic articles from the Los Angeles Times and The Examiner (1947). (Accessed on Newspapers.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/@OnceUponACrimePodcastMortal 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, 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 SeriesWhile 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.comSee 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_Ellishttps://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.htmlhttps://web.archive.org/web/20141204212735/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/women/ellis/5.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/sep/12/ukcrime.claredyerhttps://www.hampshirelive.news/news/history/woman-hanged-ruth-ellis-hampshire-4192091https://www.crimemagazine.com/ruth-ellis-love-lust-and-death-gallowsResources & Further ReadingDance with a Stranger (1985 film)ITV’s A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story (2025)Ruth Ellis: My Sister’s Secret Life by Muriel JakubaitLine Up for Crime by Duncan WebbSponsors: 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.