Small State, Big Crimes: The Mailbox, the Blue Van and Red Hannah

From Southern Ghost Stories by Southern Ghost Stories

March 10, 2026 · 24 min · Episode 172

About this episode

The episode explores Delaware's dark history through infamous crimes and legal cases.

From the high-society betrayal of a 3,000-mile "murder by mail" plot in 1898 to the microscopic forensic breakthrough that caught the notorious Route 40 serial killer, Small State, Big Crimes proves that Delaware’s history is written in more than just legislation. Allen take you from the agonizing Victorian-era "Chocolate Box Murders" of Cordelia Botkin to the chilling mobile dungeon of Steven Brian Pennell, finally facing the crimson shadow of "Red Hannah"—the nation’s last judicial whipping post. This isn't a dry history lesson; it’s a visceral exploration of the First State’s most cold-blooded killers, landmark legal battles, and the brutal colonial traditions that lingered well into the modern age. Be sure to like, subscribe and leave a review! Check out Allen's books on Amazon! https://amzn.to/3HEf2u9 Got a question or comment? Hit us up on our socials! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/southernghoststories/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/southernghoststoriesonline Follow Allen on X https://x.com/ATOAllen Use code SAVE10 for 10% off your order over at https:// monstercitymadhouse.com

People in this episode

Host: Allen

Topics covered

Delaware history
true crime
forensic science
legal battles

Keywords

murder by mail
Chocolate Box Murders
Route 40 serial killer
Red Hannah

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Allen's books

Books & works: Small State, Big Crimes: The Mailbox, the Blue Van, Chocolate Box Murders

Places: Delaware, the First State’s