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Episodes

Tennessee’s Family Annihilator - Michael Cummins
321
June 11, 2024

Tennessee’s Family Annihilator - Michael Cummins

We kick off the ninth season of Once Upon a Crime with an episode that dives into the chilling case of Michael Cummins, a 25-year-old from Westmoreland, Tennessee, who committed one of the state's most horrific mass murders. Cummins, who had a history...
S8: The Best Of Once Upon a Crime: Robert Durst - Getting Away with Murder
May 25, 2024

S8: The Best Of Once Upon a Crime: Robert Durst - Getting Away with Murder

In the final episode of Season Eight of 'Once Upon A Crime,’ I delve into the case of Robert Durst, a wealthy New York real estate heir with a mysterious and criminal past. His involvement in several crimes, including the disappearance of his wife Kathie in 1982, the execution-style murder of his friend Susan Berman in 2000, and the murder and dismemberment of his neighbor Morris Black in Galveston, Texas in 2001, was famously told in the HBO documentary series “The Jinx,” in 2015. “The Jinx, Pa...
S8: Best of Once Upon a Crime: Last Stop: The Murdered Women of Juarez
May 21, 2024

S8: Best of Once Upon a Crime: Last Stop: The Murdered Women of Juarez

This month in Once Upon a Crime’s “Best Of” series, we highlight significant episodes as the podcast rounds off its eighth year. This week, I’ve chosen to revisit a story from 2018 about the serial murders of over 500 women in Juarez, Mexico, between 1993 and 2011. You’ll hear about the disturbing pattern of disappearances and murders of young women from that city. The episode also discusses the widespread negligence and victim-blaming by the police, the negative impacts of labeling women based ...
S8: Best of Once Upon a Crime: Murder in My Hometown - The Disappearance of Jeanine Sanchez Harms
May 18, 2024

S8: Best of Once Upon a Crime: Murder in My Hometown - The Disappearance of Jeanine Sanchez Harms

This Best Of episode of Once Upon a Crime revisits the mysterious disappearance of Jeanine Sanchez Harms from Campbell, California, in 2001. This case is unique for a number of reasons, including its proximity to my hometown and studio and the shocking, unforeseeable conclusion. It also stands out due to its 'no body murder' status and complex detective work. Jeanine, recently divorced, goes missing after a night out involving a somewhat reluctant date and interaction with several individuals, ...
S8: Best of Once Upon a Crime: The Life and Death of Selena
May 14, 2024

S8: Best of Once Upon a Crime: The Life and Death of Selena

This episode of 'Once Upon a Crime' revisits a popular series from Season 1 titled 'The Day the Music Died,' focusing on the tragic endings of musical icons, including Selena Quintanilla Perez. The episode explores Selena's rise to fame as a star in Tejano music, her groundbreaking achievements, and her untimely death at 23. Additionally, it delves into Selena's early life and career, her family's influence, the formation of Selena y Los Dinos, and her significant impact on Tejano and pop music....
S8: Best of Once Upon a Crime: Betty Broderick
May 11, 2024

S8: Best of Once Upon a Crime: Betty Broderick

In the final series for season eight of Once Upon A Crime, we provide a retrospective look at the most compelling episodes from the show's archive, particularly highlighting those that newer listeners might have missed. This episode revisits the story of Betty Broderick from Season 1, part of the 'A Woman Scorned' series, which delves into crimes committed by women against their romantic partners. Betty Broderick's tumultuous marriage, marked by jealousy, arguments, and ultimately, her husband's...
S8: Best of Once Upon a Crime: O.J. Simpson
May 7, 2024

S8: Best of Once Upon a Crime: O.J. Simpson

We’re wrapping up Season 8 on the way to Once Upon a Crime’s 9th birthday! We’re sharing six of our “Best Of” Episodes from the archives to celebrate eight years of true crime podcasting. First up, you’ll hear a clip from one of our most popular episodes released as discussions with everyone’s favorite co-host, my sister, Yolanda. We’ll break down the O.J. Simpson case with details you may not have heard before. Links: Season 6: Episode 225: Breaking Down the O.J. Simpson Case with Yolanda - ht...
S8 Ep320: Manipulated to Murder: Darin Schilmiller
320
April 30, 2024

S8 Ep320: Manipulated to Murder: Darin Schilmiller

In the last chapter of the series “Manipulated to Murder,” I’ll share a story about a predator who hid behind a false identity to manipulate young and impressionable teens into committing the senseless murder of a vulnerable young woman. Sources: https://law.alaska.gov/press/releases/2024/011124-Schilmiller.html https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/6154251/Schilmiller-Court-Docs-061419.pdf https://lawandcrime.com/crime/catfished-killer-takes-plea-deal-in-2019-death-of-best-friend-murdered-in-e...
S8 Ep319: Manipulated to Murder: Pamela Smart
319
April 23, 2024

S8 Ep319: Manipulated to Murder: Pamela Smart

Pamela Smart became a household name - not for being the next Barbara Walters as she’d hoped but for orchestrating the cold-blooded murder of her husband - using her teenage lover as the trigger man. The case became a media sensation when it hit the news cycle in 1990. It was such a high-profile case that millions watched the trial unfold live on television. It was the very first time a murder trial in the U.S. received “gavel-to-gavel” coverage on a newly launched cable television channel ded...
S8 Ep318: Manipulated to Murder: Hilma Marie Witte
318
April 16, 2024

S8 Ep318: Manipulated to Murder: Hilma Marie Witte

In this month’s series, we’ll look at people who were manipulated into committing murder. First up, we’ll take a look at a case where a mother pressures her child to kill his father. That fact alone would make this story truly horrible but it was not the last murder Marie Witte orchestrated. The next one would be as cold-hearted as it was gruesome. Sources: https://murderpedia.org/female.W/w/witte-hilma.htm https://thecinemaholic.com/how-did-paul-witte-die-where-are-eric-witte-and-hilma-marie...
S8 Ep317: Tarnished Hollywood: The Tragic Life and Bizarre Death of Lloyd Avery II
317
March 26, 2024

S8 Ep317: Tarnished Hollywood: The Tragic Life and Bizarre Death of Lloyd Avery II

In this final episode of “Tarnished Hollywood,” I’ll share a story about a promising young actor who ran afoul of the law. His decision to immerse himself in gang culture at the expense of an acting career would lead to a life sentence in a prison cell and a brutal and bizarre end to his life at the age of 36. Sources: https://chicagodefender.com/how-an-infamous-boyz-n-the-hood-cameo-led-to-real-life-murder/ https://www.thetruecrimedatabase.com/case_file/kevin-roby/ Sponsor: www.factormeals.com...
S8 Ep316: Tarnished Hollywood: Grant and Amanda Hayes and the Murder of Laura Ackerson
316
March 19, 2024

S8 Ep316: Tarnished Hollywood: Grant and Amanda Hayes and the Murder of Laura Ackerson

Amanda Hayes, an actress known for roles on The Sopranos and The Stepford Wives, was convicted of conspiring with her husband, Grant Hayes, to murder Laura Ackerson, his ex-wife and mother of his two children. The murder and its cover-up would be one of the most grisly crimes investigators had ever encountered. Sources: Bitter Remains, author Diane Fanning, Berkley Books, 2016. See No Evil: Who killed Laura Ackerson and where are they now? ID’s See No Evil: Who killed Laura Ackerson and where ...
S8 Ep315: Tarnished Hollywood: Danny Masterson
315
March 12, 2024

S8 Ep315: Tarnished Hollywood: Danny Masterson

Danny Masterson is an American actor best known for his role in That 70’s Show . In 2020, he was charged with raping three women in 2001 and 2003. Masterson and his victims were all members of the Church of Scientology. The church’s policies and threats toward the victims caused a 20-year delay in bringing the crimes to justice. Sources: A Timeline of Danny Masterson’s Controversies , Skyler Caruso for People.com , Sept 7, 2023 https://people.com/tv/danny-masterson-charged-rape-timeline-of-alleg...
S8: Mysteries on the True Crime Express
March 8, 2024

S8: Mysteries on the True Crime Express

...1 historic steam train... ...9 exceptional true crime podcasts... ...9 tales woven with the spirit of Women's Day... ...Will YOU unravel the mysteries aboard? This International Women's Day, join Shane Waters and Wendy Cee on an unprecedented journey through the heart of England to Crimecon UK in London. Mysteries on the True Crime Express is not just a podcast episode; it's an immersive voyage into the depths of true crime, history, and the indomitable spirit of women. Aboard this old-world ...
S8 Ep314: The Palace with Author Gareth Russell
314
March 5, 2024

S8 Ep314: The Palace with Author Gareth Russell

In this special episode, I speak with author Gareth Russell. His new book, The Palace: From the Tudors to the Windsors, 500 Years of British History at Hampton Court, gives us a look at the storied history of what is called the most beautiful palace in England. But, behind the walls of Hampton Court, true tales of intrigue, sex scandals, assassination plots, and murder played out among the royals and court members. Links: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Gareth-Russell/500660891 https:...
S8 Ep313: Royal Murders, Scandals, and Secrets: Mad King Eric
313
Feb. 27, 2024

S8 Ep313: Royal Murders, Scandals, and Secrets: Mad King Eric

In history, there have been several monarchs known as “Mad Kings” - monarchs who were plagued by erratic and even violent behavior often attributed to mental illness. King Eric the XIV of Sweden is one such ruler. While intellectually brilliant, King Eric suffered from extreme paranoia, which led to erratic, violent, and even murderous behavior. Sources: Disturbed Facts About Eric XIV Of Sweden, The Butcher King - Factinate Eric XIV, King of Sweden, Britannica.com https://www.britannica.com/biog...
S8 Ep312: Royal Murders, Scandals, and Secrets: The Prince and the Courtsan: Marguerite Alibert
312
Feb. 13, 2024

S8 Ep312: Royal Murders, Scandals, and Secrets: The Prince and the Courtsan: Marguerite Alibert

This month, we’re taking a peek at royal families. What secrets and scandals lie behind these noble houses? In this week’s episode, I’ll tell you about an illicit affair an heir to the British throne engaged in with a French courtesan during WWI. Marguerite Alibert retained evidence of her affair with Prince Edward that she would later use as blackmail when she was on trial for the murder of another prince. Sources: Marguerite Alibert: Courtesan, Murderess and Blackmailer of a King - Historic ...
S8 Ep311: Royal Murders, Scandals, and Secrets: Prince Andrew, Duke of York
311
Feb. 6, 2024

S8 Ep311: Royal Murders, Scandals, and Secrets: Prince Andrew, Duke of York

In this month’s series, we’ll take a look at the dark side of royalty. I will detail crimes, sex scandals, and even murders that have occurred within royal families. First up, a member of the British royal family, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York’s reputation is muddied when his close, personal friend, Jeffrey Epstein, is exposed as a sex trafficker of underage girls. Prince Andrew will fall even further into disgrace when one of Epstein’s victims accuses him of sexual assault while she was a min...
S8 Ep310: The Girl in the Box - Colleen Stan, Part 3
310
Jan. 30, 2024

S8 Ep310: The Girl in the Box - Colleen Stan, Part 3

In the summer of 1984, a young woman kidnapped in Northern California finally makes her escape after seven years of violence, torture, imprisonment, and coercive control. While free from the physical restraints of her horrific experience, the emotional battle is just beginning. The investigation and legal battles unfold while the victim, Colleen Stan, attempts to rebuild her life. Resources: True Crime Documentary: The Girl in the Box - YouTube The 'Girl In The Box' Case And The Tragic Story Of...
S8 Ep309: Colleen Stan - The Girl in the Box, Part 2
309
Jan. 23, 2024

S8 Ep309: Colleen Stan - The Girl in the Box, Part 2

In 1977, a young woman kidnapped by a married couple while hitchhiking is taken to their home and imprisoned for the next seven years. During this time the woman is subjected to depraved torture, sensory deprivation, and sexual abuse. Deep and pervasive brainwashing and coercive control make it less and less likely she will ever escape, despite one of her captors eventually telling her the terrible truth which could facilitate her breaking free. Resources: True Crime Documentary: The Girl in the...
S8 Ep308: Colleen Stan - The Girl in the Box, Part 1
308
Jan. 16, 2024

S8 Ep308: Colleen Stan - The Girl in the Box, Part 1

In this first part of a 3-part episode, I share an infamous kidnapping case that began in 1977 in northern California. The kidnapping of Colleen Stan become famously, and chillingly, known as “The Girl in the Box” case. It’s an incredible story of unprecedented evil but also one of faith, strength, and the courage of a young girl to survive a horrific nightmare at the hands of the worst kind of predator. Sponsors: Lume - LumeDeodorant.com - Use code ONCE for $5 of a Lume Starter Pack and free s...
S8 Ep307: 2023 True Crime Year in Review
307
Dec. 19, 2023

S8 Ep307: 2023 True Crime Year in Review

As we wrap up 2023, I ask the question, “What was your true crime obsession this year?” In this episode, I’ll find out what true crime cases your favorite true crime podcasters were talking about. You’ll hear my discussions with Tyler from Minds of Madness, Michael from True Crime Guys , Leroy from Excuse Me, That’s Illegal , Jerri from FBI Retired Case File Review , and Eric, from True Consequences . I’ll also share the most exciting milestones and events for Once Upon a Crime in 2023 and te...
S8 Ep306: Starkweather: The Untold Story of the Killing Spree That Changed America” w/author Harry MacLean
306
Dec. 12, 2023

S8 Ep306: Starkweather: The Untold Story of the Killing Spree That Changed America” w/author Harry MacLean

In 1958, 19-year-old Starkweather went on a killing spree that shocked the nation. He took his 14-year-old girlfriend, Caril, with him. The story of that crime spree has become a legend in true crime history, and Starkweather and Fugate have been portrayed as villains on par with Bonnie and Clyde. In this episode, I revisit this case by speaking with best-selling true crime author Harry MacLean. His new book Starkweather: The Untold Story of the Killing Spree That Changed America takes a compre...
S8 Ep305: Talking True Crime with Erin Moriarty
305
Dec. 5, 2023

S8 Ep305: Talking True Crime with Erin Moriarty

In this month’s episodes, I’ll wrap up 2023 by discovering what listeners, podcasters, and other true crime experts list as their “true crime obsessions” this year. This week, I’m privileged to talk to veteran true crime journalist, correspondent, podcaster, and celebrity Erin Moriarty. Erin has been a correspondent for 48 Hours on CBS Television for over three decades. Her award-winning true crime podcast My Life of Crime has returned for season four. I’ll talk with Erin about her life as a t...