Once Upon A Crime | True Crime
Step into the darker side of history with Once Upon A Crime, a true-crime podcast that delves deep into some of the world’s most gripping cases. Hosted by an expert storyteller, Esther Ludlow, each episode unravels the mysteries behind notorious crimes, exploring the lives of victims, perpetrators, and the intricate details of the investigations that followed. With carefully researched narratives, thematic series, and thoughtful insights, Once Upon A Crime offers listeners a captivating blend of suspense, history, and human psychology. Whether you're a seasoned true-crime fan or just curious about the stories that shaped headlines, Once Upon A Crime promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.
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Haunted Homicide - The Old Main Prison Riot
11/19/2024
Haunted Homicide - The Old Main Prison Riot
Over two days in 1980, prisoners at a New Mexico penitentiary, angry at the conditions they experienced inside its walls, rose up against their jailers and wreaked havoc upon officers and inmates alike. It would be called the bloodiest prison riot in U.S. history. Over thirty-six hours, thirty-three prisoners were killed, eight guards were brutally assaulted, and hundreds were injured. The prison would never completely recover from the unprecedented violence that took place. In the years since, the Penitentiary of New Mexico, known as the Old Main Prison, has gained a reputation as one of the most haunted places in the state. After hearing the true story I’m about to tell you, you’ll understand why these traumatized spirits may still be lurking. Sources: Report of the Attorney General on the February 2 and 3, 1980 Riot at the Penitentiary of New Mexico - New Mexico Corrections Department website - Reports of hauntings at the prison - Sponsors: Uncommon Goods - For 15% off your next gift, go to uncommongoods.com/once. Links: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast
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Haunted Homicide - The Exorcism of Roland Doe
11/12/2024
Haunted Homicide - The Exorcism of Roland Doe
In this episode, I’ll share a story of an alleged demonic possession of a young boy in the 1940s. While you may be skeptical of such a claim, several sources officially documented the case, including first-person eyewitnesses, making it difficult to dismiss these claims as mere superstition. You’ll also hear how this case inspired a best-selling novel and blockbuster movie that helped to usher in an era of “Satanic Panic,” a phenomenon that would lead to accusations and criminal charges leveled against innocent people, some of whom were falsely convicted. Sources: https://play.max.com/video/watch/ec95d53c-2050-4361-afca-db7f96836670/94f26393-35be-4945-9fbf-b99b005674a0 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/20/the-exorcist-boy-named-magazine Sponsors: MeUndies - Go to and enter promo code ONCE for 20% off your first order plus free shipping. Links: Season 6: Episode 248: Final Curtain Call - Paul Bateson and The Exorcist - Patreon - Our website:
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A Marine Wife Gone Missing — Presenting: “48 Hours: NCIS”
11/05/2024
A Marine Wife Gone Missing — Presenting: “48 Hours: NCIS”
Marine wife Erin Corwin was just 19 years old when she disappeared in California’s Joshua Tree National Park. Nearly two months later, her body was found in an abandoned mine in the unforgiving desert, and suspicions quickly fell on a fellow Marine. Here’s a preview of the new podcast, “48 Hours: NCIS”, which merges the award-winning journalism of one of the most celebrated true crime news programs with the world’s #1 TV franchise, to bring you the real-life cases that NCIS agents will never forget. Host CBS News correspondent Natalie Morales untangles this twisted story of infidelity and betrayal that led to Erin’s tragic end. Listen early and ad-free right now by subscribing to 48 Hours+ on Apple Podcasts.
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Haunted Homicide - The Witch’s Castle
11/05/2024
Haunted Homicide - The Witch’s Castle
In this first story, we’ll go back over one hundred years to learn about a Romeo and Juliet story that ended in cold-blooded murder. On the property where the killing took place now sits a stone building known by locals as “The Witch’s Castle.” Some say that the restless spirits of the murdered man, his widow, and the killer roam the area on nights when the moon is full. This is the story of the murder of Mortimer Stump and the haunting of The Witch’s Castle. Resources: Sponsors: Better Help - Visit to get 10% off your first month. Uncommon Goods - Go to for 15% off. Mint Mobile - Go to to get your new 3-month premium wireless plan for just $15 a month. Links: YouTube - Patreon - Our website:
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Halloween Bonus Episode: When Horror Came to Town - The Farmville Murders
10/31/2024
Halloween Bonus Episode: When Horror Came to Town - The Farmville Murders
In this special Halloween episode, horror comes to a family in the middle of the night. But unlike ghostly tales, this was all too real and was the last thing they’d ever expected as they invited the monster into their home. Resources: Slain mom, teen had counseling over music - Links: YouTube: Patreon -
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Murdered Musicians - The Life, Death, and Legacy of Mia Zapata
10/21/2024
Murdered Musicians - The Life, Death, and Legacy of Mia Zapata
In July 1993, Mia Zapata, a rising star in the genre of punk rock music, joined what is morbidly referred to as “The 27 Club” - artists and celebrities whose lives ended at the age of 27. Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain, and Amy Winehouse all qualify. But like other members of this unfortunate club, Mia Zapata didn’t die as the result of a drug overdose or by her own hand. She was murdered on the streets of Seattle just before she reached success with her band, The Gits. In this episode, I’ll detail the life, death, and lasting legacy of Mia Zapata. Resources: Mia Zapata and The Gits: A Story of Art, Rock, and Revolution, Steve Moriarty, (2024) “Mia: Mia Zapata left her Louisville roots for a shot at success with her band, The Gits. But death ended her dream, and her killer is still at large,” James Nold, Jr., The Courier-Journal, Oct. 9, 1993. Sponsor: Mochi Health - Use code ONCE to get $40 off at Links: YouTube - Patreon - Our website:
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Murdered Musicians: The Mysterious Death of Al Jackson Jr.
10/14/2024
Murdered Musicians: The Mysterious Death of Al Jackson Jr.
In 1975, a renowned drummer who played with some of the most prominent artists of the 1960s and ‘70s was found shot and killed after an apparent botched robbery. But some suspected Al Jackson, Jr. had been set up for murder. Was his soon-to-be ex-wife involved in his slaying? Was a friend’s relationship with a wanted fugitive to blame? Or was he privy to sensitive music business information that made him a target? Resources: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/nov/25/al-jackson-jr-memphis-sunset-the-mysterious-death-of-stax-heartbeat http://staxrecords.free.fr/aljacksonpage.htm https://torontosun.com/news/world/hunter-murder-music-and-the-memphis-sound-of-stax-volt Sponsor: Mochi Health - Use code ONCE to get $40 off at Links: Patreon - Our website:
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Introducing: Mind of a Serial Killer
10/10/2024
Introducing: Mind of a Serial Killer
What makes a serial killer? Mind of a Serial Killer takes you deep into the twisted minds of history’s most notorious serial killers. Every Monday, hosts Vanessa Richardson and Dr. Tristin Engels, a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, combines gripping true crime storytelling with expert psychological analysis to answer the question - what makes a serial killer? From Jeffrey Dahmer to Ted Bundy, explore not only their chilling crimes but the dark psychology behind them. Follow Mind of a Serial Killer wherever you get your podcasts!
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Murdered Musicians: Zapped - The Life and Death of Funk Musician Roger
10/07/2024
Murdered Musicians: Zapped - The Life and Death of Funk Musician Roger
In this episode, a young Ohio man begins playing music before he is barely out of diapers. He and his brothers would form a band and shoot to the top of the charts. They were hometown heroes and certified music stars, but a baffling turn of events would end in a double tragedy. This is chapter one in the Rocktober series, “Murdered Musicians” - Zapped - The Life and Death of Funk Musician Roger. Resources: https://www.dayton.com/news/local/icon-lost-one-dayton-most-gut-wrenching-murders-years-ago/g0LamsZlgO9s7NvR6Ar6cM/ https://www.daytondailynews.com/what-to-know/troutman-brothers-shot-dead-recording-artist-believed-victim-in-murder-suicide/HDHRGKMFV5BP5DQVK53FIE7DX4/ https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/zapp-brothers-found-dead-90905/ https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/local/photos-roger-troutman-and-the-legendary-zapp-band-through-the-years/s5jkHsjNadR3ym8L3YLK9H/ https://vimeopro.com/user15889254/unsung/video/301288752 https://www.grunge.com/931330/the-tragic-1999-murder-of-funk-legend-roger-troutman-explained/ https://ohtravel88.wordpress.com/2020/06/14/the-tragic-stories-of-roger-larry-troutman-and-ray-combs/ Sponsor: Mochi Health - Use code ONCE to get $40 off at joinmochi.com Links: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime
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Presenting: “Murder in the Orange Grove: The Troubled Case Against Crosley Green”
09/25/2024
Presenting: “Murder in the Orange Grove: The Troubled Case Against Crosley Green”
On a dark night in April 1989, a young man named Chip Flynn was shot in a Florida orange grove. His ex-girlfriend Kim was the only surviving witness and claimed a Black man had robbed, kidnapped, and killed Chip. A year later, Crosley Green was sentenced to death by an all-white jury for Flynn's murder. After 32 years behind bars, a judge ruled Green was wrongfully convicted — so why is he still in prison? Here’s a preview of the new “48 Hours” podcast, “Murder in the Orange Grove: The Troubled Case Against Crosley Green” which offers the most comprehensive deep dive into this shocking case that leaves one man fighting desperately for his freedom. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty has followed this controversial case for 25 years, delving into inconsistencies — from coerced confessions to allegations of a racial hoax — that challenge the integrity of the verdict. You can hear the rest of this episode by searching for “Murder in the Orange Grove: The Troubled Case Against Crosley Green”wherever you get your podcasts.
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The Politics of Murder - The Attack on Paul Pelosi
09/23/2024
The Politics of Murder - The Attack on Paul Pelosi
A formerly peace-loving man becomes obsessed with extreme political conspiracy theories. David DePape falls down a rabbit hole, consuming ever-more radical views on YouTube, blogs, and social media posts. A perfect storm of factors will cause him to carry out a baffling and horrific attack after breaking into the home of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Resources: “Paul Pelosi attack: From nudist activism to online hate, suspect David DePape’s strange descent,” Rachel Swan, Dustin Gardiner, and Sarah Ravani, The San Francisco Chronicle, November 16, 2023. “Where is Nancy?: Here’s what happened, minute by minute, inside the Pelosi home,” Megan Cassidy, The San Francisco Chronicle, November 3, 2022. “David DePape Sentenced after Conviction on Assault and Attempted Kidnapping Charges,” Press Release, Office of the Attorney General, May 17, 2024. “Gypsy Taub Speaks Out About Ex-Boyfriend David DePape,” Jay Barmann, SFist.com, October 31, 2022. “Ex-wife of man who attacked Paul Pelosi is barred from court,” Brian Krans, KQED, June 18, 2024. Links: Patreon - Dani After Dark - Watch my interview on “Dani After Dark” on YouTube -
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The Politics of Murder: Panic at the Ballpark - The Congressional Baseball Game Shooting
09/16/2024
The Politics of Murder: Panic at the Ballpark - The Congressional Baseball Game Shooting
In this month’s series, “The Politics of Murder,” we’ll take a look at cases where violent acts are perpetrated upon political figures. In this episode, a disgruntled man whose life is unraveling due to his own actions places the blame on the policies of one political party. His random act of violence will turn a pleasant day at a ballpark into ten minutes of horror and chaos. Sources: https://www.secretservice.gov/sites/default/files/reports/2020-06/Hodgkinson.pdf https://www.washingtonian.com/2018/05/28/terrifying-story-of-the-congressional-baseball-shooting-steve-scalise/ https://www.politico.com/news/2021/04/21/2017-baseball-field-shooting-fbi-conculsion-483993 Links: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime
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The Politics of Murder - The Shooting of Gabby Giffords
09/09/2024
The Politics of Murder - The Shooting of Gabby Giffords
In this month’s series, “The Politics of Murder,” we’ll take a look at cases where violent acts are perpetrated upon political figures. First up, a young man begins to lose his grip on reality and fixates on a congressperson whom he targets for assassination. Jared Lee Loughner’s mass shooting at a community political event will spark debate regarding violent political rhetoric, gun control laws, and the state of mental health care in the U.S. Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Tucson_shooting http://edition.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/08/arizona.shooting.suspect/ http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/09/arizona.shooting.investigation/index.html https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/03/27/gabby-giffords-shooting-records/2024589/ http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/15/arizona.shooting.images/index.html https://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/08/justice/arizona-loughner-sentencing/index.html https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/03/27/gabby-giffords-shooting-records/2024589/ https://www.cnn.com/2012/08/07/us/arizona-loughner-plea/index.html Links: Once Upon a Crime on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime
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Buried Family Secrets: Dark Tide: Growing Up with Ted Bundy
08/26/2024
Buried Family Secrets: Dark Tide: Growing Up with Ted Bundy
Before Ted Bundy became a collective symbol of a real-life boogeyman and the person who helped coin the term “serial killer,” he was a son, a brother, a grandson, and a cousin - someone with friends and family members who loved him and never could have suspected the evil that lay within him and would come to destroy so many lives. In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with one of those family members - someone who grew up with Ted Bundy and with whom he shared a close relationship. Edna Cowell Martin knew Bundy as “cousin Ted.” Having to face the horror of what her cousin had done and the chaos of the media circus surrounding his arrest, trial, and execution, Edna and her family chose to remain anonymous…until now. Edna’s new memoir, “Dark Tide: Growing Up with Ted Bundy,” reveals new details of his life, personality, and family relationships through his cousin Edna’s memories, photographs, and letters from Bundy himself. We learn what it was like for his family members to grapple with the realization that a person they loved and thought they knew well was one of the most infamous serial killers in U.S. history. *** You can purchase the book “Dark Tide: Growing Up with Ted Bundy” at the link below or ask for it at your favorite independent bookstore. https://amzn.to/3SQ3MNR One listener will win a copy of the book. To enter, go to our Instagram page, look for the “Dark Tide” post, and follow the instructions to have a chance to win. Good luck! https://www.instagram.com/OnceUponaCrimePod/
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Buried Family Secrets - My Grandfather the Serial Killer - Jim Mordecai
08/19/2024
Buried Family Secrets - My Grandfather the Serial Killer - Jim Mordecai
A young woman grows up hearing stories about her abusive grandfather. She takes it upon herself to learn the whole truth about him. In the course of her investigation, shocking revelations come to light, and she begins to ask the question - was Jim Mordecai a serial killer? Sources: The Truth About Jim, 2024, Skye Borgman, director. Distributed by HBO Max. Links. Once Upon a Crime on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast
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Buried Family Secrets - My Mother the Murderer - Judy Gough
08/12/2024
Buried Family Secrets - My Mother the Murderer - Judy Gough
In this month’s series, “Buried Family Secrets,” I’ll share stories about family secrets that hid decades-old murders and may have prevented the killers from facing justice. Fortunately, in each case, one family member dared to share the truth so justice could be served. In this first episode, when Lloyd Ford disappears in 1980, his wife claims he’s run off with another woman. But her 12-year-old knows the truth and will be forced to keep her mother’s deadly secret for over two decades. Sources: The Devil You Know, Season 3, Episode 5. (2012) Director: Mary Bissell Links: Once Upon a Crime on YouTube -
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Bonus Episode: The Murder of Lita McClinton - A Conversation with Author Deb Miller Landau
08/09/2024
Bonus Episode: The Murder of Lita McClinton - A Conversation with Author Deb Miller Landau
A Devil Went Down to Georgia: Race, Power, Privilege, and the Murder of Lita McClinton, written by Deb Miller Landau, is the story of the murder-for-hire of Lita McClinton Sullivan in 1987. Lita was a beautiful, accomplished woman from a respected Atlanta family. Her interracial marriage to millionaire Jim Sullivan in 1970s Georgia was noteworthy in itself. Their differences fueled their deep attraction for each other in the beginning—she was a college-educated, Black debutante from the South. He was a white entrepreneur from working-class Boston, ten years her senior. They fell in love and soon married. But, before long, Lita found herself trapped in a marriage with a controlling man who treated her as a possession. When Lita filed for divorce from Jim Sullivan a decade later, it set off a series of events that ended in her violent death and subjected her family to a decades-long search for justice. I spoke with Deb Miller Landau about this decades-old murder case detailed in her book, available now in your favorite bookstore or online retailer. Links: The author’s website - and Instagram A Devil Went Down to Georgia: Race, Power, Privilege and the Murder of Lita McClinton, Deb Miller Landau, Pegasus Books, 2024. ISBN 9781639366835 To purchase the book on Amazon -
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Resorting to Murder - The Murder of Sara Kuszak
07/29/2024
Resorting to Murder - The Murder of Sara Kuszak
In this week’s episode, a young woman, newly engaged and expecting a baby, goes for a morning run in the serene beachfront town of Ceiba, Puerto Rico, and finds herself trapped in a nightmare. Still finding the inner courage to keep her wits about her, the terrified woman’s actions would help solve her own murder. Sources: “Kidnap Victim Called Fiancee Before Slaying,” SFGate.com, Feb 7, 2009. “Murder in Puerto Rico,” Latitude38.com, Feb 6, 2009. “Puerto Rican Indicted in Pregnant Woman’s Slaying,” SavannahNow.com, Feb 5, 2009. “Puerto Rican Man Gets 105 Years in Killing of Pregnant San Jose Native,” Associated Press, June 1, 2009. Sponsors: Lume - get 15% off with promo code ONCE at LumeDeodorant.com Links: Trova Trip - Complete our survey to help me decide where we should travel next! YouTube -
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Resorting to Murder: The Body in the Suitcase
07/22/2024
Resorting to Murder: The Body in the Suitcase
In this month’s series, “Resorting to Murder,” I share cases proving that murder never takes a holiday. This week’s case tells the story of a rocky mother-daughter relationship, a fight over an inheritance, and a cold-blooded murder that occurred at a luxury resort. Was the murder of socialite Sheila von Wiese-Mack the desperate act of an abused child or spurred on by an entitled young woman’s greed? Sources: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2015/12/09/heather-mack-accuses-slain-mom-of-cheating-her-out-of-inheritance/ https://people.com/heather-mack-suitcase-killer-everything-to-know-7509623 Heather Mack discusses her relationship with mother: Exclusive (people.com) https://www.cbsnews.com/news/american-couple-sentenced-to-prison-for-bali-suitcase-murder/ https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/interviews-with-bali-suitcase-killers-uncovers-disturbing-details-behind-the-gruesome-murder/ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3838671/Body-Suitcase-killer-Tommy-Schaefer-claims-ex-Heather-Mack-does-drugs-drinks-sex-female-prisoners-daughter-close-speaking-time-conviction-letter-friends.html Sponsor: Gabb - $25 off any device for new customers at www.GABB.com/once. Links: Once Upon a Crime on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast
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Resorting to Murder - Bruce Beresford-Redman
07/15/2024
Resorting to Murder - Bruce Beresford-Redman
In this month’s series, I’ll share cases of vacations that turned deadly. Even in the most serene and beautiful locations, murder never takes a holiday. This week, an award-winning television producer, his beautiful and successful Brazilian-born wife, and young children take a family vacation to a tropical resort. When Monica Beresford-Redman is found murdered just yards from their hotel suite, her husband becomes the main suspect. Was the circumstantial evidence all pointing to Bruce Beresford-Redman as the murderer merely a series of coincidences or proof of his guilt? Was he a victim of terrible luck, or did he resort to murder? Sources: 48 Hours: Bruce Beresford-Redman: The Verdict, Season 28, Episode 22, 2015. In the Matter of the EXTRADITION OF Bruce Ainsley BERESFORD-REDMAN. United States District Court, Ninth Circuit, California, C.D. California. Dec. 2, 2010. Sponsors: Lume - - Use discount code ONCE Links: YouTube - CrimeCon UK - September 21st and 22nd in London. Get your discounted ticket by using my discount code ONCEUPON when you purchase your ticket at www.crimecon.co.uk.
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Deadly Dads: Christian Longo
06/24/2024
Deadly Dads: Christian Longo
In this episode of Once Upon A Crime, we delve into the horrific story of Christian Longo, a man who portrayed himself to his family, friends, and community as a devoted husband, loving father, and successful businessman while leading a double life. He lived a life of lies and deception. When he could no longer keep up the facade, he disposed of his old life in favor of a new one…by destroying his entire family. This is the second installment of the 'Deadly Dads' series, highlighting fathers who became nightmares for their families. 00:00 Introduction 01:32 The Discovery Of Bodies 03:06 Investigations and Christian Longo's Lies 06:09 Family Background and Financial Deception 09:38 A Life of Crime and On The Run 11:58 Final Crimes and Capture 17:05 Trial, Sentencing, and Aftermath Sources: State v. Longo, Filed Nov. 9, 2006, Supreme Court of the State of Oregon “The Journalist and the Murderer,” Michael Finkel, Vanity Fair Magazine, June 2005. “Longo Prosecutors Offer Motive,” Andrew Kramer, Associated Press, March 12, 2003 “The Pretender: The Case of Christian Longo”, 48 Hours, CBS News, Original air date May 31, 2005. Links: Patreon - Our YouTube Channel -
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Deadly Dads: Ronald Gene Simmons
06/17/2024
Deadly Dads: Ronald Gene Simmons
In this first episode of season 9 I’ll share the harrowing story of family annihilator, Ronald Gene Simmons. Known for his obsessive need for control and order, Simmons carried out a meticulously planned series of murders in December 1987, ultimately killing 14 of his family members and two others. This episode captures the disturbing details of his life, his manipulative and abusive behavior, and his final act of violent retaliation that led to his arrest, trial, and eventual execution in 1990. 00:00 Introduction to Family Annihilators 00:39 Case Overview: Ronald Gene Simmons 01:33 Early Life of Ronald Gene Simmons 07:16 Family Life and Military Career 22:09 Abuse and Control 38:32 Escalation and Mass Murder 44:05 Aftermath and Legal Proceedings 47:08 Conclusion Sources: “Zero at the Bone,” authors Bryce Marshall and Paul Williams, Pocket Star Books, New York, NY, 1991. Sponsor: Gabb Mobile - Links: Patreon - YouTube -
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Tennessee’s Family Annihilator - Michael Cummins
06/10/2024
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 of mental health issues and violent behavior, murdered eight people, including six family members, in 2019. 00:00 Celebrating a Milestone: 8 Years of Once Upon a Crime 00:47 Start of Season 9: Family Annihilators 01:35 Case Overview: Michael Cummins 02:11 Cummins' Troubled History 02:48 Escalating Violent Behavior 03:34 Cumulative Legal Troubles 06:27 Mental Health Struggles 07:37 2017-2019: Increased Violence and Arrests 14:26 The Massacre 19:29 Investigation and Capture 20:29 Trial and Sentencing 22:40 Community and Family Reactions 25:18 Concluding Remarks Resources: Sponsors: Lume: new customers get 15% using promo code: ONCE. Links: Once Upon a Crime on YouTube:
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The Best Of Once Upon a Crime: Robert Durst - Getting Away with Murder
05/24/2024
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, Part 2” was just released as a follow-up series this month on HBO MAX and concludes this weekend. In this final “Best Of” episode, we revisit my episode on Robert Durst from Season 6, in which I focused on Robert Durst’s involvement in the murder of Morris Black and examined how he was able to get away with murder. 00:00 Welcome to the Bonus Episode: A Season Finale Reflection 01:57 The Intriguing Case of Robert Durst: A True Crime Deep Dive 08:27 A More Casual Approach to Storytelling 10:15 The Bizarre and Gruesome Tale of Robert Durst in Galveston 18:36 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead to Season Nine Links: Season 6, Episode 213: Getting Away with Murder - Robert Durst, Season 6, Episode 214: Getting Away with Murder - Doris Duke, Season 6, Episode 215: Getting Away with Murder - Ted Kennedy and Chappaquiddick, CrimeCon 2024: Use my discount code ONCE for 10% off your registration.
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Best of Once Upon a Crime: Last Stop: The Murdered Women of Juarez
05/20/2024
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 on their employment and economic status, and the appalling cycle of violence that seemed permitted due to a lack of legal repercussions. 07:49 The Border City of Juarez 08:04 Impact of NAFTA on Juarez 10:06 Role of Women in Juarez 17:04 Victim Blaming and Police Negligence Links: Season 2, Episode 87: Last Stop: The Murdered Women of Juarez - Let’s Taco ‘Bout True Crime: The Crime Junkie Plagiarism Scandal - Patreon - CrimeCon 2024 in Nashville: Sponsors: Detective Perspective - Listen to Detective Perspective every Monday on all podcast platforms or watch on YouTube every Tuesday. Criminal Coffee - - Use my discount code UPONACRIME10 for 10% off your order. A portion of every bag or box of coffee sold is donated to help solve crime!
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Best of Once Upon a Crime: Murder in My Hometown - The Disappearance of Jeanine Sanchez Harms
05/17/2024
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, including two men, Alex Wilson and Maurice Nasmeh. The community's efforts to keep the case in the public eye led to critical breakthroughs years later and ended in a shocking conclusion no one could have predicted. This episode is presented in a more personal, casual narration style, inviting listeners to delve into the intriguing, tragic mystery surrounding Janine Sanchez Harms. 05:49 The Disappearance of Janine Sanchez Harms: A Detailed Account 10:45 The Investigation Unfolds: Clues and Suspects 15:22 A Break in the Case: The Persian Rug Clue 16:01 Conclusion and Invitation to Explore More Links: Season 6, Episode 227: Murder in My Hometown: Jeanine Sanchez Harms - CrimeCon - Use promo code: ONCE for 10% off at Trova Trip Travel Survey - Click here to take our fun, 8-question travel survey.
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Best of Once Upon a Crime: The Life and Death of Selena
05/13/2024
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. The episode also covers her troubled relationship with Yolanda Saldivar, who was convicted of embezzling from Selena’s businesses and ultimately responsible for her tragic death.
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Best of Once Upon a Crime: Betty Broderick
05/10/2024
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 infidelity with his younger secretary, spirals out of control, leading to tragic consequences. This is one of our most downloaded episodes about a female killer and the most viewed on Once Upon a Crime’s YouTube channel. You can listen to the other episodes of “A Woman Scorned,” which feature notable cases such as Jodi Arias and Clara Harris. Links are provided below. To listen to the entire episode, click on this link. - A Woman Scorned - Jodi Arias - Part 1 and 2: A Woman Scorned - Clara Harris: Links: Thrive Market— you become a member, you can get 30% off your first order PLUS a free gift up to $60! Patreon - Trova Trip - Take our travel survey and get ready to travel with me!
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Best of Once Upon a Crime: O.J. Simpson
05/06/2024
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 - Season 3: Episode 115: The Darlie Routier Case w/Yolanda - https:// Season 2: Episodes 71 and 72: The 12 Crimes of Christmas - Laci Peterson, Parts 1 and 2 - Sponsors: Lume - - Use code ONCE for 15% off your first purchase. Crimecon - - Use code ONCE for 10% your ticket. Patreon - Become an OUAC super fan. Starting at $2 a month.
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Manipulated to Murder: Darin Schilmiller
04/29/2024
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: Links: Our Website - Travel with me! Click on the link to take a 2-minute survey to help me plan our first adventure! Dr. Phil interview -
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