Once Upon A Crime

In this bonus episode of Once Upon a Crime, Esther revisits the horrific crimes of serial killer John Wayne Gacy, often referred to as “The Killer Clown,” and reviews the 2025 Peacock docu-drama Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy. The episode explores Gacy’s background, his crimes, the investigation's failures, and how the new series approaches the case from a victim-centered perspective. 🔍 Episode OverviewA concise but comprehensive summary of John Wayne Gacy’s life, early red flags, criminal history, and escalation into serial murder.A breakdown of the 1978 investigation that led to the discovery of 33 victims and Gacy’s eventual arrest.Key points from Gacy’s trial, sentencing, and 1994 execution after 14 years on death row.Esther’s review of the 2025 Peacock TV series, Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy:How the series differs from past portrayalsWhy its victim-focused storytelling stands outWhat is factually accurate and what is dramatizedA discussion of additional theories, research, and case details not included in the series.📚 Sources & Further ReadingDevil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy (2025), Peacock TV / Littleton Road Productions Creator & Showrunner: Patrick McManusRolling Stone – “Four Things ‘Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy’ Leaves Out” Elisabeth Garber-Paul (Oct 24, 2025)EBSCO Knowledge Advantage: John Wayne Gacy – Research StartersPeople Magazine – “‘Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy’ — What’s Fact, What’s Fiction?” Caroline Blair (Oct 20, 2025)This episode was brought to you by: Completing the Puzzle - Go to CompletingthePuzzle.com and use code OUAC for $10 off your first puzzle subscription box or gift card. Because no one’s been murdered while doing a puzzle.  Shop our OUAC MERCH SHOP holiday sale!  For a limited time, get up to 27% off all products — including $16 tees — during our Holiday Sale. But hurry, deals end December 15th! Place your order by the 15th for delivery before Christmas.  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! 📝 Connect With the Show Have thoughts about the series or the case? Want more bonus reviews? Let Esther know on social media or at truecrimepodcast.com.  See 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 episode, Esther and producer Lorena answer listener questions and share their own reflections after a six-week deep dive into the life, death, and murder of Elizabeth Short. Topics include: • Who the real Elizabeth Short was versus the myth of “The Black Dahlia” • Whether her killer was someone she knew or a stranger • Whether the murderer had medical training • The possibility of solving the case today with DNA • Theories on whether more than one person was involved Esther and Lorena also discuss what surprised them most during the series, how their theories have evolved, and why this case still grips us nearly 80 years later. Subscribe and stay tuned for more deep-dive true crime investigations. 📚 Sources Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder by John Gilmore The Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood by William J. Mann (upcoming) 👉 Pre-order the book here: Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood To 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. Shop our OUAC MERCH SHOP holiday sale!  For a limited time, get up to 27% off all products — including $16 tees — during our Holiday Sale. But hurry, deals end December 15th! Place your order by the 15th for delivery before Christmas.  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 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 Series BROKEN: 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. Mann William 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 Hollywood To 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. 📚 Sources Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder by John Gilmore The Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood by William J. Mann (upcoming) Contemporary newspaper archives, LAPD records, and witness interviews Series Conclusion This 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 Part Five of Broken: The Black Dahlia Murder, we examine the discovery of Elizabeth Short’s mutilated body, the forensic evidence revealed by the autopsy, and how early investigative missteps and media sensationalism derailed the search for her killer. We break down the crime scene on Norton Avenue, the medical examiner’s key findings—including signs of strangulation, postmortem mutilation, and the surgical precision of the bisection—and how these details shaped investigators’ understanding of the murder. About This Series BROKEN: 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. Mann In this episode of Once Upon a Crime, we’re joined by William J. Mann, acclaimed author and historian, whose work brings the glamour and the darkness of old Hollywood vividly to life. 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 Hollywood To 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. 📚 Sources Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder by John Gilmore The 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 Broken We’ll examine the “Black Dahlia Avenger” letters, the controversial Dr. George Hodel theory, and I’ll share my own conclusions about who killed Elizabeth Short and why. Follow & Subscribe Be 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/@OnceUponACrimePodcast Visit the new OUAC MERCH SHOP!  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 Broken In 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 Series BROKEN: 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 Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder by John Gilmore The Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood by William J. Mann (upcoming) Contemporary newspaper archives, LAPD records, and witness interviews Follow & Subscribe Be 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/@OnceUponACrimePodcast 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 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.