Once Upon A Crime

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.

In this fourth installment of Broken: The Black Dahlia Murder, we trace Elizabeth Short’s final, mysterious days — the missing week between her last confirmed sightings in early January 1947 and the shocking discovery of her body on January 15th. This episode follows “The Lost Week” through the eyes of those who crossed her path, beginning with Robert “Red” Manley, the married salesman who would become the first and most infamous suspect in the case. Listeners will hear how Manley’s brief encounter with Elizabeth turned his life into a nightmare — from his interrogation by the LAPD to his tragic decline under the weight of suspicion and mental illness. We’ll also explore the early stages of the investigation: the first crime scene discoveries, the detectives who took charge, and the swarm of reporters who would turn the story into a national obsession. Finally, we close with a look ahead — teasing the next chapter in this haunting story, where the list of suspects grows and the myths begin to take root. 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 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. 🎧 Next Time on Broken In a bonus episode, we’ll examine the full suspect list—from wartime lovers to Hollywood hangers-on—and the man who drew the most intense scrutiny of all: Mark Hansen. Who were they? What secrets did they hide? And which of them came closest to the truth? 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 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 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 🎧 Next Time on Broken In 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/@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.