Going to Killing City

In October 1978, the Phillips Petroleum attorney from Oklahoma was found dead in her hotel room—shot in one of the city’s most elegant addresses. Nearly half a century later, questions linger: Who wanted her silenced, and what disappeared with the evidence?Alex explores the Kansas City–Oklahoma connection, the power and secrecy behind the case, and why justice sometimes stalls in the glow of the Plaza lights. This episode was made possible in part by the detailed reporting in The Pitch: https://www.thepitchkc.com/the-icecold-caseAnd be sure to check out Jamie’s “Killer Cocktail” inspired by this case—his blind interpretation of the cryptic clue Alex gave him before the show.Visit us at killingcitypod.com and on Substack at kilingcitypod.substack.com for bonus content, behind-the-scenes notes, and more true Kansas City stories. We’ve launched a new way for listeners and readers to go deeper into the world of Going to Killing City. Think of it as your backstage pass to Kansas City’s darker history—paired, of course, with a splash of cocktail culture. This isn’t just a fan club. It’s a community of people who love Kansas City, its history, and its strangest untold stories—seasoned with a little gin, rye, or whatever’s in your glass.Memberships are open now. Consider it your invitation into the shadows.All membership perks are available exclusively through our Substack page.This month's Killer Cocktail: Mt. Vesuvius:2 oz Mezcal, Banhez3⁄4 oz Bergamot liqueur, Italicus1⁄2 oz Amaro, Cappelletti Sfumato Rabarbaro1⁄2 oz Maraschino Liqueur, Luxardo1 ds Chocolate bitters, Scrappy's Chocolate1 twst Orange peel (Flamed)InstructionsStir, strain, up, chilled coupe, garnish with flamed orange peelQuestions or comments? Email us at:  [email protected]

In March 1941, Kansas Citians woke up to the most horrific news, 24 year old Leila Welsh was brutally murdered in her own bedroom after coming home from a date.  The killer had laid in wait for hours, before sneaking into her bedroom through an open window while her mother slept in the room next to her, while her brother was asleep downstairs.  Despite a bevy of physical evidence, there has never been a conviction to her murder, and to this day remains unsolved.6 years later and almost 1700 miles away, 22 year old Elizabeth Short's body was found perfectly dissected, in a weed strewn empty lot in Los Angeles.  It would be another case that would never be solved, but maybe it now has been.The author Eli Frankel joined Jamie with UMKC's Chris Wolff to discuss his new book "Sisters in Death."  Frankel ties the two murders together with a huge amount of detail.  He spent 5 years total investigating the cases.  And at the very least, both women did know the same Kansas City man. Could he possibly murdered them both and got away with it?This discussion was recorded live at Rainy Day Books in front of a packed audience.  Listen in as Frankel makes his case as to who was responsible for both murders, and how he managed to get away with it.Special thanks to this month's sponsor, KC Bier Co! They invite you to enjoy their winter seasonal beer, Schwarzbier!Be sure to join both Jamie and Alex at the Speakeasy Spa on Tuesday December 9 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm! The event is free, but space IS limited-  you must email us at: [email protected] to reserve your space before it sells out!  Jamie and Alex will each make a killer cocktail, while discussing some of their most interesting cases, while Speakeasy Spa will provide free tacos, sangria AND chair massages! Plus enter to win a free massage! 

This special episode was recorded LIVE on Thursday October 15, 2025 - Alex from the purported most haunted room of the Hotel Savoy, room 505.  Jamie, of course, NOT there, instead manning "mission control".This special episode was brought to you by: The JonBenét Game at Unicorn Theatre, running now through November 2.It’s a dark, psychological new play about childhood games gone wrong—literally. When Rae’s childhood friend dies, her daughter finds the old ‘game’ they used to play... based on the JonBenét Ramsey case. And what unfolds? It's disturbing, intimate, and absolutely unforgettable.Tickets are at UnicornTheatre.org—go see it before it vanishes.Our special guests, the introduction voice of our podcast, Laura Ellis.Ryan Maybee with J. Rieger & Co.The gals from the Tipsy ghosts podcast.And, of course, Ernie Nolan, our episode sponsor from The Unicorn Theatre.

It's Halloween season and we all love a good scary story - but sometimes, a tale is so scary, it leaves literally with chills.Kansas City was home to the first documented internet serial killer. He had a long criminal record, but for the vast majority of his life, he was simply a con man who swindled various businesses and individuals out of their money.  Law enforcement and Prosecutor's office had numerous opportunities to put him behind bars for a long time, but they failed to do so.  They would lead to deadly consequences as he pivoted away from being a con man into being a horrifying serial murderer, who preyed on the most vulnerable.   Join us for this truly terrifying tale that most likely will keep you up at night. Full show notes, including all the accompanying links can be found on our website:  www.killingcitypod.com. 

A skeleton in a cave. A businessman who vanished 17 years earlier. A partner who disappeared the same day. Was it murder, a cover-up, or both? 🥃 Sponsored by Gunnar’s Bourbon Company. Complete show notes at killingcitypod.com (http://killingcitypod.com/).