Broken: The Black Dahlia Murder - Part One: The Girl in the Empty Lot

Broken: The Black Dahlia Murder - Part One: The Girl in the Empty Lot

In January 1947, a mother walking through a quiet Los Angeles neighborhood made a horrifying discovery — the bisected body of a young woman posed in a vacant lot.

Within hours, newspapers had a headline that would echo for decades: The Black Dahlia Murder.

In this first episode of BROKEN: The Black Dahlia Murder, host Esther Ludlow revisits the shocking discovery of Elizabeth Short’s body and explores how the media turned one of America’s most brutal crimes into legend.

You’ll learn how police handed reporters nearly unrestricted access to the case, how wild speculation replaced evidence, and how myths — from “party girl” to “femme fatale” — erased the real woman behind the name.

Seventy-eight years later, her story is still broken by rumor and sensationalism.

Now, Once Upon a Crime seeks to restore the truth.

In this six-part series, Esther will uncover the real Elizabeth Short — and tell the story the headlines never did.

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.

Upcoming episode:

Part Two: Discovering Elizabeth - The true biography of Elizabeth Short: her childhood, her dreams, and how her life led her to Los Angeles.

Release date: October 25th

Sources & References

  • Los Angeles Police Department and FBI case archives and reports.
  • “Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood” by William J. Mann, Simon & Schuster, (Advanced Reader Copy), Publication date: January 13, 2026.
  • “Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder” by John Gilmore.
  • Historic articles from the Los Angeles Times and The Examiner (1947). (Accessed on Newspapers.com.)


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https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/


Links:

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Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast

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Crime Salad: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crime-salad/id1457141569


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Murder in Paradise: The Monster of Florence

Murder in Paradise: The Monster of Florence

The rolling hills of the Italian countryside set the scene for a chilling true crime mystery. Between 1968 and 1985, a ruthless serial killer stalked young lovers, turning romantic getaways into scenes of horror. Dubbed The Monster of Florence, this elusive murderer taunted investigators for nearly two decades, leaving behind a trail of fear and unanswered questions. Who was behind these brutal killings, and why have the crimes remained one of Italy’s most haunting mysteries? Join us as we uncover the dark secrets lurking beneath the beauty of Tuscany. 🇮🇹🔪 #TrueCrime #MurderInParadise #MonsterOfFlorence #UnsolvedMystery #SerialKillerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

12 Kesä 201729min

Murder in Paradise: The Yosemite Murders

Murder in Paradise: The Yosemite Murders

Yosemite National Park is known for its breathtaking landscapes, but in 1999, it became the hunting ground of a ruthless serial killer. As women began disappearing, investigators raced to uncover the predator lurking in one of America’s most beloved national parks. But when the shocking truth was revealed, it wasn’t just the brutality of the crimes that stunned the public—it was the killer’s chilling connection to another infamous true crime case. How did he evade capture for so long, and what dark secrets lay hidden in his past? Join us as we uncover the terrifying true story of the Yosemite Murders. 🌲🔪 #TrueCrime #MurderInParadise #YosemiteMurders #SerialKiller #NationalParkMystery   Carole Sund/Carrington Memorial Reward Foundation: www.carolesundfoundation.com 📢 Follow Us on Social Media: Facebook: Once Upon a Crime Podcast Once Upon a Crime Podcast Fan Page Twitter: @UponACrime Instagram: @OnceUponACrimePod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

5 Kesä 201756min

A Woman Scorned: Murder by Mercedes

A Woman Scorned: Murder by Mercedes

When Clara Harris discovers that her husband, David Lynn Harris, of 10 years has been having an affair, heartbreak quickly turns into rage. But instead of walking away, she decides to take revenge—in one of the most shocking and gruesome ways imaginable. Fueled by betrayal and a thirst for justice on her own terms, she turns her luxury car into a deadly weapon. What drove her to commit such a brutal act, and what was the fallout of her shocking decision? Join us as we dive into this case of love, infidelity, and a revenge plot that made headlines around the world. 🚗💔🔪 #TrueCrime #AWomanScorned #MurderByMercedes #CrimeOfPassion #BetrayalAndRevenge 📢 Follow Us on Social Media: Facebook: Once Upon a Crime Podcast Once Upon a Crime Podcast Fan Page Twitter: @UponACrime Instagram: @OnceUponACrimePod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

22 Touko 201757min

A Woman Scorned: Jodi Arias - Part 2

A Woman Scorned: Jodi Arias - Part 2

In Part 2 of A Woman Scorned: Jodi Arias, we dive into the shocking investigation, intense interrogations, and dramatic trial that captivated the nation. As detectives piece together the brutal murder of Travis Alexander, Jodi Arias weaves a tangled web of lies—changing her story multiple times in a desperate attempt to avoid justice. From her bizarre media interviews to the explosive courtroom moments, this case became one of the most infamous true crime trials in modern history. What really happened the night of the murder, and how did Jodi’s actions seal her fate? Join us as we uncover the twists and turns of this chilling case. ⚖️🔪 #TrueCrime #JodiArias #AWomanScorned #CrimeOfPassion #JusticeForTravis 📢 Follow Us on Social Media: Facebook: Once Upon a Crime Podcast Once Upon a Crime Podcast Fan Page Twitter: @UponACrime Instagram: @OnceUponACrimePod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

15 Touko 20171h 7min

A Woman Scorned: Jodi Arias - Part 1

A Woman Scorned: Jodi Arias - Part 1

When Jodi Arias met Travis Alexander, their whirlwind romance was filled with passion, obsession, and ultimately, deadly consequences. After their turbulent relationship came to an end, Jodi refused to let go—leading to one of the most brutal and infamous crimes in modern true crime history. In Part 1 of A Woman Scorned: Jodi Arias, we explore the toxic love affair, the warning signs of obsession, and the shocking events that led to Travis Alexander’s tragic murder. How did this young woman’s heartbreak turn into a brutal act of revenge? Join us as we begin unraveling the twisted story behind a crime that would captivate the world. ❤️‍🔥🔪 #TrueCrime #JodiArias #AWomanScorned #CrimeOfPassion #JusticeForTravis 📢 Follow Us on Social Media: Twitter: @UponACrime Facebook: Once Upon a Crime Podcast Instagram: @OnceUponACrimePod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

9 Touko 20171h 6min

A Woman Scorned: Betty Broderick

A Woman Scorned: Betty Broderick

A marriage filled with love and ambition turns into a bitter battlefield of betrayal, resentment, and rage. In 1989, after years of feeling cast aside and replaced, Betty Broderick took justice into her own hands—gunning down her ex-husband and his new wife in their bedroom. Was Betty a victim of emotional abuse who finally snapped, or was this a calculated act of cold-blooded murder? In Chapter 1 of A Woman Scorned, we unravel the twisted love story, the bitter divorce, and the shocking crime that made Betty Broderick a household name. Join us as we explore one of the most infamous cases of marital revenge in true crime history. 💔🔪 #TrueCrime #BettyBroderick #AWomanScorned #CrimeOfPassion #RevengeOrMurder 📢 Follow & Support the Show: Patreon: www.patreon.com/OnceUponaCrime Twitter: @UponACrime Facebook: Once Upon a Crime Podcast Email: esther@truecrimepodcast.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

2 Touko 20171h 5min

Monstrous Moms and Dastardly Dads: Charles Rothenberg

Monstrous Moms and Dastardly Dads: Charles Rothenberg

A bitter custody battle takes a horrifying turn when a father, driven by revenge and resentment, commits an unthinkable act against his own child. In this episode of Monstrous Moms & Dastardly Dads, we examine the case of Charles Rothenberg, a man who attempted to murder his 6-year-old son in a twisted plot to punish his ex-wife. How could a father commit such a monstrous act, and what became of the young survivor? This is a heartbreaking and infuriating case of betrayal, cruelty, and resilience. ⚖️🔥 #TrueCrime #CharlesRothenberg #FamilyBetrayal #MonstrousMoms #DastardlyDads 📢 Follow & Support the Show: Website: www.suspectconvictions.com Merch: www.cafepress.com/onceuponacrime Patreon: www.patreon.com/OnceUponaCrime Facebook: Once Upon a Crime Podcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

25 Huhti 201737min

Monstrous Moms and Dastardly Dads: Susan Smith

Monstrous Moms and Dastardly Dads: Susan Smith

A desperate mother reports her car stolen, claiming her two young sons were trapped inside. As the nation rallies behind her, authorities launch a massive search to find the missing boys. But after nine agonizing days, the truth emerges—and it’s more horrifying than anyone could have imagined. In this episode of Monstrous Moms & Dastardly Dads, we examine the case of Susan Smith, a mother whose shocking confession left the world stunned. What drove her to commit such an unthinkable act, and what were the devastating consequences? Join us as we unravel this tragic and deeply disturbing case of deception, desperation, and murder. 😢🚗💔 #TrueCrime #SusanSmith #FamilyBetrayal #MonstrousMoms #JusticeForMichaelAndAlex 📢 Support the Show: Patreon: www.patreon.com/OnceUponaCrime See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

18 Huhti 201751min

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