Broken: The Black Dahlia Murder - Part Two: Becoming Elizabeth

Broken: The Black Dahlia Murder - Part Two: Becoming Elizabeth

Before she became The Black Dahlia, Elizabeth Short was simply Beth — a young woman with big dreams, an open heart, and a longing for something beyond the ordinary. In Part Two: Becoming Elizabeth, we step back in time to uncover the story of the woman behind the legend.

From her childhood in Medford, Massachusetts, through family tragedy, illness, and the Great Depression, we follow Elizabeth’s journey into adolescence — a girl fascinated by Hollywood glamour and determined to create a better life for herself.

We trace her adventures from the frozen streets of New England to the sun-drenched beaches of Florida and the military bases of California during World War II. Along the way, we meet the men who loved her — and the heartbreaks that would shape her fate.

This episode explores the making of Elizabeth Short: the beauty, the dreamer, and the woman who walked fearlessly into a world that would one day remember her by another name.

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 & 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.)


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

Mortal Musings Podcast: https://mortalmusingspodcast.com/


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 crimefans 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.

Episoder(394)

Listener Suggestions: Suzane von Richthofen - "Evil Blonde"

Listener Suggestions: Suzane von Richthofen - "Evil Blonde"

Thank you to listener Alexandre Guglielmelli from Brazil for this case suggestion! In 2002, a wealthy couple is found murdered in their home in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Their own daughter soon becomes a suspect and the case becomes a media sensation in Brazil.  Resources: Murder in Brazil #5 - The von Richthofen Case, www.murderiseverywhere.blogspot.com  Rogerio Pagnan, UOL, Sao Paulo, "Suzane Richthofen, Sentenced for Murdering her Parents to Marry Female Prisoner," Oct 29, 2014.  The Creepy Case of Suzane von Richthofen: The Evil Blonde. YouTube, uploaded by Brief Case, May 27, 2018, https://youtu.be/gEyjSBDZuCk. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

20 Nov 201828min

Listener Suggestions: The Texas Cadet Murder Case

Listener Suggestions: The Texas Cadet Murder Case

A young couple conspire to kill a romantic rival in Texas in 1995.  Thanks to listener Casey Graham for the suggestion of this case.  This is the case of Diane Zamora and David Graham - The Texas Cadet Murder case. Make-a-Wish North Texas - www.ntx.wish.org Resources: Bryan Robinson, "Texas v. Diane Zamora: The Diane Zamora Trial," www.CourtTV.com.  Confessions of Diane Zamora and David Graham to Grand Prairie Police Department dated Sept, retrieved from www.Murderpedia.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

13 Nov 201851min

Listener Suggestions: Craig Price - The Warwick Slasher

Listener Suggestions: Craig Price - The Warwick Slasher

This month I'm picking cases from listener suggestions as a "thank you" to my audience.  First up is a case from Warwick, Rhode Island suggested by Mikala Fortin. When a series of brutal murders takes place in one neighborhood in 1989, investigators zero in on an unlikely suspect - a teenage boy who would be considered one of the country's youngest serial killers.  To give a donation or find out more about Rhode Island Relay for Life go to www.relayforlife.org/northernRI  Resources: Helen O'Neill, San Francisco Chronicle, "Juvenile Serial Killer Remains in Prison," Dec 15, 2007.  Rachael Bell, CrimeLibrary.com, "Craig Price: Confessions of a teenage serial killer".   Tim White, WPRI.com, "Brother of murder victim calls Craig Price's shrinking sentence 'ridiculous'," April 23, 2015. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

6 Nov 201839min

Haunted Homicide: The LaLaurie Mansion

Haunted Homicide: The LaLaurie Mansion

The last chapter of "Haunted Homicide" is the story of the LaLaurie Mansion known as "the most haunted house in America".  In this episode you'll hear the TRUE story of Madame Delphine LaLaurie who is called "the socialite serial killer".   Resources: Ozzy and Jack's World Detour - https://www.aetv.com/shows/ozzy-and-jacks-world-detour Mad Madame LaLaurie: New Orleans' Most Famous Murderess Revealed by Victoria Cosner Love and Lorelei ShannonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

22 Okt 201846min

Haunted Homicide: The Tower of London

Haunted Homicide: The Tower of London

The Tower of London has a long history of torture, murder and royal intrigue.  It has also been the scene of many ghostly sightings over its 950-year history.  Travel with me to through the Tower to uncover some of its dark history.   #ThomasBecket #WilliamWallace #HenryVIII #AnneBoleyn #ThePrincesintheTower #RichardIII #TudorEngland #ElizabethI Resources: Books: Tower: An Epic History of the Tower of London by Nigel Jones The Lady in the Tower: The Fall of Anne Boleyn by Alison WeirSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

15 Okt 201857min

Haunted Homicide: The Amityville Horror House and Ron DeFeo

Haunted Homicide: The Amityville Horror House and Ron DeFeo

A house with a dark history is purchased by a young couple in 1975.  They soon begin experiencing unexplained and terrifying events inside the home.  Was it a result of their imaginations run wild? A hoax? Or the after effects of a horrific multiple homicide committed there?  #Amityville #AmityvilleHorror #DeFeoMurders #RonaldDeFeo  Resources:  Audio Clip from documentary My Amityville Horror (2013) directed by Eric Walter.  Click here to rent or purchase.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

8 Okt 201849min

Haunted Homicide: Herb Baumeister and Fox Hollow Farm

Haunted Homicide: Herb Baumeister and Fox Hollow Farm

The Fox Hollow Farm Murders 🏚️ A picturesque estate in the Indiana countryside hid a nightmarish secret. Herb Baumeister, a successful businessman and devoted father, led a double life—one that ended in murder. His sprawling property, Fox Hollow Farm, became a killing ground, and after his crimes were uncovered, the estate earned a reputation as one of the most haunted places in the Midwest. In this chapter Haunted Homicide, we explore the horrifying true story of Baumeister’s secret life, the shocking discoveries on his property, and the lingering paranormal mysteries that continue to this day. 📚 Resources & References: 📺 The Haunting of Fox Hollow Farm (2011) – Directed by Dan T. Hall, Vizmo Films 📺 Investigative Reports: Herb Baumeister: Secret Life of a Serial Killer (2010) – A&E Television Network 📖 Baumeister: Skeletons Beyond the Closet – Joe Geringer, CrimeLibrary.com 📖 While Julie Was Away – Richard Jerome, People (Dec 23, 1996) 📺 Paranormal Witness: Fox Hollow Farm – Season 2, Episode 8 🔗 Stay Connected: 📸 Facebook: Once Upon a Crime #HauntedHomicide #FoxHollowFarm #HerbBaumeister #SerialKiller #TrueCrime #Paranormal #OnceUponACrime Edensphere Band: https://www.facebook.com/EdensphereBand/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 Okt 201848min

Fast Food Felonies: The Wendy's Chili Finger Scam

Fast Food Felonies: The Wendy's Chili Finger Scam

A woman finds a finger in a fast food item. An investigation is launched and a crime will be uncovered.  Audio clips: Business and Media, January 16, 2008 SJSUCrusade, April 2, 2008 The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Comedy Central, April 14, 2005 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.

24 Sep 201830min

Populært innen Samfunn

giver-og-gjengen-vg
aftenpodden
rss-spartsklubben
konspirasjonspodden
alt-fortalt
aftenpodden-usa
popradet
rss-nesten-hele-uka-med-lepperod
vitnemal
grenselos
wolfgang-wee-uncut
lydartikler-fra-aftenposten
synnve-og-vanessa
frokostshowet-pa-p5
rss-dannet-uten-piano
fladseth
relasjonspodden-med-dora-thorhallsdottir-kjersti-idem
den-politiske-situasjonen
opptur-med-annette-og-ingeborg
min-barneoppdragelse