Mary Ellen Pleasant, the Millionaire Murderess

At the turn of the 20th century, a Russian immigrant spent decades supporting the anarchist cause in America — plotting an assassination, publishing a magazine, and lecturing on everything from freedom of speech to prison reform to birth control.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

6 Jan 202146min

In the aftermath of 17-year-old Missy Avila’s murder, a killer moved into the Avila family home, a witness stepped forward after three years, and Missy’s Law was passed in California.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

16 Dec 202050min

A revenge plot turned deadly in 1985 after two teenage girls unleashed their jealous rage on their former friend, Missy Avila. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

9 Dec 202044min

After luring their friend Payton Leutner into the woods in May 2014, Anissa Weier and Morgan Geyser stabbed her 19 times — all in the name of Slender Man, a horror character that had materialized on the Internet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2 Dec 202044min

A made-up bogeyman went viral in 2009, inspiring low-budget web series, video games and fanfiction. The Slender Man was pure invention, but he seemed all too real to two Wisconsin girls. And in 2014, they set out to prove their devotion to him.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25 Nov 202045min

Today we’re bringing you a special two-part episode from another Spotify Original from Parcast. If you enjoy these episodes, check out Medical Murders on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!  She became the most sought after nurse in eastern Massachusetts. But “Jolly Jane” Toppan preyed on the sickly and poisoned unsuspecting patients. And when pressed for a sizable debt, she embarked on a killing spree that decimated a family.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

18 Nov 202048min

Today we’re bringing you a special two-part episode from another Spotify Original from Parcast. If you enjoy these episodes, check out Medical Murders on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!  She became the most sought after nurse in eastern Massachusetts. But “Jolly Jane” Toppan preyed on the sickly and poisoned unsuspecting patients. And when pressed for a sizable debt, she embarked on a killing spree that decimated a family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

18 Nov 202045min

After fighting obscenity charges for her stage plays, Mae West went to Hollywood and quickly earned a level of power unheard-of for women in movies. But between censors' efforts to sanitize her, and the revelation of a shocking secret from her past, Mae had to do everything she could to survive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

11 Nov 202043min