Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion – Q&A Aftershow

Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion – Q&A Aftershow

In this special Aftershow episode, Esther and Lorena answer listener questions and reflect on the powerful story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be executed in the United Kingdom.

Together, we unpack the psychology, the heartbreak, and the social forces behind one of Britain’s most infamous true crime cases. From Ruth’s volatile relationship with David Blakely to the justice system that sealed her fate, we dive deeper into what drove her — and what doomed her.

Plus, Esther reflects on Ruth’s final act, and whether she believed it was her only escape.

If you loved the Hanged series, this Aftershow gives you a chance to go behind the scenes, hear deeper insights, and join the conversation about love, obsession, and justice.


Highlights:

  • The emotional toll of toxic relationships and what they reveal about human behavior
  • Gender, class, and morality in 1950s Britain
  • How Ruth Ellis’s childhood and early adult experiences informed her choices about love, relationships, and obsession



✈️ 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!


Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review. Your support helps us bring more stories like Ruth’s to life.


Sources:

A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Ruth Ellis Story, Carol Ann Lee, Mainstream Publishing, 2013.

The Last Woman to be Hanged: The Ruth Ellis Story, Robert Hancock, Seven Dials Publishing, 2020.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellis

https://realcrimes.co.uk/ruth-ellis-jealousy-rejection-and-a-hanging/

https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/ruth-ellis-real-story-last-woman-hanged-murder-a-cruel-love-b1141748.html

https://web.archive.org/web/20141204212735/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/women/ellis/5.html

https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/sep/12/ukcrime.claredyer

https://www.hampshirelive.news/news/history/woman-hanged-ruth-ellis-hampshire-4192091

https://www.crimemagazine.com/ruth-ellis-love-lust-and-death-gallows


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


✈️ 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.

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Twin Terrors: The Gibbons Sisters - Part 1

Twin Terrors: The Gibbons Sisters - Part 1

June and Jennifer Gibbons were identical twins who, from a very young age, were so bonded to one another that they created their own “twin language” to communicate speaking only to one another.  They rejected any other relationships including their own parents and siblings.  Later, they would construct a fantasy world that only they inhabited.  This lead to more serious anti-social behavior that resulted in a shocking crime spree.   Resources: Marjorie Wallace, The Silent Twins, (London, Vintage Books 1998).  BBC: Inside Story, The Silent Twin: Without my Shadow. YouTube, Uploaded by GottaFindPants, Nov 20, 2017. https://youtu.be/98WtP1qC61s  Music credits: Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Reflections" by Alexander Nakarada (https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com/) Licence: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

3 Juni 20191h 6min

Where Are They Now? - The Cleveland Kidnappings

Where Are They Now? - The Cleveland Kidnappings

"Lost and Found" was the very first series of Once Upon a Crime in June, 2016.  In that series I covered the story of three young women who were held captive and abused by Ariel Castro for over a decade.  In this bonus episode we give you an update about these survivors - Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry and Gina De Jesus.   Links: Our website:  www.truecrimepodcast.com CrimeCon:  www.CrimeCon.com - Use offer code ONCE19 for 10% off your registration.  Toronto True Crime Film Festival: www.torontotruecrimefilmfestival.com Our Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/onceuponacrimepod Click here to join our Facebook group.   Twitter: www.twitter.com/uponacrime  www.twitter.com/tacoboutcrime Instagram: www.instagram.com/onceuponacrimepod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

24 Maj 201917min

Disorder in the Court: Ellie Nesler

Disorder in the Court: Ellie Nesler

A mother takes justice into her own hands in Jamestown, California in 1993 when she discovers her son has been abused by a child molester.  Some called her a hero, others denounced her actions as vigilantism.  This is Chapter 2 of "Disorder in the Court". Resources: The Nesler Family's Tragic Past - www.oprah.com  Pushed Over Edge, Mother Chose Own Brand of Justice by Mark Arak, Times Staff Writer, April 11, 1993.  William Nesler Still a Fugitive by Lloyd Vries for CBS News, July 29, 2004.  Ellie Nesler's Family Buries their Hero in Angels Camp, by John Holland in The Modesto Bee, January 2, 2009.  Links: www.facebook.com/onceuponacrimepod www.truecrimepodcast.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

13 Maj 201934min

Disorder in the Court - The Atlanta Courthouse Killer

Disorder in the Court - The Atlanta Courthouse Killer

In 2005, a man on trial for rape escapes custody in Atlanta's Fulton County Courthouse and goes on a violent rampage.  This is Chapter 1 of "Disorder in the Court".   Resources: 3 Slain in Atlanta Courthouse Rampage, The Washington Post, March 12, 2005, Staff writers Manuel Roig-Franzia and Melanie Lasoff Levs  A Manhunt and a Woman's Story, Washington Post, March 15, 2005, writer Manuel Roig-Franzia A Youth Drifted from Deep Family Ties to Deep Trouble, The Baltimore Sun, March 18, 2005, writers Abigail Tucker and Stephen Kiehl 10 Years Later, Courthouse Safer, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 11, 2015, by Ernie Suggs See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

6 Maj 201946min

Bad Sports: Ten Cent Beer Night

Bad Sports: Ten Cent Beer Night

A summer ball game descends into chaos when a promotional event goes seriously awry.  This is the last chapter in the series "Bad Sports" recounting the Cleveland Indians' "Ten Cent Beer Night" riot.  Thanks to guest voice actors Lorne and Michael from The True Crime Guys podcast.  www.truecrimeguys.com Resources: Articles: The Night Beer and Violence Bubbled Over in Cleveland by Paul Jackson on ESPN.com Forty Years Ago, 10-cent Beer Makes Memories by Anthony Castrovince on MLB.com  Video: Ten Cent Beer Night - Weird History on YouTube.com  Other links: Our website: www.truecrimepodcast.com 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.

29 Apr 201933min

Bad Sports: Soccer Brawl in Brazil

Bad Sports: Soccer Brawl in Brazil

A friendly soccer game on a dusty field in Brazil turns into a horrific act of violence.  Resources:  Article: A Yellow Card, Then Unfathomable Violence in Brazil by Jere Longman and Taylor Barnes for The New York Times, October 31, 2013 "Football Hooliganism" - a Wikipedia listing of instances of violence at soccer matches.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

15 Apr 201933min

Bad Sports: Sally "Killer" McNeil

Bad Sports: Sally "Killer" McNeil

Muscles, marriage, and murder. A deadly Valentine’s Day like no other. Ray and Sally McNeil were both professional bodybuilders—a power couple in the world of competitive fitness. But behind their sculpted physiques lay a marriage fueled by infidelity, domestic abuse, and the dangerous effects of anabolic steroid use. On February 14, 1995, their volatile relationship reached its shocking and violent climax, leaving one of them dead and the other fighting for their freedom. Was Sally McNeil a battered wife acting in self-defense, or was there something more sinister behind the crime? Join us as we break down the case that rocked the bodybuilding world and examine the dark side of extreme competition. 🎧 Listen now—because strength isn’t always what it seems. 📚 Resources: Court Records: McNeil v. Middleton, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit (2003) Articles: Sally McNeil...This is My Story – Leigh Penman, RXMuscle.com (2009) The Sally-Ray McNeil Murder – Peter McGough, MuscularDevelopment.com (2015) 🔗 For more true crime stories, visit: www.truecrimepodcast.com 📢 Follow for more true crime: 📘 Facebook 📷 Instagram 🐦 Twitter #TrueCrimePodcast #SallyMcNeil #BodybuildingCrime #CrimeOfPassion #KillerValentine #OnceUponACrimeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

8 Apr 201926min

Bad Sports: Thomas Junta - "Hockey Dad"

Bad Sports: Thomas Junta - "Hockey Dad"

This month I'll be sharing stories of outrageous crimes that occurred at sporting events or by sports figures.   First up, a neighborhood ice rink, a pee-wee hockey pick-up game and some unsportsmanlike conduct leads to a confrontation between parents that ends with tragic results.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 Apr 201930min

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