Bonus: The First Suspects - The Black Dahlia Files

Bonus: The First Suspects - The Black Dahlia Files

In this bonus episode, Esther takes listeners back to the earliest days of the Black Dahlia investigation — before the world even knew the victim’s name.

Detectives faced a gruesome and mystifying crime scene in a quiet Los Angeles neighborhood. Who was the young woman whose body had been staged so deliberately? And who could have committed such a shocking crime?

Using witness statements, police reports, and historical accounts, Esther reveals how investigators built their first list of suspects — and how each was eventually ruled out.

From Elizabeth Short’s friends and lovers to shady landlords and reluctant witnesses, these early leads laid the groundwork for a case that would haunt Los Angeles for decades.

🎧 Next Time on Broken

In the next episode, we’ll examine the shocking details of the crime scene and autopsy — how Elizabeth Short was killed, the forensic evidence left behind, and what it tells us about her murderer.

We’ll also start piecing together theories about motive — and why her killer may have wanted her body to be found.

Make sure you’re subscribed and that your app is set to automatically download new episodes so you don’t miss what’s next in Broken: The Black Dahlia Murder.

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

Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder by John Gilmore

The Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood by William J. Mann (upcoming)

Contemporary newspaper archives, LAPD records, and witness interviews


Follow & Subscribe

Be sure to subscribe to Broken wherever you listen to podcasts.

If you’re watching on YouTube, hit the notification bell to be alerted as soon as a new episode drops.


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


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 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!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Avsnitt(397)

Episode 020: Bonus Episode: Holiday Schedule and Shout Outs

Episode 020: Bonus Episode: Holiday Schedule and Shout Outs

Happy Thanksgiving! Just sharing some info about the holiday schedule of podcast releases and some shout outs to listeners and podcasters! Thanks to our new sponsor Audible who is offering our listeners a 30-day free trial and a free audiobook download! Go to www.audibletrial.com/onceuponacrime for your free offer.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

21 Nov 201616min

S1 Ep19: True Crime Game Changers: Francine Hughes and The Burning Bed

S1 Ep19: True Crime Game Changers: Francine Hughes and The Burning Bed

An abused woman spends years being beaten and terrorized by her husband while police and others turn a blind eye. In desperation, she takes the law into her own hands. Resources: The National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.) 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Victim Support (U.K.) www.victimsupport.org.uk Domestic Violence Resource Centre (AU) www.dvrcv.org.au U.S. Dept. of Justice Office on Violence Against Women www.justice.gov/ovw Book: The Burning Bed by Faith McNulty   People show support for the defendant at the trial of Francine Hughes./Farrah Fawcett's portrayal of Francine in "The Burning Bed".    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

17 Nov 20161h 13min

S1 Ep18: True Crime Game Changers: Kitty Genovese

S1 Ep18: True Crime Game Changers: Kitty Genovese

A young woman's murder becomes and indictment on American apathy and changes the way crime is reported. Resources: Film: The Witness Book: Kitty Genovese: The Murder, The Bystanders, The Crime that Changed America - Kevin CookSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

8 Nov 201657min

S1 Ep17: Halloween Tales

S1 Ep17: Halloween Tales

On this special bonus Halloween episode I share something a little different. Instead of the usual true crime case I'm sharing two ghost stories with you. Feel free to listen in the dark! Happy Halloween! #Halloween #ghoststories #spooky Please rate and review the show on iTunes! And tell a friend. Thanks! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

28 Okt 201630min

S1 Ep16: Fatal Fans: Chapter 4: John Hinckley

S1 Ep16: Fatal Fans: Chapter 4: John Hinckley

John Hinckley, Jr. tries to impress an actress by killing President Ronald Reagan. Was he legally insane? This is the final chapter in the series "Fatal Fans".  Please rate and review us on ApplePodcast! Twitter: @UponACrime Facebook: OnceUponaCrimePod     Resources: "At the Edge of Death" by Edmund Morris for Newsweek, October 4, 1999. Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Regan by Edmund Morris, Random House, 1999. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

11 Okt 201647min

S1 Ep15: Fatal Fans: Chapter 3: John Lennon

S1 Ep15: Fatal Fans: Chapter 3: John Lennon

Mark David Chapman stalks and murders John Lennon on a New York city street in 1980. This is Chapter 3 of Fatal Fans. Resources: Let Me Take You Down: Inside the Mind of Mark David Chapman by Jack Jones  www.facebook.com/OnceUponACrimePod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

11 Okt 20161h 5min

S1 Ep14: Fatal Fans: Chapter 2: Rebecca Schaeffer

S1 Ep14: Fatal Fans: Chapter 2: Rebecca Schaeffer

An unhinged fan has murderous plans towards young actress Rebecca Schaeffer. Resources: "An Innocent Life, A Heartbreaking Death" by Pete Axthelm, People Magazine, July 31, 1989.  "In the Mind of a Stalker" by M. Tharp, U.S. News and World Report, Feb 17, 1992.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

4 Okt 201626min

S1 Ep13: Fatal Fans: Chapter 1: Theresa Saldana

S1 Ep13: Fatal Fans: Chapter 1: Theresa Saldana

A young actress is stalked by an unhinged drifter who is intent on killing her. Facebook: OnceUponACrimePod Twitter: @UponACrime Celebrity crime, stalking victims, true crime. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

13 Sep 201640min

Populärt inom Samhälle & Kultur

mardromsgasten
podme-dokumentar
p3-dokumentar
en-mork-historia
rattsfallen
aftonbladet-krim
nemo-moter-en-van
skaringer-nessvold
creepypodden-med-jack-werner
blenda-2
svenska-fall
killradet
flashback-forever
hor-har
rss-mer-an-bara-morsa
p3-historia
badfluence
historiska-brott
rysarpodden
p3-dystopia