Once Upon A Crime | True Crime

By now you’ve probably heard that Esther is leading an exclusive group trip to Mexico Cityfrom March 27–30, 2026. If you’ve been thinking about joining us for this unforgettable four-day adventure, the time to act is RIGHT NOW!For the next THREE people who book, we’re giving you an extra $50 OFF our already discounted Early Bird Price. That’s a total of $150 in savings when you use code TT150MC at checkout (case sensitive). But hurry—this deal EXPIRES on 9/22or as soon as those 3 spots are gone!https://trovatrip.com/trip/north-america/mexico/mexico-with-esther-ludlow-mar-2026✨ What’s Included:Guided tour of the Historic Mexico City CenterColorful food market visitMezcal mixology class + tasting

In this final installment of our seven-part series, we follow Ruth Ellis through her last days and hours at Holloway Prison. Convicted of the murder of her lover, David Blakely, Ruth became the last woman hanged in Britain.We trace the frantic efforts made by friends, family, and even members of the public to win her a reprieve—and the powerful voices calling for her execution to go forward. We recount the haunting details of her final letters, her last walk to the gallows, and her shocking confession on the eve of her death that suggested she did not act alone.

In this episode, Ruth Ellis takes the stand in her own defense during her murder trial at the Old Bailey. What unfolds is one of the most disastrous testimonies in British legal history.Ruth answers questions with little emotion, even while recounting her tumultuous relationship with David Blakely, his violence, her miscarriage, and her decision to end their affair. Her matter-of-fact answers shock the jury, and her own attorney is stunned when she calmly admits, “I had an idea I wanted to kill him.”

On Easter weekend 1955, Ruth Ellis reached her breaking point.After years of jealousy, violence, and betrayal, she spent a long, sleepless night replaying the wreckage of her life — and blaming one man: David Blakely. By Easter Sunday, her rage would boil over into an act that would shock Britain and seal her fate as the last woman hanged in the UK.In this episode, we follow Ruth’s final hours before the shooting — a day marked by obsessive phone calls, tense stakeouts, and a simmering fury that would explode in front of witnesses. This is the moment where obsession turned deadly.

This is Part Four of our 7-part series, Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion. We trace the true story of the last woman hanged in Britain, exploring the tangled mix of love, obsession, and violence that sealed her fate.In this episode of Once Upon a Crime, the destructive love affair between Ruth Ellis and David Blakely spirals further into chaos. David’s jealousy and violent outbursts threaten Ruth’s livelihood, her home, and her relationships. By the winter of 1954, the tension between them reaches a breaking point.On Christmas Day, what should have been a festive celebration turns into a drunken, humiliating spectacle that shocks party guests and deepens Ruth’s emotional entanglement. As the new year approaches, Ruth’s world teeters on the edge — and the toxic bond she shares with David is leading them both toward disaster.Content Warning:This episode contains descriptions of domestic violence and emotional abuse. Listener discretion is advised.Sources:A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Ruth Ellis Story,

In Part Three of “Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion”, we delve into the turbulent 1954 relationship between Ruth Ellis, David Blakely, and Desmond Cussen. Discover how Ruth’s guarded heart, David’s infatuation, and a dangerous rivalry set the stage for obsession, jealousy, and ultimately, tragedy.Sources:A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Ruth Ellis Story, Carol Ann Lee, Mainstream Publishing, 2013.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellishttps://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.htmlhttps://web.archive.org/web/20141204212735/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/women/ellis/5.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/sep/12/ukcrime.claredyerhttps://www.hampshirelive.news/news/history/woman-hanged-ruth-ellis-hampshire-4192091https://www.crimemagazine.com/ruth-ellis-love-lust-and-death-gallowsSponsors: See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our websi

In this gripping second installment of “Hanged,” we delve into Ruth Ellis’s tumultuous journey through London’s shadowy nightlife, her relationship with the infamous Morris “Morrie” Conley, and her turbulent romance with George Ellis. Discover how Ruth’s ambition and desire for stability drew her deeper into a world of glamour, vice, and violence.  From her early days working as a nightclub hostess, trading favors for survival, to her volatile marriage with George—an obsessive, alcohol-dependent man haunted by his past—this episode exposes the dark realities behind her quest for respectability and love.  Explore Ruth’s struggles with violence, her desperate attempts at stability, and the complex web of relationships that ultimately set her on the tragic path leading to Britain’s last woman execution.Sources:A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Ruth Ellis Story, Carol Ann Lee, Mainstream Publishing, 2013.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellishttps://realcrimes.co.uk/ruth-ellis-jealousy-rejection

Step into the haunting and captivating story of Ruth Neilson Ellis, the last woman to be executed in the United Kingdom. This Once Upon a Crime original series traces Ruth’s tragic life—from her fragile childhood amid the chaos of World War II, through her rise as a nightclub hostess caught in London’s glamorous yet dangerous underworld, to her devastating fall that culminated in her execution in 1955.Through historical insights and compelling storytelling, we explore the social and cultural forces that shaped Ruth’s destiny. Discover how a young girl scarred by family abuse, war, and heartbreak navigated a world of glamour, crime, and ultimately, despair. This series is a powerful reflection on love, loss, and the devastating consequences of passion, raising questions about justice, society’s treatment of women, and the enduring human cost behind the headlines. Stay Subscribed for Part Two:Next time, we delve deeper into Ruth Ellis’s life as a nightclub hostess, her tumultuous relationships, and ho

Discover the haunting story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman executed in the UK. This Once Upon a Crime series follows Ruth’s journey from a troubled wartime childhood to the smoky nightclubs of London’s underworld—and finally, to the crime that sealed her fate in 1955.Blending history and storytelling, we explore how love, violence, and society’s harsh judgments shaped Ruth’s life and legacy. A powerful reflection on justice, passion, and the human tragedy behind the headlines.A haunting journey through glamour, love, and tragedy. Subscribe and download now so you don’t miss a single episode.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

 Jonathan Joss (1965–2025) was a Native American actor and musician renowned for his roles as John Redcorn in King of the Hill and Chief Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation. His tragic death on June 1, 2025, has brought attention to issues of hate crimes and the underrepresentation of Native American victims in media coverage. Native activists emphasize that Joss’ death highlights an underreported crisis of mental health disparities and violence against Native and LGBTQ communities. #JonathanJoss #TrueCrimePodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #IndigenousVoices #MediaBias #OnceUponACrime #JusticeForJonathanJoss #NativeAmericanIssues #SystemicNeglect #TrueCrimeAndTrauma Resources:  The Trevor Project – for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults in crisis, call 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678-678 or visit their website thetrevorproject.org.  StrongHearts Native Helpline – a culturally appropriate helpline for Native Americans impacted by domestic or sexual violence. Call 1-844-7NATIVE, that 1-844-762-8483 or visit str

Pack your bags and grab your passport — we’re taking the Once Upon a Crime community on the road! In this special episode, we’re officially announcing our upcoming group trip to Mexico City, and trust us, you’re going to want in on this. From March 27–30, 2025, we’ll be exploring one of the world’s most vibrant cities together — filled with amazing food, iconic art, rich history, and a killer itinerary curated just for our true crime-loving community. You’ll travel with like-minded listeners, hang out with your hosts, and experience CDMX like a local. ✨ Trip Details:

On this week’s episode we’re going international! You’ll travel to London with Esther for a behind-the-scenes listen to the Once Upon a Crime live show recorded at CrimeCon UK on June 8th. Esther emceed a game show called “Killer Knowledge” where she challenged fellow true crime podcasters Neil and Megan from Mortal Musings on their true crime trivia knowledge. The audience even got in on the action to see who knew their true crime best. So, grab your detective hat and play along — let’s find out if you’re smarter than a podcaster Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime  Our Website -  www.truecrimepodcast.com  OUAC Merchandise Store: https://my-store-db71ce.creator-spring.com - Use discount code CCUK25 for 15% off your order for a limited time!  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the fall of 1984, fear took hold of San Jose, California. In just six weeks, six young women vanished or were found murdered — their lives cut short under brutal and mysterious circumstances. As residents watched the headlines mount, few could imagine the horror hiding in plain sight. Six Weeks of Terror is a gripping true crime story that unravels the chilling timeline of Fernando Cota — a convicted rapist who slipped through the cracks and went on to terrorize a city. A routine traffic stop would crack the case wide open and lead to a horrifying discovery. Sources:   This episode was originally produced as a Once Upon a Crime Live Show presentation in San Jose, California, in July 2019.    Sponsors: To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com    Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/onceuponacrime    Trova Trip: https://trovatrip.com/trip/north-america/mexico/mexico-with-esther-ludlow-mar-2026      Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime   Our Website -  www.truecrimepodca

Dennis Rader, the self-proclaimed "BTK" killer—short for "Bind, Torture, Kill"—terrified Wichita and Park City, Kansas, for nearly two decades. But behind the mask of a monstrous mastermind was a man whose crimes were riddled with laughable mistakes, sloppy execution, and a bizarre craving for attention. In this episode, we dismantle the myth of BTK as a criminal genius and reveal the truth: Dennis Rader wasn’t brilliant—he was a bungler. Tune in as we unravel the twisted, error-filled path of one of America’s most incompetent, yet still deadly, serial killers.   Sources: Once Upon a Crime - Patreon Bonus: BTK Blunders, April 26, 2023 Confessions of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, The BTK Killer, Katherine Ramsland, PhD, ForeEdge Books, 2016.    Sponsors:  Gabb Mobile - gabb.com/once  Spot & Tango - spotandtango.com/once La Pure - All thriller, no filler! Upgrade your skincare routine with our all-natural Beef Tallow, made with rich, skin-loving vitamins and natural oils. Take 40% OFF t

In 1968, the quiet streets of Scotswood, England, were shattered by a chilling discovery: two young boys, just three and four years old, had been murdered—and the killer was an eleven-year-old girl. Mary Flora Bell's name would soon become synonymous with one of Britain’s most disturbing criminal cases. In this episode, we explore the harrowing details of her crimes, the trial that stunned the nation, and the deeply troubled upbringing that may have shaped a child into a killer.   Sources: Once Upon a Crime Podcast, Season 1, Episode 7, Killer Kids: Mary Bell - https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s1-ep7-killer-kids-chapter-2-mary-bell/ https://www.theguardian.com/uk/1968/dec/18/ukcrime.childprotection https://allthatsinteresting.com/mary-bell https://www.crimelibrary.org/notorious_murders/famous/bell/bell_11.html   Sponsors:  Gabb - For the best deals on safe phones and watches for your kids, teens, and tweens, go to GABB.com/once.    To advertise on this podcast, please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com    Or go to

In the summer of 1976, a small town in California was shaken to its core when 26 schoolchildren and their bus driver were abducted in broad daylight. The hijackers drove them to a remote rock quarry, where they were forced into a buried moving van—essentially a mass grave beneath six feet of earth. But an extraordinary act of bravery and resilience led by one victim - a 14-year-old boy - resulted in a daring escape after 36 terrifying hours underground. In this episode, we revisit the Chowchilla school bus kidnapping, uncover the twisted motives behind the ransom plot, and explore the lasting trauma carried by its survivors to this day. Sources: Once Upon a Crime Podcast - Season 2, Episode 84 - Last Stop: The Chowchilla School Bus Kidnapping. https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s2-ep84-last-stop-the-chowchilla-school-bus-kidnapping/ Chowchilla, CNN Films/HBO Max Originals, 2023. https://www.hbo.com/movies/chowchilla Sponsors:  LaPure Naturals -All thriller, no filler! Upgrade your skincare routine with our all

At the end of 2024, Once Upon a Crime released a two-part deep dive into The Life and Crimes of Sean Diddy Combs, unraveling the shocking allegations and federal charges facing the music mogul. Since then, the story has only grown more intense. With over 50 civil lawsuits filed and a federal trial set to begin on May 5th, the once-celebrated producer now finds himself at the center of one of the most high-profile legal battles in entertainment history. In this week’s episode, we catch up on where the case stands now, what Diddy’s life looks like behind bars, and what we can expect in the courtroom in the weeks ahead. Joining me is Brian Buckmire—legal contributor for ABC, co-host of Law and Crime Daily, and host of the new podcast Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy from 20/20 and ABC Audio. As a former senior staff attorney at The Legal Aid Society and an experienced homicide defense attorney, Brian brings deep legal insight and firsthand courtroom experience to this complicated and ever-evolving case. Tune in a

In the gripping conclusion of The True Tale of Lizzie Borden, we turn to the defense’s side of the story. What arguments did Lizzie’s lawyers make to counter the damning evidence? What did the jury ultimately decide—and why? Join me as we uncover the final chapter of this notorious case, from the courtroom verdict to the lasting legacy Lizzie Borden left behind. Don’t miss the dramatic end to one of America’s most enduring true crime mysteries. Catch Up: Missed Part 1 or 2? Be sure to listen to the previous episode to hear about the Borden family, the murders, and the investigation that led to Lizzie’s arrest. Sources: The Trial of Lizzie Borden, Cara Robertson, Simon & Schuster, 2019  https://www.grunge.com/69553/untold-truth-lizzie-borden/  https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/archive/2013/08/02/timeline-lives-lizzie-emma-abby/38186480007/  https://famous-trials.com/lizzieborden/1449-bowentestimony  https://www.encyclopedia.com/law/law-magazines/lizzie-borden-trial-1893  https://www.smithsonianmag.com

In Part 2 of The True Tale of Lizzie Borden, we step into the courtroom for one of America’s earliest media frenzies—the infamous trial of Lizzie Borden. After the shocking 1892 axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden, suspicion turned toward Andrew’s 32-year-old daughter, Lizzie. The brutal nature of the crime and the unexpected suspect captivated the nation. In Part 1, we explored the tense dynamics within the Borden household and followed the investigation that led to Lizzie’s arrest. Now, in this episode, we dive into the high-profile trial that gripped the country. Reporters packed the courthouse, headlines blared every development, and the public couldn’t get enough. And at the center of it all stood Lizzie Borden—facing a charge of capital murder and fighting for her life. Join me as we unpack the courtroom drama, the legal strategies, and the surprising twists in one of the most sensational murder trials in American history. What You'll Hear in This Episode: Inside the packed courtroom during Lizzie B

On August 4, 1892, the quiet town of Fall River, Massachusetts, was rocked by a gruesome double murder. Andrew Borden and his wife, Abby, were found brutally hacked to death in their own home. But the most shocking twist? The prime suspect was none other than Andrew’s own daughter, 32-year-old Lizzie Borden. The crime and trial became one of the most infamous cases in American history, sparking a media frenzy that still captivates true crime fans today. But was Lizzie truly guilty, or was she wrongfully accused? In this episode, we set the stage for our deep dive into the Lizzie Borden case. We’ll explore the crime scene, the initial investigation, and the immediate fallout that left a community in shock. Over the next few episodes, we’ll uncover who Lizzie Borden really was, what happened inside that house on that fateful day, and whether she got away with murder.   Tune in and join us as we unravel one of history’s most chilling true crime mysteries.