Once Upon A Crime

A man leads police to a body buried in a snowbank on Christmas Day, 1977. This murder in Madison, Wisconsin, would captivate the public with a tale of sex, murder, drugs and money. Resources: Book: Winter of Frozen Dreams - by Karl Harter Video: Winter of Frozen Dreams See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Christmas Day, 1929, one of the country's worst mass murders took place in North Carolina. This is Chapter 2 of Holiday Homicides: The Lawson Family Murders. Resources: Book: The Meaning of Our Tears: The True Story of the Lawson Family Murders by Trudy J. Smith Ballad: The Lawson Family Murder by Doc WatsonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the early morning hours of Christmas Eve, 1881, a brutal attack was perpetrated on three sleeping teens in Ashland, Kentucky. Poem: The Ashland Tragedy, composed as a ballad by Peyton Buckner Byrne of Greenup County, Kentucky. Music: The Cherry Tree Carol and Carol of the Bells from An Appalachian Christmas, Composer Mark O'ConnorSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A 9-year-old girl is abducted in Arlington, Texas. The community and, ultimately, the country would call for changes in the way law enforcement responds to missing and abducted children You can find the video about Amber and her family here: WFAA Amber Hagerman Documentary Click here to find out more about the AMBER Alert System The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children can be contacted at 1-800-THE-LOST or www.missingkids.org . You can see a list of active AMBER alerts here. Tips to keep your children safe: 1) Have a code word phrase. This is a phrase that you would share with your children, especially as it relates to adults they should and can trust. They should know that if you send someone to pick them up from school or any activity, the code word will be used. Make it something funny or personal so it’s easy for the kids to remember. A child should only go with someone who tells them that phrase. 2) Teach your kids that adults don’t need help from kids. If an adult needs directions, help finding a pet or anything else, they should ask another adult, not a child. 3) Let your child know it’s OK to yell, scream, and say no to an adult if they feel uncomfortable or scared. We teach children to listen to adults and not to be disruptive, but there are times they should disobey and be loud. It’s a good idea to practice with your kids. Give them a scenario and have them practice say no firmly and loudly, screaming, and running away. 4) Be careful of sharing too much identifying information on the internet. Of course, we like to share pictures and information about the cute and fun things are children do on Facebook and other social media. But predators can get information about a child's location, routine, etc., if identifying information is shared such as school names, names of parks you frequent, even locations of meeting places like scout troop meetings, sports fields, etc. So, just keep that information to a minimum and without details. Family members and good friends already probably know it so it's not necessary to share. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The murder of a young girls leads to sweeping changes in sentencing laws. Polly Hannah Klaas was 12 years old when she was abducted by a stranger out of her own bedroom. Resources: People v. Davis, Appeal Record, Superior Court of California, June 1, 2009 "The Man Who Kept Going Free" by Jeffrey Toobin for The New Yorker, March 7, 1994. Polly's Story - www.pollyklaas.org "An Angel Named Polly" by Elizabeth Gleick and Maria Eftimiades for People Magazine, Nov 28, 1994. Book recommendation: American Heiress: The Wild Saga of the Kidnapping, Crimes and Trial of Patty Hearst by Jeffrey Toobin See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Queen of Tejano Music is gunned down by a fan in 1995. Resources: Music: Selena - Ones - (Greatest Hits Album) DVD: Selena - the Movie Book: To Selena with Love - by Chris Perez To connect with the show: On Twitter: @uponacrime On Facebook and Instagram @OnceUponaCrimePod Website: www.truecrimepodcast.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two of music's biggest rap stars are cut down in their prime. But, who killed them? This week's episode - Tupac and Biggie. Follow us on Twitter @UponACrime and on Facebook and Instagram @OnceUponaCrimePod Resources for this episode: Music: 2Pac's Greatest Hits The Notorious B.I.G. Greatest Hits Books: Tupac Shakur: The Life and Times of an American Icon - Tayannah Lee McQuillar and Fred L. Johnson III, PhD Notorious C.O.P.: The Inside Story of Tupc, Biggie and Jam Master Jay Investigations - Derrick Parker The Rose that Grew from Concrete: Poems by Tupac Shakur Movies and Documentaries: Tupac: Resurrection Notorious Biggie and Tupac: The Story Behind the Murders of Rap's Biggest Superstars See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the second installment of our series on tragic musical icons, we examine the life and mysterious death of Kurt Cobain, the legendary frontman of Nirvana. Known for shaping the sound of a generation, Cobain's raw talent and emotional lyrics made him a voice for the misunderstood—until his untimely death in 1994, ruled a suicide… but still clouded in speculation.We’re joined by Justin Evans from The Generation Why and The Peripheral podcasts to discuss the controversial documentary Soaked in Bleach and the murder theory that continues to stir debate. Was it really suicide—or is there more to the story?📚 Sources used in this episode:– Heavier than Heaven: A Biography of Kurt Cobain by Charles R. Cross🎥 Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck🎥 Soaked in Bleach🔗 Check out our guest:www.TheGenerationWhyPodcast.comwww.theperipheral.libsyn.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This series uncovers the haunting stories of iconic musicians whose lives were cut short by violence or shrouded in mystery. In Chapter One, we delve into the heartbreaking murder of Marvin Gaye, the soulful voice behind classics like What’s Going On and Sexual Healing.At the height of his fame, Marvin struggled with personal demons, fame, and a volatile relationship with his father—tensions that would ultimately lead to his tragic death just one day before his 45th birthday. We explore his rise to superstardom, the turmoil behind the scenes, and the chilling events that unfolded in his final moments.📚 Sources used in this episode:– Marvin Gaye: My Brother by Frankie Gaye– Divided Soul: The Life of Marvin Gaye by David RitzSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A quiet morning. A sudden hail of gunfire. The first school mass shooting in U.S. history. On January 29, 1979, 16-year-old Brenda Spencer opened fire on Cleveland Elementary School in San Diego, killing two and injuring eight. When asked why she did it, her chilling response shocked the nation: "I don’t like Mondays." What led a teenager to commit such a horrific act? Was there more to her story than a flippant remark? And how did this crime change the way America viewed school shootings forever? Join us as we explore the tragic and disturbing case of Brenda Spencer. 🎧 Listen now—because history has a way of repeating itself. 📖 Book Recommendation: Does Anyone Like Mondays? The Brenda Spencer Murder Case – Eric Hart 🔗 Follow & Subscribe for More True Crime: 🐦 Twitter 📱 Subscribe on ApplePodcast, Spotify, or YouTube. #TrueCrimePodcast #BrendaSpencer #IDontLikeMondays #SchoolShootings #CrimeHistory #OnceUponACrimeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the summer of 1968, a quiet town in northern England was rocked by a disturbing discovery—two young boys were found dead, and the person responsible was just 11 years old. This episode unpacks the chilling case of Mary Bell, one of the most infamous child killers in British history.We explore the psychological trauma in Mary’s early life, the media frenzy surrounding her arrest and trial, and the deeper societal questions her case raised: Can a child truly understand murder? And what happens when innocence is lost far too soon?📚 Sources used in this episode:– The Case of Mary Bell by Gitta Sereny (1995, Pimlico)– Audio Clip: The Mary Bell Case, YouTube (uploaded by chewyisacat, March 7, 2013)Link: https://youtu.be/moFhGzE_xRI#true crime #Mary Bell #child killers #1960s murder cases #criminal psychology #juvenile justice #infamous trials #UK true crime #girls who kill #meangirlmurders  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A bonus episode partially recorded at The Warfield Theater in San Francisco, CA. Making a Murderer's Dean Strang and Jerry Buting on their speaking tour "A Conversation on Justice". To subscribe to Once Upon a Crime on iTunes, click here. To subscribe to Once Upon a Crime on Stitcher, click here. Our Twitter feed is here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 1872, fear gripped the streets of South Boston as a chilling string of murders unfolded—committed by a boy barely in his teens.This episode dives deep into the twisted mind of Jesse Pomeroy, America’s youngest known serial killer, whose brutal crimes shocked the nation and left a lasting scar on 19th-century Boston.We unravel the dark story behind his violent spree, explore his disturbing upbringing, and examine how a child became a monster in plain sight. Was he born evil—or made that way?📚 Further reading:– The Wilderness of Ruin by Roseanne Montillo– Fiend by Harold Schechter– The Autobiography of Jesse H. Pomeroy written by himselfSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When victims are held captive for long periods, one question always resurfaces: Why didn’t they run? In this episode, we dive into the complex psychological phenomenon known as Stockholm Syndrome—a survival response where hostages form emotional bonds with their captors. We'll explore how this syndrome may have impacted the victims featured in our "Lost and Found" series and take a deeper look at one of the most infamous examples in U.S. history: the kidnapping of Patty Hearst.If you're fascinated by true crime, psychological survival tactics, and real-life hostage cases, this is a must-listen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Three young girls vanish. A community searches for answers. The truth is more horrifying than anyone imagined. Between 2002 and 2004, three girls—Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry, and Gina DeJesus—disappeared without a trace from the same Cleveland neighborhood. For years, their families held onto hope, but no one could have guessed that they were being held captive just miles from home. When the truth finally came to light in 2013, the city was stunned to discover that the man responsible had been hiding in plain sight all along. How did he get away with it for so long? What horrors did the women endure? And how did they finally escape? Join us as we uncover the shocking case of Ariel Castro and the Cleveland kidnappings. 🎧 Listen now—because sometimes the monster is closer than you think. 📖 Book Recommendation: The Lost Girls: The True Story of the Cleveland Abductions – John Glatt 🔗 Support the show & get exclusive content: www.patreon.com/OnceUponaCrime 📢 Follow for more true crime: 🌐 www.truecrimepodcast.com #TrueCrimePodcast #ClevelandKidnappings #ArielCastro #SurvivorStories #OnceUponACrimeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the second installment of our Lost and Found series, we revisit the harrowing case of Elizabeth Smart, a 14-year-old girl abducted from her bedroom in the middle of the night. Raised in a close-knit Mormon family in Salt Lake City, Utah, Elizabeth’s life was upended when a simple act of kindness—offering help to a local transient—set the stage for a chilling and calculated kidnapping. What followed was a months-long ordeal filled with psychological manipulation, forced travel across state lines, and an unimaginable fight for survival. Against all odds, Elizabeth’s story became one of resilience, strength, and an unforgettable return home. This episode explores how one family’s faith and perseverance—and a public unwilling to forget—helped bring Elizabeth back from the brink. #ElizabethSmart #TrueCrimePodcast #LostAndFoundSeries #MissingPersons #SurvivorStory #KidnappingCase #TrueCrimeCommunity #Resilience #ColdCaseFiles #JusticeForVictims #TrueCrimeObsessed #RealCrimeStories #TrueCrimeAddict #CrimePodcast #TrueCrimeDailySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the gripping premiere of our new series Lost and Found, we delve into one of the most shocking and heartbreaking missing persons cases in modern American history—the abduction of 11-year-old Jaycee Dugard. Snatched in broad daylight by strangers in a seemingly random act, Jaycee’s disappearance would haunt investigators and her family for 18 long years. But this was no ordinary kidnapping. Her captors had meticulously planned every detail—and the truth of what happened behind closed doors is even more disturbing than you might imagine. How do families cope when a loved one vanishes without a trace? When do you give up hope—or do you ever? This series explores the emotional limbo of missing persons cases, the fight to keep their stories alive, and the rare, miraculous moments when the unthinkable becomes reality. Join us as we uncover the unbelievable true story of Jaycee Lee Dugard, the girl who was found after nearly two decades, and whose survival defied all odds. Recommended Reading: A Stolen Life: A Memoir by Jaycee Dugard Lost and Found: The True Story of Jaycee Dugard and the Abduction that Shocked the World by John Glatt See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to Once Upon a Crime the true crime podcast that tells the story behind the story of real life crime. New episodes release every Monday. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Pandora or wherever you listen to podcasts. Clips from show are from the following episodes: Episode 142: Taunting Terrors: Shari Faye Smith Episode 146: Rocktober: Altamont, The Rolling Stones and the Hells Angels Episode 158: Bad Seeds: Lowell Lee Andrews Episode 149: Fugitives from Justice: Jesse James Hollywood Episode 156: Behind the Crime: Aileen Wuornos Social Media: Twitter: @uponacrime Facebook and Instagram @onceuponacrimepod Join our 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.