Historical True Crime

This episode dives into the chilling story of Velma Barfield, the first woman executed in the U.S. after the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976. From her seemingly ordinary life as a churchgoer and caregiver to her shocking crimes of poisoning loved ones, Velma's tale is one of deceit, addiction, and murder. Source Materials https://medium.com/murder-mystery-and-mayhem-in-the-old-north-state/velma-barfield-the-death-row-granny-fe8a913d9437 https://www.crimelibrary.org/notorious_murders/women/velma_barfield/10.html https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1984/11/02/woman-executed-for-murder/ec892226-c727-4194-87fa-b13bcf8f349e/ https://allthatsinteresting.com/velma-barfield https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/death-row-granny-who-first-31445901 https://torontosun.com/news/crime/crime-hunter-killer-granny-velma-barfield-had-a-penchant-for-poison

In this episode of Historical True Crime, we explore the chilling story of Robert Coombes, a 13-year-old boy who murdered his mother in 1895 Victorian London. Delve into the shocking details of the crime, the subsequent trial that captivated the nation, and the psychological factors that left experts baffled. Discover how Robert's obsession with sensationalist literature and his troubled upbringing led to one of history's most unsettling true crime cases. Join us as we unravel the mystery behind East London's boy killer. Source Materials https://www.jack-the-ripper-tour.com/generalnews/matricide-in-plaistow-1895/ https://www.jack-the-ripper-tour.com/generalnews/robert-allen-coombes/ https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/may/05/the-wicked-boy-the-mystery-of-a-victorian-child-murderer-kate-summerscale-review https://www.historicmysteries.com/major-crimes/robert-coombes/34645/ https://slate.com/culture/2016/07/kate-summerscales-the-wicked-boy-reviewed.html https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/books/article-3575991/Saved-Broadmoor-Victorian-boy-murdered-mother-saved-institution-s-enlightened-conditions.html https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/books/the-wicked-boy-20160524-gp2i3x.html https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/books/678903/Redemption-Victorian-boy-killed-mother-Plaistow-Robert-Coombes-Broadmoor-Kate-Summerscale

Join us as we delve into the captivating life of Richard Dadd, a Victorian artist whose extraordinary talent was overshadowed by his descent into madness. From his celebrated fairy paintings to the tragic murder that led to his confinement, we explore the complex interplay between Dadd's artistic genius and his struggle with mental illness. Discover how his case influenced the McNaghten rule and reshaped the legal and medical understanding of insanity.

In this episode, we delve into the dark and twisted tale of Lavinia Fisher. From her seemingly innocuous inn on the outskirts of Charleston to a night of terror and carnage, join us as we uncover the truth behind one of America's most notorious criminals. Source Materials: https://allthatsinteresting.com/lavinia-fisher https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/lavinia-fisher-americas-first-female-serial-killer-that-wasnt https://ghostcitytours.com/charleston/lavinia-fisher/ https://www.southerngothicmedia.com/lavinia-fisher

Join us as we delve into the perplexing case of Grace Marks, a name steeped in the intrigue of 19th-century Canada. From a gruesome double murder to a sensational trial, we uncover the layers of mystery surrounding Grace's story. Source Materials https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2017/11/179307/alias-grace-true-story-nancy-montgomery-murder https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/the-hanged-man-or-the-girl-named-grace-the-questions-behind-ontario-s-oldest-cold/article_317abb3a-0511-5e5d-8cc5-252e25ab0d61.html https://allthatsinteresting.com/grace-marks-alias-grace https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/mysterious-murder-case-inspired-margaret-atwoods-alias-grace-180967045/ https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/grace-marks

In this episode, we unravel the chilling tale of the Mad Bomber, George Metesky, whose relentless reign of terror struck fear into the heart of 1940s and 1950s New York City. From his initial injury at Consolidated Edison to the string of bombings that gripped the city, we explore the motivations behind his sinister actions and the lasting impact of his vendetta. Source Materials: https://allthatsinteresting.com/george-metesky-mad-bomber https://scholarship.law.vanderbilt.edu/vlr/vol61/iss1/5/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2018/10/27/unhinged-unrelenting-mad-bomber-who-terrorized-new-york/ https://www.nytimes.com/1973/12/13/archives/mad-bomber-now-70-goes-free-today-mad-bomber-now-70-goes-free-today.html https://www.insideedition.com/how-an-unlikely-source-took-down-the-mad-bomber-who-terrorized-new-york-city-for-nearly-17-years https://crimereads.com/how-a-disgruntled-workers-pipe-bombs-led-to-the-birth-of-criminal-profiling/ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/unmasking-the-mad-bomber-180962469/

Explore the chilling discovery of a well-dressed man on Somerton Beach in 1948. Join us as we unravel codes, uncover clandestine connections and navigate the shadows of post-war Australia. Despite recent breakthroughs, the identity of the Somerton Man remains elusive, leaving us captivated by the enduring mystery. Source Materials https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-body-on-somerton-beach-50795611/ https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/26/australia/australia-somerton-man-mystery-solved-claim-intl-hnk-dst/index.html https://www.cnet.com/science/solving-the-somerton-man-mystery-australias-most-baffling-cold-case/#google_vignette https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12528299/Somerton-Man-Twist-Australias-mysterious-cold-cases-case-bizarre-birthday-card-emerges.html https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-21/somerton-manfamily-photographs-revealed-/101643524 https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/have-scholars-finally-identified-the-mysterious-somerton-man-180980540/ https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/the-somerton-man-died-alone-on-a-beach-in-1948-now-australian-scientists-are-close-to-solving-the-mystery-1.5450868 https://www.grunge.com/76174/real-life-unsolved-mysteries-sound-fictional/

In today's episode, we delve into the notorious case of Doctor John Bodkin Adams, a respected physician in 1950s England accused of preying on his vulnerable patients. Source Materials  Robins, Jane (2013). The Curious Habits of Dr Adams: A 1950s Murder Mystery. John Murray.  Bedford, Sybille (1958). The Best We Can Do. London: Penguin.   https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/books/article-2341069/GP-Rolls-appetite-murder-THE-CURIOUS-HABITS-OF-DOCTOR-ADAMS-BY-JANE-ROBINS.html https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/event/article-2324941/CRAIG-BROWN-A-glutton-murder-The-Curious-Habits-Of-Doctor-Adams-like-Agatha-Christie-gone-wrong.html https://www.sussexlive.co.uk/news/history/suspected-eastbourne-serial-killer-dr-5282649 https://unknownkentandsussex.co.uk/dr-john-bodkin-adams-one-of-the-greatest-murder-trials-of-all-time/ https://web.archive.org/web/20091109031709/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,808977-2,00.html https://www.grunge.com/76174/real-life-unsolved-mysteries-sound-fictional/

In this episode, we uncover the horrifying New Orleans Trunk Murders from the 1920s. Join us as we delve into the dark underbelly of jazz-era New Orleans and unravel the twisted tale behind this chilling crime. Tune in for a story that will leave you breathless. Source Materials: https://www.southernspiritguide.org/a-block-of-death-and-dismemberment-new-orleans/ https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-trunk-murders-and-sausage-ghost-of-1920s-new-orleans https://www.hnoc.org/publications/first-draft/amid-roaring-twenties-new-orleans-brutal-french-quarter-murder-shocked-city https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/macabre-1927-killing-may-be-behind-sausage-ghost-legend/article_8fba61c2-dd47-11ed-9df5-3b2799c8841d.html https://bayoujustice.com/2022/06/new-orleans-infamous-trunk-murders-revisited/ https://thecrimewire.com/multifarious/The-Infamous-New-Orleans-Trunk-Murders https://historycollection.com/shocking-tales-from-new-orleans-early-french-quarter/14/

In this episode of Historical True Crime, host Lizzie delves deep into the captivating tale of Edward Rulloff, a man shrouded in mystery and paradox. From his remarkable intellect to his descent into a life of crime, Rulloff's story unfolds with twists and turns that will leave listeners on the edge of their seats. Join Lizzie as she unravels the enigma of Edward Rulloff, exploring the complexities of his character and the enduring legacy of his deeds. Source Materials: https://alumni.cornell.edu/cornellians/rulloff/ https://crimereads.com/the-most-notorious-brain-in-the-annals-of-crime/ https://crimelibrary.org/serial_killers/history/john_rulloff/1_index.html https://www.murderbygaslight.com/2010/08/man-of-two-lives.html

Discover the haunting tale of the Boy in the Box, a child found dead in 1957 whose identity remained a mystery until recent breakthroughs. Join us as we delve into the investigation's twists and turns, shedding light on the efforts to uncover the truth and bring closure to a decades-old tragedy. Source Materials https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11696709/Inside-65-year-hunt-identify-Philadelphias-Boy-Box-cold-case-murder-victim.html https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/08/us/philadelphia-boy-in-box-thursday/index.html https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11658871/Parents-Phillys-boy-box-revealed-property-developer-beautiful-woman.html https://www.huffpost.com/entry/joseph-augustus-zarelli-cold-case-identity_n_63924a57e4b019c69620587d https://thecrimewire.com/multifarious/Who-is-the-Boy-In-the-Box-Who-is-Americas-Unknown-Child https://www.ranker.com/list/facts-and-theories-about-the-boy-in-the-box/cat-mcauliffe https://allthatsinteresting.com/boy-in-the-box https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Joseph_Augustus_Zarelli

Join us as we delve into the chilling case of Richard Chase, infamously known as the 'Vampire of Sacramento.' Uncover the twisted psyche of this notorious serial killer as we explore his gruesome crimes and the events that led to his capture. Source Materials https://truecrimeseven.com/the-vampire-of-sacramento-the-true-story-of-richard-chase/ https://allthatsinteresting.com/richard-chase https://www.ranker.com/list/richard-trenton-chase-facts/jacob-shelton https://thecrimewire.com/true-crime/Richard-Chase-The-Vampire-of-Sacramento https://www.murderminute.com/story/the-sacramento-vampire https://torontosun.com/news/world/crime-hunter-vampire-of-sacramentos-sickening-bloodlust https://www.cracked.com/article_35176_5-facts-about-blood-drinking-serial-killer-richard-chase.html https://medium.com/@awais17/the-vampire-of-sacramento-63baf4d595e0

In this episode, we explore the infamous case of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, two privileged young men who orchestrated the kidnapping and murder of 14-year-old Bobby Franks in the 1920s. Driven by their belief in Nietzsche's concept of "Supermen," they sought to commit the perfect crime. Source Materials: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/leopold-and-loebs-criminal-minds-996498/ https://www.famous-trials.com/leopoldandloeb/1741-home https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240131-leopold-and-loeb-the-grisly-crime-of-the-century-that-fascinated-hitchcock-and-others https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2018/07/26/reopening-the-case-files-of-leopold-and-loeb/ https://librarycollections.law.umn.edu/documents/darrow/trialpdfs/LEOPOLD_LOEB.pdf https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Leopold_and_Loeb https://www.encyclopedia.com/law/law-magazines/leopold-and-loeb-trial-1924 https://www.magellantv.com/articles/leopold-loeb-the-murder-trial-of-the-20th-century https://allthatsinteresting.com/leopold-and-loeb https://www.crimelibrary.org/notorious_murders/famous/loeb/2b.html

Embark on a trip through the Caribbean as we uncover the story of Anne Bonny and Mary Read, two fearless women who defied convention to become legendary pirates. Join us as we dive into their daring exploits, their unbreakable bond, and their lasting legacy on the high seas. Source Materials: https://allthatsinteresting.com/anne-bonny https://allthatsinteresting.com/anne-bonny-mary-read https://www.worldhistory.org/Anne_Bonny/ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/if-theres-a-man-among-ye-the-tale-of-pirate-queens-anne-bonny-and-mary-read-45576461/ https://www.pirateshowcancun.com/blog/famous-buccaneer-blaggards/the-legend-of-pirate-anne-bonny/ https://gallery.lib.umn.edu/exhibits/show/mary-read-anne-bonny/anne-bonny/anne-bonny--early-life https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30865751.html https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1095&context=aujh https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofEngland/Mary-Read-Pirate https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/anne-bonny-mary-read-female-pirates

In this episode, we delve deep into one of Britain's most chilling criminal cases: the Moors Murders. Join us as we uncover the harrowing tale of Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, whose heinous acts of abduction, torture, and murder terrorized Northern England in the 1960s. Source Materials: https://allthatsinteresting.com/myra-hindley-moors-murders https://medium.com/@natasha.leigh/the-monstrous-moors-murders-ian-brady-and-myra-hindley-55720250f279 https://www.crimelibrary.org/serial_killers/predators/moors/index_1.html https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/17/world/europe/moors-murders-ian-brady-myra-hindley-victims.html https://criminalminds.fandom.com/wiki/Ian_Brady_and_Myra_Hindley https://www.thejournal.ie/the-moors-murders-a-timeline-561797-Jun2013/ https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/3571232/ian-brady-myra-hindley-moors-murders-victims/

Explore the chilling case of John List, a seemingly ordinary family man who murdered his wife, mother, and three children in 1971 before disappearing without a trace. Evading capture for nearly two decades, List's true identity was eventually revealed, shedding light on his meticulous planning and the psychological motives behind his heinous acts. Join us as we uncover the mystery of John List and the tragic fate of his unsuspecting family. Source Materials: https://allthatsinteresting.com/john-list https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/25/nyregion/25list1.html https://stylecaster.com/entertainment/tv-movies/1337297/john-list-now/#slide-1 https://www.mlive.com/news/2021/11/americas-most-wanted-killer-john-list-remains-infamous-bogeyman-in-his-michigan-hometown.html https://www.historydefined.net/john-list/ https://www.crimelibrary.org/notorious_murders/family/list/8.html https://delanirbartlette.medium.com/john-list-he-committed-the-almost-perfect-murder-4a30ad9199b9 https://www.historic-newspapers.com/blog/the-list-murders/ https://thecrimewire.com/true-crime/Deep-Dive-into-the-List-Family-Murders https://ew.com/tv/the-watcher-john-graff-true-story-john-list-family-murders/

Step back in time as we unravel the haunting story of Elizabeth Brownrigg in 18th-century England. Join us to explore the grim realities and victims who suffered at Elizabeth's hands, and the eventual but delayed pursuit of justice. Source Materials: Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline)9th September 1767, trial of James Brownrigg , Elizabeth his wife James Brownrigg John their son (t17670909-1). https://www.executedtoday.com/2012/09/14/1767-elizabeth-brownrigg/ https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-important-events/brownrigg-0012820 https://owlcation.com/humanities/Elizabeth-Brownrigg-a-Notorious-Abuser-of-Servants https://www.capitalpunishmentuk.org/brownrig.html https://www.mylondon.news/news/nostalgia/killer-london-midwife-who-mercilessly-22376783 https://davidkiddhewitt.wordpress.com/2017/07/31/let-her-crimes-be-buried-though-her-skeleton-be-exposed/ https://ia801409.us.archive.org/5/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.172876/2015.172876.The-Complete-Newgate-Calender-vol-Iv.pdf Amazing True Stories of Female Executions by Geoffrey Abbott

In this episode, we unravel the disturbing tale of Ed Gein, the "Butcher of Plainfield." Join us as we journey into the unsettling world of this quiet and unassuming farmer whose rural farmhouse transformed into a house of horrors. From ghastly grave-robbing to unspeakable acts of necrophilia and murder, Gein's deeds shocked the nation. Source Materials https://www.crimelibrary.org/serial_killers/notorious/gein/begin_2.html https://allthatsinteresting.com/augusta-wilhelmine-gein https://allthatsinteresting.com/ed-gein https://crimereads.com/ed-gein-inspiration-for-psycho-and-chainsaw-real-life/ https://www.biography.com/crime/ed-gein https://www.aetv.com/real-crime/serial-killer-ed-gein-was-a-model-patient-after-being-incarcerated-for-his-gruesome-crimes https://www.thoughtco.com/serial-killer-edward-gein-972713 https://www.aetv.com/real-crime/ed-gein-the-skin-suit-wearing-serial-killer-who-inspired-psychos-norman-bates https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/ed-gein-kills-final-victim-bernice-worden https://time.com/3879490/ed-gein-portrait-of-americas-original-psycho-killer/

In this episode, we delve into the controversial life of D.C. Stephenson, a prominent figure in the early 20th century and a leader of the Ku Klux Klan. Join us as we explore Stephenson's rise to power, his influence in Indiana politics, and the shocking scandal that ultimately led to his downfall. Uncover the dark secrets of Stephenson's life, the impact of his actions on the KKK, and the lasting repercussions on American society. Source Materials: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/murder-wasnt-very-pretty-the-rise-and-fall-of-dc-stephenson-18935042/ https://www.indystar.com/story/news/history/retroindy/2018/11/14/murder-madge-oberholtzer-rape-poison-and-kkk-d-c-stevenson/1978705002/ https://www.famous-trials.com/stephenson/74-home https://www.encyclopedia.com/law/law-magazines/dc-stephenson-trial-1925 https://beltmag.com/grand-dragon-dc-stephenson-kkk-indiana/

In this episode, we delve into the infamous life of Kate "Ma" Barker, the notorious matriarch of the Barker-Karpis Gang during the Prohibition era. Join us as we explore Ma Barker's rise to power, her role in organizing criminal activities, and the dramatic events that led to her becoming one of the FBI's most wanted. Uncover the mysteries surrounding this enigmatic figure and the lasting impact she left on the criminal underworld. Source Materials https://allthatsinteresting.com/ma-barker https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/barker-karpis-gang https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/barker-karpis-gang-5740/ https://mabarkerhouse.org/the-gang/ https://torontosun.com/news/world/crime-hunter-crime-queen-ma-barker-gullible-old-lady-or-monster-mom https://orlandohaunts.com/the-ghost-of-ma-barkers-outlaw-haunted-house/ https://www.flsheriffs.org/blog/entry/the-longest-shootout https://www.grunge.com/883946/the-wild-real-life-story-of-ma-barker/ https://www.hhhistory.com/2023/08/ma-barker-and-sons-americas-most-wanted.html https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=BA038 https://www.crimelibrary.org/gangsters_outlaws/outlaws/karpis/1.html