Once Upon A Crime | True Crime

In this episode of Once Upon A Crime, we delve into the horrific story of Christian Longo, a man who portrayed himself to his family, friends, and community as a devoted husband, loving father, and successful businessman while leading a double life. He lived a life of lies and deception.  When he could no longer keep up the facade, he disposed of his old life in favor of a new one…by destroying his entire family.   This is the second installment of the 'Deadly Dads' series, highlighting fathers who became nightmares for their families.   00:00 Introduction 01:32 The Discovery Of Bodies 03:06 Investigations and Christian Longo's Lies 06:09 Family Background and Financial Deception 09:38 A Life of Crime and On The Run 11:58 Final Crimes and Capture 17:05 Trial, Sentencing, and Aftermath   Sources: State v. Longo, Filed Nov. 9, 2006, Supreme Court of the State of Oregon “The Journalist and the Murderer,” Michael Finkel, Vanity Fair Magazine, June 2005.  “Longo Prosecutors Offer Motive,” Andrew Kramer, Associated

In this first episode of season 9 I’ll share the harrowing story of family annihilator, Ronald Gene Simmons. Known for his obsessive need for control and order, Simmons carried out a meticulously planned series of murders in December 1987, ultimately killing 14 of his family members and two others. This episode captures the disturbing details of his life, his manipulative and abusive behavior, and his final act of violent retaliation that led to his arrest, trial, and eventual execution in 1990.    00:00 Introduction to Family Annihilators 00:39 Case Overview: Ronald Gene Simmons 01:33 Early Life of Ronald Gene Simmons 07:16 Family Life and Military Career 22:09 Abuse and Control 38:32 Escalation and Mass Murder 44:05 Aftermath and Legal Proceedings 47:08 Conclusion Sources:  “Zero at the Bone,” authors Bryce Marshall and Paul Williams, Pocket Star Books, New York, NY, 1991. https://archive.org/details/zeroatbone00mars/page/n5/mode/2up?view=theater  https://murderpedia.org/male.S/s1/simmons-ronald-gene.htm h

We kick off the ninth season of Once Upon a Crime with an episode that dives into the chilling case of Michael Cummins, a 25-year-old from Westmoreland, Tennessee, who committed one of the state's most horrific mass murders. Cummins, who had a history of mental health issues and violent behavior, murdered eight people, including six family members, in 2019. 00:00 Celebrating a Milestone: 8 Years of Once Upon a Crime 00:47 Start of Season 9: Family Annihilators 01:35 Case Overview: Michael Cummins 02:11 Cummins' Troubled History 02:48 Escalating Violent Behavior 03:34 Cumulative Legal Troubles 06:27 Mental Health Struggles 07:37 2017-2019: Increased Violence and Arrests 14:26 The Massacre 19:29 Investigation and Capture 20:29 Trial and Sentencing 22:40 Community and Family Reactions 25:18 Concluding Remarks    Resources:  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/crime/2019/04/30/sumner-county-killings-micheal-cummins-family-victims/3622442002/ ​​https://www.newschannel5.com/news/westmoreland-murder-suspect-armed

In the final episode of Season Eight of 'Once Upon A Crime,’ I delve into the case of Robert Durst, a wealthy New York real estate heir with a mysterious and criminal past. His involvement in several crimes, including the disappearance of his wife Kathie in 1982, the execution-style murder of his friend Susan Berman in 2000, and the murder and dismemberment of his neighbor Morris Black in Galveston, Texas in 2001, was famously told in the HBO documentary series “The Jinx,” in 2015. “The Jinx, Part 2” was just released as a follow-up series this month on HBO MAX and concludes this weekend.  In this final “Best Of” episode, we revisit my episode on Robert Durst from Season 6, in which I focused on Robert Durst’s involvement in the murder of Morris Black and examined how he was able to get away with murder.  00:00 Welcome to the Bonus Episode: A Season Finale Reflection 01:57 The Intriguing Case of Robert Durst: A True Crime Deep Dive 08:27 A More Casual Approach to Storytelling 10:15 The Bizarre and Gruesome

This month in Once Upon a Crime’s “Best Of” series, we highlight significant episodes as the podcast rounds off its eighth year. This week, I’ve chosen to revisit a story from 2018 about the serial murders of over 500 women in Juarez, Mexico, between 1993 and 2011. You’ll hear about the disturbing pattern of disappearances and murders of young women from that city. The episode also discusses the widespread negligence and victim-blaming by the police, the negative impacts of labeling women based on their employment and economic status, and the appalling cycle of violence that seemed permitted due to a lack of legal repercussions. 07:49 The Border City of Juarez 08:04 Impact of NAFTA on Juarez 10:06 Role of Women in Juarez 17:04 Victim Blaming and Police Negligence Links:  Season 2, Episode 87: Last Stop: The Murdered Women of Juarez - https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s2-ep87-last-stop-diana-the-hunter-of-bus-drivers-and-the-murdered-women-of-juarez/ Let’s Taco ‘Bout True Crime: The Crime Junkie Plagiar

This Best Of episode of Once Upon a Crime revisits the mysterious disappearance of Jeanine Sanchez Harms from Campbell, California, in 2001. This case is unique for a number of reasons, including its proximity to my hometown and studio and the shocking, unforeseeable conclusion.  It also stands out due to its 'no body murder' status and complex detective work. Jeanine, recently divorced, goes missing after a night out involving a somewhat reluctant date and interaction with several individuals, including two men, Alex Wilson and Maurice Nasmeh. The community's efforts to keep the case in the public eye led to critical breakthroughs years later and ended in a shocking conclusion no one could have predicted.  This episode is presented in a more personal, casual narration style, inviting listeners to delve into the intriguing, tragic mystery surrounding Janine Sanchez Harms. 05:49 The Disappearance of Janine Sanchez Harms: A Detailed Account 10:45 The Investigation Unfolds: Clues and Suspects 15:22 A Break in

This episode of 'Once Upon a Crime' revisits a popular series from Season 1 titled 'The Day the Music Died,' focusing on the tragic endings of musical icons, including Selena Quintanilla Perez.  The episode explores Selena's rise to fame as a star in Tejano music, her groundbreaking achievements, and her untimely death at 23. Additionally, it delves into Selena's early life and career, her family's influence, the formation of Selena y Los Dinos, and her significant impact on Tejano and pop music. The episode also covers her troubled relationship with Yolanda Saldivar, who was convicted of embezzling from Selena’s businesses and ultimately responsible for her tragic death.

In the final series for season eight of Once Upon A Crime, we provide a retrospective look at the most compelling episodes from the show's archive, particularly highlighting those that newer listeners might have missed.  This episode revisits the story of Betty Broderick from Season 1, part of the 'A Woman Scorned' series, which delves into crimes committed by women against their romantic partners.  Betty Broderick's tumultuous marriage, marked by jealousy, arguments, and ultimately, her husband's infidelity with his younger secretary, spirals out of control, leading to tragic consequences.  This is one of our most downloaded episodes about a female killer and the most viewed on Once Upon a Crime’s YouTube channel. You can listen to the other episodes of “A Woman Scorned,” which feature notable cases such as Jodi Arias and Clara Harris. Links are provided below.  To listen to the entire episode, click on this link. - https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s1-ep42-a-woman-scorned-betty-broderick/ A Woman Scorned

We’re wrapping up Season 8 on the way to Once Upon a Crime’s 9th birthday! We’re sharing six of our “Best Of” Episodes from the archives to celebrate eight years of true crime podcasting.  First up, you’ll hear a clip from one of our most popular episodes released as discussions with everyone’s favorite co-host, my sister, Yolanda.  We’ll break down the O.J. Simpson case with details you may not have heard before.   Links:  Season 6: Episode 225: Breaking Down the O.J. Simpson Case with Yolanda - https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s6-ep225-breaking-down-the-oj-simpson-case-with-yolanda/ Season 3: Episode 115: The Darlie Routier Case w/Yolanda - https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s3-ep115-the-darlie-routier-case-with-guest-co-host-yolanda-from-not-perfect-or-functional-podcast/ Season 2: Episodes 71 and 72: The 12 Crimes of Christmas - Laci Peterson, Parts 1 and 2 - https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s2-ep71-the-12-crimes-of-christmas-laci-peterson-part-1/ https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s2-ep71-the-12-c

In the last chapter of the series “Manipulated to Murder,” I’ll share a story about a predator who hid behind a false identity to manipulate young and impressionable teens into committing the senseless murder of a vulnerable young woman.  Sources:  https://law.alaska.gov/press/releases/2024/011124-Schilmiller.html  https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/6154251/Schilmiller-Court-Docs-061419.pdf https://lawandcrime.com/crime/catfished-killer-takes-plea-deal-in-2019-death-of-best-friend-murdered-in-exchange-for-9m-from-fake-millionaire/  https://law.alaska.gov/press/releases/2024/021224-Brehmer.html  https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/content/news/Who-is-accused-killer-Darin-Schilmiller-Cynthia-Hoffman-murder-suspect-511444111.html https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/crime-courts/2023/07/13/indiana-man-pleads-guilty-to-child-porn-charge-linked-to-anchorage-teens-killing-in-catfishing-scheme/  https://medium.com/the-legal-beagle/astonishing-case-in-the-unusual-murder-by-denali-brehmer-of-best-friend-beg

Pamela Smart became a household name - not for being the next Barbara Walters as she’d hoped but for orchestrating the cold-blooded murder of her husband - using her teenage lover as the trigger man. The case became a media sensation when it hit the news cycle in 1990.  It was such a high-profile case that millions watched the trial unfold live on television.  It was the very first time a murder trial in the U.S. received “gavel-to-gavel” coverage on a newly launched cable television channel dedicated to true crime content - Court TV.  Sources:  https://web.archive.org/web/20150215233410/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/family/smart/1.html https://www.nhmagazine.com/breaking-silence-cecelia-pierce-speaks/ “Do you remember Pamela Smart? She got four boys to kill her husband 29 years ago. Now, they’re free. She isn’t,” Manuel Roig-Franzi for The Washington Post, Jan 15, 2019. Links: Travel with me! Click on the link to take a 2-minute survey to help me plan our first adventure! https://trova

In this month’s series, we’ll look at people who were manipulated into committing murder.  First up, we’ll take a look at a case where a mother pressures her child to kill his father.  That fact alone would make this story truly horrible but it was not the last murder Marie Witte orchestrated.  The next one would be as cold-hearted as it was gruesome. Sources:  https://murderpedia.org/female.W/w/witte-hilma.htm  https://thecinemaholic.com/how-did-paul-witte-die-where-are-eric-witte-and-hilma-marie-witte-now/  Snapped: Hilma Marie Witte, Season 31, Episode 19, Oxygen TV, 2022.  https://www.oxygen.com/snapped/crime-news/hilma-marie-witte-convinced-sons-to-kill-husband-grandmother  Evil Lives Here: She Made Me Do It, Season 2, Episode 2, HBO MAX,  2017. 

In this final episode of “Tarnished Hollywood,” I’ll share a story about a promising young actor who ran afoul of the law.  His decision to immerse himself in gang culture at the expense of an acting career would lead to a life sentence in a prison cell and a brutal and bizarre end to his life at the age of 36. Sources:  https://chicagodefender.com/how-an-infamous-boyz-n-the-hood-cameo-led-to-real-life-murder/ https://www.thetruecrimedatabase.com/case_file/kevin-roby/

Amanda Hayes, an actress known for roles on The Sopranos and The Stepford Wives, was convicted of conspiring with her husband, Grant Hayes, to murder Laura Ackerson, his ex-wife and mother of his two children.  The murder  and its cover-up would be one of the most grisly crimes investigators had ever encountered.  Sources:  Bitter Remains, author Diane Fanning, Berkley Books, 2016.  See No Evil: Who killed Laura Ackerson and where are they now?  ID’s See No Evil: Who killed Laura Ackerson and where are they now? (sportskeeda.com) Amanda Hayes: Deadly Women -  https://deadlywomen.fandom.com/wiki/Amanda_Hayes 

Danny Masterson is an American actor best known for his role in That 70’s Show. In 2020, he was charged with raping three women in 2001 and 2003. Masterson and his victims were all members of the Church of Scientology. The church’s policies and threats toward the victims caused a 20-year delay in bringing the crimes to justice. Sources:  A Timeline of Danny Masterson’s Controversies, Skyler Caruso for People.com, Sept 7, 2023 https://people.com/tv/danny-masterson-charged-rape-timeline-of-allegations/  Danny Masterson’s Long History with the Church of Scientology, Christina Dugan Ramirez for People.com, March 3, 2017.  https://people.com/celebrity/danny-masterson-history-church-of-scientology/  Danny Masterson Used Drugging, Scientology to get Away with Rape, Prosecutor Says, Andrew Dalton, AP News, May 16, 2023  https://apnews.com/article/danny-masterson-rape-retrial-ecf0ee15fb71ef603dc4ad30ba74f3dd Danny Masterson was Convicted of Rape. What Happens to Scientology?, Tony Ortega for RollingStone, June

...1 historic steam train... ...9 exceptional true crime podcasts... ...9 tales woven with the spirit of Women's Day... ...Will YOU unravel the mysteries aboard? This International Women's Day, join Shane Waters and Wendy Cee on an unprecedented journey through the heart of England to Crimecon UK in London. Mysteries on the True Crime Express is not just a podcast episode; it's an immersive voyage into the depths of true crime, history, and the indomitable spirit of women. Aboard this old-world locomotive, you'll encounter the hosts of 9 distinguished true crime podcasts, including Esther Sanchez Ludlow of Once Upon A Crime. Each host presents a captivating story that not only chills the spine but also illuminates the historical essence of Women's Day. From the comfort of Shane and Wendy's compartment to the lively ambiance of the dining car, each tale unfolds in a unique setting on the train, adding layers of intrigue and ambiance to this auditory experience. So, secure your ticket and settle into your sea

In this special episode, I speak with author Gareth Russell.  His new book, The Palace: From the Tudors to the Windsors, 500 Years of British History at Hampton Court, gives us a look at the storied history of what is called the most beautiful palace in England.  But, behind the walls of Hampton Court, true tales of intrigue, sex scandals, assassination plots, and murder played out among the royals and court members.   Links: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Gareth-Russell/500660891  https://www.amazon.com/Palace-Windsors-British-History-Hampton/dp/1797169165 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-palace-mr-gareth-russell/1143030248

In history, there have been several monarchs known as “Mad Kings” - monarchs who were plagued by erratic and even violent behavior often attributed to mental illness. King Eric the XIV of Sweden is one such ruler. While intellectually brilliant, King Eric suffered from extreme paranoia, which led to erratic, violent, and even murderous behavior. Sources:  Disturbed Facts About Eric XIV Of Sweden, The Butcher King - Factinate Eric XIV, King of Sweden, Britannica.com  https://www.britannica.com/biography/Erik-XIV Karin Mansdotter, wikipedia.com  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karin_Månsdotter

This month, we’re taking a peek at royal families. What secrets and scandals lie behind these noble houses? In this week’s episode, I’ll tell you about an illicit affair an heir to the British throne engaged in with a French courtesan during WWI.  Marguerite Alibert retained evidence of her affair with Prince Edward that she would later use as blackmail when she was on trial for the murder of another prince.   Sources:  Marguerite Alibert: Courtesan, Murderess and Blackmailer of a King  - Historic Mysteries, December 2021.  The murderous mistress of Edward VIII before he met Wallis Simpson - NZ Herald The Perfect Murder, Royalty Magazine Monthly, Jan 2023 https://www.royalty-magazine.com/books-film/the-perfect-murder-2.html Marguerite Alibert was a Royal Mistress who got away with Murder, Shannon Quinn, History Collection, Nov 16, 2018.  https://historycollection.com/marguerite-alibert-was-a-royal-mistress-who-got-away-with-murder/ Links:  Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime - Purchase an annu

In this month’s series, we’ll take a look at the dark side of royalty. I will detail crimes, sex scandals, and even murders that have occurred within royal families.   First up, a member of the British royal family, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York’s reputation is muddied when his close, personal friend, Jeffrey Epstein, is exposed as a sex trafficker of underage girls. Prince Andrew will fall even further into disgrace when one of Epstein’s victims accuses him of sexual assault while she was a minor. Sources:  Andrew: The Problem Prince (Channel 4 Documentary), 2023,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95BujL2mFnM&t=1880s  The Fall of Prince Andrew: A Timeline, Harry Taylor and Rachel Hall for The Guardian, Feb 12, 2022 https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jan/13/prince-andrew-a-timeline Will no one rid King Charles of his turbulent prince - Andrew has to go, but how to do it?, Martha Gill for The Guardian, Jan 14, 2024.  https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/14/will-no-one-rid-ki