The History of Murder

Clare O’Donohue and Margaret Smith
  • 5.0 (12)
  • TRUE CRIME

Some murders changed history. Some happened because of it.  The History of Murder puts crimes in context - using interviews with historians, actors reading the actual words of those involved, and narration that brings it together for a compelling story in each episode. 

Episodes

  1. Death of the Defense: The Story of Clement Vallandigham

    2D AGO

    Death of the Defense: The Story of Clement Vallandigham

    His death is often cited on lists called, “Stupid Ways People Have Died” … and it was stupid. But the life of attorney and politician Clement Vallandigham was complicated. During the Civil War he was a free speech advocate and a convicted traitor. He was beloved by some in Ohio, hated by others and, ultimately, laughed about by most. The true crime is a shooting in a bar room brawl on Christmas Eve, but this is a documentary about the lawyer who defended that case with his life. More about the show: 🌐 https://thehistoryofmurder.com Team & Contributors Executive Producer- Clare O'Donohue  https://clareodonohue.com Executive Producer - Margaret Smith Editor – Jessica Stokey Social Media Manager & Design - Mikayla Bogus https://mikayladesign.cargo.site IT Manager - Conor Sweeney The History of Murder Logo - Bernadette Carr https://www.bcarrdesign.com Theme Song “My Carnal Life I Will Lay Down” - Rob Brereton https://robertbrereton.com   Voice of Clement Vallandigham: Joe Janes Voice of Abraham Lincoln: Randy Duncan Voice of Thomas McGehan: Nick Rowley Voice of James Vallandigham: Sean Sheehan This was truly a team effort, and we’re grateful to everyone who played a part. Help keep us around by ….  Buying Merch  https://buy.thehistoryofmurder.com Joining Our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofmurder  And Supporting Us Directly https://buymeacoffee.com/thehistoryofmurder

    32 min
  2. Fire on the Prairie: The Story of the Lawrence Massacre

    DEC 9

    Fire on the Prairie: The Story of the Lawrence Massacre

    On August 21, 1863, the residents of Lawrence, Kansas woke up to chaos.  The Civil War was raging, and this Midwestern town, far from the front lines, was at the center. 500 men rode into town, killing men and boys, burning down the homes and businesses. They said they were fighting for the Confederacy but were they really just criminals looking to steal and kill? In this true crime documentary, we explore the question of whether this was mass murder or an act of war. More about the show: 🌐 https://thehistoryofmurder.com Team & Contributors Executive Producer- Clare O'Donohue https://clareodonohue.com Executive Producer - Margaret Smith Editor – Steph Kelly Social Media Manager & Design - Mikayla Bogus https://mikayladesign.cargo.site IT Manager - Conor Sweeney The History of Murder Logo - Bernadette Carr https://www.bcarrdesign.com Theme Song “My Carnal Life I Will Lay Down” - Rob Brereton https://robertbrereton.com   Voice of William Quantill - Nick Rowley Voice of Bill Anderson - Joe Janes Voice of Elizabeth - Kelly Haran Voice of Rev. Cartright - Sean Sheehan This was truly a team effort, and we’re grateful to everyone who played a part. Help keep us around by …. Buying Merch https://buy.thehistoryofmurder.com Joining Our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofmurder And Supporting Us Directly https://buymeacoffee.com/thehistoryofmurder

    38 min
  3. When Lincoln Defended A Killer: The Story of Peachy Quinn Harrison

    NOV 25

    When Lincoln Defended A Killer: The Story of Peachy Quinn Harrison

    The stakes were high – and not just for the young man on trial for murder. But also for his defense attorney, Abraham Lincoln. Not only did he know both the victim and the killer, but the case marked the only time the full trial would be written down and published for everyone to see. One major slip could lead to the gallows for his client and end his hopes for the presidency.  Listen to the true crime documentary that featured a future president. More about the show: 🌐 https://thehistoryofmurder.com Team & Contributors Executive Producer- Clare O'Donohue https://clareodonohue.com Executive Producer - Margaret Smith Editor – Jessica Stokey Social Media Manager & Design - Mikayla Bogus https://mikayladesign.cargo.site IT Manager - Conor Sweeney The History of Murder Logo - Bernadette Carr https://www.bcarrdesign.com Theme Song “My Carnal Life I Will Lay Down” - Rob Brereton https://robertbrereton.com   Interview: Brian "Fox" Ellis  https://www.facebook.com/brian.f.ellis.5 Voice of Abraham Lincoln: Randy Duncan Email: no_malice03@yahoo.com Voice of Peachy Quinn: Ryan Hultman Instagram: @rhults11 Voice of Greek Crafton: Mike Canale This was truly a team effort, and we’re grateful to everyone who played a part. Help keep us around by ….  Buying Merch  https://buy.thehistoryofmurder.com Joining Our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofmurder  And Supporting Us Directly https://buymeacoffee.com/thehistoryofmurder

    40 min
  4. When Protesters Met Bayonets: The Story of the Bonus Army

    NOV 11

    When Protesters Met Bayonets: The Story of the Bonus Army

    Is it true crime or military might? The President of the United States ordered the army to remove peaceful protestors from Washington DC. The army used tear gas, torches, bayonets, and tanks to get the job done. Three people died. The year was 1932. The president was Herbert Hoover. And the actions taken changed the United States to this day.  More about the show: 🌐 https://thehistoryofmurder.com Team & Contributors Executive Producer- Clare O'Donohue  https://clareodonohue.com Executive Producer - Margaret Smith Editor – Steph Kelly Social Media Manager & Design - Mikayla Bogus https://mikayladesign.cargo.site IT Manager - Conor Sweeney The History of Murder Logo - Bernadette Carr https://www.bcarrdesign.com Theme Song “My Carnal Life I Will Lay Down” - Rob Brereton https://robertbrereton.com   Voice of Herbert Hoover: Rob Janas @thatrobjanas http://www.robjanas.com/ Voice of Joe Angelo: Mike Canale This was truly a team effort, and we’re grateful to everyone who played a part. Help keep us around by ….  Buying Merch  https://buy.thehistoryofmurder.com Joining Our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofmurder  And Supporting Us Directly https://buymeacoffee.com/thehistoryofmurder

    39 min
  5. The Night of Horrors: The Story of the Chinese Massacre

    OCT 28

    The Night of Horrors: The Story of the Chinese Massacre

    In October of 1871, a mob in Los Angeles descended upon a poor neighborhood and hunted down every Chinese man they could find. The killing spree would last four hours. There were several trials, but many of the witnesses stayed away – and one group, the surviving Chinese, were kept from testifying. Then the entire event was buried so deep in the history books that even the descendants of the survivors didn’t know it happened.   More about the show: 🌐 https://thehistoryofmurder.com Team & Contributors Executive Producer- Clare O'Donohue  https://clareodonohue.com Executive Producer - Margaret Smith Editor – Steph Kelly https://stephkellyedits.com Social Media Manager & Design - Mikayla Bogus https://mikayladesign.cargo.site IT Manager - Conor Sweeney The History of Murder Logo - Bernadette Carr https://www.bcarrdesign.com Theme Song “My Carnal Life I Will Lay Down” - Rob Brereton https://robertbrereton.com David Louie. LA Historian  Chinese American Museum, Los Angeles    Voice of Yo Hing - Mike Zhao Voice of Joseph Mesmer - Kevin Smith Voice of Horace Bell - Brian Fox Ellis Voice Adolpho Celis  - Ryan Hultman Instagram: @rhults11 Voice of Reporter - Jeff Stampka https://cooolmedia.com/ This was truly a team effort, and we’re grateful to everyone who played a part. Help keep us around by ….  Buying Merch  https://buy.thehistoryofmurder.com Joining Our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofmurder  And Supporting Us Directly https://buymeacoffee.com/thehistoryofmurder

    27 min
  6. The Man Who Poisoned A Dynasty: The Story of Bennett Clark Hyde

    OCT 14

    The Man Who Poisoned A Dynasty: The Story of Bennett Clark Hyde

    In 1909, a major philanthropist in Missouri died. He was 81 and had a number of health issues. His death might have been natural…. Except…. In the same house a family member had died just weeks before, and another would die weeks later. Fingers pointed to one man. The trials that followed divided a family and left a legacy of doubt that haunts Missouri to this day. More about the show: 🌐 https://thehistoryofmurder.com Team & Contributors Executive Producer- Clare O'Donohue  https://clareodonohue.com Executive Producer - Margaret Smith Editor – Steph Kelly https://stephkellyedits.com Social Media Manager & Design - Mikayla Bogus https://mikayladesign.cargo.site IT Manager - Conor Sweeney The History of Murder Logo - Bernadette Carr https://www.bcarrdesign.com Theme Song “My Carnal Life I Will Lay Down” - Rob Brereton https://robertbrereton.com Ralph Monaco Monaco Sanders, Racine, Powell, & Reidy, LLC Voice of Thomas Swope - Ed Moran  Voice of Bennett Clark Hyde - Nick Rowley http://njrowley.com/ Voice of Pearl Keller - Kelly Haran This was truly a team effort, and we’re grateful to everyone who played a part. Help keep us around by ….  Buying Merch  https://buy.thehistoryofmurder.com Joining Our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofmurder  And Supporting Us Directly https://buymeacoffee.com/thehistoryofmurder

    48 min
  7. Murder at the Crossroads: The Story of Clara Olson

    SEP 30

    Murder at the Crossroads: The Story of Clara Olson

    In 1926, one invention was changing lives all across America. And in rural Wisconsin it was about to change the life of a young woman who thought she was on the road to her future. When she disappeared, her father did everything to find her, but what he uncovered not only changed his life – it changed everything. More about the show: 🌐 https://thehistoryofmurder.com Team & Contributors Executive Producer- Clare O'Donohue https://clareodonohue.com Executive Producer - Margaret Smith Editor – Steph Kelly https://stephkellyedits.com Social Media Manager & Design - Mikayla Bogus https://mikayladesign.cargo.site IT Manager - Conor Sweeney The History of Murder Logo - Bernadette Carr https://www.bcarrdesign.com Theme Song “My Carnal Life I Will Lay Down” - Rob Brereton https://robertbrereton.com   Voice of Clara Olson - Hannah Magy Instagram  @hannahmagy9352 Voice of Erdman Olson - Connor Stumm https://www.instagram.com/connerscomedy?igsh=bmRxaDkxd2I0Z3I5&utm_source=qr Voice of Chris Olson - Fredrik Kalstveit https://fredrikkalstveit.com/ This was truly a team effort, and we’re grateful to everyone who played a part. Help keep us around by ….  Buying Merch  https://buy.thehistoryofmurder.com Joining Our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofmurder  And Supporting Us Directly https://buymeacoffee.com/thehistoryofmurder

    34 min
  8. The Castle on Garland Street: The Story of Ossian Sweet

    SEP 16

    The Castle on Garland Street: The Story of Ossian Sweet

    In 1925 Detroit, Michigan a Black family moved into a White neighborhood. A  mob attacked their home with rocks, and one man was killed. 10 men went to trial for first-degree murder. With Clarence Darrow leading the defense, the attorneys and the NAACP had to convince an all-White jury that defending one's home was not a crime, but a right. Please Be Advised: There's a graphic description of a child's murder More about the show: 🌐 https://thehistoryofmurder.com Team & Contributors Executive Producer- Clare O'Donohue  https://clareodonohue.com Executive Producer - Margaret Smith Editor – Ann Rose https://www.letsmakethings.com Social Media Manager & Design - Mikayla Bogus https://mikayladesign.cargo.site IT Manager - Conor Sweeney Marketing Consultant – Patrick Hackett The History of Murder Logo - Bernadette Carr https://www.bcarrdesign.com Theme Song “My Carnal Life I Will Lay Down” - Rob Brereton https://robertbrereton.com   Daniel Baxter, Founder https://ohsweetfoundation.org/ Voice of Ossian Sweet – Ric Walker Voice of Clarence Darrow – Rush Howell Voice of Walter White & W.E.B DuBois – Nnamdi Ngwe Insta: https://www.instagram.com/nngwe17 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nnamdingwe Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4641360 This was truly a team effort, and we’re grateful to everyone who played a part. Help keep us around by ….  Buying Merch  https://buy.thehistoryofmurder.com Joining Our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofmurder  And Supporting Us Directly https://buymeacoffee.com/thehistoryofmurder

    45 min
  9. The Bride of Blood: The Story of Belle Gunness

    SEP 2

    The Bride of Blood: The Story of Belle Gunness

    If you want love, you might advertise. That was certainly true in 1908 La Porte, Indiana when a Norwegian immigrant went looking for a mate in the newspaper’s Lonely-Hearts section. But it didn’t lead to love, it led to murder – and lots of it. Go to our website for more information on the show The History of Murder Executive Producer- Clare O'Donohue www.clareodonohue.com Executive Producer - Margaret Smith Senior Editor - Steph Kelly  www.stephkellyedits.com Social Media Manager & Design - Mikayla Bogus https://mikayladesign.cargo.site/  IT Manager - Conor Sweeney Marketing Consultant- Patrick Hackett   The History of Murder Logo - Bernadette Carr HOME | bcarrdesign   Theme Song “My Carnal Life I Will Lay Down” - Rob Brereton Rob Brereton Bruce Johnson & the LaPorte County Historical Society  La Porte County Historical Society Museum David Johnson & the Norske Museum NorskMusuem.org Norwegian Landscape photo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ Chicago History Museum Photo Archive Home - Chicago History Museum Voice of Belle Gunness - Ragnhild Swanson  Voice of Nellie Larson - Anna Öjdahl Sweeney This was truly a team effort, and we’re grateful to everyone who played a part.   Help keep us around by ...  Buying Merch  https://buy.thehistoryofmurder.com/  Joining Our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofmurder  Supporting Us Directly https://buymeacoffee.com/thehistoryofmurder

    43 min
  10. From Front Lines to Front Page: The Story of Carl Wanderer

    SEP 2

    From Front Lines to Front Page: The Story of Carl Wanderer

    Love the movie “His Girl Friday”? It’s tied to a 1920 murder in Chicago where two newspaper men looked behind the headlines to get the real story of a double homicide in the entryway to a home.  Go to our website for more information on the show The History of Murder Executive Producer- Clare O'Donohue www.clareodonohue.com Executive Producer - Margaret Smith Senior Editor - Steph Kelly  www.stephkellyedits.com Social Media Manager & Design - Mikayla Bogus https://mikayladesign.cargo.site/  IT Manager - Conor Sweeney Marketing Consultant- Patrick Hackett Sierra Wolf, Paul Durica, and Peter T Alter, Chicago History Museum  Home - Chicago History Museum Faces of the Forgotten You Tube Channel Faces of the Forgotten - YouTube Patrick Moran (Carl)  This was truly a team effort, and we’re grateful to everyone who played a part. Help keep us around by ... Buying Merch  https://buy.thehistoryofmurder.com/  Joining Our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofmurder  Supporting Us Directly https://buymeacoffee.com/thehistoryofmurder

    37 min
  11. Trailer: Carl Wanderer

    SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Trailer: Carl Wanderer

    A taste of the new podcast The History of Murder. Our first episode is about two members of the press, and the double murder they helped solve.

    1 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Some murders changed history. Some happened because of it.  The History of Murder puts crimes in context - using interviews with historians, actors reading the actual words of those involved, and narration that brings it together for a compelling story in each episode. 

Information

  • Creator
    Clare O’Donohue and Margaret Smith
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The History of Murder
  • Show Website
    The History of Murder

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