Once Upon A Crime

Esther Ludlow

Step into the darker side of history with Once Upon A Crime, a true-crime podcast that delves deep into some of the world’s most gripping cases. Hosted by an expert storyteller, Esther Ludlow, each episode unravels the mysteries behind notorious crimes, exploring the lives of victims, perpetrators, and the intricate details of the investigations that followed. With carefully researched narratives, thematic series, and thoughtful insights, Once Upon A Crime offers listeners a captivating blend of suspense, history, and human psychology. Whether you're a seasoned true-crime fan or just curious about the stories that shaped headlines, Once Upon A Crime promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.

  1. 5d ago

    The Deadly Housewife: America's Forgotten Female Serial Killer - with Gregg Olsen

    Four husbands dead. A brother-in-law poisoned. A child's mysterious death. And at the center of it all, a seemingly ordinary wife and mother. More than a century ago, Lyda Trueblood became one of America's most notorious female serial killers. Known in the newspapers as "Lady Bluebeard" and "Flypaper Lyda," she left a trail of suspicious deaths across the American West. Her weapon of choice? Arsenic extracted from ordinary household flypaper. How did Lyda get away with murder for so long? Was she a calculating criminal mastermind, or did society's expectations of women as devoted wives and mothers help her escape suspicion? This week on Once Upon a Crime, Esther welcomes #1 New York Times bestselling true crime author Gregg Olsen to discuss his new book, Ordinary Wife: The True Story of America's Forgotten Serial Killer, co-written with his daughter, Morgan Olsen. Gregg shares fascinating details about Lyda's personality, possible motivations, and the investigation that finally exposed her crimes. We also discuss the challenges of researching a century-old murder case, the sensational newspaper coverage of Lyda's trial, and the surprising experience of writing a true crime book with his daughter. Then, we turn to Gregg's remarkable career and some of his most unforgettable books, including If You Tell, the harrowing story of Shelly Knotek's daughters, and Out of the Woods, which chronicles the abduction and extraordinary survival of eight-year-old Shasta Groene. Gregg also shares what he's learned from working closely with crime survivors and victims' families, why some stories continue to haunt him, and why he believes true crime storytelling can make a meaningful difference. And don't worry, we've saved some of the biggest surprises in Lyda Trueblood's extraordinary story for readers to discover in the book! Books and Links Ordinary Wife: The True Story of America's Forgotten Serial Killer by Gregg Olsen and Morgan Olsen — Book information and purchase linksNotorious USA — Gregg Olsen's official website and new true crime imprintRead an excerpt from Ordinary Wife — America's Lady Bluebeard: The Strange Murder Trial of Lyda TruebloodOther Gregg Olsen books discussed: If You Tell, By the River's Edge, and Out of the Woods — Explore Gregg's booksOrdinary Wife was published October 27, 2026. Connect with Once Upon a Crime Subscribe to Once Upon a Crime on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a fellow true crime reader or listener, and leave us a rating or review! Join Patreon for bonus episodes, exclusive members-only videos, and more. Go to 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.

    The Deadly Housewife: America's Forgotten Female Serial Killer - with Gregg Olsen
  2. Nov 3

    "I don't like Mondays” - Brenda Spencer.

    On January 29, 1979, sixteen-year-old Brenda Spencer opened fire on Cleveland Elementary School in San Diego, California, killing two school employees and wounding eight children and a police officer. When asked why she'd committed such a horrific act, Brenda gave an answer that would become infamous: "I don't like Mondays." But was there more behind those chilling words? In this updated episode of Once Upon a Crime, we revisit one of America's earliest high- profile school shootings and examine the troubled teenager behind the crime. We'll explore Brenda's childhood, family relationships, psychological struggles, and the warning signs that preceded the attack. Nearly five decades later, Brenda remains behind bars. We'll look at her changing explanations for the shooting, her claims of childhood trauma, and her repeated parole of 14 15 denials—including her most recent hearing in 2025. Has she ever demonstrated genuine remorse or fully accepted responsibility for her actions? We'll also explore a disturbing question: Did Brenda Spencer's crime help establish a pattern for the epidemic of school shootings that continues in America today? From the role of media attention to the psychology of copycat killers, we examine the legacy of a crime that shocked the nation long before Columbine. Listen to the Original Episode This case was first featured on Once Upon a Crime in July 2016, during our inaugural season. Season 1, Episode 8: Killer Kids, Chapter 3 – Brenda Spencer https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s1-ep8-killer-kids-chapter-3-brenda-spencer/ Sources and Further Reading • San Diego County District Attorney's Office – Brenda Spencer Denied Parole (February 21, 2025) https://www.sdcda.org/Office/newsroom/GetNewsroomFile?UID=75bec742-da77-491d- af19-b1fbcef5c946 • Times of San Diego – Brenda Spencer, "I Don't Like Mondays" School Shooter, Again Denied Parole (February 21, 2025) https://timesofsandiego.com/crime/2025/02/21/brenda-spencer-i-dont-like-mondays- school-shooter-again-denied-parole/ • California Board of Parole Hearings – Brenda Spencer Parole Hearing Transcript (September 7, 2016) https://schoolshooters.info/sites/default/files/Spencer-Parole-Hearing-2016.pdf • Eric Hart – Does Anyone Like Mondays? The Brenda Spencer Murder Case. An examination of Brenda's background, family relationships, and possible motivations, based on interviews with people who knew her. • Adam Lankford and Jason R. Silva – Research on similarities between copycat mass shooters and their role models (2024) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004723522400165X School Violence Prevention Resources Sandy Hook Promise Educational programs to help students, parents, and educators recognize warning signs of violence and intervene before tragedy occurs. https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/ Know the Signs – Sandy Hook Promise Information on identifying concerning behavior, recognizing threats, and seeking help. https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/resources/warning-signs/ of 15 15 Say Something – Violence Prevention Program Resources that teach young people how to recognize warning signs and report concerns to trusted adults. https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/what-we-do/programs/violence-prevention/ If you or someone you know is experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is an immediate threat of violence, call 911. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    "I don't like Mondays” - Brenda Spencer.
  3. Oct 26

    Gregorio “Goyo” Cardenas: The Tacuba Strangler | With Jack Luna of Dark Topic

    Can a serial killer truly be rehabilitated, or can a clever murderer simply convince the world that he's changed? In this special episode of Once Upon a Crime, Esther welcomes back Jack Luna, host and producer of the acclaimed true crime podcast Dark Topic. Jack joins Esther to explore one of Mexico's most bizarre and controversial true crime cases. In 1942, Gregorio "Goyo" Cárdenas Hernández was a young scientist with a promising future. But behind his respectable exterior lurked a killer. Over the course of just three weeks, Goyo murdered four young women in Mexico City, burying their bodies in the garden behind his home. His arrest shocked the nation, but what happened afterward was perhaps even more astonishing. Esther and Jack examine Goyo's troubled childhood, his disturbing crimes, controversial psychiatric treatment, and unlikely rise to celebrity status after his incarceration. Along the way, they explore the psychology of serial murder, the possibility of rehabilitation, and society's troubling fascination with notorious killers—while remembering the four young women whose lives were cut short. Special Guest: Jack Luna Jack is the creator and host of Dark Topic, a long-running true crime podcast blending meticulous case research, narrative storytelling, personal reflection, and dark humor. Esther and Jack previously collaborated in December 2019 on an in-depth examination of the JonBenét Ramsey case, which remains one of Once Upon a Crime's most popular episodes. You can listen to that episode here:  https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s4-ep155-analyzing-the-jonbenet-ramsey-case-with-jack-luna/  Listen to Dark Topic: https://www.darktopic.com Sources & Further Reading Clarkson, Wensley. Serial Killers of Mexico: Chilling Stories of Evil Buried Beneath the Narco Drug Wars (2022).Gregorio Cárdenas Hernández — MurderpediaGregorio Cárdenas Hernández — WikipediaThe Mar del Norte Crimes (Goyo Cárdenas) — YouTubeGregorio "Goyo" Cárdenas: El Estrangulador de Tacuba — CriminalísticaConnect with Once Upon a Crime Visit https://www.truecrimepodcast.com for more episodes, updates, and bonus content. Listen, follow, and share! If you enjoyed this collaboration, please follow Once Upon a Crime and Dark Topic wherever you listen to podcasts. Content Advisory: This episode discusses murder, sexual violence, and crimes involving minors. Listener discretion is advised. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Gregorio “Goyo” Cardenas: The Tacuba Strangler | With Jack Luna of Dark Topic
  4. Oct 19

    The Oracle's Daughter: Inside an American Cult

    How does a free-spirited hippie become the authoritarian leader of a religious cult? And why do ordinary people remain loyal to dangerous leaders, even when faced with abuse, isolation, and fear? This week on Once Upon a Crime, we explore the disturbing history of the Aggressive Christianity Missions Training Corps (ACMTC), a little-known American cult led by Jim and Deborah Green. What began in the counterculture movement of the 1970s evolved into an extremist religious organization whose members considered themselves soldiers in God's army. Under Deborah Green's leadership, followers surrendered their independence, endured harsh punishments, and lived according to the commands of a woman who claimed to speak directly for God. For decades, the organization operated largely outside public scrutiny, until allegations of child abuse, exploitation, and other crimes led to a major criminal investigation. Joining me is journalist and author Harrison Hill, whose book, The Oracle's Daughter: The Rise and Fall of an American Cult, chronicles the organization's history and the extraordinary story of Deborah Green's daughter, Sarah, who risked everything to escape. Together, we explore the psychology of cult membership, the tactics used by charismatic leaders to maintain control, the complicated relationships between perpetrators and victims, and why leaving a high-control group can be so difficult. We'll also examine what ACMTC reveals about the darker side of American religious extremism—and the troubling similarities between this organization and other notorious cults. PLUS: Hear the full, uncut interview with Harrison Hill exclusively on Patreon! We go deeper into his research, the fascinating history of American cults, and the extraordinary people whose stories inspired his book. Join us at patreon.com/onceuponacrime. Memberships start at just $5 per month. Featured Book The Oracle's Daughter: The Rise and Fall of an American Cult by Harrison Hill Available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats. The author narrates the audiobook. Purchase on Amazon https://a.co/d/06SYEKds or your favorite bookstore.  Connect with Harrison Hill Website: https://harrisonhill.meInstagram: @1harrisonhillListen and Follow Once Upon a Crime Website: https://www.truecrimepodcast.com Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Support the show: Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow true crime listener! Sources Hill, Harrison. The Oracle's Daughter: The Rise and Fall of an American Cult.Interview with Harrison Hill, conducted for Once Upon a Crime, October 2026.Content Advisory: This episode discusses religious coercion, psychological manipulation, child abuse, and allegations of physical and sexual abuse. #OnceUponACrime #TrueCrimePodcast #TheOraclesDaughter #HarrisonHill #AmericanCults #AggressiveChristianity #CultSurvivors #CoerciveControl #ReligiousExtremism #TrueCrimeBooks See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    The Oracle's Daughter: Inside an American Cult
  5. Oct 12

    Rocktober: Axl Rose — Welcome to the Nightmare

    Before he became the legendary—and notoriously volatile—frontman of Guns N’ Roses, Axl Rose was a troubled kid from Lafayette, Indiana, with a childhood marked by family secrets, abuse, and rebellion. In this special Rocktober episode, we explore the life behind the rock-star persona—from Axl's turbulent upbringing and repeated run-ins with the law to his meteoric rise with Guns N’ Roses, infamous onstage meltdowns, and eventual return to the spotlight. But a darker chapter of Axl Rose's family history may surprise even longtime fans. In 1984, Axl's estranged biological father, William Bruce “Bill” Rose, was brutally murdered. For nearly three years, the crime remained a secret, until a frightened teenager revealed what had happened inside his family's home. It's a shocking story of jealousy, revenge, domestic violence, and two courageous children who helped bring a killer to justice. Join us as we uncover the troubled history of one of rock's most controversial frontmen—and the little-known murder that became part of his family's legacy. Also mentioned in this episode: Once Upon a Crime, Season 6, Episode 257: Bands Gone Wild: Guns N’ Roses and the Riverport Riot https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s6-ep257-bands-gone-wild-guns-n-roses-and-the-riverport-riot/ Once Upon a Crime, Season 3, Episodes 122-123: Murder Memories: Eileen Franklin  https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s3-ep122-murder-memories-eileen-franklin-part-1/  https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s3-ep122-murder-memories-eileen-franklin-part-1/  Sources:  Axl Rose: Biography, childhood, and musical career Rolling Stone — Axl Rose: The Rolling Stone Interview — Axl discusses his childhood, family relationships, emotional struggles, and therapy. The Guardian — Guns N’ Roses feature (2008) Watch You Bleed: The Saga of Guns N’ Roses — Stephen Davis. Mockingbird — The Secret History of William Axl Rose, Part 1 Axl Rose — Biographical reference Billboard — The Billboard Q&A: Axl Rose The murder of Bill Rose, the Faulkner family The Southern Illinoisan — Daughter Who Helped Convict Her Father for Murder Tells Story in Memoir The Rose Among Thorns — Valerie Faulkner's memoir recounting her family's experiences and her role in bringing her father to justice. Sponsors:  Talkiatry - Go to talkiatry.com/once to complete a short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes.  Links:  OUAC Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com  OUAC Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime OUAC Killer Threads Shop (merchandise) - onceuponacrime.dashery.com  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Rocktober: Axl Rose — Welcome to the Nightmare
  6. Sep 28

    Taylor Parker — Deadly Deception

    Taylor Parker presented herself as a hardworking Texas country girl, a devoted girlfriend, an heiress to a family fortune—and soon, an excited mother-to-be. There was just one problem. Much of it wasn't true. Taylor wasn't an heiress. The millions she promised her boyfriend didn't exist. And despite the ultrasound photos, maternity pictures, growing belly, gender reveal, and nursery, Taylor wasn't pregnant—and couldn't become pregnant. But as her supposed due date came and went, Taylor was running out of ways to keep the deception alive. On October 9, 2020, 21-year-old Reagan Simmons-Hancock—35 weeks pregnant with her second daughter—was murdered inside her New Boston, Texas, home. Taylor then attempted to pass Reagan's baby off as her own. In this episode of Once Upon a Crime, we examine the years of deception that preceded the murder and ask a larger question: What happens when maintaining the person you've invented becomes more important than admitting the truth? We'll explore Taylor Parker's history of fabricating illnesses, wealth, crises, and relationships; the extraordinary lengths she went to in order to convince boyfriend Wade Griffin that she was pregnant; and the prosecution's contention that the fake pregnancy was part of Taylor's desperate effort to keep him from leaving her. We'll also look beyond the Netflix documentary Maternal Instinct to examine Taylor's background and family relationships, as well as the conflicting psychological and neurological testimony presented during the penalty phase of her trial. As Wade Griffin would later say of Taylor: "She painted a pretty picture." But when that picture began to fall apart, Reagan Simmons-Hancock and her daughter, Braxlynn, would pay an unimaginable price. Content Warning: This episode discusses the murder of a pregnant woman, fetal abduction, pregnancy loss, and violence. Some listeners may find the subject matter particularly distressing. Sources & Further Reading Texas Court of Criminal Appeals — Parker v. State of Texas (2025) The court's opinion affirming Taylor Parker's capital murder conviction and death sentence. This is an especially valuable source for the trial evidence, prosecution theory, testimony concerning Parker's deceptions, and issues raised on appeal. Read the court opinion via Justia Netflix — Maternal Instinct Jessica Dimmock's 2026 documentary examines the Taylor Parker case through interviews, law-enforcement footage, and people directly affected by Parker's deceptions and crimes. Maternal Instinct — Netflix Tudum Netflix Tudum — Maternal Instinct Director Interview Director Jessica Dimmock discusses the case, fetal abduction, and questions surrounding Parker's psychological evaluation. Read the director interview KTAL/NBC 6 — Taylor Parker Trial Coverage Extensive local reporting from Parker's capital murder trial, including testimony from former boyfriend Wade Griffin and other witnesses. https://www.ktalnews.com/news/crime/taylor-parker-trial/ex-boyfriend-takes-stand-in-taylor-parker-capital-murder-trial/ KTLA/Nexstar — Red Flags Revealed During Taylor Parker Trial Reporting on testimony concerning Parker's false pregnancy and the suspicions raised by people close to her and Griffin. https://ktla.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/red-flags-revealed-in-trial-of-woman-accused-of-killing-woman-unborn-child/ TIME — The True Story Behind Maternal Instinct Background reporting published in connection with the release of the Netflix documentary. https://time.com/article/2026/06/12/maternal-instinct-true-story-netflix/ Yahoo — Taylor Parker Family Guide Additional background concerning Parker's family, relationships, and personal history. https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/taylor-parker-family-guide-everything-181259347.html The Tab — Taylor Parker's Childhood and Family Background Supplemental reporting about Parker's upbringing and testimony concerning her family history. https://thetab.com/2026/06/18/details-about-taylor-parkers-childhood-and-trauma-you-should-know-after-maternal-instinct The Tab — Taylor Parker Hospital Interrogation Additional reporting concerning Parker's statements and behavior at the hospital following the crime. https://thetab.com/2026/06/17/full-video-of-taylor-parkers-hospital-interrogation-is-worse-than-what-was-in-maternal-instinct Additional Background Wikipedia — Murder of Reagan Simmons-Hancock https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Reagan_Simmons-Hancock Support Once Upon a Crime on Patreon: patreon.com/onceuponacrime Patreon members get access to monthly bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, videos, ad-free episodes, blooper reels, and more—starting at just $5 per month. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Taylor Parker — Deadly Deception
  7. Sep 21

    Mackenzie Shirilla: Behind the Image — The True Story Behind Netflix’s “The Crash”

    In July 2022, 17-year-old Mackenzie Shirilla was behind the wheel of a car that slammed into a brick building in Strongsville, Ohio, at nearly 100 miles per hour. Her boyfriend, 20-year-old Dominic “Dom” Russo, and their friend, 19-year-old Davion Flanagan, were killed. Mackenzie survived. What initially appeared to be a horrific accident soon became a double-murder investigation. Mackenzie maintained that she couldn't remember the moments before the crash, and her defense raised the possibility that a medical condition caused her to black out. But investigators pointed to surveillance footage, vehicle data showing full acceleration and no braking in the final seconds, and troubling evidence from Mackenzie's relationship with Dom. She was ultimately convicted of murder and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. The 2026 Netflix documentary The Crash introduced the case—and Mackenzie herself—to a much wider audience. But in this episode of Once Upon a Crime, we look beyond the question of accident or murder to examine the contrasting images of Mackenzie Shirilla. There was the Mackenzie she presented on social media: a fashion-loving, rebellious would-be influencer seemingly devoted to her longtime boyfriend. There was the Mackenzie investigators and prosecutors said existed behind the screen: a volatile and controlling girlfriend whose private messages and recorded interactions with Dom told a much darker story. And then there is the Mackenzie the public sees today—the convicted murderer whose old TikToks, behavior after the crash, and first prison interview have been dissected by millions of strangers searching for evidence of guilt, innocence, or remorse. Who was the real Mackenzie Shirilla? And how much can social media—or even a documentary—really tell us about the person behind the image? **** truecrimepodcast.com - For links to all our social media channels and Patreon.  Support the show by visiting our sponsors!  Vinted - Ready to clean out your closet and make some extra money? Download the Vinted app for free and start listing! Talkiatry - Go to talkiatry.com/ONCE to complete a short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes.  Jones Road - Head to jonesroadbeauty.com and use code ONCE at checkout to receive a free full-sized mascara with your first purchase. Resources Netflix — The Crash The 2026 documentary examines the crash, investigation, trial, and competing accounts of what happened, and includes Mackenzie Shirilla's first public interview from prison. https://www.netflix.com/title/81941710 Netflix Tudum — The Crash: The Case and Documentary Background on Dominic Russo and Davion Flanagan, the investigation, surveillance and vehicle evidence, trial, and interviews featured in the documentary. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/the-crash-release-date-news Netflix Tudum — Mackenzie Shirilla Speaks from Prison More about Mackenzie's interview for The Crash, her claim that the collision was not intentional, the POTS defense, and the role her social-media history played in perceptions of the case. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/the-crash-where-is-mackenzie-shirilla-now Netflix Tudum — Mackenzie and Dom's Text Messages The filmmakers discuss thousands of text messages and recorded calls released by Strongsville police and what they reveal about the relationship between Mackenzie and Dom. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/the-crash-mackenzie-shirilla-text-messages Ohio Court of Appeals — State v. Shirilla, 2026-Ohio-830 The March 2026 appellate decision affirming the dismissal of Shirilla's petition for post-conviction relief. https://law.justia.com/cases/ohio/eighth-district-court-of-appeals/2026/115101.html Time Magazine - “The Harrowing True Story Behind ‘The Crash’”  https://time.com/article/2026/05/15/the-crash-true-story/ People - “Mackenzie Shirilla Loses Last Chance to Appeal Murder Conviction at State Level”  https://people.com/mackenzie-shirilla-loses-last-chance-to-appeal-murder-conviction-state-level-12094674 Criminally Obsessed - “Mackenzie Shirilla ‘Loves Being Hated”: Forensic Psychologist Reacts to Netflix’s ‘The Crash’  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPoybP5gE8Y If you or someone you know is experiencing dating abuse: National Domestic Violence Hotline https://www.thehotline.org Call 800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788. Sources and additional reading: Netflix/Tudum, Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals, court records and materials cited in the episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Mackenzie Shirilla: Behind the Image — The True Story Behind Netflix’s “The Crash”

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Step into the darker side of history with Once Upon A Crime, a true-crime podcast that delves deep into some of the world’s most gripping cases. Hosted by an expert storyteller, Esther Ludlow, each episode unravels the mysteries behind notorious crimes, exploring the lives of victims, perpetrators, and the intricate details of the investigations that followed. With carefully researched narratives, thematic series, and thoughtful insights, Once Upon A Crime offers listeners a captivating blend of suspense, history, and human psychology. Whether you're a seasoned true-crime fan or just curious about the stories that shaped headlines, Once Upon A Crime promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.

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