11 episodes

When Elizabeth Short, also known as The Black Dahlia, was brutally killed in 1947, it gripped the entire country. More than 70 years later, it remains America's most infamous unsolved murder. Many believe Dr. George Hodel was the killer, thanks to an investigation by Hodel's own son. But murder is just part of the Hodel family story, one filled with horrifying secrets that ripple across generations. Now, through never-before-heard archival audio and first-time interviews, the Hodel family opens up to reveal their shocking story. In this eight-part documentary series, sisters Rasha Pecoraro and Yvette Gentile, the great grand daughters of George Hodel, take a deep dive into their family history to try to figure out what really happened, and where do they all go from here? Root of Evil is the companion podcast to TNTs limited series I Am the Night. Inspired by the true story of the Hodel family, the series stars Chris Pine and comes from acclaimed Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins.

Root of Evil: The True Story of the Hodel Family and the Black Dahlia TNT / Cadence13

    • True Crime
    • 4.6 • 18K Ratings

When Elizabeth Short, also known as The Black Dahlia, was brutally killed in 1947, it gripped the entire country. More than 70 years later, it remains America's most infamous unsolved murder. Many believe Dr. George Hodel was the killer, thanks to an investigation by Hodel's own son. But murder is just part of the Hodel family story, one filled with horrifying secrets that ripple across generations. Now, through never-before-heard archival audio and first-time interviews, the Hodel family opens up to reveal their shocking story. In this eight-part documentary series, sisters Rasha Pecoraro and Yvette Gentile, the great grand daughters of George Hodel, take a deep dive into their family history to try to figure out what really happened, and where do they all go from here? Root of Evil is the companion podcast to TNTs limited series I Am the Night. Inspired by the true story of the Hodel family, the series stars Chris Pine and comes from acclaimed Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins.

    Saved By The Ghetto

    Saved By The Ghetto

    Fauna Hodel, a biracial girl living in Sparks, Nevada, finds out the truth about who she really is, where she came from, and her terrifying family history.

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    • 46 min
    A Skilled Surgeon

    A Skilled Surgeon

    Former LAPD Homicide Detective, Steve Hodel, explains the identity of the Black Dahlia, the circumstances of her murder in 1947 Los Angeles, and how the LAPD's profile of her killer fit Steve's own father, George Hodel.

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    • 40 min
    George's Gift

    George's Gift

    A deeper look into the life of George Hodel and his children; his interests, his parties, and the horrifying incident in 1949 that would reshape the Hodel family forever.

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    • 43 min
    The Minotaur

    The Minotaur

    Steve Hodel receives a phone call that pulls him out of retirement to investigate the Black Dahlia, a murder that had been ice cold for more than 50 years. The deeper Steve gets, the more he comes to accept his father was a sadistic killer.
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    • 47 min
    Traumatic Reenactment

    Traumatic Reenactment

    The vicious cycle of family trauma continues as George Hodel's daughter, Tamar becomes a mother. Her children tell the heartbreaking story of growing up in a shockingly toxic environment.

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    • 57 min
    Supposin' I Did Kill The Black Dahlia

    Supposin' I Did Kill The Black Dahlia

    Steve Hodel uncovers a pile of evidence connecting his father, George Hodel, to the Black Dahlia murder.
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    • 1 hr 8 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
18K Ratings

18K Ratings

Nevmevnevnev ,

This tops all other true crime podcasts!

This is just the most incredible thing I have ever heard. This evil man wreaked havoc on his own family and countless others. I wonder what he got away with in Japan and the Philippines when he lived there for all those years. Steve Hodel has left no stone unturned except the one the LAPD inexplicably keeps out of his reach.

chris michele ,

Great listen

I was obsessed with the black dahlia story as a kid and have always found myself wondering about it and if more would ever be uncovered. I am so glad I stubbled upon this podcast. And just want to say that all of Hodel Family that was a part of this podcast and uncovering the truth is so strong and brave for telling their story, especially this day in age when people are so cruel and judgmental.

Pama Lama Ding Dong ,

Just.. wow 😮

Incredible podcast and so much well done work, interviews, and investigation. If there is ever a follow up, is there any info. on George’s home life (that possibly helped make him a monster)? Other than he didn’t like his mom and was forced to play piano? Excellent work on this series!

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