Crime Estate

Episode 94 - Elizabeth Short: The Enduring Legend of the Black Dahlia (Part 1)

Address: 5121 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027

In January 1947, Elizabeth Short walked out of the Biltmore Hotel in downtown LA and vanished. Six days later her body was found in a vacant lot in Leimert Park, and the press rebranded her as "the Black Dahlia." In Part 1, we cover:

• Who Elizabeth really was, beyond the myths the tabloids invented
• The missing week before her death
• How reporters turned America's most notorious cold case into a media circus
• The main suspects: Robert "Red" Manley, Marvin Margolis (the alleged Zodiac connection), Leslie Dillon, Dr. Walter Bayley

We also tour the John Sowden House, Lloyd Wright's 1926 Mayan Revival "Jaws House" in Los Feliz. It was once home to prime suspect Dr. George Hodel, and is now a prominent filming location.

And, of course, we want to know...would you live there or list it?

✨ Thank you to our sponsor, La Lumière Esthétiques in Dallas! Enter the Glow Case for $50 off your first neurotoxin appointment or 10% off any aesthetic service. Book at https://www.lalumiereesthetiques.com/

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This episode edited by the oh-so-talented, Elena

Mentions:

• The Blue Dahlia (1946 film noir). This film is the source of the "Black Dahlia" nickname.
• Black Dahlia Avenger by Steve Hodel (2003 book)
• Black Dahlia, Red Rose by Piu Eatwell (2017 book)
• The Aviator (2004): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0338751/
• I Am the Night (TNT limited series, 2019): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7186588/. The Hollywood Reporter has a piece on filming there: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/style/inside-i-am-nights-sowden-house-1178234/

• America's Next Top Model, Season 6

• Crime Estate Episode 15, Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin. https://open.spotify.com/episode/23mYYjbEddAelWiJwwFJhZ?si=34f57a39c0584ee5
• Crime Estate Episode 52, Lizzie Bordon https://open.spotify.com/episode/6uwcIAg2Wf7WIWdn6RbPsi?si=2751296025374ae3
• The Lizzie Bordon House (AirBNB): https://lizzie-borden.com/

Show Notes & Sources:

• House Beautiful, Sowden House article: https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/real-estate/news/a7189/sowden-home-lloydwright/
• Steve Hodel: https://stevehodel.com/
• Sowden House history: https://sowdenhouse.com/history/
• Sowden House Matterport tour: https://sowdenhouse.com/the-property/
• Discover Los Angeles, Leimert Park: https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/things-to-do/discover-leimert-park-in-los-angeles
• PBS SoCal, "The Black Dahlia of Leimert Park": https://www.pbssocal.org/shows/departures/the-black-dahlia-of-leimert-park
• Compass, 3825 S. Norton Ave: https://www.compass.com/homedetails/3825-S-Norton-Ave-Los-Angeles-CA-90008/1KONQR_pid/
• All That's Interesting: https://allthatsinteresting.com/black-dahlia-killer/4
• Larry Harnisch: https://lmharnisch.com/whatnext.html
• A&E, Zodiac/Black Dahlia: https://www.aetv.com/articles/zodiac-black-dahlia-killer-same-person
• People: https://people.com/elizabeth-short-murder-who-killed-black-dahlia-11883954
• History.com: https://www.history.com/articles/who-killed-the-black-dahlia
• Smithsonian: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/fresh-look-black-dahlia-murder-180967953/
• The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/26/black-dahlia-murder-steve-hodel-elizabeth-short
• Debbie Pisaro, Realtor - LosFelizLiving.com: https://www.losfelizliving.com/los-feliz-historic-homes/sowden-house-los-feliz-hcm-762
• The Black Dahlia Files – LA Daily Mirror (Larry Harnisch)
• I Am the Night – IMDb
• Inside 'I Am the Night's' Sowden House – Hollywood Reporter
• John Sowden House – Wikipedia
• Codebreaker Ties Zodiac Killer To Black Dahlia – Patch
• Are the Zodiac Killer and Black Dahlia Murderer the Same? – A&E

We are back! In this episode, we dive into the shocking case of Khouri Richins -- the Utah real estate investor and children's book author accused of poisoning her husband, Eric Richins. We examine the evidence, family dynamics and the real estate connections that make this a perfect Crime Estate story.

A Fort Worth entrepreneur builds a wild ranch party empire—until it all goes up in flames. In this true crime real estate story, we unravel Texas Lil’s rise, the loss of her dream property, and the shocking accusations that followed.

At 201 North Street in Uniontown, Alabama, a stately 1918 Neo-Classical Revival home once stood as a symbol of Southern elegance: massive columns, symmetrical windows, and a grand front porch overlooking a quiet street.

But beneath that porch, a devastating secret lay hidden for nearly nine years.

In 1985, 13-year-old Allan Lucy disappeared from the small town of Uniontown. His family said he had run away. Many believed it. But Allan’s brother told a very different story, one that would go ignored for years.

When a suspicious house fire and a later renovation exposed human remains buried beneath the home’s foundation, investigators uncovered a shocking truth that would lead to a murder conviction and forever change the legacy (and name) of the Hardie-Coleman House.

Some murder houses are restored and rebranded.

This one is still waiting.

Would you live there or list it?

In this episode of Crime Estate, we travel to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to unravel one of the South’s most fascinating and controversial true crime stories—the mysterious death of Zachary Smith Reynolds, heir to the R.J. Reynolds tobacco fortune.

At the center of it all is Reynolda House, a sprawling 64-room historic mansion built as part of a 1,067-acre estate and once considered one of the grandest private homes in America. What was meant to be a symbol of wealth, innovation, and Southern prestige instead became the backdrop for scandal, obsession, and an unsolved death.

This episode blends true crime, historic mansions, old money, aviation obsession, Broadway scandal, and unsolved murder, all inside one of the most famous estates in the American South.

🎧 Listen now and decide for yourself—would you live in Reynolda House?

In this episode of Crime Estate, we examine the tragic and disturbing hit-and-run death of Gregory Biggs. Gregory was struck by a vehicle, became trapped on the windshield, and ultimately died after the driver failed to stop or render aid.

We break down what is known about the events leading up to the crash, the investigation that followed, and the serious questions surrounding responsibility, accountability, and justice in fatal hit-and-run cases.

This episode explores the details of the Gregory Biggs hit-and-run, the legal implications of failing to render aid, and why cases like this continue to raise concerns about how these crimes are handled.

Listen now and decide for yourself — was justice served?

At the end, we ask the question we always ask: Would you live there…or would you list it? Vote in Spotify polls or on our socials.

Want to Support the Show? You can buy us a cup of coffee!(ok, let's be honest...it's more likely a cocktail) ⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/crimeestate⁠⁠⁠

This episode edited by the oh-so-talented, Elena

Show Notes & Sources:

https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/nation-world/murder-of-gregory-biggs-case-shocked-the-nation/507-eaeada3e-a3b0-41e3-9a52-538ae1d49958

https://www.oxygen.com/prosecuting-evil-with-kelly-siegler/crime-news/hit-and-run-victim-gregory-biggs-autopsy-results

https://murderpedia.org/female.M/m/mallard-chante.htm

https://www.grunge.com/800526/the-truth-about-the-hit-and-run-murder-of-gregory-glenn-biggs/

In our first episode of 2026, we dive into the shocking murder of Ana Walshe and the web of lies, fraud, and betrayal surrounding her husband, Brian Walshe.

From Ana’s rise in real estate to Brian’s lavish lifestyle funded by art fraud, destroyed wills, and mounting legal trouble — this case unravels fast and violently. We break down the timeline leading up to Ana’s disappearance on New Year’s Eve 2022, the damning digital evidence, and the prosecution’s theory of a meticulously planned murder — even without a body.

And of course, we explore the house where prosecutors say Ana was killed and dismembered, the ongoing lawsuit tied to that property, and the real estate fallout of becoming known as a murder scene.

At the end, we ask the question we always ask: Would you live there…or would you list it? Vote in Spotify polls or on our socials.

Want to Support the Show? You can buy us a cup of coffee!(ok, let's be honest...it's more likely a cocktail) ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/crimeestate⁠⁠

This episode edited by the oh-so-talented, Elena

Show Notes & Sources:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ie7Lv1BTNFg

https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2023/04/20/brian-walshe-boston-friends/#:~:text=But%20there%20was%20a%20history,Secret%20Life%20of%20Brian%20Walshe.%E2%80%9D

https://www.compass.com/homedetails/225-Beacon-St-Boston-MA-02116/24872794261030401_lid/

https://www.compass.com/homedetails/725-Jerusalem-Rd-Cohasset-MA-02025/972808728806679913_lid/

https://www.brighamandwomens.org/neurology/general-neurology/tribute-dr-walshe

https://www.masslive.com/news/2025/12/friend-shares-details-of-joyful-new-years-eve-before-ana-walshes-disappearance-death.html

https://www.businessinsider.com/timeline-brian-walshes-movements-after-wife-anas-disappearance-2023-1

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fraudster-pleaded-guilty-getting-rid-wifes-body-now-jury-will-decide-k-rcna245774

https://www.wcvb.com/article/kid-wins-radio-contest-white-christmas/69819310

https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/apparent-ransom-note-revealed-in-ana-walshe-murder-investigation-documents/

https://www.masslive.com/news/2024/01/a-year-after-ana-walshes-suspected-killing-no-body-found-the-latest-details.html

https://www.masslive.com/news/2025/11/who-was-ana-walshe-what-we-know-about-woman-at-center-of-high-profile-murder-case.html

https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/ana-walshe-william-fastow-affair-brian-walshe-murder-trial/3855427/

https://www.npr.org/2025/12/15/nx-s1-5644688/brian-walshe-guilty-murder-dismember-wife

https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/17/us/brian-walshe-sentencing-how-we-got-here

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Ana_Walshe

https://www.foxnews.com/us/brian-walshe-declines-testify-murder-trial-hes-accused-destroying-dads-will-before-murder-case

https://lamag.com/news/exclusive-missing-mass-mom-dismembered-by-husband-in-basement-sources-say/

https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2023/04/20/brian-walshe-boston-friends/

https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/brian-walshe-stolen-warhol-paintings-ana-walshe-missing/

https://www.wcvb.com/article/kid-wins-radio-contest-white-christmas/69819310

https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/10/us/ana-walshe-brian-missing-timeline

https://www.foxnews.com/us/inside-marriage-brian-walshe-missing-wife-ana-love-first-sight

https://nypost.com/2023/01/18/ana-walshe-amassed-3m-property-portfolio-husband-was-eager-to-inherit/

https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/20/us/ana-walsh-property-portfolio

https://www.masslive.com/news/2025/11/who-was-ana-walshe-what-we-know-about-woman-at-center-of-high-profile-murder-case.html

https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/diana-brian-ana-walshe-lawsuit/

https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/owner-cohasset-home-where-police-say-ana-walshe-was-dismembered-suing-brian-walshes-mom/24M5OGLUORG7PNTHPJWI766BI4/

https://www.yahoo.com/news/landlord-infamous-south-shore-house-094538054.html

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/516-Chief-Justice-Cushing-Hwy-Cohasset-MA-02025/57436151_zpid/

Hey y’all—what a year it’s been.

In this special year-end wrap-up episode of Crime Estate, we’re looking back at the biggest cases, conversations, and controversies we covered in 2025. We’re reading and responding to some of the best listener mail and comments you sent our way, breaking down the most listened-to and most watched episodes of the year, and talking about YOUR favorite stories.

Plus, we share a few important updates on cases we’ve followed all year—because in true Crime Estate fashion, the story never really ends.

Thank you for listening, watching, and being part of this community. Grab your coffee (or wine) and join us as we close out 2025 together and reflect on a year of crime, real estate, investigations, and unforgettable listener insight.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Want to Support the Show? You can buy us a cup of coffee!(ok, let's be honest...it's most likely a glass of wine!) ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/crimeestate⁠⁠

📣 Never miss another episode! Sign up for episode alerts.

➡️ Follow us on socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crimeestatepodcast/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CrimeEstate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crime_estate/

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Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crime.estate

🛍️ Shop Crime Estate Merch (yes, we have merch!!)

https://crime-estate-merch.printify.me/

This episode edited by the oh-so-talented, Elena

Was the Weigh Down Workshop and Gwen Shamblin Lara’s Remnant Fellowship Church a church...or a high-control cult? And did the organization help cover up a murder connected to two of its followers? Join us as we discuss the controversial life, influence, and legacy of Gwen Shamblin Lara, the incredible property she called home, and explore allegations of crimes associated with the Remnant Fellowship Church. Listen and weigh in with your vote: church or cult?The Real Estate: 902 Franklin Pike | Brentwood, TN | Ashlawn

Want to Support the Show? You can buy us a cup of coffee!(ok, let's be honest...it's most likely a glass of wine!) ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/crimeestate⁠

This episode edited by the oh-so-talented, Elena

Show Notes & Sources:

https://www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/gwen-shamblins-will-potentially-worth-millions-leaves-nothing-to-her-remnant-fellowship-church

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwen_Shamblin_Lara

https://www.the-sun.com/news/5218395/gwen-shamblin-lara-luxury-lifestyle-before-jet-crash/

https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna17191330

https://www.gwenshamblinlara.com/about/

https://www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/this-is-what-we-are-going-to-take-you-out-with-gwen-shamblins-son-describes-threat-with-snipers-bullet

https://www.historythroughhomes.com/post/ashlawn

https://citylifestyle.com/articles/from-ashes-to-amazing

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_diet_programs

https://www.firstplaceforhealth.com/our-story/

https://williamsonsource.com/top-25-most-expensive-property-transfers-in-williamson-county-for-jan-24-28-2022/

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/sbc-life-articles/the-weigh-down-heresy/

https://www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/take-the-damn-filter-off-former-remnant-leader-says-church-needs-to-admit-role-in-childs-death

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/religious-discrimination-lawsuit-filed-against-weigh-down-founder-shamblin/

https://www.statesboroherald.com/local/ga-parents-convicted-of-killing-8-year-old-said-to-have-been-beaten-locked-in-box/

https://www.scribd.com/document/448514108/Gwen-Shamblin-Final-Decree-of-Divorce

https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/22/us/nashville-tennessee-plane-crash-ntsb-report

When 44-year-old Collin Small vanished from his Bronx apartment, police followed a trail that led to a shocking discovery and a familiar face. His longtime friend, Sheldon Johnson Jr., once celebrated as a reformed Harlem activist, now stood accused of his brutal murder.

Crime Estate unpacks how a bond forged in childhood ended inside a Bronx apartment.