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The Unsolved Mystery of "Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm?
 April 18, 1943. A group of four boys make a gruesome discovery in Hagley Wood, Worcestershire, England. One of them climbs inside a hollow tree, looking for a bird's nest and eggs. What they discover is a skull and the remains of a mysterious woman. After 81 years, authorities still don't know who she is. This case if full of mystery, war spies, witchcraft, and even a cabaret singer. This is the 81 year old myster of Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm?

The Discovery in Hagley Wood
On that spring day in 1943, four young boys—Bob Farmer, Thomas Willetts, Bob Hart, and Fred Payne—were out exploring the dense woodland of Hagley Wood, searching for bird nests. As they wandered deeper into the woods, they stumbled upon an old, hollow wych elm tree. Curious, Bob Farmer peeked inside, and to his horror, he saw a skull staring back at him. The boys, shaken and frightened, swore to keep their discovery a secret. However, fear and guilt got the best of them, and they soon reported the macabre finding to the police.

The Investigation Begins

When investigators arrived at the scene, they unearthed a nearly complete human skeleton inside the tree. The skull still had some hair and a few crooked teeth, and a piece of taffeta was found stuffed into its mouth, suggesting foul play. Authorities also discovered a shoe and fragments of clothing near the skeleton. Forensic experts determined that the body was that of a woman who had been dead for approximately 18 months to 3 years. She was estimated to be around 35-40 years old, and her cause of death was believed to be asphyxiation.

The Strange Graffiti and the Name "Bella"
The case grew even more mysterious when strange graffiti began appearing on walls around the area, asking, "Who put Bella in the Wych Elm?" The first piece of graffiti appeared in 1944, a year after the discovery, in nearby Birmingham. As more graffiti appeared over the years, the name "Bella" became synonymous with the unidentified woman in the tree. But who was Bella, and why was her body placed in such a bizarre location?

Theories and Speculations

1. Witchcraft and the Occult
2. Espionage and World War II Spies
3. A Cabaret Singer/Nazi Spy
4. A Case of Violence Against a Woman

Conclusion
The enigma of "Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm?" is an 81-year-old mystery that refuses to fade away. It serves as a testament to the power of storytelling, the enduring fascination with the unknown, and the desire to uncover the truth. Whether Bella was a spy, a victim of ritualistic killing, or something else entirely, her story remains one of the most haunting cold cases in history.

If you’re captivated by mysteries like this, tune in to the Hitched 2 Homicide podcast, where we unravel true crime tales with a southern twist, blending suspense and intrigue with a touch of humor. Let's keep Bella's story alive as we continue our search for answers.

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Fortune’s Fatal Fool: The Tragic Story of Abraham Shakespeare and His Murderer, Dee Dee Moore

On November 15, 2006, Abraham Shakespeare’s life changed overnight when he purchased a Quick Pick lottery ticket that won him a $31 million jackpot. A humble man from Florida, Shakespeare wasn’t prepared for the challenges that came with sudden wealth. Though his pockets were full, his heart remained generous, living by the philosophy that "it is better to give than to receive." But that goodwill, combined with poor financial decisions, would ultimately lead to his undoing.

This is the haunting true crime tale of Abraham Shakespeare, a man who found fortune only to pay for it with his life. His story is one of greed, manipulation, and a deadly desire for wealth, orchestrated by the woman who would ultimately claim his life—Dee Dee Moore.

A Heart Too Big
After receiving the lump sum of over $11 million, Abraham Shakespeare seemed to live out the dream that many only fantasize about. He bought a luxurious home, cars, and indulged in a few extravagant purchases. But for the most part, Shakespeare remained a simple man at heart, known for his unselfish nature. He gave freely to friends, family, and even strangers in need.

However, Shakespeare’s generosity became his downfall. People constantly approached him, looking for handouts, exploiting his kindness. His newfound wealth became a magnet for those eager to cash in on his fortune. Despite being a millionaire, Shakespeare was quickly running out of money, having given so much away. His financial literacy was virtually nonexistent, and without proper advice, he struggled to manage his wealth.

Enter Dee Dee Moore: The Predator in Disguise
In comes Dorice "Dee Dee" Moore*, a woman who saw opportunity in Abraham Shakespeare’s deteriorating financial situation. Under the guise of wanting to help him manage his money, she befriended him. Dee Dee presented herself as a businesswoman with the expertise to secure his wealth and protect him from people trying to take advantage of him.

But behind this facade of a caring advisor, Moore was a cold, calculated manipulator. She began isolating Shakespeare from his friends and family, gaining control over his financial assets. Shakespeare, trusting her, signed over various properties and accounts to Moore. He disappeared from public life soon after.

For more harrowing stories of betrayal and murder, subscribe to Hitched 2 Homicide, where we uncover the dark truths behind real-life crimes, bringing you cases like Abraham Shakespeare’s with a mix of suspense and Southern charm.

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Larry Hall: A Tale of Twisted Minds and Tragic EndsLarry Hall was, by all outward appearances, an average man. Born in Wabash, Indiana, in 1962, Hall lived a quiet life, working as a janitor and groundskeeper. But beneath this mundane existence lurked a deeply disturbed individual with a penchant for death. Hall's twin brother, Gary, was often seen as the more dominant sibling, while Larry was shy and introverted, traits that some believe may have contributed to his later violent behavior. • Larry had an intense fascination with the Civil War and often participated in historical reenactments. This passion for the past might have been harmless on its own, but for Hall, it became a backdrop for his sinister urges. He began to blur the lines between reality and fantasy, using his reenactments as a cover for stalking and abducting young women.

A Trail of Tragedy
Larry Hall's crimes are as mysterious as they are horrifying. He has been linked to numerous disappearances and murders across the Midwest, but the full extent of his atrocities remains unknown. What makes Hall's case particularly eerie is his ability to evade capture for so long. His method was simple yet effective: Hall would travel from town to town, often coinciding with his reenactment events, and target young women who fit his twisted ideal. • The case that ultimately led to Hall's downfall was the disappearance of 15-year-old Jessica Roach in 1993. Roach was last seen riding her bicycle in Georgetown, Illinois, before vanishing without a trace. Her body was later discovered in a cornfield, showing signs of strangulation. Hall became a suspect after authorities noticed his presence in the area during the time of Roach's disappearance. However, it was Hall's brother, Gary, who provided crucial information that led to Larry's arrest. Gary reported Larry's bizarre behavior and his confessions to multiple murders, which he initially dismissed as mere fantasies.

The Confessions and ConvictionsUnder intense questioning, Larry Hall eventually confessed to Jessica Roach's murder and several others. However, his confessions were inconsistent, leading some to believe that he may have been exaggerating his crimes to gain notoriety. Despite this, Hall was convicted of Roach's murder and is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. • But the mystery doesn't end there. Larry Hall's case is riddled with unanswered questions. How many victims were there, really? Was Hall truly the mastermind behind all the crimes he confessed to, or were some of his confessions false? The uncertainty surrounding Hall's case continues to haunt the families of the missing, who may never know the whole truth.

Join us each week for a new true crime story on Hitched 2 Homicide

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Unmasking Larry Hall: A Tale of Twisted Minds and Tragic Ends
Larry Hall was, by all outward appearances, an average man. Born in Wabash, Indiana, in 1962, Hall lived a quiet life, working as a janitor and groundskeeper. But beneath this mundane existence lurked a deeply disturbed individual with a penchant for death. Hall's twin brother, Gary, was often seen as the more dominant sibling, while Larry was shy and introverted, traits that some believe may have contributed to his later violent behavior. •  Larry had an intense fascination with the Civil War and often participated in historical reenactments. This passion for the past might have been harmless on its own, but for Hall, it became a backdrop for his sinister urges. He began to blur the lines between reality and fantasy, using his reenactments as a cover for stalking and abducting young women.

A Trail of Tragedy
Larry Hall's crimes are as mysterious as they are horrifying. He has been linked to numerous disappearances and murders across the Midwest, but the full extent of his atrocities remains unknown. What makes Hall's case particularly eerie is his ability to evade capture for so long. His method was simple yet effective: Hall would travel from town to town, often coinciding with his reenactment events, and target young women who fit his twisted ideal. •  The case that ultimately led to Hall's downfall was the disappearance of 15-year-old Jessica Roach in 1993. Roach was last seen riding her bicycle in Georgetown, Illinois, before vanishing without a trace. Her body was later discovered in a cornfield, showing signs of strangulation. Hall became a suspect after authorities noticed his presence in the area during the time of Roach's disappearance. However, it was Hall's own brother, Gary, who provided crucial information that led to Larry's arrest. Gary reported Larry's bizarre behavior and his confessions to multiple murders, which he initially dismissed as mere fantasies.

The Confessions and Convictions
Under intense questioning, Larry Hall eventually confessed to Jessica Roach's murder and several others. However, his confessions were inconsistent, leading some to believe that he may have been exaggerating his crimes to gain notoriety. Despite this, Hall was convicted of Roach's murder and is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. • But the mystery doesn't end there. Larry Hall's case is riddled with unanswered questions. How many victims were there really? Was Hall truly the mastermind behind all the crimes he confessed to, or were some of his confessions false? The uncertainty surrounding Hall's case continues to haunt the families of the missing, who may never know the full truth.

Join us next week for Part 2 of The True Story of Black Bird, and each week on for new true crime on Hitched 2 Homicide.

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Lizzie Halliday: The Worst Woman on Earth
In the late 1800s, the tranquil landscapes of the Catskills in New York became the backdrop for a series of horrific crimes that would shock the nation. The perpetrator? An Irish immigrant named Lizzie Halliday, whose life was marred by a trail of suspicious deaths, multiple husbands lost to mysterious circumstances, devastating fires, and eventually, the brutal murders of her own stepson and two unsuspecting women. Lizzie Halliday would go down in history as "The Worst Woman on Earth."

A Life Shrouded in Mystery and Death
Lizzie Halliday's life began in Ireland, but it was in the United States where her dark deeds would come to light. After immigrating with her family, Lizzie seemed to attract trouble wherever she went. She was married at least five times, and each marriage ended in disaster—either her husbands met untimely deaths, or they escaped—sometimes after mysterious circumstances. Although suspicions arose, Lizzie always managed to evade justice, often claiming insanity or simply moving on to another town to start over. Her criminal record was as complex as it was disturbing. Lizzie was arrested multiple times for crimes ranging from theft to arson, with the latter earning her several stints in jail. However, these brushes with the law did little to deter her from continuing her path of destruction.

A String of Unsolved Deaths
The true extent of Lizzie's crimes began to unravel when she moved to the Catskills with her latest husband, Paul Halliday, a Civil War veteran. Paul, much like Lizzie's previous husbands, would soon meet a tragic end—along with two other women and a stepson.

Insanity or Cunning?
When Lizzie was finally apprehended and brought to trial, she once again played the insanity card. Her behavior in court was erratic and unpredictable—she often flew into violent rages, attacking anyone within reach. Some believed she was genuinely insane, while others were convinced it was all an act to avoid the death penalty. The press of the time dubbed her "The Worst Woman on Earth," a title that seemed fitting for someone who could commit such heinous acts.

Ultimately, Lizzie Halliday was declared legally insane and sentenced to life in the Matteawan State Hospital for the Criminally Insane.  She wasn’t a model prisoner, trying to escape and commit suicide several times, but after 12 years, she settled in—mostly due to a young nurse named, Nellie Wicks. When Nellie decided to leave the hospital for another position, Lizzie stabbed her 200 times. Nellie died t hours later at the hospital. Lizzie would die there as well in 1918, taking the full truth of her crimes to the grave.

The Legacy of Lizzie Halliday
Lizzie Halliday’s story is a tragic mix of mental illness, unchecked violence, and a cunning ability to manipulate those around her. Whether she was truly insane or a cold-blooded killer who used insanity as a guise, Lizzie's actions left a lasting scar on the communities she touched.

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The Bone Collector and the Girls of the West Mesa: Unraveling a Mystery
On February 2, 2009, a woman walking her dog stumbled upon what appeared to be human bones protruding from the dry, dusty ground of the West Mesa. Law enforcement was quickly called to the scene, and what they found was a mass grave. Over the next few months, the remains of eleven women and a fetus were unearthed, all buried in shallow graves across a 92-acre area. The victims were identified as missing women, most of whom had been reported missing between 2003 and 2005.

The Victims
The women, many of whom were involved in drugs and prostitution, came from vulnerable backgrounds. Their lives had been marked by hardship, and their disappearances had often gone unnoticed or under-investigated. The youngest victim, Michelle Valdez, was only 22 and pregnant at the time of her death. The other victims ranged in age from 15 to 32. Each of these women had families who had been left in the dark, yearning for answers about their loved ones' fates.

The Investigation
Despite the scale of the discovery, the investigation into the West Mesa murders has been fraught with difficulties. The sheer number of victims, combined with the passage of time and the transient nature of the victims' lifestyles, created a challenging puzzle for investigators. The burial site itself offered few clues, with no DNA evidence pointing directly to a suspect.

One key figure in the investigation was Lorenzo Montoya, a local man with a history of violence against women. Montoya lived near the burial site and was killed in 2006 by a woman he had lured to his home. Despite the circumstantial evidence linking him to the crimes, Montoya's death left investigators without the means to definitively connect him to the West Mesa victims.

Theories and Speculation
The West Mesa Bone Collector case has spawned numerous theories and speculation. Some believe the killings were the work of a single, calculating serial killer, while others suggest the possibility of multiple perpetrators working in tandem. The involvement of human trafficking rings has also been proposed, given the victims' connections to prostitution.

One compelling theory posits that the killer was familiar with the area and took advantage of the secluded, barren landscape to dispose of the bodies without attracting attention. The careful spacing and burial of the remains suggest a methodical approach, further supporting the idea of a serial offender.

The Ongoing Quest for Justice
Despite the passage of time, the West Mesa Bone Collector case remains open, and law enforcement continues to seek new leads and information. Advances in forensic technology and renewed public interest offer hope that one day, the killer or killers will be brought to justice.

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The Hatfields and the McCoys: A Tale of Blood, Betrayal, and Vengeance

The roots of the Hatfield-McCoy feud trace back to the Civil War era. Both families were large, influential, and fiercely loyal to their kin. The Hatfields, led by William Anderson "Devil Anse" Hatfield, resided in West Virginia, while the McCoys, headed by Randolph "Randall" McCoy, lived across the Tug Fork River in Kentucky. Despite their geographical proximity, the families held deep-seated differences that would eventually ignite a full-blown conflict.

The Catalyst: A Pig and a Murder
The first major spark in the feud came in 1878 over a seemingly trivial matter—a pig. Floyd Hatfield, a cousin of Devil Anse, was accused by Randolph McCoy of stealing a hog. The case went to trial, with Bill Staton, a relative of both families, testifying in favor of the Hatfields. The jury, composed mainly of Hatfields, ruled in Floyd's favor, further inflaming the McCoys' sense of injustice.

Tensions escalated in 1882 when three of Randolph McCoy's sons—Tolbert, Pharmer, and Bud—were involved in a drunken brawl with two of Devil Anse's brothers, Ellison and Elias Hatfield. The fight ended with the McCoy brothers brutally stabbing and shooting Ellison. While Ellison lay dying, the Hatfields captured the McCoy brothers and executed them in retaliation after Ellison succumbed to his injuries.

Bloodshed and Legal Battles
The feud reached its peak during the 1880s, marked by a series of violent confrontations and legal disputes. In 1888, the Hatfields launched a deadly raid on Randolph McCoy's home, killing two of his children and severely injuring his wife. This event, known as the New Year's Day Massacre, horrified the nation and prompted intervention from the state governments and the press.

Authorities from Kentucky and West Virginia struggled to maintain control, and the feud drew national attention. Numerous trials ensued, with members of both families being arrested, tried, and even executed for their crimes. The most notable of these trials was that of "Cotton Top" Mounts, a Hatfield relative who was convicted and hanged for his involvement in the New Year's Day Massacre.

The End of an Era
By the early 1890s, the feud had begun to wane. The relentless violence had taken its toll, and both families faced increased pressure from law enforcement and public opinion. In 1891, Devil Anse Hatfield, weary of the bloodshed, negotiated a truce with Randolph McCoy. The peace was tenuous, but it marked the end of the most violent chapter in the feud's history.

Legacy of the Feud
The Hatfield-McCoy feud left a lasting legacy on American culture, symbolizing the destructive power of familial loyalty and vengeance. The story has been retold in countless books, films, and television shows, capturing the imagination of generations.

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For more gripping true crime stories, subscribe to Hitched 2 Homicide. Follow us on Instagram, join our YouTube channel, and become a part of our community on Facebook. Your support helps us continue to bring you the stories that matter, told with the respect and dedication t

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The Jane Anker Hylton Case: A Tale of Justice, Injustice, and DNA Exoneration
In the quiet suburb of Sacramento, California, on a fateful night in July 1978, Jane Anker Hylton, a 30-year-old mother of three, was brutally murdered. The heinous crime not only devastated her family but also sparked a decades-long saga that would eventually highlight both the fallibility and the power of the justice system. This is a story of a wrongful conviction, a determined quest for the truth, and the ultimate role of DNA evidence in righting a grievous wrong.

The Crime
Jane Anker Hylton was found dead in her home, having been stabbed multiple times. The community was horrified, and the police were under immense pressure to solve the case quickly. Suspicion soon fell on Ricky Davis, who lived in the house the night of the murder. Davis, along with his girlfriend, Connie Dahl, were arrested and charged with Hylton's murder.

The Wrongful Conviction
In 1985, Ricky Davis was convicted of the murder based largely on the testimony of his girlfriend, who had struck a plea deal. Dahl testified that Davis had confessed to the crime, a claim Davis vehemently denied. Despite the lack of physical evidence directly linking Davis to the murder, he was sentenced to 16 years to life in prison. Davis maintained his innocence, but his pleas fell on deaf ears. It wasn't until decades later, with advances in DNA technology, that the possibility of exoneration emerged.

The Role of DNA Evidence
In the early 2000s, the Northern California Innocence Project took up Davis's case.  DNA testing on the evidence from the crime scene revealed the presence of an unknown male profile that did not match Davis or any other suspects initially considered by the police.

With this new evidence, the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office agreed to re-investigate the case. In 2020, after serving over 14 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, Ricky Davis was exonerated and released.

The Real Killer
The DNA evidence not only exonerated Davis but also pointed to a new suspect, Michael Green. Green had never been considered a suspect in the original investigation but had lived in the area at the time of the murder. 

In 2020, Michael Green was arrested and charged with the murder of Jane Anker Hylton. He later pleaded guilty, bringing a long-overdue sense of justice and closure to Hylton's family.

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The Shocking Case of Helle Crafts: The Wood Chipper Murder
On the night of November 18, 1986, Helle Crafts was last seen by her friends and colleagues. She had confided in them about her concerns regarding her husband’s infidelity and her intention to divorce him. When she didn’t show up for work the next day and her friends couldn’t reach her, worry began to set in.

Richard Crafts claimed that Helle had flown to Denmark to visit her mother, but her friends and family knew this was unlikely. Helle had also recently hired a private investigator to follow Richard, gathering evidence of his extramarital affairs. This revelation painted Richard as a prime suspect in her sudden disappearance.

The Investigation
Detective Henry Lee, renowned for his forensic expertise, played a pivotal role in unraveling the mystery. Initial searches of the Crafts’ home revealed bloodstains on the mattress and bedding, but it wasn’t until a snowplow driver came forward with a crucial tip that the investigation took a gruesome turn.

The driver reported seeing Richard operating a wood chipper near Lake Zoar during a snowstorm around the time of Helle’s disappearance. This led investigators to the lake, where they conducted an intensive search. What they found was both horrifying and groundbreaking.

The Evidence
Scattered along the banks of the lake were small fragments of steel, bone, and tissue. Forensic experts confirmed that these remains belonged to Helle Crafts. The discovery of a chainsaw with hair and tissue matching Helle’s DNA, found in the nearby river, further solidified the case against Richard.

The prosecution argued that Richard had struck Helle in the head with a blunt object, possibly while she was sleeping, then froze her body in a freezer before dismembering it with the chainsaw and disposing of the remains using the wood chipper. This method of disposal was unprecedented in criminal investigations at the time.

The Trial and Conviction
The trial of Richard Crafts was a landmark case in forensic science. It was one of the first to successfully prosecute a murder without a body, relying heavily on forensic evidence and expert testimony. The state’s case was built on the meticulous reconstruction of the crime, demonstrating how Richard attempted to cover up his heinous act.

In 1989, after a lengthy trial and a mistrial due to a hung jury, Richard Crafts was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 50 years in prison. His conviction marked a significant achievement in forensic investigation and set a precedent for future cases involving body disposal.

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Leonard John Fraser: The Rockhampton Serial Killer and RapistLeonard John Fraser, infamously known as "The Rockhampton Rapist," is one of Australia's most notorious serial killers. His heinous crimes in the 1990s shocked the nation, leaving an indelible mark on the history of criminal activity in Queensland. This blog post delves into the life, crimes, and eventual capture of Fraser, shedding light on his dark legacy.

The Crimes
Fraser's reign of terror in Rockhampton, a city in central Queensland, began in the mid-1990s. His crimes were particularly brutal, targeting vulnerable women and children. He was eventually linked to the disappearance and murder of several women, including Natasha Ryan, Beverly Leggo, Sylvia Benedetti, and Julie Turner. 

Fraser's method was particularly chilling. He would stalk his victims, often luring them with promises of assistance or friendship before brutally attacking and murdering them. His predatory behavior and the sheer brutality of his crimes earned him the reputation of one of Australia's most feared serial killers.

The InvestigationThe investigation into Fraser's crimes was complex and lengthy. Despite the severity of his actions, Fraser managed to evade capture for several years. It wasn't until the disappearance of 14-year-old Natasha Ryan in 1998 that police began to piece together the extent of Fraser's criminal activities. Fraser was arrested in 1999 for unrelated charges, but the evidence against him soon mounted.

The turning point came when Fraser began to boast about his crimes to fellow inmates while in custody. His detailed confessions provided crucial information to investigators, leading to the discovery of the remains of some of his victims. Fraser's own words became one of the most significant pieces of evidence against him.

Trial and Conviction

Leonard John Fraser's trial was a media sensation in Australia. In 2003, he was found guilty of multiple counts of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The trial revealed the full extent of Fraser's brutality, with harrowing testimonies from survivors and detailed accounts of his crimes.

One of the most shocking aspects of the trial was the revelation that Natasha Ryan, who was presumed dead and believed to be one of Fraser's victims, was found alive. She had been hiding for years, fearing Fraser's wrath and living in secrecy with her boyfriend. This unexpected twist added a layer of complexity to the case and highlighted the pervasive fear Fraser instilled in his victims.

Legacy and Impact

Leonard John Fraser's crimes have left a lasting impact on the community of Rockhampton and beyond. His case prompted changes in how law enforcement approaches missing persons cases and investigations into serial crimes. The sheer brutality of his actions serves as a grim reminder of the potential for human evil and the importance of vigilance and justice in society.

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