In this chilling episode of Melanated Crimes, we dive into the haunting story of Clementine Barnabet — a young Black woman at the center of one of America’s most mysterious and gruesome crime sprees. Between 1911 and 1912, Louisiana and Texas were terrorized by a string of brutal axe murders, leaving entire families slain in their beds. Was Clementine truly the cold-blooded killer she confessed to be, or a victim of hysteria, racism, and manipulation in the Jim Crow South? Through detailed storytelling, eerie atmosphere, and historical insight, we explore the blurred lines between myth, madness, and truth. Join us as we unravel the twisted tale of the so-called “Voodoo Murderess,” and question what really happened behind the headlines.

Step inside the chilling mind of one of America’s most notorious killers in this episode of Melanated Crimes. We unravel the haunting story of Jeffrey Dahmer, the Milwaukee Cannibal, whose gruesome acts between 1978 and 1991 shocked the nation. Through a mix of eerie storytelling and psychological insight, this episode explores Dahmer’s early life, disturbing obsessions, and the systemic failures that allowed his crimes to continue for so long. Listeners will hear how his twisted desire for control and companionship led to unthinkable horror—and how his victims’ stories expose deeper issues of race, policing, and overlooked humanity. With haunting sound design and gripping narration, this episode invites you to confront the darkness hidden behind Dahmer’s quiet demeanor. Prepare for a disturbing yet thought-provoking journey into the mind of a monster and the world that enabled him. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

The Atlanta Child Murders shocked the nation between 1979 and 1981, when over two dozen Black children and young men were found dead, leaving Atlanta in fear and confusion. This podcast revisits the chilling case, exploring the victims’ stories, the intense investigation, and the arrest of Wayne Williams—whose guilt is still debated decades later. Through interviews and historical insight, we uncover how race, politics, and media shaped the search for justice. Join us as we revisit this tragic chapter in American history and ask the question: did the real truth ever come to light?

In this episode, we explore the chilling case of Harrison “Marty” Graham, known as the “Cookie Monster Killer.” From his troubled past to the horrifying crimes that shocked Philadelphia, we dive into the story behind the headlines. Experts break down Graham’s psychology and the events that led to his capture, offering insight into one of Philly’s most notorious serial killers.

🎙️ Episode 3: The Black Cowboys of the Old West
Long before Hollywood’s whitewashed image of the Wild West, Black men and women were breaking barriers, taming horses, and upholding the law on the frontier. In this episode of Melanated Crimes, we saddle up to explore the real stories of legendary figures like Nat Love, the daring cowboy and storyteller; Bass Reeves, the fearless lawman who inspired the Lone Ranger; Bill Pickett, the show-stopping rodeo performer who invented bulldogging; and Stagecoach Mary, the unstoppable mail carrier who rode through danger with grit and grace. Their courage, resilience, and skill redefined what it meant to be a cowboy in America’s untold history.

In the shadows of 1940s Georgia, Roberta Elder lived a quiet life that hid a deadly secret. Behind the doors of her home, family members began to fall mysteriously ill, one by one. Was it bad luck—or something far more sinister? This episode unravels the chilling story of one of America’s earliest female serial killers, whose weapon of choice was as silent as it was lethal. Step inside the mystery and discover how her dark legacy still echoes today.

Samuel Little, the FBI’s most prolific serial killer, confessed to over 90 murders across the U.S. In this episode of Melanated Crimes, we uncover his troubled past, chilling methods, and haunting portraits — while honoring the women whose lives were stolen and too often forgotten.