Dennis Rader, the self-proclaimed "BTK" killer—short for "Bind, Torture, Kill"—terrified Wichita and Park City, Kansas, for nearly two decades. But behind the mask of a monstrous mastermind was a man whose crimes were riddled with laughable mistakes, sloppy execution, and a bizarre craving for attention. In this episode, we dismantle the myth of BTK as a criminal genius and reveal the truth: Dennis Rader wasn’t brilliant—he was a bungler. Tune in as we unravel the twisted, error-filled path of one of America’s most incompetent, yet still deadly, serial killers.

Sources:

Once Upon a Crime - Patreon Bonus: BTK Blunders, April 26, 2023

Confessions of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, The BTK Killer, Katherine Ramsland, PhD, ForeEdge Books, 2016. 

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In 1968, the quiet streets of Scotswood, England, were shattered by a chilling discovery: two young boys, just three and four years old, had been murdered—and the killer was an eleven-year-old girl. Mary Flora Bell's name would soon become synonymous with one of Britain’s most disturbing criminal cases. In this episode, we explore the harrowing details of her crimes, the trial that stunned the nation, and the deeply troubled upbringing that may have shaped a child into a killer.

Sources:

Once Upon a Crime Podcast, Season 1, Episode 7, Killer Kids: Mary Bell - https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s1-ep7-killer-kids-chapter-2-mary-bell/

https://www.theguardian.com/uk/1968/dec/18/ukcrime.childprotection

https://allthatsinteresting.com/mary-bell

https://www.crimelibrary.org/notorious_murders/famous/bell/bell_11.html

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Links: 

www.crimecon.co.uk - Join us at CrimeCon UK - the ultimate true crime experience in the heart of London, June 7th and 8th, 2025.  Use our discount code ONCEUPON for 10% off your ticket. 

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In the summer of 1976, a small town in California was shaken to its core when 26 schoolchildren and their bus driver were abducted in broad daylight. The hijackers drove them to a remote rock quarry, where they were forced into a buried moving van—essentially a mass grave beneath six feet of earth. But an extraordinary act of bravery and resilience led by one victim - a 14-year-old boy - resulted in a daring escape after 36 terrifying hours underground. In this episode, we revisit the Chowchilla school bus kidnapping, uncover the twisted motives behind the ransom plot, and explore the lasting trauma carried by its survivors to this day.

Sources:

Once Upon a Crime Podcast - Season 2, Episode 84 - Last Stop: The Chowchilla School Bus Kidnapping. https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s2-ep84-last-stop-the-chowchilla-school-bus-kidnapping/

Chowchilla, CNN Films/HBO Max Originals, 2023. https://www.hbo.com/movies/chowchilla

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At the end of 2024, Once Upon a Crime released a two-part deep dive into The Life and Crimes of Sean Diddy Combs, unraveling the shocking allegations and federal charges facing the music mogul. Since then, the story has only grown more intense. With over 50 civil lawsuits filed and a federal trial set to begin on May 5th, the once-celebrated producer now finds himself at the center of one of the most high-profile legal battles in entertainment history.

In this week’s episode, we catch up on where the case stands now, what Diddy’s life looks like behind bars, and what we can expect in the courtroom in the weeks ahead.

Joining me is Brian Buckmire—legal contributor for ABC, co-host of Law and Crime Daily, and host of the new podcast Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy from 20/20 and ABC Audio. As a former senior staff attorney at The Legal Aid Society and an experienced homicide defense attorney, Brian brings deep legal insight and firsthand courtroom experience to this complicated and ever-evolving case.

Tune in as we break down the legal landscape, explore the strategies at play, and try to understand the road ahead for one of music’s most powerful—and now controversial—figures.

Episode highlights:

• The latest updates in the Diddy case

• What life is like for him behind bars

• How civil and criminal charges intersect

• What legal experts are watching for as the trial nears

• A behind-the-scenes look at Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy

Listen to Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy now wherever you get your podcasts. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to Once Upon a Crime for more true crime deep dives.

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LaPure Naturals: All thriller, no filler! Upgrade your skincare routine with our all-natural Beef Tallow, made with rich, skin-loving vitamins and natural oils. Take 40% OFF today with code 'ONCE' at https://lapurenaturals.com/once 

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In the gripping conclusion of The True Tale of Lizzie Borden, we turn to the defense’s side of the story. What arguments did Lizzie’s lawyers make to counter the damning evidence? What did the jury ultimately decide—and why? Join me as we uncover the final chapter of this notorious case, from the courtroom verdict to the lasting legacy Lizzie Borden left behind. Don’t miss the dramatic end to one of America’s most enduring true crime mysteries.

Catch Up:

Missed Part 1 or 2? Be sure to listen to the previous episode to hear about the Borden family, the murders, and the investigation that led to Lizzie’s arrest.

Sources:

The Trial of Lizzie Borden, Cara Robertson, Simon & Schuster, 2019 

https://www.grunge.com/69553/untold-truth-lizzie-borden/ 

https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/archive/2013/08/02/timeline-lives-lizzie-emma-abby/38186480007/ 

https://famous-trials.com/lizzieborden/1449-bowentestimony 

https://www.encyclopedia.com/law/law-magazines/lizzie-borden-trial-1893 

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-lizzie-borden-got-away-with-murder-180972707/

https://www.biography.com/crime/lizzie-borden-life-after-murder-trial

https://lizzie-borden.com/

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In Part 2 of The True Tale of Lizzie Borden, we step into the courtroom for one of America’s earliest media frenzies—the infamous trial of Lizzie Borden.

After the shocking 1892 axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden, suspicion turned toward Andrew’s 32-year-old daughter, Lizzie. The brutal nature of the crime and the unexpected suspect captivated the nation. In Part 1, we explored the tense dynamics within the Borden household and followed the investigation that led to Lizzie’s arrest.

Now, in this episode, we dive into the high-profile trial that gripped the country. Reporters packed the courthouse, headlines blared every development, and the public couldn’t get enough. And at the center of it all stood Lizzie Borden—facing a charge of capital murder and fighting for her life.

Join me as we unpack the courtroom drama, the legal strategies, and the surprising twists in one of the most sensational murder trials in American history.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Inside the packed courtroom during Lizzie Borden’s murder trial

• How the press and public helped shape the case

• The prosecution’s case against Lizzie 

• Key testimony and courtroom drama 

Catch Up:

Missed Part 1? Be sure to listen to the previous episode to hear about the Borden family, the murders, and the investigation that led to Lizzie’s arrest.

Sources:

The Trial of Lizzie Borden, Cara Robertson, Simon & Schuster, 2019 

https://www.grunge.com/69553/untold-truth-lizzie-borden/ 

https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/archive/2013/08/02/timeline-lives-lizzie-emma-abby/38186480007/ 

https://famous-trials.com/lizzieborden/1449-bowentestimony 

https://www.encyclopedia.com/law/law-magazines/lizzie-borden-trial-1893 

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Crime House True Crime Stories is the ultimate destination for true crime fans. Every episode features two notorious cases from that week in crime history, tied by a common theme like infamous serial killers, mysterious disappearances, tragic murders, and more. Every Monday, uncover the full stories behind the headlines as host Vanessa Richardson takes you through high-profile investigations like the murder of Gabby Petito, the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart, and the mass suicide of the Heaven's Gate cult. Follow Crime House True Crime Stories — a Crime House Original — wherever you listen to podcasts. 

On August 4, 1892, the quiet town of Fall River, Massachusetts, was rocked by a gruesome double murder. Andrew Borden and his wife, Abby, were found brutally hacked to death in their own home. But the most shocking twist? The prime suspect was none other than Andrew’s own daughter, 32-year-old Lizzie Borden.

The crime and trial became one of the most infamous cases in American history, sparking a media frenzy that still captivates true crime fans today. But was Lizzie truly guilty, or was she wrongfully accused?

In this episode, we set the stage for our deep dive into the Lizzie Borden case. We’ll explore the crime scene, the initial investigation, and the immediate fallout that left a community in shock. Over the next few episodes, we’ll uncover who Lizzie Borden really was, what happened inside that house on that fateful day, and whether she got away with murder.

Tune in and join us as we unravel one of history’s most chilling true crime mysteries.

🎙️ Subscribe now and don’t miss an episode! 🔍Join us on Patreon for bonus content and details you won’t hear anywhere else. 💬 Have a theory? Drop us a comment or email—we’d love to hear your thoughts!

#TrueCrime #LizzieBorden #UnsolvedMysteries #History #Podcast

Sources:

https://youtu.be/e-vMDJ46zVQ?feature=shared

https://www.grunge.com/69553/untold-truth-lizzie-borden/ 

https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/archive/2013/08/02/timeline-lives-lizzie-emma-abby/38186480007/ 

https://famous-trials.com/lizzieborden/1449-bowentestimony 

https://lizzieandrewborden.com/LBForum/viewtopic.php?t=844 

https://lizzieandrewborden.com/ 

https://www.encyclopedia.com/law/law-magazines/lizzie-borden-trial-1893 

The Trial of Lizzie Borden, Cara Robertson, Simon & Schuster, 2019 

“Narrow Cell Holds Lizzie Borden in Taunton Jail,” The Boston Globe, August 13, 1892

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The name "Marcia Clark" has become synonymous with the infamous O.J. Simpson trial. As lead prosecutor in that high-profile case, Clark faced intense scrutiny, not only for her legal strategy but also for her appearance. Now, she's back with a compelling new book that dives into another sensationalized case: Trial by Ambush: Murder, Injustice, and the Truth about the Case of Barbara Graham.

In this episode, Marcia Clark joins me to discuss the shocking 1950s capital murder trial of Barbara Graham. Accused of participating in a brutal home invasion robbery that ended in the victim's murder, Barbara's trial became a media circus. Dubbed "Bloody Babs," her beauty was weaponized against her, as the prosecution warned the jury not to fall for her "feminine wiles." But was Barbara Graham truly a cold-blooded killer, or was she an unfortunate woman caught in the wrong circumstances?

Marcia Clark brings her extensive legal experience to this fascinating conversation, offering insights into how media sensationalism can distort public perception and impact justice. Don't miss this deep dive into one of the most controversial cases of the 20th century.

Guest Bio: Marcia Clark is a renowned attorney, author, and public speaker best known for her role as lead prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson trial. Since then, she has become a best-selling crime novelist and legal commentator. Her latest book, Trial by Ambush, explores the injustices in sensationalized trials and reveals new insights into the Barbara Graham case.

Links & Resources:

• Marcia Clark's Book: Trial by Ambush and her other books and novels can be found here: https://marciaclarkbooks.com/
• Follow Marcia Clark on | Instagram and Facebook 

Tune In: Don’t miss this powerful episode as Marcia Clark unravels the truth behind the headlines and shares her firsthand experience in navigating high-profile trials

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Women’s History Month: Honoring True Crime Trailblazers

March is Women’s History Month, and we’re spotlighting the female trailblazers who revolutionized true crime. These women—authors, investigators, prosecutors, researchers, and victims’ advocates—played pivotal roles in shaping the genre, uncovering the criminal mind, aiding victims, and helping bring criminals to justice.

In this episode, we explore the stories of three remarkable women whose work has left a lasting impact on true crime. Join me as we explore the stories of three extraordinary women who left an indelible mark on true crime. You won’t want to miss this!🎙️🔎

Listen to the Once Upon episode on Diane Downs here: https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s1-ep38-monstrous-moms-and-dastardly-dads-diane-downs/

Listen to the David and Cinnamon Brown case here: 

https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s8-ep298-a-family-affair-david-and-cinnamon-brown/

Sources:

https://www.novelsuspects.com/articles/ann-rule/

https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-ann-rule-dies-20150727-story.html

A Killer by Design: Murderers, Mindhunters, and My Quest to Decipher the Criminal Mind, Ann Wolbert Burgess and Steven Matthew Constantine, Hachette Books, 2021. 

https://www.biography.com/movies-tv/a61488077/ann-burgess-criminology-expert

https://www.fbi.gov/video-repository/km-women-agents-2012.mp4/view

https://magazine.wsu.edu/2013/07/31/kathleen-mcchesney-71-agent-of-change/

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