The Black Dahlia Murder - Part Six: The Black Dahlia Legacy
Once Upon A Crime
Esther Ludlow
4.6 • 5K Ratings
🗓️ 2 December 2025
⏱️ 33 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
In the sixth and final episode of our series Broken: The Black Dahlia Murder, we explore the enduring cultural legacy of one of America’s most haunting unsolved crimes. For nearly eight decades, Elizabeth Short’s name, and the moniker “The Black Dahlia”. Has inspired countless books, films, television shows, and theories. But in the process, the real woman behind the legend has often been overshadowed by sensationalism, myths, and misinformation.
In this episode, we revisit the most persistent theories surrounding her murder, including the widely publicized, but deeply controversial claims of the so-called “Black Dahlia Avenger” and retired LAPD detective Steve Hodel’s accusations against his father, Dr. George Hodel.
We also introduce listeners to the thoughtful, evidence-based perspective offered by author William J. Mann in his forthcoming book, Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood (releasing January 26, 2026). Mann’s work offers a grounded theory that avoids conspiracies and centers on the real circumstances of Elizabeth Short’s life.
Then, we turn inward to consider what the evidence and Beth’s own history suggest about the most likely scenarios behind her tragic death. This episode aims to give her her story back.
About This Series
BROKEN: The Black Dahlia Murder is a six-part Once Upon a Crime original series.
Through extensive research, historical records, and firsthand accounts, Esther Ludlow uncovers the truth behind America’s most infamous unsolved murder, separating fact from fiction to rediscover the real woman behind the myth.
Featured Guest: William J. Mann
William J. Mann, is an acclaimed author and historian, whose work brings the glamour and the darkness of old Hollywood vividly to life. In this series, you’ll hear clips from my interview with him as we discuss his latest book, Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood — a gripping new take on one of America’s most infamous unsolved murders.
👉 Pre-order the book here: Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood
To explore more of William J. Mann’s fascinating work — including his previous bestsellers and a calendar of upcoming appearances — visit his author page on Simon & Schuster.
📚 Sources
Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder by John Gilmore
The Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood by William J. Mann (upcoming)
Contemporary newspaper archives, LAPD records, and witness interviews
Series Conclusion
This episode concludes our series Broken: The Black Dahlia Murder. If you’ve enjoyed this deep dive, please share the show with a friend, leave a review, and make sure you’re subscribed so you won’t miss our upcoming holiday specials and the new multi-part series launching in January.
For updates, behind-the-scenes content, listener polls, merch discounts, and more, visit truecrimepodcast.com and follow us on social media.
Thank you for joining us in remembering Elizabeth Short, not as a legend, but as a human being whose story deserves to be told with truth and compassion.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Hey, true crime fans, want to travel with us? |
| 0:05.0 | Tickets are officially on sale for our very first trip, and it's to Mexico City, and we want you to join us. |
| 0:13.0 | We'll spend four unforgettable days in Mexico City from March 27th to 30th, 2026. |
| 0:19.0 | You'll experience the real CDMX, with local guides to sit mescal, |
| 0:23.8 | eat tacos like locals, and explore one of the world's most vibrant cities, safely and |
| 0:28.9 | stress-free. It will be a trip you'll be talking about for years to come, and one you'll experience |
| 0:34.5 | with me, Lorena, and a killer crew of podcast fans just like you. |
| 0:39.2 | Your spot includes meals, activities, and expert guides, all for $1951. |
| 0:45.4 | Flight's not included, but everything else? Handled. |
| 0:48.7 | We've got just 8 to 20 spots, so don't wait. Book now and let's make memories in Mexico together. Click the link in the show notes to reserve your spot today. |
| 1:01.4 | This podcast details true crime cases. It contains adult themes and may contain descriptions of violence. |
| 1:12.6 | It is not intended for children. Listener discretion is advised. |
| 1:24.3 | Thank you for joining me for today's episode of Once Upon a Crime. |
| 1:28.5 | This week, we're wrapping up our series about one of the most infamous crimes in California history, the Black Dahlia Murder. |
| 1:36.3 | In this episode, we'll look at the two most prevalent and controversial theories about who killed the Black Dahlia. |
| 1:43.7 | I'll also share my own thoughts about the most likely suspect and why Elizabeth Short was killed. |
| 1:50.2 | Finally, we'll look at the lasting legacy of the Black Dahlia murder. |
| 1:55.4 | This is part six of Broken, the Black Dahlia murder. |
| 2:18.0 | For nearly eight decades, people have argued, obsessed, and speculated about who murdered Elizabeth Short. |
| 2:22.5 | As the facts grew cold, the theories grew louder. |
| 2:27.0 | Some were born from genuine attempts to make sense of an impossible crime. |
| 2:33.4 | Others came from opportunists or storytellers chasing attention, fame, or controversy. |
... |
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