In this episode of In Her Name, host Susan Davies explores the JFK Assassination and The Shattering of Innocence, examining how the murder of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, permanently altered the American psyche. This true crime deep dive moves beyond the basic timeline of events in Dealey Plaza to analyze the psychological rupture caused by the sudden loss of innocence and the subsequent unraveling of public trust in government institutions. We look at the life and motives of Lee Harvey Oswald, his troubled military past, and his defection to the Soviet Union, providing context for why a lone gunman could strike such a devastating blow.

The narrative then shifts to the chaotic aftermath, including the shooting of Dallas Police Officer J.D. Tippit and Oswald’s apprehension. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the shocking live television murder of Lee Harvey Oswald by Jack Ruby at Dallas City Hall, an event that introduced conspiracy theories into the mainstream consciousness. We examine the Warren Commission’s findings, which concluded Oswald acted alone, and contrast this with the skepticism that fueled later investigations like the House Select Committee on Assassinations (HSCA). The discussion also covers the unique trial of Clay Shaw in New Orleans, led by District Attorney Jim Garrison, highlighting how grief and the need for meaning drove the creation of alternative histories.

We delve into the long-term cultural impact of the assassination, connecting it to the broader violence of the 1960s, including the murders of Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert F. Kennedy. This episode serves as a historical analysis of how the JFK assassination marked the end of post-war optimism and initiated an era of political cynicism. By reviewing declassified records, audio evidence debates, and the sociological response to tragedy, we provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of why the 'lone gunman' theory remains contested decades later. Whether you are a history buff, a true crime enthusiast, or someone seeking to understand the roots of modern political distrust, this episode offers a nuanced perspective on one of the most pivotal moments in 20th-century history.

Listen now to experience this tense-cinematic journey through history, where facts meet speculation and trauma shapes the future. If you find value in these stories of justice and mystery, please support the show via the link in our description to help us continue bringing these important narratives to light.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassination_of_John_F._Kennedy · https://www.archives.gov/research/jfk/warren-commission-report

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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassination_of_John_F._Kennedy

Topics: jfk assassination, lee harvey oswald, jack ruby, warren commission, dealey plaza, true crime history, clay shaw trial, jim garrison, house select committee on assassinations, hsca report, june 22 1963 dallas, conspiracy theories jfk, american history 1960s, political assassination

#JFK #TrueCrime #HistoryPodcast #LeeHarveyOswald #ConspiracyTheory #WarrenCommission #Dallas1963 #JackRuby #MissingWomen #JusticeServed #HistoricalAnalysis #InHerName

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/in-her-name/2026-09-27.txt

In this gripping episode of In Her Name, host Susan Davies delves into the harrowing true crime story of the Lindbergh Kidnapping, an event that captivated the world in 1932 and fundamentally altered American law. The narrative begins with the shocking abduction of Charles Augustus Lindbergh Jr. from his nursery at Highfields in New Jersey, leaving behind a homemade ladder that became the central piece of evidence in one of history's most infamous mysteries. This episode explores the psychological terror experienced by the Lindberghs, who were already global heroes due to Charles’s solo Atlantic crossing, and how their personal tragedy became a national obsession.

We examine the meticulous investigation led by police and federal agents, focusing on the ransom notes, the $50,000 demand, and the complex web of intermediaries like John F. Condon. The story highlights the forensic breakthroughs of the era, including the tracking of gold certificates through serial numbers, which eventually led investigators to Bruno Richard Hauptmann, a German-American carpenter in the Bronx. We analyze the 'Trial of the Century,' weighing the prosecution’s circumstantial evidence against the defense’s claims of doubt, while also addressing the enduring controversies surrounding Hauptmann’s guilt and the potential mishandling of forensic evidence.

Beyond the courtroom drama, this episode discusses the lasting legacy of the case, specifically the passage of the Federal Kidnapping Act, known as the Lindbergh Law, which made interstate kidnapping a federal crime. We reflect on the execution of Hauptmann in 1936 and the profound impact this tragedy had on the justice system and public perception of crime. Whether you are a true crime enthusiast, a history buff, or someone interested in the evolution of criminal investigations, this episode offers a deep dive into a pivotal moment in American history. Please support the show via the link provided below.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruno_Richard_Hauptmann

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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruno_Richard_Hauptmann

Topics: lindbergh kidnapping, bruno hauptmann trial, true crime history, missing women and justice, federal kidnapping act, charles lindbergh baby, new jersey crime history, forensic science history, american true crime stories, in her name podcast

#lindberghkidnapping #truecrime #brunohauptmann #missingpersons #justiceforvictims #historicalmysteries #criminalinvestigation #podcastcommunity #unsolvedcases #americanhistory

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/in-her-name/2026-09-26.txt

In this episode of In Her Name, host Susan Davies explores the tragic final days of Brian Jones, the founding member and original frontman of The Rolling Stones. This true crime and music history deep dive examines how the man who named the band and defined its early blues-rock sound was slowly marginalized by fame, internal band dynamics, and severe substance abuse. Listeners will learn about Jones' humble beginnings in Cheltenham, his brilliant but rebellious youth, and the pivotal moment in June 1969 when he was dismissed from the group he created. The narrative focuses on the isolation that followed his firing, detailing his retreat to Cotchford Farm and the circumstances surrounding his death at age twenty-seven.

The episode delves into the official coroner’s verdict of accidental drowning, while also addressing the persistent conspiracy theories that have surrounded his death for decades. We examine the stark contrast between Jones’ public persona as a rock icon and his private struggles with asthma, alcoholism, and drug dependency. A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to the human cost of his legacy, revealing the existence of four children who were given up for adoption or lost to history, never knowing their famous father. These personal details highlight the profound loneliness and fractured relationships that characterized his later years, offering a sobering look at the price of genius and the fragility of mental health in the spotlight.

Beyond the facts of his death, this episode reflects on the cultural impact of Brian Jones’ passing. It discusses how contemporaries like Pete Townshend and Jim Morrison mourned him, seeing their own artistic vulnerabilities mirrored in his fall. The narrative traces his posthumous recognition, including his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, questioning whether such honors can ever truly heal the wounds left by addiction and neglect. By weaving together musical analysis, biographical detail, and social commentary, we provide a comprehensive portrait of a man who changed rock and roll yet failed to save himself. This story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of connection and the dangers of letting loved ones suffer in silence.

Join us as we listen to the silence after the music stopped. Tune in for a cinematic, tense, and deeply human exploration of one of rock’s most mysterious tragedies. If you find value in these stories of justice and remembrance, please support the show via the link below. Your support helps us continue to uncover the voices that history has tried to silence.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Jones · https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1057511/

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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Jones

Topics: brian jones rolling stones, rolling stones history, brian jones death, true crime music, missing women podcast, cotchford farm mystery, rock and roll tragedy, music industry exploitation, substance abuse recovery, british blues origins, conspiracy theories true crime, susan davies podcast

#brianjones #rollingstones #truecrime #musichistory #rockandroll #missingpersons #justiceforvictims #podcastcommunity #storytelling #bluesmusic #mentalhealthawareness #inhername

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/in-her-name/2026-09-25.txt

In this gripping episode of 'In Her Name,' host Susan Davies recounts the chilling true crime story of Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen, one of history's most notorious murderers who attempted to escape justice by fleeing London for Canada aboard the SS Montrose in July 1910. This narrative explores how Crippen, an American-born homeopath living in Holloway, murdered his second wife, Cora Henrietta Crippen (née Turner), and buried her remains in the basement of their Hilldrop Crescent home. The episode details the investigation led by Chief Inspector Walter Dew, the discovery of the torso, and the desperate flight of Crippen and his mistress, Ethel Le Neve, who disguised themselves as a bearded man and a young boy respectively.

The centerpiece of this episode is the revolutionary use of technology that brought Crippen down: wireless telegraphy. For the first time in criminal history, a suspect was identified and arrested at sea using a radio transmission sent from the ship to British authorities. Captain Henry George Kendall recognized Crippen and sent a telegram describing the fugitives' disguises, leading to an arrest on the North Atlantic. This segment highlights the intersection of early forensic science, including microscopic tissue analysis and toxicology reports detecting hyoscine hydrobromide, with emerging communication technologies that erased distance as a shield for criminals.

Beyond the mechanics of the capture, the episode delves into the social dynamics of Edwardian London, examining the power imbalance between Crippen, his vibrant but suppressed music hall singer wife Belle Elmore, and his ambitious mistress Ethel Le Neve. It discusses the sensational trial at the Old Bailey, the public fascination with the case, and the eventual execution of Crippen. Listeners interested in historical mysteries, the evolution of police work, and the stories of missing women will find deep context in how this case changed policing forever, proving that truth could travel faster than any ship. Join us as we uncover the facts behind 'Crippen' and honor the memory of those silenced by violence.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawley_Harvey_Crippen

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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawley_Harvey_Crippen

Topics: dr crippen murder, true crime history, cora crippen missing woman, ethel le neve accomplice, wireless telegraphy crime, ss montrose arrest, old bailey trial 1910, edwardian london mystery, forensic science history, scotland yard investigation, walter dew inspector, holloway hilldrop crescent

#truecrime #missingwomen #crimemystery #historicaljustice #drcrippen #forensics #victorianera #podcastshow #unsolvedmysteries #justiceforsusans #audiobook #storytelling

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/in-her-name/2026-09-24.txt

In this episode of 'In Her Name,' host Susan Davies dismantles the persistent and disturbing internet rumor that Ringo Starr has been murdered, exposing it as a dangerous piece of misinformation rather than true crime. This episode is essential listening for fans of The Beatles, music history enthusiasts, and anyone concerned about the spread of digital falsehoods and conspiracy theories surrounding public figures. We explore the factual reality: Sir Richard Starkey is alive, well, and actively performing in 2024, having recently released his album 'Look Up' and celebrating his 83rd birthday. By contrasting the fabricated narrative of tragedy with the documented evidence of his vibrant life, we highlight how false rumors can cause real harm to living individuals and trivialize the pain of families dealing with actual missing persons cases.

The discussion delves into the biography of Richard Starkey, tracing his journey from a sickly, illiterate child in Liverpool’s Dingle area to becoming one of the most influential drummers in rock history. We examine his unique musical style, his contributions to iconic Beatles tracks like 'Octopus's Garden' and 'Yellow Submarine,' and his enduring career as a solo artist, actor, and philanthropist. The episode analyzes why such myths persist, attributing them to a human desire for dramatic closure and the ease of spreading unverified content on social media. It serves as a case study in media literacy, urging listeners to verify sources before sharing stories that exploit grief or fear. The narrative emphasizes the ethical responsibility of consumers of true crime and mystery content to distinguish between verified facts and fictional horror, ensuring that attention remains focused on real victims of violence rather than imagined tragedies involving the living.

Ultimately, this episode is a tribute to resilience and the power of truth over sensationalism. It encourages listeners to honor Ringo Starr’s legacy by engaging with his music and celebrating his longevity, rather than succumbing to baseless speculation. The segment concludes with a call to action for audiences to become guardians of accurate information, pausing to question the necessity and kindness of sharing unverified claims. By grounding the conversation in historical records and current events, we provide a clear, compassionate, and fact-based perspective on a story that has no place in reality. Join us as we separate myth from man, offering clarity to those confused by online whispers and reinforcing the importance of integrity in journalism and fandom alike.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through truth and justice. If you found value in this clarification, please support the show by visiting our website link in the description to subscribe, leave a review, or contribute to our mission of amplifying the voices of the missing and marginalized.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ringo_Starr · https://www.ringostarr.com/

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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ringo_Starr

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/in-her-name/2026-09-23.txt

In this episode of In Her Name, host Susan Davies explores the chilling history of the Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run, one of Cleveland’s most notorious unsolved true crime mysteries. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression in the 1930s, the story centers on Kingsbury Run, a hidden, impoverished shantytown near the Cuyahoga River known as 'Hobo Jungle.' This was a place where drifters, vagrants, and marginalized individuals lived invisible lives, making them easy targets for a brutal serial killer who dismembered and decapitated his victims to erase their identities. The episode details how twelve official victims were found between 1935 and 1938, with suspicions that the death toll could be much higher.

The narrative highlights the intense efforts of Eliot Ness, Cleveland’s Public Safety Director and former leader of the Untouchables, who launched aggressive raids to clear out the hazardous living conditions of Kingsbury Run. While Ness aimed to protect the vulnerable and catch the killer by forcing residents into the open, the Mad Butcher taunted him, leaving body parts at City Hall and sending mocking postcards. The episode examines the forensic limitations of the era, the failed arrests of suspects like Dr. Francis Sweeney and William Henry Hance, and the systemic indifference that allowed these crimes to remain largely unnoticed by the broader public until decades later.

Today, the case is being revisited through modern science. Thanks to the DNA Doe Project and investigative genetic genealogy, unidentified remains are being exhumed to finally give these anonymous victims their names back. This process offers a form of delayed justice for men and women whose lives were deemed expendable in 1930s America. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how social inequality fueled this tragedy and how contemporary technology is helping to close cold cases involving missing women and marginalized communities. It is a powerful reminder that every victim deserves to be remembered.

Listen to this gripping installment of In Her Name to hear the full account of the Torso Murders and the fight for justice. Support our mission to amplify these stories by visiting our website and joining the community dedicated to ensuring no one is forgotten.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Torso_Murderer

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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Torso_Murderer

Topics: mad butcher of kingsbury run, cleveland true crime, eli ot ness untouchables, kingsbury run hobo jungle, torso murders cleveland, unsolved serial killer cases, great depression crime history, dna doe project cold cases, missing persons investigation, true crime podcast episodes, historical mystery cleveland, forensic genealogy cases

#truecrime #coldcase #unsolvedmystery #clevelandhistory #serialkiller #justicefors victims #podcastshow #historicalcrime #eliotness #dnadoe #missingwomen #investigativejournalism

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/in-her-name/2026-09-22.txt

In this gripping episode of In Her Name, host Susan Davies explores the harrowing true story of the Lindbergh Kidnapping, a crime that shocked the world and fundamentally altered American justice. On March 1, 1932, twenty-month-old Charles Augustus Lindbergh Jr. was abducted from his crib in East Amwell, New Jersey, leaving behind only a strange wooden ladder and a poorly written ransom note. This episode dissects the meticulous investigation led by Colonel Charles Lindbergh and the New Jersey State Police, highlighting the forensic challenges of an era before modern digital tracking. Listeners will learn how the unique construction of the ladder became the central piece of evidence, leading to the arrest of Bruno Richard Hauptmann, a German immigrant carpenter found with matching lumber in his garage.

The narrative delves deep into the trial of the century, examining the forensic science of the 1930s, including handwriting analysis and ballistics, which were tested under intense public scrutiny. We explore the psychological toll on the Lindbergh family, the media frenzy dubbed the "crime of the century," and the controversial verdict that sent Hauptmann to the electric chair in 1936. Despite his execution, doubts about his guilt persist, making this case a enduring mystery in true crime history. The episode also covers the legislative aftermath, specifically the Federal Kidnapping Act, known as the Little Lindbergh Law, which expanded FBI jurisdiction and changed how kidnapping cases are handled across state lines.

This story is essential for fans of historical true crime, missing persons mysteries, and legal dramas. It offers a respectful yet detailed look at one of America's most famous unsolved-adjacent tragedies, focusing on the victim, the child, and the systemic changes that emerged from his loss. We examine the role of J. Edgar Hoover and the early FBI, the use of reward money, and the global spectacle that surrounded the case. Whether you are interested in forensic evolution, high-profile criminal trials, or the human impact of violent crime, this episode provides comprehensive context and emotional depth.

Join us as we honor the memory of Charles Jr. and reflect on the fight for justice. If you find value in these stories, please support the show via the link below. Your contributions help us continue to bring these important histories to light. Please be gentle with yourself after listening; take a moment to breathe and step outside. You matter.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindbergh_kidnapping

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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindbergh_kidnapping

Topics: lindbergh kidnapping, charles lindbergh baby abduction, bruno hauptmann trial, true crime history, fbi federal kidnapping act, forensic science 1930s, missing children cases, american criminal justice, new jersey true crime, little lindbergh law, historical mysteries, cold case investigations

#lindbergh #truecrime #missingwomen #justice #history #podcast #investigation #forensics #trial #memorial #storytelling #inhername

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/in-her-name/2026-09-21.txt

In this episode of In Her Name, host Susan Davies explores the harrowing history of the Moors Murders, a case that shocked Britain and redefined true crime journalism. The narrative focuses on the crimes committed by Ian Brady and Myra Hindley between 1963 and 1965, who murdered five children on Saddleworth Moor near Manchester. This episode provides a detailed account of the victims—Pauline Reade, John Kilbride, Lesley Ann Downey, Edward Evans, and Keith Bennett—and examines the psychological profiles of the perpetrators, offering context on their backgrounds and the societal conditions that allowed such depravity to occur.

A central theme of this discussion is the prolonged struggle for justice and closure faced by the families of the victims. While four of the graves were eventually located following confessions in the mid-1980s, the body of six-year-old Keith Bennett remains missing, a fact that has caused decades of anguish for his family. The episode delves into the investigative efforts, the legal proceedings involving whole life orders, and the media’s role in labeling Hindley as 'the most evil woman in Britain.' It highlights the limitations of the justice system when physical evidence cannot be recovered, emphasizing the difference between legal conviction and personal closure.

The story also traces the fates of Brady and Hindley, from their arrests and trials to their eventual deaths in custody. Their cases had a profound impact on British criminal law, leading to stricter guidelines regarding victim privacy and media coverage of sensitive cases. By examining the legacy of the Moors Murders, this episode offers listeners a respectful yet unflinching look at how this tragedy changed public perception of evil and influenced the modern approach to handling missing persons and violent crimes. It serves as a memorial to the victims and a reflection on the enduring pain left behind.

Join Susan Davies as she honors the memory of Keith Bennett and all the victims of the Moors Murders. This episode is essential listening for those interested in true crime history, forensic psychology, and the fight for justice for missing women and children. Support the show and help keep these stories alive by visiting our website link below.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moors_murders

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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moors_murders

Topics: moors murders, ian brady myra hindley, keith bennett, saddleworth moor, true crime podcast, missing children uk, manchester murders, myra hindley confession, british true crime, justice for victims, cold case investigation, pediatric homicide, forensic psychiatry

#TrueCrime #MoorsMurders #MissingPersons #JusticeForKeith #BritishHistory #ColdCase #VictimsRights #Documentary #PodcastEpisode #SaddleworthMoor #IanBrady #MyraHindley

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/in-her-name/2026-09-20.txt