In this episode of The Missing Project, host Jean Moore recounts the harrowing and historic true crime story of Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen, whose 1910 murder of his wife Cora led to the first wireless arrest in history. This narrative explores how Crippen attempted to evade justice by fleeing London aboard the SS Montrose with his lover, Ethel Le Neve, only to be caught due to a revolutionary use of wireless telegraphy. For listeners interested in forensic science history, early 20th-century criminal investigations, and the evolution of law enforcement technology, this episode provides a deep dive into the case that changed policing forever.

The story begins in Holloway, London, where Cora Crippen vanished after a dinner party, leaving behind a web of lies told by her husband. While Inspector Walter Dew initially believed Crippen’s claim that Cora had returned to America, suspicious neighbors and forensic discoveries in the cellar basement revealed the truth: Cora had been murdered and dismembered. The episode details the tense cat-and-mouse game as Crippen and Le Neve fled across the Atlantic, hiding in plain sight. Captain Henry George Kendall of the SS Montrose recognized the fugitives and sent a pivotal radio message to Scotland Yard, marking the first time wireless technology was used to aid in a criminal capture. This technological breakthrough bridged the gap between continents, ensuring that distance could no longer protect a murderer.

Beyond the sensational aspects of the trial at the Old Bailey and Crippen’s eventual execution, this episode honors Cora Crippen as a real person—a music hall singer and wife whose life was tragically cut short. It examines the broader implications of the case on forensic science, including the use of toxicology and anatomical identification, which solidified modern investigative methods. Listeners will gain an understanding of how the Crippen case served as a turning point for both justice and technology, proving that evidence and communication can overcome even the most elaborate attempts to disappear. The narrative is woven with historical context, offering a respectful yet gripping look at a pivotal moment in true crime history.

Join Jean Moore as she unravels the mystery of Dr. Crippen’s fatal mistake and the dawn of the digital age in law enforcement. If you are fascinated by unsolved mysteries, historical true crime, or the intersection of technology and justice, this episode offers compelling insights. Please support The Missing Project by visiting our website via the link in the show notes to help us continue bringing these vital stories to light.

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

More from The Missing Project: https://humanitymedia.org/the-missing-project

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

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/the-missing-project/2026-10-22.txt

The Hinterkaifeck murders remain one of the most chilling unsolved mysteries in true crime history. In this episode of The Missing Project, host Janet Hasty dissects the eerie events surrounding the Gruber family on their isolated Bavarian farmstead in March 1922. This deep dive explores how a stranger entered the home through broken locks and fresh snow tracks that led inward but never outward, suggesting the killer lived with the victims for three days after murdering all six inhabitants. If you are fascinated by cold cases, forensic psychology, or historical European crimes, this narrative provides a comprehensive timeline of the evidence, the suspects, and the haunting atmosphere that has puzzled investigators for over a century.

We uncover the dark secrets hidden beneath the surface of the Gruber household, including incest convictions, war losses, and a fractured family structure that made them vulnerable targets. The episode details the weeks leading up to the massacre, where strange occurrences like unexplained attic noises, misplaced newspapers, and ominous footprints signaled impending doom. By analyzing the psychological profile of the perpetrator—who ate the family's food, fed their animals, and slept in their beds—we explore theories ranging from revenge for past scandals to opportunistic robbery gone wrong. This is not just a recounting of violence, but an examination of isolation, privacy, and the fragility of safety in rural communities.

Join us as we examine the physical evidence found during the farm's demolition, including the blood-stained mattock hidden in the attic, and discuss why this case remains unresolved despite extensive police investigations. We honor the memory of Andreas, Cäzilia, Viktoria, little Cäzilia, Josef, and Maria by refusing to let their story fade into obscurity. Whether you are a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, this episode offers a tense, cinematic look at a tragedy that changed German criminal history forever. Listen closely to understand the gaps in justice and the enduring questions that still haunt the site of the former Hinterkaifeck farm.

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

More from The Missing Project: https://humanitymedia.org/the-missing-project

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

Topics: hinterkaifeck murders, unsolved true crime, bavarian cold case, gruber family mystery, german history crime, forensic analysis, serial killer psychology, historical mysteries, true crime podcast, janet hasty missing project, crime scene investigation, european cold cases

#hinterkaifeck #truelcrime #coldcase #unsolvedmystery #truecrimecommunity #podcastrecommendation #historicalcrime #germanyhistory #mysterythriller #forensicscience #storytelling #investigativejournalism

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/the-missing-project/2026-10-21.txt

In this episode of The Missing Project, host Jean Moore delves into the harrowing and historic Lindbergh kidnapping, a case that captivated the world in 1932 and fundamentally altered American law enforcement. This true crime narrative explores the abduction of Charles Augustus Lindbergh Jr. from his nursery at Highfields in East Amwell, New Jersey, focusing on the initial discovery of the empty crib, the ransom note with its distinct misspellings, and the crude ladder left behind by the kidnapper. Listeners will gain a deep understanding of how forensic science, particularly wood grain analysis and fingerprinting, played pivotal roles in one of the most famous investigations of the 20th century.

The story traces the relentless manhunt led by Charles Lindbergh and the FBI under J. Edgar Hoover, highlighting the media frenzy dubbed the 'crime of the century.' Key details include the examination of the ransom notes, the discovery of the baby’s body in September 1934, and the eventual arrest of Bruno Richard Hauptmann, a German immigrant and carpenter. We examine the trial of the century, the convergence of evidence linking Hauptmann to the ladder and the ransom money, and the controversial verdict that led to his execution in 1936. Beyond the facts, we discuss the lingering questions about guilt and innocence that continue to spark debate among historians and true crime enthusiasts today.

This episode also examines the lasting legacy of the Lindbergh case, including the passage of the Federal Kidnapping Act, known as the Lindbergh Law, which expanded federal jurisdiction over kidnapping crimes. By analyzing the psychological profile of the kidnapper and the societal impact of the tragedy, we explore themes of parental vulnerability, the fragility of safety, and the complex nature of justice. The narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost behind historical headlines, honoring the memory of Charles Jr. while reflecting on how this single event reshaped legal precedents and public consciousness regarding child safety and criminal investigation techniques in America.

Join us as we uncover the chilling details of a mystery that changed history. For more episodes, support the show, or access additional resources mentioned in this discussion, please visit our website via the link below. Your support helps us continue to bring these vital stories to light with the respect and depth they deserve.

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

More from The Missing Project: https://humanitymedia.org/the-missing-project

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

Topics: lindbergh kidnapping, bruno hauptmann trial, true crime history, missing persons cases, fbi history j edgar hoover, forensic science evolution, lindbergh law federal kidnapping act, charles lindbergh jr abduction, 1930s crime mysteries, american legal history, cold case analysis, highfields new jersey

#TrueCrime #LindberghKidnapping #MissingPersons #HistoricalMystery #JusticeSystem #ForensicScience #BrunoHauptmann #FBIHistory #AmericanHistory #CrimeDocumentary #TrueCrimeCommunity #ColdCaseFiles

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/the-missing-project/2026-10-20.txt

In this episode of The Missing Project, host Jean Moore dives deep into the Somerton Man case, one of Australia’s most enduring true crime mysteries. Set against the backdrop of a cold winter morning in Adelaide, December 1948, an unidentified man is found dead on Somerton Park beach with no identification, only a half-smoked cigarette and a torn page from the Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám inscribed with the Persian phrase 'tamám shud,' meaning 'it is over.' This episode explores the initial police investigation, the forensic details that suggest poisoning by curare, and the cryptic code hidden in the book's back cover that has baffled experts for decades. We examine witness accounts of strange behavior prior to death and the chilling possibility of Cold War espionage involvement.

As the narrative progresses, we look at the recent developments that have reignited interest in the case. In 2022, Professor Derek Abbott and genealogist Colleen M. Fitzpatrick announced they had identified the man as Carl Charles Webb using genetic genealogy from hair samples. However, South Australia Police remain cautious, highlighting the tension between scientific breakthroughs and official verification. We discuss the suspicious deaths of Webb’s relatives and how these connections deepen the mystery rather than solve it. This story is not just about a puzzle; it is about a human being whose identity was stripped away, leaving behind only questions and a plea for closure.

The Somerton Man case remains a profound tragedy because there is no family to mourn him and no definitive answer to his fate. Was he a spy? A diplomat? Or simply a victim of circumstance in a dangerous era? Through detailed analysis of the physical evidence, the timeline of events, and the ongoing debate surrounding the DNA findings, we attempt to piece together the final moments of this elegant, well-dressed stranger. Join us as we honor his memory by refusing to let his story fade into obscurity, keeping the search for truth alive for anyone who cares about justice and historical clarity.

Listen now to hear the full account of the Somerton Man mystery, including the latest theories on his identity and the reasons why this case continues to captivate true crime enthusiasts worldwide. If you enjoyed this episode and want to support independent journalism and further investigations into missing persons cases, please visit our website via the link in the show notes to donate or subscribe.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somerton_Man · https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-06/somerton-man-case-unsolved-mystery/10566888

More from The Missing Project: https://humanitymedia.org/the-missing-project

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

Topics: somerton man mystery, australian true crime, cold war espionage, unidentified deceased, curare poisoning, rubaiyat of omar khayyam, genetic genealogy dna, carl charles webb, adelaide mystery, unsolved murders, forensic science history, police investigation, missing persons cases

#somertonman #truecrime #mystery #unsolved #australiatruecrime #coldwar #forensics #dnaanalysis #podcast #investigation #history #justice

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/the-missing-project/2026-10-19.txt

In this episode of The Missing Project, host Janet Hasty dissects the enduring enigma of the Mary Celeste, the most famous ghost ship in history. On December 4th, 1872, the British vessel Dei Gratia discovered an American merchant brigantine adrift off the Azores, completely deserted yet perfectly seaworthy. This true crime deep dive explores the chilling details of the scene: a half-eaten meal, packed personal belongings, and an intact cargo of denatured alcohol, with no sign of violence or struggle. We examine who was on board—Captain Benjamin Briggs, his wife Sophia, their toddler daughter, and seven crew members—and why they abandoned a safe ship for a small lifeboat, leaving behind their only means of survival.

We analyze the leading theories that have persisted for over a century, from mutiny and piracy to insurance fraud and maritime superstition. Janet walks through the official salvage hearings in Gibraltar, ruling out hull damage, water leakage, and external attacks. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the controversial theory regarding fumes from the 150 casks of industrial alcohol, questioning whether fear of explosion drove the crew to sea in a panic. We also explore how Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional short story distorted public perception, cementing the myth while obscuring the tragic reality. This episode serves as a masterclass in historical mystery analysis, separating verified evidence from folklore.

The narrative extends beyond 1872, revealing the ironic fate of the Mary Celeste itself, which was later deliberately wrecked in 1885 during an attempted insurance scam—a stark contrast to its innocent abandonment. By comparing this cold case to other historical anomalies like the Great Boston Molasses Flood, we highlight the unique nature of unsolved maritime mysteries. Whether you are a true crime enthusiast, a history buff, or simply fascinated by the unknown, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how the ocean keeps its counsel. Listen now to uncover the layers of speculation surrounding one of the world's greatest unsolved disappearances.

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

More from The Missing Project: https://humanitymedia.org/the-missing-project

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

Topics: mary celeste mystery, ghost ship atlantic, benjamin briggs captain, dei gratia rescue, true crime cold cases, maritime history mysteries, azores ship disappearance, denatured alcohol theory, arthur conan doyle mary celeste, unsolved historical mysteries, salvage hearing gibraltar, 19th century shipping

#maryceleste #ghostship #truecrime #coldcase #maritimemystery #historypodcast #unsolved #atlantichistory #detective #mysteryepisode #janethasty #missingproject

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/the-missing-project/2026-10-18.txt

In this episode of The Missing Project, host Jean Moore explores the tragic and complex final days of Brian Jones, the founding member of The Rolling Stones. This is not a typical true crime story about a missing person who vanished into thin air; rather, it examines how Brian 'vanished' while still breathing, slowly erased from his own band before his untimely death at age twenty-seven in July 1969. If you are fascinated by music history mysteries, the dark side of rock and roll fame, or the psychological unraveling of creative geniuses, this episode provides a deep dive into the life and death of Lewis Brian Hopkin Jones.

The narrative traces Brian’s journey from a rebellious schoolboy in Cheltenham to the architect of the British blues invasion. We explore his early brilliance on slide guitar, his role in naming the band, and his intense drive that mirrored the raw energy of artists like Elmore James and Robert Johnson. However, as the 1960s progressed, the dynamics shifted. By 1969, internal tensions with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards led to Brian's dismissal from the group—a professional death that preceded his physical one. This segment delves into the themes of creative control, substance abuse, and the isolation that accompanies fame, offering concrete insights into how personal struggles can dismantle even the most iconic musical partnerships.

Beyond the music, we uncover the hidden layers of Brian’s private life, including the existence of four children he never met, adding a profound layer of tragedy to his public persona. The episode meticulously reconstructs the events leading up to July 3, 1969, when he was found dead in the swimming pool at Cotchford Farm. While the official verdict was accidental drowning, the open verdict and subsequent conspiracy theories have fueled decades of debate. We analyze the conflicting narratives, from Keith Richards’ claims of accident to newer documentary evidence suggesting foul play, highlighting why the truth remains buried. This story serves as a cautionary tale about the cost of genius and the fragility of human connection.

Join us as we piece together the silence after the scream, honoring Brian Jones not just for how he died, but for how he began. Listen now to understand the full scope of his legacy and the enduring mystery surrounding his final hours. Support The Missing Project by visiting our website link below to help us continue bringing these important stories to light.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Jones · https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10857346/

More from The Missing Project: https://humanitymedia.org/the-missing-project

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

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/the-missing-project/2026-10-17.txt

In this episode of The Missing Project, host Janine Hart investigates the harrowing and controversial case of the West Memphis Three. On May 5, 1993, three eight-year-old boys—Steve Branch, Michael Moore, and Christopher Byers—were found murdered in a muddy ditch in Robin Hood Hills, Arkansas. For eighteen years, the world believed that three teenage outsiders, Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley Jr., were responsible for the Satanic ritual killings. This episode dissects how fear, confirmation bias, and a desperate need for closure led to a wrongful conviction based on coerced confessions, unreliable hair analysis, and a lack of physical evidence.

The narrative explores the deep flaws in the criminal justice system that allowed these men to serve nearly two decades behind bars despite DNA evidence eventually excluding them. We examine the timeline of the investigation, from the initial discovery of a single black shoe in the creek to the horrific scene where the boys were found hogtied. The episode highlights the role of media sensationalism, celebrity advocacy, and the legal maneuvering that culminated in an Alford plea in 2011, which freed the men without admitting guilt or identifying the true perpetrators. It is a critical look at forensic science failures, the psychology of interrogation, and the lasting trauma inflicted on both the wrongly convicted and the victims' families.

This story is not just about a cold case; it is a profound examination of dignity, due process, and the societal tendency to scapegoat those who do not fit the mold. Janine Hart provides context on the autopsies, the disputed claims of sexual assault, and the fragmented truth that remains obscured by decades of speculation. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of why the West Memphis Three case remains officially unsolved and what it means for the integrity of the American legal system when speed is prioritized over accuracy. The episode serves as a reminder that justice requires patience, empathy, and rigorous adherence to scientific fact rather than assumption.

Join us as we sit with the silence of this tragedy and demand better answers for Steve, Michael, and Christopher. If you find value in these investigations into criminal justice failures and unsolved mysteries, please support the show via the link below to help us continue bringing these crucial stories to light.

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

More from The Missing Project: https://humanitymedia.org/the-missing-project

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

Topics: west memphis three, damien echols, jason baldwin, jessie misskelley jr, steve branch murder, michael moore murder, christopher byers murder, wrongful conviction usa, false confession interrogation, forensic dna evidence, alford plea explained, arizona true crime, criminal justice reform, unsolved murders arkansas, satanic panic trials

#westmemphisthree #wrongfulconviction #truecrimecommunity #damienechols #criminaljustice #unsolvedmystery #forensicscience #arkansashistory #legalanalysis #podcastshownotes #investigativejournalism #justiceforscotty

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/the-missing-project/2026-10-16.txt

In this episode of The Missing Project, host Jean Moore delves into the chilling and enduring mystery of the Lizzie Borden murders in Fall River, Massachusetts. On August 4, 1892, Andrew Borden and his second wife, Abby Durfee Gray, were brutally beaten to death with a hatchet in their own home. The narrative explores the tense domestic atmosphere that preceded the crime, highlighting the financial disputes, emotional estrangement, and deep-seated resentment between Lizzie Borden, her sister Emma, and their father. This true crime analysis examines the circumstantial evidence that pointed to Lizzie, including her purchase of an axe days before the killings and the discovery of blood-stained clothing hidden in the basement.

The episode provides a detailed recounting of the investigation and the subsequent 1893 trial that captivated the American public. Despite damning forensic hints and motive driven by inheritance and control, Lizzie was acquitted after less than an hour of jury deliberation. We analyze why the legal system failed to convict her, exploring theories ranging from her genuine innocence to sophisticated manipulation of the rigid social norms of the era. The discussion also touches on the psychological toll on the sisters, their quiet lives post-trial, and how the tragedy transformed into a cultural legend through folklore, literature, and film.

Listeners interested in historical true crime, unsolved mysteries, and the intersection of wealth and justice will find this deep dive compelling. We break down the timeline of events leading up to the double homicide, the role of the household staff, and the lingering questions about who truly swung the hatchet. This story is not just about a crime; it is about the collapse of a family unit under the weight of greed and secrecy. Join us as we unpack one of America's most famous cold cases and consider whether justice was ever truly served.

Tune in to hear the full story of The Hatchet in the House. Support The Missing Project and help us bring more untold stories to light by visiting our website via the link below.

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

More from The Missing Project: https://humanitymedia.org/the-missing-project

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

Topics: lizzie borden mystery, borden murders fall river, true crime podcast, unsolved missing persons, historical true crime, lizzie borden trial, american criminal history, double homicide case, cold case mysteries, justice system failures, 19th century crimes, forensic history, missing project podcast

#truecrime #lizzieborden #mystery #podcast #history #unsolved #criminaljustice #fallriver #coldcase #documentary #storytelling #investigation

Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/the-missing-project/2026-10-11.txt