Friendship can be complicated—but for Kirsten Costas, it turned deadly. In the quiet town of Orinda, California, high school jealousy spiraled into a shocking act of violence when a classmate brutally attacked her. What led to this tragic betrayal? And could it have been prevented? Join us as we unravel the disturbing case of Kirsten Costas—the first story i ... Show More
Oct 19
The Oracle's Daughter: Inside an American Cult
How does a free-spirited hippie become the authoritarian leader of a religious cult? And why do ordinary people remain loyal to dangerous leaders, even when faced with abuse, isolation, and fear?This week on Once Upon a Crime, we explore the disturbing history of the Aggressive C ... Show More
46m 50s
Oct 12
Rocktober: Axl Rose — Welcome to the Nightmare
Before he became the legendary—and notoriously volatile—frontman of Guns N’ Roses, Axl Rose was a troubled kid from Lafayette, Indiana, with a childhood marked by family secrets, abuse, and rebellion.In this special Rocktober episode, we explore the life behind the rock-star pers ... Show More
38m 17s
Oct 5
Axl Rose, American Cults & Mexico’s ‘Reformed’ Serial Killer - Welcome to Spooky Season on Once Upon a Crime!
Axl Rose, American Cults & Mexico’s ‘Reformed’ Serial Killer - Welcome to Spooky Season on Once Upon a Crime! Spooky Season has arrived on Once Upon a Crime! October is Esther’s favorite month, and this year we’re celebrating with a lineup of stories exploring murder, music, mind ... Show More
4m 24s
Nov 2022
"The Cheerleader Murder" Bernadette Protti
Fifteen-year-old Kirsten Costas was popular, athletic, and a cheerleader. She was everything fellow classmate Bernadette Protti wanted to be. And when Bernadette couldn’t get the attention she wanted from Kirsten, she killed her. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone. ... Show More
42m 38s
Apr 2023
The Bathhouse Murder Pt. 1
Joe West and Oscar Lee Morris were childhood friends. They grew up together in South LA, came of age together, and soon followed one another into a life of petty crime. But in 1979, those crimes became more serious. Deadly serious. Suddenly, their friendship is tested to breaking ... Show More
40m 20s
Jun 2018
The Murder of Michele Avila
In 1985, Michele "Missy" Avila was a typical 17 year old teenager. But on this night, she would be betrayed by the girls that she thought of as her best friends. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss this tragic case involving jealousy, love triangles, and murder. Karen Severson an ... Show More
1h 22m