logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2017
1h 9m

Sweetheart Killers: Charles Starkweather...

Esther Ludlow
About this episode

In 1958, two teenagers left a trail of blood across America’s heartland.

Charles Starkweather, 19, and Caril Fugate, 14, embarked on a brutal killing spree that claimed 11 lives in just two months. Fueled by rebellion, rage, and a deadly sense of invincibility, their crimes shocked the nation and inspired films, books, and even a haunting Bruce Springsteen song.

Was Caril a willing accomplice or a hostage trapped in Starkweather’s deadly fantasy? What drove this young couple to kill? And how did their rampage finally come to an end?

Join us as we unravel the chilling true story of America’s Teenage Killers.

🎶 Music Feature: Nebraska – Bruce Springsteen

🎧 Listen now—because some love stories are written in blood.

🔗 Support the show & unlock exclusive content: www.patreon.com/OnceUponaCrime

#TrueCrimePodcast #Spreekillers #TeenageKillers #AmericanMurderers #CouplesWhoKill #OnceUponACrime

 

Up next
Jun 23
The Murder of Jonathan Joss
Jonathan Joss (1965–2025) was a Native American actor and musician renowned for his roles as John Redcorn in King of the Hill and Chief Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation. His tragic death on June 1, 2025, has brought attention to issues of hate crimes and the underrepresentation ... Show More
24m 9s
Jun 20
We’re Going to Mexico City — and You’re Invited! 🇲🇽🌮
Pack your bags and grab your passport — we’re taking the Once Upon a Crime community on the road! In this special episode, we’re officially announcing our upcoming group trip to Mexico City, and trust us, you’re going to want in on this. From March 27–30, 2025, we’ll be exploring ... Show More
5m 42s
Jun 17
OUAC Live in London - Killer Knowledge
On this week’s episode we’re going international! You’ll travel to London with Esther for a behind-the-scenes listen to the Once Upon a Crime live show recorded at CrimeCon UK on June 8th. Esther emceed a game show called “Killer Knowledge” where she challenged fellow true crime ... Show More
41m 2s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2023
272: Texas Killing Fields- Serial Killer? Part 1
Since the early 1970s, dozens of bodies of murder victims have been found along the Interstate Highway 45 area. While there have been arrests made for some of the murders that have taken place in the area, the vast majority remain unsolved. Some theorize that the area served as a ... Show More
53m 47s
Jun 2021
S1 Ep29: The Snapchat Murders: Abigail Williams and Liberty German (Part 1)
It is a story that we have all become familiar with. Two small girls in a small town go missing after a carefree day in the woods, a day that was supposed to have been filled with fun, and childhood memories, but turned darker than most of us even realize. Two friends, fourteen y ... Show More
1h 41m
Sep 2023
EP. 126 CALIFORNIA- The Wineville Chicken Coop Murders: America's Forgotten Pedophile Serial Killer (PT. 2)
In the 1920's a series of brutal crimes rocked the state of California... young boys were going missing left and right, and no one knew where to look for them... that is, until the day a young kid named Sanford began to talk of the atrocities that his uncle Stewart had carried ou ... Show More
1h 18m
Feb 2023
Donald Pee Wee Gaskins | The Meanest Man in America - Part 1
Not a superstar, but a killer who surpasses the depravity and body count of more famous serial killer superstars such as Ted Bundy and BTK. Tonight’s killer was a born and bred American,living and operating in the great state of South Carolina. During his life of crime, tonight’s ... Show More
35m 36s
Jun 2024
EP. 160: MICHIGAN - The Oakland County Child Killer: Pedophile Rings, Suspicious Suicides and 4 Young Victims
In today's episode, we examine the disturbing case of the Oakland County Child Killer, and poke holes in the "official story" that a single person is responsible for the deaths of four young children in Detroit in the late 1970's. Listen to "THE CONSPIRACY FILES" now!!! Spotify - ... Show More
1h 2m
Nov 2023
EP. 133 Robert Ben Rhoades: The Truck Stop Killer (PT. 2)
For years Robert Rhoades terrified the highways of America, under an alias. But when he was ultimately caught, the depravity of his crimes would shock the nation... you are listening, to Murder in America.-Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp! Visit https://BetterHe ... Show More
1h 21m
Sep 2022
Westley Allan Dodd | The Vancouver Child Killer - Part 1
In this episode, the subject matter is gruesome to the extreme. One of the most depraved and vile serial killers to ever have walked the earth. He did not kill very many people, only 3 confirmed kills to his name. But the victims he carefully chose and the way he murdered them ma ... Show More
31m 35s
Dec 2023
EP. 137 CALIFORNIA - THE YOSEMITE SERIAL KILLER: Cary Stayner
In the late 90's, a serial killer stalked the forests of Yosemite State Park in California. Four women had been murdered, and no one had any idea who could have been responsible for their deaths, until a critical clue was discovered and the identity of the killer was revealed. Bu ... Show More
1h 34m
Mar 2024
The "Scream" Killers: The Murder of Cassie Jo Stoddart
In a twisted homage to a cinematic nightmare, the "Scream" killers weaved a deadly trap for Cassie Jo Stoddart, sealing her fate forever. * * * DISCLAIMER: This episode contains explicit content. Parental guidance is advised for children under the age of 18. Listen at your own di ... Show More
44m 53s