Once Upon A Crime | True Crime

In this final chapter of our series, we uncover the sinister side of Hollywood’s biggest night. From missing and stolen Oscars to the shocking murder tied to an Academy Award-winning songwriter, the glamour of the Oscars hides a darker reality. Plus, we revisit the bizarre and tragic tale of the Oscar Night Streaker—one of the ceremony’s most infamous moments. Join us as we pull back the curtain on these chilling true crime stories connected to the Academy Awards.

From the horrors of Cambodia’s Killing Fields to the bright lights of Hollywood, Haing S. Ngor’s journey is one of survival, resilience, and tragic injustice. After escaping the Cambodian genocide, he defied the odds and won an Academy Award for his powerful performance in The Killing Fields. But his story didn’t end with cinematic triumph—it took a heartbreaking turn that remains shrouded in mystery. In this episode, we explore Ngor’s remarkable life, his haunting past, and the crime that cut his story short.  

Roman Polanski’s life reads like a Hollywood script—marked by unimaginable tragedy, artistic triumph, and shocking scandal. Surviving the Holocaust and enduring personal heartbreak, he rose to fame as an acclaimed director. But his legacy was forever tainted when he became a fugitive from justice, charged with the rape of a 13-year-old girl. In this episode, I’m joined by special guest AJ Benza, host of Fame is a Bitch, to discuss the dark side of Hollywood, the power of celebrity, and his personal impressions of Polanski.

The Academy Awards celebrate Hollywood’s finest, but some Oscar-winning films are rooted in real-life crime. One of the most unforgettable is Dog Day Afternoon—a gripping portrayal of a chaotic New York bank robbery that stunned the nation. But what really happened? In this episode, we uncover the true story of John Wojtowicz, the man behind the infamous Chase Manhattan Bank heist that inspired the film. From his motives to the shocking aftermath, we separate fact from fiction in this stranger-than-Hollywood tale.

In 1978, a teenage hitchhiker accepted a ride in Northern California—only to be brutally attacked by a violent predator. The assault on Mary Vincent was so horrifying it sent shockwaves through the public, and her attacker, Lawrence Singleton, became a chilling warning about the dangers of accepting rides from strangers. But against all odds, Mary survived—and her story of resilience is one that will stay with you long after the episode ends.  

In 1983, a woman desperately sought protection from her abusive husband, repeatedly turning to law enforcement for help—only to be ignored. What followed was one of the most brutal cases of domestic violence ever recorded. Tracy Thurman survived a vicious attack that left her with 13 stab wounds and a broken neck. But she didn’t stop there—she took on the system that failed her, filing a groundbreaking lawsuit that would forever change the way police handle domestic violence cases in the U.S.

In 1974, a young woman in Salt Lake City accepted a ride from a seemingly nice man. By the end of the day, she would come face-to-face with one of the most notorious serial killers of all time—Ted Bundy. Against all odds, Rhonda Stapley survived his brutal attack and lived to tell her harrowing story. My special guest, Rhonda Stapley, is the author of I Survived Ted Bundy: The Attack, Escape, and PTSD That Changed My Life. She shares her firsthand experience, the lasting impact of trauma, and her journey toward healing.

In 2006, 14-year-old Elizabeth Shoaf was walking home from school in Lugoff, South Carolina, when she was approached by a man posing as law enforcement. What followed was a terrifying 10-day ordeal—trapped in an underground bunker, subjected to unimaginable abuse, and forced to fight for survival. But Elizabeth did something extraordinary: she outsmarted her captor and helped lead authorities right to his doorstep. This is the harrowing true story of how a young girl’s resilience turned the tables on a predator—and how her bravery saved her own life.

I continue my discussion of the Laci Peterson case with my guest co-host, Yolanda from Not Perfect or Functional. Together, we take a deep dive into the background and psychology of Scott Peterson and examine the factors that may have contributed to his crime. Plus, enjoy special holiday greetings from some of our favorite true crime and paranormal podcasts:

On Christmas Eve day, 2002, an 8-month pregnant woman went missing from her home. A large-scale search was started right away, but suspicion immediately fell upon her husband, Scott Peterson.  This episode will be a little different for OUAC. I have a special co-host, Yolanda Norris from the Not Perfect or Functional Podcast who will be discussing the case with me. Yolanda is my sister so this is a real holiday treat for me - and I hope it will be for you too! Also, while you may think you know this story, we've come at it from a different angle. First, it will be in response to the A&E program "The Murder of Laci Peterson" in which they lay out a case for the reasons some believe Scott Peterson was tried in the media and should have been found not guilty. Second, we will do a deep into the background and psyche of Scott Peterson to give our take on why we think not only is he guilty, but that there were signs pointing to how and why Scott may have been able to so casually murder his wife and unborn so

Get into the holiday spirit—true crime style! In this special holiday edition episode, we’re talking Black Friday madness, Grinchy burglars, and other wild holiday crime stories. Plus, enjoy holiday greetings from some of our favorite true crime podcasts:

We kick our true crime holiday season with stores of Santas who go bad. #Christmascrime #badsantas #historicalcrime

Two cousins from a prominent and wealthy family seek revenge on their own relatives and turn to murder. Resources: Books: Bitter Blood: A True Story of Southern Family Pride, Madness and Multiple Murder by Jerry Bledsoe Movies/Television: In the Best of Families: Marriage, Pride and Madness (Also known as "Bitter Blood") starring Harry Hamlin and Kelly McGillis (1994)

A mother-son team of grifters turns to murder to get away with their financial schemes. #serialkillers #SanteKimes #KennyKimes #conartists Patreon: www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime

One of the most prolific serial killer families in history was discovered in Jalisco, Mexico in 1964.  This is the story of the Gonzalez Sisters.  www.Patreon.com/onceuponacrime - become a Patron starting at only $2 month for merch, early release episode, series wrap-up discussions and bonus episodes. 

Our new series "Murder in the Family" details cases where family members commit murder together. First up, the story of The Briley Brothers who went on an 8-month crime spree in Richmond Virginia.

As a special treat I'll share a couple of creepy urban legends...with a twist. These tales are actually based on true crime stories. Son of Sam, The Zodiac Killer, 3x Killer, The Watcher Podcast Recommendations: Murder Road Trip They Walk Among Us Ticklish Business

A pregnant mother dies as a result of a car accident. Thousands of Facebook friends mourn her loss. Could her whole life have been fabricated online? Chapter 2 tells the fascinating story of a case of Munchausen by Internet.  Thanks to Taryn Harper Wright for her help with this episode. Find her at www.warriorelihoax.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/warriorelihoax. 

In this series I'll details cases of those who deceived others in elaborate and bizarre ways. First up, a case out of Australia and and a case of Munchausen by Internet. To Donate Funds to Flood, Earthquake and Las Vegas Shooting Victims: Hurricanes Maria, Harvey, Irma and PuertoRico as well as Mexico Earthquakes and California Wildfires: www.directrelief.org Relief for Puerto Rico: www.hispanicfederation.org Las Vegas Victims Fund - click here To help pets affected by natural disasters: The Human Society of the United States: www.humanesociety.org Humane Society International: www.hsi.org

In our last chapter of "With Friends Like These" four young people are gunned down in Clear Lake City, Texas. A bullied girl had been taken under their wing - did their kindness cost them their lives? Resources: Book: Never See Them Again by M. William Phelps