Infamous America

The police and the press continue to learn more about the life story of murder victim, Elizabeth Short, and the information now includes the fact that she had been nicknamed “Black Dahlia” while working as a waitress. Investigators trace her movements up to the day she disappeared and interview their prime suspect, Robert Manley. Join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: black...

On January 15, 1947, a dead body is discovered in a vacant lot on the edge of downtown Los Angeles, California. A young woman was brutally murdered and police identify her as Elizabeth Short. Investigators and newspaper reporters race to uncover the details of her life story. The press have a gory and sensational story on their hands. The police have a dark and twisted mystery to solve. Join Black...

In the weeks after the murder of Hollywood director William Desmond Taylor, detectives methodically investigate a long list of suspects. They – and the press – uncover scandalous information. Careers are ruined, but no one is arrested. The case languishes for decades until another Hollywood director believes he solves the mystery. Join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: blac...

By the early 1920s, William Desmond Taylor is one of the hottest directors in Hollywood … which makes it all the more surprising when he is found dead in his home. The circumstances of the discovery of his murder are bizarre, and a scandal erupts in the capital of the movie industry. As detectives try to unravel the mystery, they quickly learn that all is not what it seems with the man who is know...

Black Barrel Media and QCODE proudly share a preview of Mission History, a podcast that chronicles the tales of legendary military leaders, epic campaigns, and covert missions that remained hidden for years.  The first season journeys through the American Revolutionary War and pays homage to some of the elite soldiers on both sides of the conflict. It traces the origin from protests to rebellion t...

In the wake of the Albert Patterson assassination, the Alabama governor declares martial law in Russell County. National guard troops swarm Phenix City. They dismantle the illegal operations and remove corrupt officials from office, and a new Phenix City rises from the ashes of the old. Join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: blackbarrel.supportingcast.fm/join Apple users jo...

It’s election time again in Phenix City, and Hugh Bentley and his reformers vow to make it an honest process. In response, there’s bloodshed at polling places. Despite the corruption, Bentley’s friend and fellow reformer, Albert Patterson, seems to have a good chance to win the race for State Attorney General. But his success makes him a target, and the criminals can’t afford to let him win. Join...

Hoyt Shepherd and his brother go to trial for murder, and few people are surprised by the outcome. With corruption and crime on the rise, a new champion of reform leads the charge for change. Hugh Bentley makes it his mission to clean up Phenix City, and he quickly becomes the target of a bomb for his efforts. Join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: blackbarrel.supportingcas...

Corruption and murder challenge the system of crime in Phenix City. Hoyt Shepherd and Jimmie Matthews work to rig local elections using every available method. They use illegal tactics to help the mayor during his campaign for a spot on the City Commission, and a victory party becomes the setting for a murder that could finally shake up the criminal status quo. Join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episo...

America’s 13-year ban on alcohol doesn’t stop saloon owners and whiskey makers in Phenix City. After Prohibition ends, gambling takes center stage in town. Hoyt Shepherd and Jimmie Matthews run the most prominent gambling rackets in Phenix City, but their reign is threatened by a tragedy at one of their clubs. Join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: blackbarrel.supportingcas...

The story of the Dixie Mafia begins in Phenix City, Alabama. The town was sometimes called “the wickedest city in America.” It was sometimes called “America’s original sin city.” By the 20th century, crime was institutionalized to the point that only a revolution could solve the problem. But long before high-profile crimes forced the clean-up, the city grew into an unlikely hotspot for all things...

New Jersey authorities and federal agents officially launch Operation Iceman to arrest Richard Kuklinski. Richard helps Sammy Gravano and John Gotti remove Paul Castellano from his position as the boss of the Gambino Family. Then, despite Richard’s natural caution, he becomes desperate to stop Detective Pat Kane’s investigation. That desperation leads to the end of the Iceman. Join Black Barrel+ f...

By the early 1980s, New Jersey State Police detective Pat Kane is positive Richard Kuklinski is a prolific and versatile killer, despite the skepticism of Kane’s bosses. As Kane slowly builds his case, Richard races to eliminate loose ends. The bodies pile up, and Kane enlists the help of Agent Dominick Polifrone of the ATF. They begin an undercover operation to bring down Kuklinski. Join Black Ba...

Richard Kuklinski helps Sammy “The Bull” Gravano and John Gotti exact revenge after a tragic accident. Kuklinski learns new techniques for using poison from a fellow contract killer named Robert Pronge, whom Richard will say was the most dangerous man he ever met. And Richard begins to commit the series of murders that will come back to haunt him. Join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes and bingea...

Richard Kuklinski’s reputation as a professional killer grows when he takes centerstage in a shootout in Harlem, but the experience causes him to search for quieter, easier ways to fulfill his contract murders. He learns the value of poison and quickly becomes proficient in its use. But he returns to the old ways to reportedly participate in the infamous murder of Carmine Galante, the boss of the...

Richard Kuklinski meets Roy DeMeo, an associate of the Gambino crime family who will introduce Richard to the high-priced world of mafia contract murders. Richard travels the country to fulfill mafia contracts, some of which require the victim to suffer before dying. Richard develops terrible and creative ways to finish his victims, though he also enjoys sending them out with a bang when necessary...

Richard Kuklinski grows up in New Jersey with an abusive father who terrorizes his children. Richard will become a larger, meaner version of his father, and he becomes a killer before his teenage years are done. He forms a gang and becomes involved in all manner of criminal activity. When his gang receives a contract from a mob family to kill someone, Richard finds his true calling. Join Black Bar...

This episode is a special preview of the audiobook version of Chris Wimmer’s book, “The Summer of 1876: Outlaws, Lawmen, And Legends In The Season That Defined The American West.” Pre-order the audiobook on Apple Books, Audible, Google Play, Audiobooks.com, and more! Pre-order the HARDCOVER until May 29, 2023: The Summer of 1876 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode about Chris Wimmer’s book, “The Summer of 1876,” he reveals plans for a (mini) book tour and tells a story about the secrets behind The New York Times Bestseller List. (Mini) Book Tour: June 7, 2023 – Deadwood, South Dakota – The Adams Museum June 15, 2023 – Durango, Colorado – Maria’s Bookshop Pre-order until May 29, 2023: The Summer of 1876 Esquire Magazine: The Murky Path to Bec...

In 1943, Ray Schindler, one of the most prolific private investigators of all time, set out to crack what would turn out to be the biggest case of his career. Initially, it looked like a classic murder investigation. But, as Ray dug deeper, he found himself smack-bang in the middle of a conspiracy involving Nazis, corrupt tycoons… and… if you can believe it… the former King of England, Edward the...

Charles and Caril have a final confrontation at the Ward home and then flee Nebraska. While they drive through Wyoming, the situation behind them in Lincoln, Nebraska explodes into pandemonium. When Charles attempts to steal a car on a lonely stretch of highway in eastern Wyoming, he provokes the final standoff with authorities.  Join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: black...

Charles and Caril spend the day at the home of C. Lauer Ward and Clara Ward. Clara and her maid, Lillian Fencil, become hostages. The day progresses smoothly until a confrontation in the afternoon turns violent. Meanwhile, police swarm August Meyer’s farm and make three heartbreaking discoveries, and the discoveries cause total panic in southeastern Nebraska. Join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episode...

The conflict at August Meyer’s farm leads Charles and Caril to kidnap Robert Jensen and Carol King. The kidnapping ends with another gruesome murder scene before Charles and Caril hit the road again to escape to the west. But for reasons that have always sounded strange, they abandoned their escape plan and returned to Lincoln. They invade the home of a wealthy couple and take two hostages … right...

Charles and Caril try to hide on a farm outside Lincoln, Nebraska, but the attempt goes tragically wrong. Back in Lincoln, friends and family members discover the grisly murders at Caril’s home. Law enforcement begins the manhunt, but they’re a step behind. Charles and Caril have already met their next victims. Join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: blackbarrel.supportingca...

The event that will terrorize and terrifying Lincoln, Nebraska begins in late January, 1958. Charles Starkweather plays a role in murdering three members of Caril Fugate’s family. According to Charles, Caril is his willing accomplice. According to Caril, she is a victim and a hostage of her crazed former boyfriend. As suspicion grows around the couple, they flee Lincoln, and the rampage continues....