Episode 1: the Bloody Benders
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In the premiere episode of Wanted, A.C. Roberts takes you back to the 1870s to explore the chilling case of the Bloody Benders, a family of serial killers who operated a sinister inn on the Kansas prairie. Luring unsuspecting travelers with promises of food and rest, the Benders turned their home into a house of horrors, leaving behind a trail of bodies and unanswered questions. Who were the Bloody Benders, and how did they manage to vanish without a trace? Join us as we unravel this gruesome tale of deception, violence, and the eerie silence that followed their disappearance. Justice remains wanted.
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Episode 2: Who was Bible John?
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In this episode of Wanted, A.C. Roberts delves into the case of Bible John, an unidentified serial killer who terrorized Glasgow, Scotland, in the late 1960s. Known for quoting scripture and targeting women he met at local dance halls, Bible John’s chilling pattern of charm and violence left a community in fear. Despite an extensive manhunt and enduring speculation, his identity remains a mystery.
Join us as we explore this haunting case, the cultural impact of his crimes, and the unanswered questions that continue to surround one of Scotland’s most infamous killers. |
Episode 3: The Zodiac Killer
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The Zodiac Killer is one of the most infamous and enigmatic serial killers in American history. Operating in Northern California during the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Zodiac taunted police and the public with cryptic letters, ciphers, and chilling threats. Despite confessing to multiple murders and claiming responsibility for even more, the Zodiac’s true identity has never been confirmed.
This case remains a haunting blend of brutality, mystery, and psychological warfare, capturing the public’s fascination and spawning countless theories about who the killer might have been. |
Episode 4: The Disappearing Act of William Bradford Bishop
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William Bradford Bishop was a successful diplomat with a promising career and a seemingly perfect life—until March 1976, when he vanished after allegedly murdering his wife, three sons, and mother in their Maryland home. Bishop’s calculated actions shocked the nation as he meticulously covered his tracks, leaving a trail of mystery and devastation.
Despite numerous sightings and an enduring place on the FBI’s Most Wanted list, Bishop has managed to evade capture for decades. His case remains one of the most chilling examples of betrayal and calculated escape in modern criminal history. For further reading, refer to the resource hub. |
Episode 5: The Sims Family Murders
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In 1966, Tallahassee, Florida, was rocked by the brutal and inexplicable murder of the Sims family. Helen, Robert, and their youngest daughter, Joy, were found bound, gagged, and slain in their own home. The case left investigators baffled, as no clear motive or suspect emerged.
Decades later, the Sims family murders remain unsolved, with whispers of conspiracy, hidden secrets, and local speculation haunting the quiet community. This chilling case continues to raise questions about who could commit such a heinous act—and why justice has yet to be served. |
Episode 6: The Mistress of Cruelty
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Delphine LaLaurie, a wealthy New Orleans socialite in the early 1800s, is infamous for the horrifying secrets hidden behind the doors of her grand mansion. After a fire in 1834, authorities discovered the brutal treatment of enslaved individuals at her hands, exposing her as a figure of unimaginable cruelty.
The horrors of LaLaurie’s actions sent shockwaves through the city, cementing her place as one of history’s most notorious figures of evil. Her escape from justice and the enduring legends surrounding her life and death continue to cast a dark shadow over New Orleans’ haunted history. |
Episode 7: The Axeman of New Orleans
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Between 1918 and 1919, the city of New Orleans was gripped with terror as an elusive killer known as the Axeman stalked its streets. Armed with an axe and striking in the dead of night, the Axeman targeted residents indiscriminately, leaving behind a trail of brutal murders.
Adding to the fear, the killer sent taunting letters to local newspapers, claiming to spare any home playing jazz music on certain nights. Despite extensive investigations and public hysteria, the Axeman was never caught, leaving behind a chilling legacy of violence and unanswered questions in New Orleans’ storied history. |
Episode 8: The Moonlight Murders
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In 1946, the small town of Texarkana was shaken by a string of brutal attacks that came to be known as the Moonlight Murders. Over the course of ten weeks, an unidentified assailant, dubbed the "Phantom Killer," targeted couples parked on secluded lover’s lanes, leaving a trail of terror and death.
The attacks sparked widespread panic, leading to curfews and armed citizens patrolling the streets. Despite an intensive manhunt and numerous suspects, the Phantom Killer’s identity remains unknown, making the Moonlight Murders one of America’s most haunting unsolved cases. |
Episode 9: The Colonial Parkway Murders
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Between 1986 and 1989, the picturesque Colonial Parkway in Virginia became the scene of a chilling series of murders. Eight young men and women, traveling in pairs, were brutally killed or disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The serene beauty of the parkway stood in stark contrast to the horrors that unfolded there.
Despite years of investigation and speculation, the perpetrator or perpetrators behind the Colonial Parkway Murders remain unidentified. This case continues to baffle investigators and haunt the families of the victims, as questions about motive and connection linger unanswered. |
Episode 10: Hell's Belle
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Belle Gunness, often referred to as one of America’s most prolific female serial killers, operated a deadly scheme in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Luring victims to her Indiana farm with promises of marriage and prosperity, Gunness used poison and brutality to eliminate them, amassing wealth from their deaths.
When her farmhouse mysteriously burned down in 1908, investigators uncovered grisly remains on the property, but Gunness herself was never definitively identified among the victims. Her fate remains a mystery, leaving behind a legacy of terror and unanswered questions about the full scope of her crimes. |
Episode 11: The Villisca Axe Murders
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This week, A.C. guides you through one of America’s most haunting unsolved mysteries: the Villisca Axe Murders. In June 1912, a quiet Iowa town was shaken by the brutal massacre of the Moore family and two young guests, found bludgeoned to death in their own home. Despite the horrific crime scene and a long list of suspects, the killer was never brought to justice. Was it a wandering madman, a spurned business rival, or something even more sinister lurking in the dark? Join us as we explore the chilling events of that night and the ghostly legacy that still hangs over Villisca
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Episode 12: The Cleveland Torso Murders
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During the 1930s, Cleveland, Ohio, was terrorized by a gruesome series of killings known as the Cleveland Torso Murders. The unidentified killer, dubbed the "Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run," left behind a macabre trail of dismembered bodies, many of which were never fully identified.
Despite the involvement of famed lawman Eliot Ness and an intensive investigation, the killer’s identity and motives remain a mystery. The Cleveland Torso Murders stand as one of America’s most horrifying and perplexing unsolved cases, a dark chapter in the city’s history. |
Season 2
Episode 13: The Smiley Face Killers
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Over two decades, dozens of young men were found drowned in rivers and lakes across the U.S., their deaths officially ruled as accidents. But an eerie detail—the presence of smiley face graffiti near many of these sites—led to the emergence of a chilling theory: a network of killers targeting these men. In the season opener, we explores the controversial Smiley Face Killers theory, the evidence supporting it, and the skeptics who challenge its validity.
refer to show notes for further reading.
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Episode 14: The Circleville Letters
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In a quiet Ohio town, an anonymous letter writer unleashed a campaign of terror in the 1970s and 80s, accusing residents of infidelity, corruption, and dark secrets. When a suspicious death occurred, the stakes were raised, but the letters didn’t stop—even when a suspect was behind bars. Join us as we uncovers the twists, turns, and unanswered questions behind the Circleville Letters.
see show notes for further reading. |
Episode 15: The Servant Girl Annihilator
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In the 1880s, Austin, Texas, was a city on the rise—until a brutal killer struck, targeting African-American servant women in their homes. Known as the Servant Girl Annihilator, this predator terrorized the city for over a year, leaving no witnesses and no clues. A.C. takes you back to the shadowy streets of 19th-century Austin to explore America’s first documented serial killer and the haunting legacy left behind.
see show notes for further reading. |
Episode 16: The West Mesa Bone Collector
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In 2009, the desert sands of Albuquerque, New Mexico, revealed a grim secret: the skeletal remains of 11 women and one unborn child buried across 92 acres. Who was the West Mesa Bone Collector, and how did they evade justice for so long? A.C. Roberts examines the chilling details of the case, the lives lost, and the questions that remain unanswered to this day.
see show notes for further reading. |
Episode 17: The Burger Chef Murders
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In November 1978, the quiet town of Speedway, Indiana, was shaken by a chilling crime that remains unsolved to this day. Four young employees of a local Burger Chef restaurant vanished during their late-night shift. The scene left behind was puzzling: an unlocked door, missing cash, and personal belongings left untouched. Despite decades of investigation, the killers have never been identified. The case remains an enduring mystery, marked by investigative missteps, haunting questions, and the heartbreaking loss of four young lives. The Burger Chef murders continue to intrigue true crime enthusiasts and law enforcement alike, serving as a somber reminder of the lives lost and the justice still wanted.
see show notes for further reading. |
Episode 18: The Rainbow Murders
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In the summer of 1980, two young women, Vicki Durian and Nancy Santomero, were traveling to the Rainbow Gathering in Pocahontas County, West Virginia—a celebration of peace, unity, and connection to nature. Their journey ended in tragedy when their bodies were discovered on a remote mountain, victims of a brutal double murder.The case, known as the Rainbow Murders, shocked the quiet Appalachian community and raised questions that linger to this day. Was this an act of random violence, or were they targeted because of their association with the Rainbow Gathering? Over the years, suspects have been named, but justice have never been served. In this episode, we examine the crime, its lasting impact on Pocahontas County, and the unanswered questions that continue to haunt this chilling case.
see show notes for further reading. |
Episode 19: The Doodler
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Between January 1974 and September 1975, an unidentified individual, later dubbed "The Doodler," is believed to have been responsible for a series of brutal attacks in San Francisco, California. The assailant targeted men within the city's gay community, often meeting them at after-hours clubs and restaurants. Notably, the perpetrator would sketch his victims before engaging with them, a behavior that led to his moniker. Following these interactions, the assailant would lure the victims to secluded areas and fatally stab them. The case remains open, with the San Francisco Police Department continuing to seek information that could lead to the perpetrator's identification and apprehension.
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Episode 20: The Cigar Girl Mystery
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In 1841, the mysterious death of Mary Cecilia Rogers, dubbed “The Beautiful Cigar Girl,” shocked New York City and captivated the nation. Herdisappearance and the grim discovery of her body near Hoboken sparked wild speculation and one of the first media frenzies in true crime history. This unsolved case not only revealed the flaws of 19th-century investigative practices but also inspired Edgar Allan Poe’s The Mystery of Marie Rogêt, one of the first works of fiction based on a real murder. In this episode, we delve into Mary’s life, the chaotic investigation, and the many theories that attempt to explain her tragic end. From jealous lovers to botched medical procedures, the mystery remains unsolved nearly two centuries later. Discover how this case influenced crime reporting, literature, and public fascination with true crime.
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Episode 21: The Hinterkaifek Murders
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In March 1922, a shocking crime shattered the quiet countryside of Bavaria. The Hinterkaifeck farm, an isolated homestead, became the scene of one of Germany’s most perplexing unsolved murders. Over the course of one night, six people—including two young children—were brutally murdered, their bodies stacked in the barn with horrifying precision. But what makes this case even more unsettling is what happened after the murders. For days, someone remained at Hinterkaifeck. The livestock was fed, meals were eaten, and the fireplace was kept burning—all while the corpses lay undiscovered. The murderer had not just taken six lives; they had stayed, watching over the farm as if it was their own. Despite these chilling clues, no suspect was ever charged. Over a century later, theories still swirl—was this a calculated act of vengeance, a psychotic drifter, or even someone within the family itself? The truth remains as elusive as the murderer who disappeared into the shadows.
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Episode 23: The Mysterious Death of Natalie Wood
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On November 28, 1981, Hollywood icon Natalie Wood spent the evening aboard her yacht, the Splendour, off the coast of Catalina Island. With her were her husband, Robert Wagner, her Brainstorm co-star Christopher Walken, and the yacht’s captain, Dennis Davern. By morning, Natalie was gone—her body discovered floating in the Pacific, bruised, wearing only a nightgown, socks, and a red down jacket. The official report ruled her death an accidental drowning, a tragic accident involving alcohol, slippery decks, and a woman with a lifelong fear of water. But the truth has never sat right with the public. Witnesses heard screams for help that night—but they were ignored. Stories changed over time—most notably from the yacht’s captain and Robert Wagner himself. For over four decades, Natalie Wood’s death has remained one of Hollywood’s darkest and most controversial mysteries. What really happened that night? And why, even today, does the truth feel just out of reach?
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Episode 23: The Unidentified (Part 1)
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Most true crime cases start with the same questions—who did it, why did they do it, and how did they get away? But what if the biggest mystery isn’t the crime itself, but the person at the center of it? What happens when someone dies and no one comes forward to claim them—no name, no past, no answers? In the first part of our two-part season finale, we explore three of the strangest unidentified cases in history: The Somerton Man, found dead on an Australian beach with no ID and a cryptic code tied to his case; Lyle Stevik, a man who checked into a motel under a fake name and left behind nothing but a suicide note; and the bizarre Lead Masks Case, in which two men were found dead in Brazil under unexplained circumstances, their faces covered by lead masks and their deaths shrouded in mystery. Who were they? Why did their identities disappear? And what secrets did they take with them? Tune in as we explore the erased—the mystery of those who vanished without a name.
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Episode 24: The Unidentified (Part 2)
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For decades, they remained unidentified—just bodies, just questions, just mysteries with no names.
The Isdal Woman – A woman found burned and unrecognizable in the Norwegian wilderness, surrounded by fake identities and cryptic clues. Who was she, and why did no one ever come looking for her? The Boy in the Box – A small child discovered in a cardboard box in 1957 Philadelphia, his identity a mystery for over 60 years—until a shocking breakthrough finally gave him a name. The Lady of the Dunes – A woman brutally murdered and left in the Cape Cod dunes, her hands and teeth removed to prevent identification. Nearly 50 years later, her true identity was uncovered, leading to a chilling revelation about who she was—and who might have killed her. Through forensic advancements, investigative breakthroughs, and the relentless pursuit of truth, we examine the power of a name, the psychology of the unknown, and why some mysteries refuse to fade. In the final moments of the episode, we also take time to reflect on Season 2’s journey, answer listener questions, and reveal what’s next for Wanted. |
Season 3
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The murder of Joseph Bowne Elwell remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the 20th century. A professional bridge player and high-society gambler, Elwell had enemies in the worlds of finance, romance, and the elite circles of New York City. On the morning of June 11, 1920, he was found dead in his home—shot in the forehead at close range. But the case took a baffling turn when police discovered no gun, no signs of forced entry, and a locked door that should have made an escape impossible. Theories range from a scorned lover’s revenge to a professional hit. Did someone slip inside unnoticed? Was the crime staged to appear impossible? Or did Elwell let his killer in, never realizing he had just invited death into his home? Explore the evidence, the suspects, and the chilling enigma of a murder that shouldn’t have been possible—but was.
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Few mysteries blur the line between paranoia and reality quite like the case of Goonter stole and the YOG’TZE note. On October 25, 1984, stole, a German food engineer, became visibly distressed, scribbled the cryptic word “YOG’TZE”, and left his home in a panic. Hours later, he was found dying near his crashed car--naked and severely injured, yet with no signs of a struggle inside the vehicle. Before he succumbed to his injuries, he whispered that four men had been with him, but they were not his friends. To this day, his case remains unsolved. Was he murdered? Was the crash staged? What does YOG’TZE mean? Theories range from corporate conspiracies to espionage, cryptographic puzzles, and random acts of violence. Some believe stole was suffering from paranoia-fueled delusions, while others are convinced he knew something dangerous—and was silenced. Decades later, no one has come forward, no new evidence has surfaced, and the meaning of YOG’TZE remains one of the most perplexing unsolved mysteries in Germany’s criminal history. Could the truth still be out there?”*
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The murder of Kate Puzey was more than just a tragic loss—it was a story of institutional failure, silencing of whistleblowers, and a chilling cover-up. At just 24 years old, Kate was an idealistic and compassionate Peace Corps volunteer, teaching English in Benin, West Africa. But when she discovered a dark secret—a fellow teacher abusing young girls—she knew she had to act. She sent an anonymous report. She warned them to keep her name private. And then, within days, she was dead. Kate’s murder was brutal, her throat slit just outside her home. And the investigation? A disaster from the start. The primary suspect, the man she exposed, was arrested—then released. The Peace Corps never admitted responsibility for leaking her identity. The U.S. government offered little pressure for real justice. This case remains unsolved—but more importantly, it remains a reflection of a much bigger problem. Why do institutions protect abusers over victims? Why are women who speak up often the ones who suffer the consequences? And how do we break the silence and dismantle the structures that allow this cycle to continue? In this episode, we explore Kate’s life, the cover-up surrounding her murder, and the broader failures that keep women at risk in institutions designed to help them.
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On June 1, 2001, Nepal’s centuries-old monarchy was shattered in a single night. During a family gathering at the Narayanhiti Palace, Crown Prince Dipendra allegedly opened fire, executing his own parents, siblings, and nearly the entire royal line of succession. But was he really responsible? The official government report closed the case in just two weeks, blaming Dipendra alone for the massacre. But survivors, witnesses, and even forensic evidence suggest a far more sinister story, one of political intrigue, a palace coup, and a power struggle that left Nepal without a king. This episode explores: The unanswered questions surrounding the massacre. The strange survival of Dipendra and his brief rule while in a coma. The conspiracy theories that claim the massacre was an inside job. How the killings led to the collapse of Nepal’s monarchy in 2008. Was this truly a crime of passion? Or a carefully orchestrated coup? Listen now as we uncover the mystery of the Nepalese Royal Massacre.
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On February 13, 2017, two best friends set out for a walk along a historic bridge in Delphi, Indiana—a quiet town where nothing ever seemed to happen. By the next day, Liberty “Libby” German and Abigail “Abby” Williams were found murdered in the woods. Their case became one of the most haunting unsolved crimes in modern history—not just because of the brutality of the crime, but because Libby, in a moment of eerie foresight, had captured her killer on video. A grainy clip of a man walking toward them. A chilling voice recording: “Guys… down the hill.” And yet, despite this rare and crucial evidence, years passed without an arrest. The case shattered Delphi and captured worldwide attention. Online sleuths dissected every detail, rumors spread, and theories exploded across social media. Was the killer a local? A drifter? Someone hiding in plain sight? For five years, the case remained unsolved—until a shocking arrest in 2022. But even with a suspect in custody, the mystery is far from over. Was Richard Allen really the man on the bridge? Was this a random act of violence—or something more sinister? And most disturbingly—could there still be others involved? Join me as we break down one of the most disturbing cases of the modern era—one with a recording of the killer’s voice, a town desperate for justice, and a trial that could change everything.
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