My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Hosted by Georgia Hardstark and Karen Kilgariff
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
In this episode, the hosts look back at an old 2018 episode titled Fingers Everywhere, offering new insights, case updates, and contemporary commentary. The discussion covers iconic cases like the Chicago lipstick murders attributed to William Hirons and the historic kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby, examining how sensational media coverage, flawed police work, and early forensic techniques shaped these investigations. Throughout the episode, the hosts blend true crime history with humorous observations about modern life, celebrity culture, and internet fandom.
A brief ad segment featuring Zillow and OnDeck, offering real estate and small business loan services.
Karen and Georgia open the episode, setting the stage for a rewind of episode 119, "Fingers Everywhere."
Karen and Georgia discuss their differing views on spirituality and religion, reflecting on recent podcast topics.
Karen and Georgia dive into Paul Holes’ background, the origin of the #HotForHoles meme, and his role in true crime investigations.
The conversation shifts to DNA genealogy, the Golden State Killer case, and privacy concerns surrounding genetic data.
Georgia recounts a recent high‑speed chase involving a Winnebago in Los Angeles, illustrating the city’s car‑centric culture.
The hosts explore the 1940s Chicago Lipstick Killer murders, detailing the crimes, investigation, and societal context.
The hosts revisit William Hirons’ background, his early criminal activities, and his unexpected academic success at a Benedictine school.
Hirons attempts a bank robbery to fund a date, leading to a confrontation with police and his eventual capture.
The police subject Hirons to brutal interrogation, including a spinal tap and truth serum, while denying him basic rights.
Discussion of ladder evidence leading to Richard Hartman's arrest for the Lindbergh baby kidnapping.
Overview of Hartman's trial, conviction, and execution in 1936.
Exploration of theories suggesting more than one person was involved in the kidnapping.
Examination of Lindbergh's eugenics beliefs, Nazi ties, and alleged secret children.
Updates on recent DNA testing efforts and lawsuits seeking evidence from the case.
Discussion of podcasts, books, and media that cover the Lindbergh kidnapping.
Golden State Killer DNA Discoveryinsight
The hosts discuss how the Golden State Killer was identified through familial DNA submitted to public genealogy databases.
The First Lipstick Murderstory
The hosts detail the June 1945 murder of Josephine Ross in Chicago, where her wounds were meticulously covered with tape.
The Lipstick Murder Messagestory
A second murder features a chilling message scrawled on the wall in lipstick pleading for police intervention.
The Murder of Suzanne Deggnanstory
The horrific kidnapping and dismemberment of six-year-old Suzanne Deggnan in January 1946 shocked the city of Chicago.
William Hirons Trial and Convictionstrategy
Seventeen-year-old William Hirons was convicted of the Chicago murders after grueling interrogation, though later experts questioned the evidence.
The Lindbergh Baby Kidnappingstory
The hosts review the 1932 abduction of Charles Lindbergh's toddler son from their New Jersey home, which became the crime of the century.
Catching Bruno Richard Hauptmanndata
A suspicious gas station attendant recorded a gold certificate serial number, leading police directly to Hauptmann.
“I love a, I love a high-speed chase.”
“The Lipstick Killer, William Hirons.”
“The war is over. Buy a car, buy a house, get a wife, have two kids.”
“He gets released and, and then William Hirons is again arrested for theft and larceny.”
“It turns out, when he's at the school, he fucking flourishes.”
“He's an exceptional student, excels in all kinds of crazy fucking subjects that I couldn't do.”
“They pull that shit down, they pull that piece of the ladder off and they match it exactly.”
“The nation hadn't mourned like that since Lincoln was assassinated and didn't mourn like that again until JFK was assassinated.”
“The ladder was too rickety. Somebody needed to hold that stupid thing from the bottom because it was like the dumbest ladder of all time.”
It's time to Rewind with Karen & Georgia! This week, K & G recap Episode 119: Fingers Everywhere. Georgia covered William Heirens, the “Lipstick Killer,” and Karen discussed the Lindbergh baby kidnapping. Tune in for all-new commentary, case updates and more! Whether you've listened a thousand times or you're new to the show, join the conversation as we look back on our old episodes and discuss the life lessons we’ve learned along the way. Head to social media to share your favorite moments from this episode! Instagram: instagram.com/myfavoritemurder http://instagram.com/myfavoritemurder Facebook: facebook.com/myfavoritemurder http://facebook.com/myfavoritemurder TikTok: tiktok.com/@my_favorite_murder http://tiktok.com/@my_favorite_murder Now with updated sources and photos: https://www.myfavoritemurder.com/episodes My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. The Exactly Right podcast network provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics, including true crime, comedy, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more. See omnystudio.com/listener https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24,788 words · 7 speakers
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