Buried Bones - a historical true crime podcast with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes Till Death
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Dec 17, 2025 Dive into a chilling 1956 home invasion in Southern California that spirals into a web of suspicious deaths. Follow the bizarre pattern of fatalities linked to one man, with intrigue around hypodermic injections and insulin. Explore the strange medical evidence, rapid cremations, and unsettling financial motives that paint a sinister picture. As investigators peel back layers of deception, shocking testimonies reveal a history of fraud and manipulation, leading to a gripping trial and a dark prison fate.
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Strange Home Invasion With Needles
- Kate describes a 1956 Covina home invasion where a masked man bound Zella and injected her with a hypodermic syringe.
- The couple reported two masked assailants, but only one was seen by Zella and no clear forced entry was found.
Insulin As Incapacitating Tool
- Paul notes insulin injections could induce hypoglycemia to lower a victim's energy and potentially render them incapacitated.
- Combining insulin with sedatives like barbiturates increases risk of coma and death, complicating clinical assessment.
Dale Archer's Pattern Of Cons
- Kate outlines Dale Archer's history: hospital jobs, drug convictions, prison escapes, and cons targeting women for money.
- He married Zella shortly before her death and quickly accessed her funds and life insurance proceeds.