Root of Evil: The True Story of the Hodel Family and the Black Dahlia
TNT / Cadence13
When Elizabeth Short, also known as The Black Dahlia, was brutally killed in 1947, it gripped the entire country. More than 70 years later, it remains America's most infamous unsolved murder. Many believe Dr. George Hodel was the killer, thanks to an investigation by Hodel's own son. But murder is just part of the Hodel family story, one filled with horrifying secrets that ripple across generations. Now, through never-before-heard archival audio and first-time interviews, the Hodel family opens up to reveal their shocking story. In this eight-part documentary series, sisters Rasha Pecoraro and Yvette Gentile, the great grand daughters of George Hodel, take a deep dive into their family history to try to figure out what really happened, and where do they all go from here? Root of Evil is the companion podcast to TNTs limited series I Am the Night. Inspired by the true story of the Hodel family, the series stars Chris Pine and comes from acclaimed Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 5, 2025 • 35min
Introducing: Fear Thy Neighbor
Check out Fear Thy Neighbor, from ID. Listen to Season 2 Episode 1, Intimidation Tactics here, and follow Fear Thy Neighbor wherever you get your podcasts.
What would you do if the person you feared most… was living right next door? On Fear Thy Neighbor, dive deep into stranger than fiction stories about neighbors gone wrong. We’ll hear these true stories as told by the victims, their families and their neighbors... featuring real 911 calls and surveillance archives. Tune in to hear what happens when simple issues turns into living nightmares with horrific and often fatal consequences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
6 snips
Apr 3, 2019 • 47min
You Only Have One Family
Love Hodel and Peace Hodel, brothers of Fauna and sons of Tamar, join their sister Fawn Elizabeth for an emotional family gathering. They dive into their complex upbringing, revealing the heavy impact of their mother’s control. The siblings share intimate stories about loss, identity, and their journey toward healing. Humor mingles with heartfelt reflections as they discuss their unique family names, the weight of shared secrets, and the strength found in their bond. Together, they embrace resilience amidst their troubled legacy.
6 snips
Mar 27, 2019 • 42min
The Troubling Questions
Peace Hodel, Tamar's oldest son, shares insight into the tumultuous legacy of the Hodel family. He reflects on his grandfather George Hodel's complex life and its lasting impact. The discussion dives into unresolved familial emotions, touching on accountability in light of Elizabeth Short's tragic story. Peace confronts the challenging dynamics of love, loss, and identity within his family. Listeners hear poignant memories of resilience and the ongoing journey toward healing amid deeply rooted feelings of betrayal and connection.
6 snips
Mar 20, 2019 • 1h 9min
Supposin' I Did Kill The Black Dahlia
Steve Hodel, a homicide detective and author, dives deep into the dark legacy of his father, George Hodel, revealing shocking connections to the infamous Black Dahlia murder. He shares compelling evidence and unsettling insights into his father’s violent past. The discussion explores key events from George’s incest trial, hidden police documents, and the chilling intimidation tactics he wielded. Steve also uncovers connections between the Hodel family history and the unsolved mystery, adding layers of complexity to this haunting tale of crime and corruption.
Mar 13, 2019 • 58min
Traumatic Reenactment
The vicious cycle of family trauma continues as George Hodel's daughter, Tamar becomes a mother. Her children tell the heartbreaking story of growing up in a shockingly toxic environment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
4 snips
Mar 6, 2019 • 47min
The Minotaur
Steve Hodel, a retired LAPD detective and great uncle of the hosts, unearths dark family secrets while investigating the infamous Black Dahlia case, revealing a shocking link to his father, George Hodel. Neil Baldwin, a Montclair State University professor and biographer of Man Ray, discusses the surrealist artist's influence on the Hodels and the complexities of representing women in art. Together, they navigate the haunting intersections of crime, creativity, and familial legacies, challenging perceptions of justice and artistry.
Feb 27, 2019 • 43min
George's Gift
A deeper look into the life of George Hodel and his children; his interests, his parties, and the horrifying incident in 1949 that would reshape the Hodel family forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 20, 2019 • 40min
A Skilled Surgeon
Guest Steve Hodel, former LAPD Homicide Detective, discusses the Black Dahlia murder case and how his own father fit the profile of the killer. The podcast explores the emotional journey of discovering one's true heritage, reflects on the family's dark history, and analyzes the gruesome crime scene and careful planning of the murder. It also mentions other suspects and provides a detailed background of a person's early life.
Feb 15, 2019 • 6min
Sneak Peek: "You couldn't make this story up."
Steve Hodel, a former LAPD homicide detective, and son of George Hodel - the prime suspect in the Black Dahlia murder, takes us through the gruesome discovery found in Los Angeles on January 15, 1947.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 13, 2019 • 46min
Saved By The Ghetto
Fauna Hodel, a biracial girl, uncovers her terrifying family history. The podcast delves into the dark secrets of the Hodel family, explores the challenges faced by mixed-race children, and discusses Fauna's birth certificate and identity. The speaker reflects on their anticipation of meeting their birth mother and introduces their uncle, a former LAPD detective investigating their own father as the Black Dahlia killer.
