Buried Bones - a historical true crime podcast with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes
Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts
On Buried Bones, journalist Kate Winkler Dawson and forensic investigator Paul Holes dissect some of history’s most compelling true crime cases from centuries ago. Together, they explore these very old cases through a 21st century lens. With their years of expertise and knowledge of modern forensics, they reflect on how far science has come and bring new insight to old mysteries. Together, Kate and Paul have examined many cases including the 1932 Lindbergh baby kidnapping, the first time fingerprinting was used as evidence in a courtroom and a possible serial killer in 1960s Nashville. They ask, was the right person convicted or was someone wrongfully accused? See pictures, diagrams and evidence from each case on Instagram @buriedbonespod. Buried Bones is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that 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, comedic interviews, news, science, pop culture and more. The network is home to My Favorite Murder hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, This Podcast Will Kill You, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, Tenfold More Wicked and more.
Episodes
Mentioned books
20 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 1h 4min
Axed PT 1
In 1912 Iowa, the chilling Villisca Axe Murders unfold as an entire family and their guests meet a gruesome fate. The eerie discovery by a neighbor sparks a frantic investigation. The duo analyzes behavioral clues at the crime scene, including the disturbing state of the victims and the crime scene's contamination by curious townsfolk. They debate whether a singular killer or multiple offenders are responsible while exploring the mind of the perpetrator. The suspense mounts as they outline suspects leading into a deeper exploration.
19 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 1h 15min
Untold Motives
Dive into post-WWI Liverpool, where a husband's harrowing discovery of his wife's murder sets off a tangled web of intrigue. Explore the chilling details of the crime scene and the bloody evidence that reveals a brutal attack. Delve into the forensic analysis that raises questions about staging and motive. With multiple suspects and an overturned verdict, the case challenges perceptions of guilt. Did he really kill her, or is there more to this gripping story? Unravel the chilling mystery alongside the hosts.
11 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 52min
Turn Back the Page: The Three Emmas
Travel back to 1914 San Antonio, where a wealthy man's mysterious death sparks a web of intrigue. Nurse Emmy enters a love triangle, but tensions rise when Otto is found dead. Witnesses struggle with their memories as conflicting evidence unfolds, leading to a dramatic trial where emotions run high. Meanwhile, Hedda’s escape to wartime Germany and her surprising return add layers to this captivating story. Discover how forensics play a crucial role while the saga of the Three Emmas unfolds with unexpected twists.
9 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 1h 3min
Turn Back the Page: The Christmas Mystery
Take a dive into a haunting Christmas Eve mystery from 1945 West Virginia. A fire engulfs a family home, leading to a chilling investigation filled with bizarre clues. Suspicious events, including strange visitors and cut phone lines, hint at foul play. As the fire rips through, five children perish, leaving behind no identifiable remains. Witness reports spark questions about possible abductions, while modern science offers hope for answers. This gripping tale weaves together tragedy, intrigue, and a family's search for truth.
18 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 55min
Till Death
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.
11 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 60min
Out Cold PT 2
Returning to Siberia, the hosts dive deep into the perplexing case of the Dyatlov Pass, where seasoned hikers met untimely deaths. They explore bizarre injuries, mysterious lights, and the possibility of military involvement. Discoveries of buried bodies and radiation traces heighten the intrigue. Theories abound, with discussions on avalanches and classified files adding to the mystery. The unresolved nature of this chilling case leaves listeners captivated and curious about the hidden truths behind the events.
12 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 1h 7min
Out Cold PT 1
In a chilling tale set in 1959 Russia, a group of student adventurers goes missing in the Ural Mountains. As searchers uncover a tent slashed from within, eerie evidence points to a sudden departure. Discoveries lead to footprints and horrifying scenes, including burnt garments and remains displaying signs of trauma. Forensic experts weigh in, revealing unusual autopsy findings and the possibility of violence preceding exposure. The hosts guide listeners through this mysterious case, leaving tantalizing hints for the next part.
8 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 1h 3min
The Lady of the Dunes
In 1974 Cape Cod, a body is discovered on Race Point Dunes, leading to a complex investigation filled with twists. The hosts explore the difficulties of identifying the victim, who is eventually named Ruth Terry thanks to genetic genealogy. They delve into the chilling details surrounding her death, including signs of violence and a mysterious suspect, Guy Muldevin, whose past links him to multiple unresolved disappearances. The episode highlights how modern forensic methods can unveil long-buried truths.
10 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 59min
Dead Weight PT 2
In a chilling exploration of the 1931 Los Angeles trunk murder case, the podcast unravels the complex motives behind Winnie Judd's actions. Tracing the discovery of dismembered bodies, the hosts dissect Winnie's troubled past, potential jealousy, and courtroom antics. They analyze contradicting evidence, her initial confession, and the sensationalized trials. The narrative dives into the psychological impacts of tuberculosis on her behavior and debates the nuances of mental illness versus culpability. The shocking final confessions reveal chilling truths about dismemberment and the failed disposal plan.
Nov 5, 2025 • 1h 4min
Dead Weight PT 1
In 1931 Los Angeles, a smelly trunk leads to a grisly discovery at a train station. Inside, detectives find decomposed bodies and disturbing evidence like a serrated knife and a dismembered torso. The investigation uncovers links to a bizarre murder scene in Phoenix, complete with a bloody thumbprint. Autopsy findings reveal shocking details about the victims and raise questions about the killer's methods. As suspects emerge, the intrigue thickens, setting the stage for a chilling two-part tale.
