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 retired 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.
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
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.
27 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 1h 38min
Buried Bones Halloween Special: The Black Dahlia
In a thrilling live discussion, the hosts delve into the chilling mystery of Elizabeth Short, famously known as the Black Dahlia. They explore her complicated life, the key figures around her, and her last movements leading up to her tragic end. The graphic details of the crime scene and forensic findings paint a haunting picture. They scrutinize the numerous false confessions and media frenzy that followed her murder, along with intriguing theories about potential suspects, leaving listeners to ponder the enduring questions surrounding this infamous case.
Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 9min
Horrors on the Homestead
Travel back to 1871 Kansas, where a family mysteriously disappears from their homestead. A search party uncovers chilling evidence, including bloodstains and a concealed trapdoor. Disturbing discoveries reveal multiple shallow graves, linked to a predatory family known as the Bloody Benders. Analyze their gruesome methods and the potential family dynamics behind the killings. The case raises questions of folklore, unsolved mysteries, and the eerie possibility of modern forensics shedding light on this dark chapter of history.
9 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 5min
Last Rites
Travel back to 1921 Alabama, where a Catholic priest is shot on his porch, igniting a historic investigation. Explore the implications of anti-Catholic sentiment and Klan influence during a tumultuous era. Delve into forensic details, including bullet trajectories and the psychology of the shooter. Discover the chaotic trial marked by racial theatrics and prosecutorial failures. Unpack the legacy of the victim and the community's reaction to an acquittal that highlighted systemic corruption and the struggle for justice.
11 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 1h
The Machete Murderer PT 2
In this gripping examination, the narrative returns to the chilling Yuba City murders, shedding light on the twisted psyche of the suspect, Juan Corona. The investigation reveals intricate details about the victims and burial sites, while discussions of sexual motivations and organized crime patterns challenge our understanding of the killer's mind. With revelations about evidence mishandling and contentious court battles, the hosts explore the haunting reality of vulnerable victims and the tragic flaws in the judicial system.
Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 2min
The Machete Murderer PT 1
Delve into the haunting story of a disturbed orchard in 1971 Yuba City, where the discovery of shallow graves unravels chilling mysteries. Farmers stumble upon the remains of transients, leading to a deeper investigation into their identities and tragic fates. Forensic techniques, including probing and sifting, come into play as the hosts analyze suspicious patterns and victim profiles. Clues surface, including a striking yellow Chevy panel van, while connections to past assaults escalate the tension. Join the hunt for the truth behind these crimes.
17 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 14min
Into the Woods
Travel back to 1843 Rhode Island, where the rich Amasa Sprague is found dead in the woods, setting off a whirlwind of intrigue. Discover the surprising motives behind his murder, including rumors of affairs and political rivalries. Explore fascinating forensic analyses, including the crime scene's bloody trail and the significance of a shattered musket. Witness the chaos of mass arrests that even ensnared family pets. Reflect on the case's impact, revealing long-term consequences and how modern forensics could have changed its outcome.
11 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 6min
Unusual Suspect
Dive into the chilling story of a murder in 1880s Massachusetts, where a husband finds his wife slain in their locked home. Explore the complexities of the investigation, from crucial autopsy findings to strange witness accounts. Delve into the suspect’s shaky alibi and the trial’s reliance on circumstantial evidence, revealing doubts about his guilt. Could the grieving husband have had a motive? Uncover the whispers that cast shadows on the initial verdict, leaving the true killer shrouded in mystery.
11 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 57min
Blood on the Cobblestones PT 2
In a gripping conclusion set in 1960s Boston, the investigation into the notorious Boston Strangler reveals chilling patterns in serial killings. The discussion uncovers vulnerabilities in apartment security and highlights tragic cases, particularly of older women. As the speakers delve into the psychological profile of the suspected murderer, they question whether Albert DeSalvo acted alone. With evidence evolving, they explore the complexities of ligature strangulation and the haunting reality of urban crime, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats.
