
Buried Bones - a historical true crime podcast with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes
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.
Latest episodes

11 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 51min
Passing Notes PT 2
A gripping tale unfolds as Paul and Kate delve into the 1975 kidnapping of 17-year-old Leslie Whittle. They discuss the frantic 51-day search, filled with cryptic clues and unsettling evidence. Forensic analysis sheds light on connections between crimes, showcasing advancements in crime-solving. The chilling details surrounding Leslie's murder reveal the tragic stories of both victims and criminals. Throughout, the evolution of forensic science is highlighted, illustrating how past methods have paved the way for modern techniques in unraveling dark mysteries.

Jan 29, 2025 • 51min
Passing Notes PT 1
In 1975 England, a young heiress is kidnapped under bizarre circumstances. The ransom demands put her family in a precarious position, exposing the psychological warfare at play. A violent confrontation involving a security guard unveils deeper connections to the abduction. The investigation's tension escalates as chilling taped messages manipulate the victim's family. Additionally, evidence found in a suspect's car hints at a broader crime spree, weaving a complex web of danger and intrigue.

Jan 22, 2025 • 1h 11min
Razor’s Edge
Travel back to 1921 Portland, where the chaotic murder of a father unfolds amidst flawed forensic science. Eyewitness accounts raise doubts about their accuracy, revealing the challenges of memory under stress. Delve into the forensic details behind a fatal neck wound and the controversial arrest of a woman entangled in a web of sensationalism. Explore courtroom drama surrounding key witness credibility and the murky truths of evidence. Amidst it all, enjoy a humorous dive into whiskey's dark past in medicinal practices.

28 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 50min
The Nun’s Skeleton PT 2
Dive back into the chilling case of Sister Kathy Sesnick, a nun whose tragic murder in 1969 reveals deep-rooted institutional abuse. The testimony of a local student raises questions about the reliability of recovered memories. Discover the tangled connections to key suspects, including Father Maskell, and hear about the emotional struggles of the survivors from Archbishop Keogh school. The discussion also touches on the ethics of true crime storytelling, aiming for a respectful narrative that honors victims and their stories.

24 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 1h 2min
The Nun’s Skeleton PT 1
Delve into the chilling disappearance of Sister Kathy Sesnick, who vanished under mysterious circumstances in 1969. The hosts dissect unreliable witness accounts and the intricate dynamics within the Catholic institution. Explore Sister Kathy's last known moments and the puzzling timeline of her activities, raising unsettling questions about her fate. The investigation reveals potential suspects and alarming connections to a deeper pattern of disappearances, revealing layers of systemic issues that haunt this cold case.

Dec 18, 2024 • 1h 3min
The Christmas Mystery
In a chilling tale from Christmas Eve 1945, a family's holiday joy is shattered by a mysterious fire. A mix of arson clues and political tension paints a grim picture of the times. As suspicion rises and chaos ensues, children grow wary of a lurking threat. The investigation reveals heartbreaking losses and community skepticism about how the police handled the tragedy. This captivating story intertwines festive traditions with the dark realities of a true crime that still echoes today.

15 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 54min
Out of Focus PT 2
In this second part of a two-parter, Kate and Paul return to 1958 Los Angeles where a serial killer is terrorizing local women. After the suspect encounters a truly heroic individual, the tide turns in the investigation. Support this podcast by shopping our latest sponsor deals and promotions at this link: https://bit.ly/4buCoMc See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 55min
Out of Focus PT 1
Travel back to late 1950s Los Angeles as a young model mysteriously vanishes after a photo shoot, sparking fears of a serial killer. Explore the impact of sensationalism in true crime media, alongside anecdotes about parenting and the delicate balance of communication with teens. Delve into the urgency of missing person cases, highlighting the importance of swift action and technological advancements like geofencing. The suspicious circumstances surrounding Judy's disappearance weave a gripping narrative filled with trust issues and community reactions.

Nov 20, 2024 • 57min
Last Supper
In 1871 Richland Center, a dinner party turns deadly when guests experience a mysterious illness. Suspicions of food poisoning arise as tensions escalate among the attendees. Historical insights reveal the use of toxic substances like strychnine in Victorian society, showcasing the complexities of criminal motives. The investigation unveils jealousy and possible foul play, while also highlighting the evolving landscape of forensic science. The narrative captures the dark twists of fate that intertwine personal relations and tragedy in a seemingly ordinary gathering.

Nov 13, 2024 • 52min
The Three Emmas
Travel back to 1914 San Antonio, where a wealthy brewery owner's love triangle leads to intrigue and murder. Discover the tangled relationships between Otto, his bedridden wife, and their young nurse, Emmy, amid cultural shifts. Delve into the emotional turmoil and motives behind shocking actions, as well as the role of forensic advancements in unraveling such mysteries. The gripping narrative reveals how complex personal connections can spiral into betrayal and tragedy, leaving a lasting impact on the community.