Unsolved Episodes

The murders of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. remain two of the most infamous unsolved cases in music history. Decades later, questions still linger: Were the murders connected? Was it really East Coast vs. West Coast? And what evidence has emerged over the years? In this episode, we take a deep dive into the lives of Tupac and Biggie, the legendary rivalry that captivated the hip-hop world, the events leading up to their deaths, and the investigations that followed. We separate fact from fiction, explore the conspiracy theories that refuse to die, and examine what we actually know today. Whether you're a longtime hip-hop fan or simply fascinated by unsolved true crime, this episode uncovers the twists, suspects, and unanswered questions behind two of the most shocking murders in entertainment history.

Some stories don't feel finished - and this is one of them. In 2005 and 2006, in Caldwell County, NC, the story of Emily Anderson began to unfold - one that would leave more questions than answers. Some listeners may have heard part of this case before. But if you've ever found yourself wondering what happened next, this episode takes a deeper look. We walk through the full timeline - from the early details to the key moments that shaped the case - bringing together everythin...

In July of 1906, Rowan County, North Carolina, was shaken by one of the most brutal crimes in state history. Isaac Lyerly, his wife Augusta, and two of their young children were murdered in their farmhouse near Barber Junction. Bludgeoned with the family’s own axe and left in a fire meant to destroy the evidence, the crime horrified Salisbury and quickly drew national attention. Three of the surviving Lyerly sisters escaped the burning home, carrying their wounded sister Alice to safety, only...

Sometimes a simple "welfare check" for someone's safety turns out to be more than investigators bargained for. For the Houston Police Department in 1965, this was the case when a man called in concerned about his elderly aunt and uncle. What they found when they got inside was a nauseating scene. Narrator: Curtis Hildreth Intro and Outro Music: Isaiah Hildreth Sources: Criminal Podcast - Episode 41 https://allthatsinteresting.com/ice-box-murders https://www.ktnv.com/news/crime/explanation-o...

Accident? Suicide? Or Murder? The question of "Z" Smith Reynolds' death is still not answered to this day more than ninety years later. The wealthy heir of the RJ Reynolds Tobacco fortune was shot on his sleeping porch after hosting his friend's 21st birthday party at his estate. The initial ruling was suicide. However, ballistic evidence cast suspicion on that theory, and two people were charged with his murder. The inquest sparked more questions than it answered. Intro and Outro Music: Cou...

In 1981, Hollywood darling Natalie Wood invited friends to spend the after-Thanksgiving weekend with her and her husband Robert Wagner on their yacht Splendor. Most invitees declined due to bad weather but current co-star Christopher Walken joined them. The weekend was booze-filled leading to arguments among the three. Tragedy struck when Natalie disappeared from the boat and the next morning her body was found face down in the water. Intro and Outro Music: Isaiah Hildreth Narrator: Curtis Hild...

In 1892, in the town of Fall River, Massachusetts, a wealthy older couple was axed to death in their own home in broad daylight. Almost immediately their thirty-two-year-old daughter, Lizzie Borden, is suspected of the brutal murders. The tales surrounding this event are varied, and conspiracy theories abound. The whole gruesome crime is memorialized in books, TV, movies, songs, poems, and now podcasts. Introduction Narration: Lily Hildreth and Isrianna Delatorre Intro and Outro Music: Isaiah ...

On the night of November 20, 1901, Nell Cropsey vanished from her family's home in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Thirty-seven days later her body was found floating in the Pasquotank River. There was only ever one real suspect but did authorities get it right? Sources: Music by: Isaiah Hildreth Male Narrator: Curtis Hildreth newspapers.com Ella Maude: The Story of an Unsolved Crime By Nicholas Nicastro Nell Cropsey and Jim Wilcox: The Chill of Destiny By William Dunstan T...

In 1877, 47 year old Thurza Bowman died a violent death. An autopsy revealed she had been poisoned by strychnine. Suspicion would immediately fall on her husband. After many conflicting testimonies and two trials, Thomas Bowman was sentenced to hang in Asheboro, North Carolina in 1879. Did Thurza Bowman get justice or was her husband wrongfully convicted? Episode researched by Ricky Allred and Darlene Hildreth Episode written by Ricky Allred and Darlene Hildreth Music written and performed by I...

Naomi (Omie) Wise was an orphan girl. She fell in love with a young gentleman named Johnathan Lewis. Naomi found out she was pregnant. When she told Lewis, he told her to meet him that night so they could run away and get married. Her beaten, bruised body was found in Deep River the next morning. Male Narrator: Curtis Hildreth Music: Naomi Wise (Omie Wise) by Donna Hughes Sources: Naomi Wise by Donna Hughes https://youtu.be/BQLYzHnwYQk Bob Dylan's version of Omie Wise https://youtu.be/y8Vbs4Hj...

On a summer morning in 1975, eight year old Gretchen Harrington walked to Bible camp just a half mile from her home. She never arrived at camp and she never made it home. Authorities and the community were dismayed but not shocked when her remains were discovered just eight miles from home in a wooded park. Now, 48 years later, an arrest has finally been made in this horrible crime. Send us a text Support the show hardtimesandtruecrimes.com buymeacoffee.com/hardtimesTC

One evening in 1932, a baby was taken from his crib as he slept. The child was Charles Lindbergh Jr., son of the infamous Atlantic crossing aviator, Charles Lindbergh. The crime became an instant sensational case. When several ransom notes are received through various channels, investigators are kept on their toes, chasing every lead no matter how outlandish it may be. One man is finally apprehended, tried, and convicted for the crime and yet many today believe he was innocent. And that is why t...

In the summer of 1977, three young girls are murdered in their tent on the first night at summer camp. The tragic aftermath ended with the closing of the camp never to reopen and left parents wondering if the camp experience was no longer a safe haven for their children. One suspect stands out among several; he is eventually charged for the crime and the outcome is surprising. Sometimes justice comes quickly and in unexpected ways. Send us a text Support the show hardtimesandtruecrimes.com buym...

In the summer of 1967, on a small island off the coast of NC a young intern at the outdoor drama, The Lost Colony, vanished. Nineteen year old Brenda Holland's body was found five days later in the Albemarle Sound. The suspect list is long but the evidence is lacking, and no arrest is ever made. The case remains unsolved to this day. Send us a text Support the show hardtimesandtruecrimes.com buymeacoffee.com/hardtimesTC

In Bibb county Georgia on August 6, 1887 a prominent farmer, Captain Richard Woolfolk and eight members of his family were axed to death as they lay sleeping. The Woolfolk murders would be known as the bloodiest mass murder in Georgia history. The oldest son and only survivor of the horrendous attack was the main suspect. There's an unbelievable twist at the end that leaves everyone wondering if an innocent man was punished for the crimes. Episode music written and performed by Isaiah Hildreth ...