In this episode of History’s Horrible Humans, we explore the life and crimes of Samuel Little, the man the FBI calls America’s most prolific serial killer. From his troubled childhood and decades of petty crime to his horrifying spree of strangulations across 19 states, Little’s story reveals the failures of a justice system that overlooked society’s most vulnerable. We trace his capture through DNA evidence, his shocking confessions, and the haunting sketches that gave voice to dozens of forgotten victims. It’s a chilling look into how one man evaded justice for decades - and how the truth finally caught up to him.
In this episode of HHH, we explored the chilling tale of the Bloody Benders, America’s first family of serial killers. From their mysterious origins to their murderous reign in Kansas, we uncovered how their roadside inn became a death trap for weary travelers. We followed the investigation that exposed their crimes, the shocking discovery of bodies buried in their orchard, and the unanswered mystery of their escape. Though the Benders vanished into legend, their legacy remains one of the darkest chapters in frontier history.
Gesche Gottfried was a seemingly devoted mother, daughter, and friend living in early 19th-century Germany, admired for her caregiving and piety. But under the surface lurked a serial killer who poisoned at least 15 people over more than a decade—making her one of Germany’s most notorious female murderers. This episode explores her troubled childhood, her series of arsenic-laced crimes, and the public spectacle of her execution—the last public execution in the city of Bremen. Was she a manipulative monster, or a desperate woman molded by trauma and repression?
In this episode of Horrible Humans in History, we explore the chilling crimes of Henri Désiré Landru—the real-life French Bluebeard. A calculating con artist turned serial killer, Landru lured women through lonely hearts ads, promised them love, and then made them disappear without a trace. As France reeled from the horrors of World War I, Landru quietly built a deadly pattern of seduction, fraud, and murder. We'll explore his early life, his transition from petty swindler to cold-blooded killer, and the sensational trial that captivated a nation. Was he a madman, a master manipulator, or simply a product of his time? Let’s find out.
In this episode of Horrible Humans in History, we dive into the life of Gavrilo Princip—the 19-year-old nationalist whose assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 set off a chain reaction that led to World War I. We explore his humble beginnings in rural Bosnia, his radicalization through nationalist student movements, and the chaotic series of events that culminated in one of history’s most consequential political assassinations. Was Princip a patriot fighting for freedom, or a fanatic whose actions plunged the world into chaos? Join us as we unravel the story of the young man behind the bullets that shattered empires.
In this episode of HHH, we delve into the life of Nannie Doss, the so-called Giggling Granny who left a trail of bodies across the American South from the 1920s to the 1950s. From a troubled childhood and toxic marriages to a series of poisonings that shocked the nation, Nannie’s story challenges assumptions about what a serial killer looks like. Charming, cheerful, and cold-blooded, she confessed to 11 murders but may have committed more. Join us as we explore the darkly deceptive life of one of America’s most notorious female killers.
In this episode of Horrible Humans in History, we dive into the life of Pablo Escobar – the infamous drug lord who ruled the Colombian cocaine trade with an iron fist. From his humble beginnings to his rise as the head of the Medellín Cartel, we explore his violent empire, ruthless tactics, and ultimate downfall. Discover how Escobar’s legacy continues to shape Colombia and the global drug trade, and why he remains one of the most controversial and deadly figures in modern history.
In this episode of HHH, we explore the wild lives of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow — two young lovers from Texas who became the most notorious outlaw couple in American history. From their humble beginnings and troubled youth to their bloody crime spree across the Midwest, and finally to their violent ambush and death, this is a story of desperation, daring, and deadly choices. We peel back the myths to reveal the truth about Bonnie and Clyde, examining their impact, legacy, and why their legend continues to fascinate us nearly a century later.
In this episode of HHH, we explore the legendary pirate Blackbeard. From his mysterious early life in England to his terrifying reign over the Atlantic, Blackbeard was a master of intimidation. We discuss his infamous blockade of Charleston, his use of psychological warfare, and his violent demise at the hands of the Royal Navy. Was he truly a ruthless killer, or was he simply playing a role? Tune in to uncover the truth behind one of history’s most notorious pirates!
In this episode, we traced Hitler’s journey from his troubled childhood and World War I experiences to his rise through propaganda, mass manipulation, and economic turmoil. We explored his reign of terror, including war crimes and genocide, before ultimately witnessing his self-inflicted downfall as the world united against him. His life and actions left an indelible mark on history, a stark warning of what can happen when hate, fear, and absolute power go unchecked.
In this episode of HHH, we delve into the horrifying crimes of Fred and Rose West. From their troubled childhoods to their gruesome murder spree, we explore how their house at 25 Cromwell Street became one of Britain’s most infamous crime scenes. We discuss their capture, Fred’s suicide, Rose’s conviction, and the lasting impact of their crimes. Tune in for a chilling deep dive into one of history’s most twisted couples.
Shoko Asahara, born Chizuo Matsumoto, rose from a poor, visually impaired child to become the leader of the doomsday cult Aum Shinrikyo. He exhibited manipulative tendencies early in life, bullying classmates and running a fraudulent health business before transforming into a self-proclaimed spiritual leader. He orchestrated numerous crimes, including the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack, which killed 13 people and injured thousands. Captured after a massive raid, he was sentenced to death in 2004 and executed in 2018. His actions led to stricter anti-terrorism laws and continue to haunt Japan’s history.
Join Angela and her special guest Tony for our one year anniversary show! In this episode we rank the most horrible humans from all of the episodes from the first year of the Horrible Humans in History podcast.
Enriqueta Martí, known as the "Vampire of Barcelona," was accused of kidnapping and child trafficking in early 20th-century Spain. Born into poverty, she eventually turned to crime, running a brothel and allegedly engaging in horrific rituals. Her crimes remained hidden until a missing child led to her arrest in 1912, revealing a house of horrors. Though never convicted, she was killed in prison by fellow inmates in 1913. Her story remains shrouded in myth, leaving a chilling legacy in Barcelona’s history.
This episode delves into the notorious St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, one of the most infamous events in organized crime history. Explore the origins of Prohibition, its unintended consequences, and the rise of violent bootlegging empires in 1920s Chicago. The episode examines the bitter rivalry between Al Capone and Bugs Moran, leading up to the brutal execution of seven North Side Gang members on February 14, 1929. Hear about the massacre’s chilling details and the eventual downfall of Moran and Capone.
In this episode of History’s Horrible Humans, we dive into the brutal life of Attila the Hun, the infamous warlord who terrorized the Roman Empire. From his ruthless rise to power and bloody conquests to his scandalous love life—including his almost-marriage to a Roman princess—Attila’s story is one of warfare, psychological terror, and strategic genius. We explore his mysterious wedding night death, rumored to be from a fatal nosebleed, assassination, or even poison, and the lost burial that remains undiscovered to this day. Was Attila simply a barbaric villain, or was he a master tactician who played the game better than Rome itself? Tune in to find out!
Mabel de Belleme, known as the She-Wolf of Normandy, was a Norman noblewoman infamous for her cruelty and ambition. Born into a powerful family, she rose to prominence through strategic marriages and ruthless actions. Her life was marked by calculated murders, harsh rule, and constant conflict. Mabel’s reign of terror ended in assassination, but her legacy as one of history’s most notorious figures lives on.
Albert Fish was one of the most depraved killers in history. Born into a troubled family, his early experiences with abuse and neglect set the stage for a life of crime. From his first offenses to his horrifying murders and eventual capture, Fish’s story is a cautionary tale of unchecked mental illness and human depravity. His legacy remains a dark reminder of the depths to which a person can sink.
Liu Pengli, the prince of Jidong, was a member of China’s illustrious Han dynasty. But behind the royal facade was a man whose insatiable appetite for violence left a trail of fear, destruction, and death. From his privileged birth to his descent into madness, Liu Pengli’s story is a chilling reminder of the potential for darkness—even in those born into privilege.
Today we will explore the life of Aileen Wuornos, from her troubled childhood and descent into crime to her eventual capture and execution. We discussed the impact she left on society and the myths surrounding her story. Tune in to learn more of her chilling tale.