Root of Evil: The True Story of the Hodel Family and the Black Dahlia

When Elizabeth Short, also known as The Black Dahlia, was brutally killed in 1947, it gripped the entire country. More than 70 years later, it remains America's most infamous unsolved murder. Many believe Dr. George Hodel was the killer, thanks to an investigation by Hodel's own son. But murder is just part of the Hodel family story, one filled with horrifying secrets that ripple across generations. Now, through never-before-heard archival audio and first-time interviews, the Hodel family opens up to reveal their shocking story. In this eight-part documentary series, sisters Rasha Pecoraro and Yvette Gentile, the great grand daughters of George Hodel, take a deep dive into their family history to try to figure out what really happened, and where do they all go from here? Root of Evil is the companion podcast to TNTs limited series I Am the Night. Inspired by the true story of the Hodel family, the series stars Chris Pine and comes from acclaimed Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins.

Episodes

Introducing Root of Evil

January 22, 2019 • 4 mins

When Elizabeth Short, also known as "The Black Dahlia," was brutally killed in 1947, it gripped the entire country. More than 70 years later, it remains America's most infamous unsolved murder. Many believe Dr. George Hodel was the killer, thanks to an investigation by Hodel's own son. But murder is just part of the Hodel family story, one filled with horrifying secrets that ripple across generations. Now, through never-before-hea...

Mark as Played

Saved By The Ghetto

February 13, 2019 • 46 mins

Fauna Hodel, a biracial girl living in Sparks, Nevada, finds out the truth about who she really is, where she came from, and her terrifying family history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark as Played

Sneak Peek: "You couldn't make this story up."

February 15, 2019 • 6 mins

Steve Hodel, a former LAPD homicide detective, and son of George Hodel - the prime suspect in the Black Dahlia murder, takes us through the gruesome discovery found in Los Angeles on January 15, 1947.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark as Played

A Skilled Surgeon

February 20, 2019 • 40 mins

Former LAPD Homicide Detective, Steve Hodel, explains the identity of the Black Dahlia, the circumstances of her murder in 1947 Los Angeles, and how the LAPD's profile of her killer fit Steve's own father, George Hodel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark as Played

George's Gift

February 27, 2019 • 43 mins

A deeper look into the life of George Hodel and his children; his interests, his parties, and the horrifying incident in 1949 that would reshape the Hodel family forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark as Played

The Minotaur

March 6, 2019 • 47 mins

Steve Hodel receives a phone call that pulls him out of retirement to investigate the Black Dahlia, a murder that had been ice cold for more than 50 years. The deeper Steve gets, the more he comes to accept his father was a sadistic killer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark as Played

Traumatic Reenactment

March 13, 2019 • 57 mins

The vicious cycle of family trauma continues as George Hodel's daughter, Tamar becomes a mother. Her children tell the heartbreaking story of growing up in a shockingly toxic environment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark as Played

Supposin' I Did Kill The Black Dahlia

March 20, 2019 • 68 mins

Steve Hodel uncovers a pile of evidence connecting his father, George Hodel, to the Black Dahlia murder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark as Played

The Troubling Questions

March 27, 2019 • 41 mins

Fauna Hodel and her mother, Tamar, both leave their own unique legacies, and their children try to make sense of it all. In doing so, unresolved emotions and crucial questions are raised. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark as Played

You Only Have One Family

April 3, 2019 • 46 mins

For the first time in decades, the Hodels gather together in one room to confront their difficult family secrets. They try to collectively make sense of their story and answer the question of how to move forward, knowing they can never escape their past. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark as Played

Introducing: Fear Thy Neighbor

May 5, 2025 • 35 mins

Check out Fear Thy Neighbor, from ID. Listen to Season 2 Episode 1, Intimidation Tactics here, and follow Fear Thy Neighbor wherever you get your podcasts. What would you do if the person you feared most… was living right next door? On Fear Thy Neighbor, dive deep into stranger than fiction stories about neighbors gone wrong. We’ll hear these true stories as told by the victims, their families and their neighbors... featuring ...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

The Bobby Bones Show

Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

The Joe Rogan Experience

The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Betrayal: Weekly

Betrayal Weekly is back for a brand new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack. And make sure to check out Seasons 1-4 of Betrayal, along with Betrayal Weekly Season 1.

Advertise With Us

Root of Evil: The True Story of the Hodel Family and the Black Dahlia

Episodes

.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;}Introducing Root of Evil

.css-r6mb8g{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:1;overflow:hidden;}Saved By The Ghetto

Sneak Peek: "You couldn't make this story up."

A Skilled Surgeon

George's Gift

The Minotaur

Traumatic Reenactment

Supposin' I Did Kill The Black Dahlia

The Troubling Questions

You Only Have One Family

Introducing: Fear Thy Neighbor

Popular Podcasts

Introducing Root of Evil

Saved By The Ghetto