In Her Name: True Crime, Missing Women & the Fight for Justice

About In Her Name: True Crime, Missing Women & the Fight for Justice

In Her Name is a deeply moving true crime podcast hosted by Susan Davies that shines a light on the often-overlooked stories of missing women and victims of violent crime. Each episode serves as both a memorial and a call to action, transforming tragic headlines into intimate human narratives that honor the lives lost while demanding accountability from a system that frequently fails them. Susan’s compassionate narration guides listeners through complex investigations, ensuring that every victim is remembered not just as a case file, but as a beloved daughter, sister, friend, and individual with dreams and potential. The show explores critical themes such as systemic injustice, the gaps in law enforcement protocols, and the enduring power of community activism in solving cold cases. Listeners will discover detailed accounts of high-profile disappearances, unsolved murders, and the tireless efforts of families fighting for closure and truth. Topics include forensic breakthroughs, legal reform advocacy, the impact of media coverage on investigations, and the psychological toll on survivors and loved ones. By weaving together personal histories, investigative journalism, and expert commentary, In Her Name provides a comprehensive look at the modern justice landscape and the urgent need for change. This series is essential listening for true crime enthusiasts who seek more than sensationalism, offering instead empathy, education, and empowerment. Susan Davies’ warm yet authoritative voice creates an accessible entry point for newcomers while providing depth for seasoned fans of mystery and justice documentaries. Released bi-weekly, each episode delivers a carefully crafted narrative that balances emotional resonance with factual rigor, making it suitable for those interested in social justice, criminal justice reform, and human interest storytelling. Join the growing community of advocates and listeners committed to remembering these women and supporting the fight for justice. Subscribe to In Her Name today to stay updated on new episodes and contribute to a culture of awareness and compassion. Topics: true crime podcast, missing women cases, justice for victims, unsolved mysteries, cold case investigations, law enforcement failures, social justice advocacy, human interest stories, criminal justice reform, forensic science updates, victim memorials, community activism, investigative journalism, emotional storytelling, podcast for activists, women's safety issues, legal system critique, bi-weekly true crime #TrueCrime #MissingWomen #JusticeForVictims #SusanDavies #ColdCases #HumanRights #Storytelling #InvestigativeJournalism #SocialJustice #MemorialPodcast #LawEnforcement #CommunityActivism #UnsolvedMysteries #Empathy #Awareness General information, not professional advice.

Publisher

Susan Davies

Category

news · society & culture · true crime

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 Sept 2026

Latest episode

11 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

36 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   11 Oct 2026

   Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm? The Hagley Wood Mystery | In Her Name

   In this episode of In Her Name, host Susan Davies explores the haunting and enduring mystery of 'Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm?', one of Britain's most famous unsolved true crime cases. Set against the backdrop of World War II in Hagley Wood, Worcestershire, the story begins in April 1943 when four local boys discover a human skeleton hidden inside the hollow trunk of a wych elm tree. This chilling discovery launches a decades-long investigation that has captivated the public imagination, turning an unidentified woman into a symbol of wartime loss and unresolved justice. The narrative delves deep into the forensic details of the time, including the analysis by pathologist James Webster, who determined the victim was likely smothered with taffeta and had been dead for at least eighteen months before her remains were found. The episode examines the tragic circumstances that prevented immediate identification. During the chaos of WWII, thousands of women disappeared due to evacuation, service, and displacement, making it nearly impossible to match the victim’s distinctive dental records or clothing—a mustard skirt, striped cardigan, and blue crêpe-soled shoes—to a missing person report. As the case stalled, a new layer of mystery emerged through chalk graffiti appearing on walls across Birmingham and Old Hill, asking variations of 'Who put Bella down the wych elm?' These messages, written in handwriting too high for children, suggested someone knew the truth and was trying to force a confession or draw attention to the cold case. We analyze the psychological weight carried by the boys who first found the body, particularly Thomas Willetts, whose conscience led them back to the police station. We also trace the modern efforts to finally identify Bella, from the 2018 forensic facial reconstruction by the Face Lab to the BBC’s 2023 appeal regarding the lost remains stored in the Birmingham City Police black museum. This episode is essential listening for fans of historical true crime, unsolved mysteries, and stories about the fight for justice for missing women. It highlights how technology like DNA analysis offers new hope where traditional methods failed, while honoring the humanity of a woman reduced to a nickname. Join us as we piece together the fragments of Bella’s life and death, exploring the intersection of war, grief, and the relentless search for answers. Tune in to hear the full story of the Hagley Wood Mystery. If you find value in these stories of remembrance and justice, please support the show via the link in our description. Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_put_Bella_in_the_wych_elm%3F · https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bella_in_the_Wych_Elm Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/in-her-name/2026-10-11.txt

2. 

   10 Oct 2026

   The Quiet Beatle's Final Night: George Harrison Murder | In Her Name

   In this episode of In Her Name, host Susan Davies explores the tragic and violent end of George Harrison, known as 'The Quiet Beatle,' on the night of November 30, 2001. This true crime deep dive examines the murder of the legendary musician outside his New York City home at The Dakota apartment building by Mark David Chapman. For fans of music history, true crime mysteries, and justice narratives, this episode provides a detailed account of how a moment of quiet reflection turned into a lethal assault, offering context to one of the most shocking celebrity murders of the early 21st century. We look beyond the headlines to understand the mindset of the attacker, the security failures that allowed him access, and the immediate aftermath that left the world in mourning. The narrative delves into George Harrison’s life before the tragedy, highlighting his spiritual journey, his pivotal role in The Beatles with hits like 'Something' and 'Here Comes the Sun,' and his solo career achievements including 'All Things Must Pass.' We discuss his introduction of Transcendental Meditation to the West, his production work, and his philanthropy through the Concert for Bangladesh. By contrasting his peaceful, artistic legacy with the brutal reality of his death, we analyze the psychological fixation of Mark David Chapman. This segment explores themes of celebrity obsession, mental health, and the dark side of fame, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of why Chapman targeted Harrison and how he planned the attack over months of failed attempts to gain entry to The Dakota. Following the shooting, the episode details the rapid deterioration of Harrison’s condition despite emergency efforts at Lenox Hill Hospital, leading to his death less than an hour after the incident. We cover the arrest and confession of Chapman, who surrendered calmly and expressed a twisted sense of moral justification. The discussion extends to the legal proceedings, where Chapman pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and received a sentence of twenty years to life. We examine the parole hearings from 2014 onward, noting the repeated denials due to concerns over public safety and Chapman’s lack of remorse. Finally, we honor Harrison’s enduring legacy through the Dark Horse Foundation and the continued impact of his music on millions worldwide, ensuring his memory is preserved not by the violence of his death, but by the peace and creativity he brought to the world. Listen now to hear the full story of George Harrison’s final night, the investigation into his murder, and the ongoing quest for justice and remembrance. If you find value in these stories of truth and resilience, please support the show by visiting our website link below to subscribe, leave a review, or donate to help us continue bringing these important narratives to light. Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Harrison Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/in-her-name/2026-10-10.txt

3. 

   9 Oct 2026

   Boston's Bloodiest Mob War: How Winter Hill Rose from Ashes | In Her Name

   In this episode of In Her Name, host Susan Davies explores the violent origins and brutal rise of Boston’s Winter Hill Gang, detailing how a neighborhood dispute in 1961 escalated into a bloody gang war that reshaped organized crime in Massachusetts. The narrative begins with the fatal shooting of Bernie McLaughlin by James McLean, an act of retaliation stemming from a personal insult at Salisbury Beach, which ignited a four-year conflict between the Irish-American Winter Hill Gang and the established McLaughlin family. This episode is essential listening for true crime enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in the sociological factors that drive urban violence, as it dissects the mechanics of territorial power, loyalty, and retribution in mid-20th century Boston. The story delves deep into the tactical escalation of the war, highlighting key figures such as Stephen Flemmi, Francis Salemme, and Howard Winter, who joined forces to systematically eliminate their rivals. A central focus is the harrowing survival and eventual death of Edward 'Punchy' McLaughlin, whose missing hand became a symbol of the gang’s ruthless efficiency. The episode examines how fear silenced witnesses, allowing perpetrators like Alex Rocco (formerly Alexander Petricone) to escape justice and even transition into Hollywood, while others remained trapped in the cycle of violence. By weaving together historical facts with cinematic storytelling, we analyze the psychological toll on these communities and the breakdown of social contracts that allowed such brutality to flourish unchecked for years. As the conflict concluded with the deaths of both primary leaders, the episode transitions to the long-term legal repercussions, including the landmark RICO trials of the 1980s that targeted the Patriarca crime family and Winter Hill associates. We discuss how federal wiretaps and undercover operations finally pierced the code of silence, leading to convictions for murder and extortion. However, the narrative emphasizes that no verdict can restore the lives lost or heal the generational trauma inflicted on neighborhoods like Somerville and Charlestown. Susan Davies encourages listeners to reflect on the human cost behind the headlines, urging us to remember the victims rather than glorify the perpetrators. This episode serves as a somber reminder of how ordinary people can become entangled in systems of chaos and rage, and why understanding these histories is crucial for building safer, more accountable communities today. Join us for this tense, cinematic journey through one of Boston’s darkest chapters. If you found value in this exploration of justice and memory, please support the show via the link below to help us continue bringing these vital stories to light. Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_Hill_Gang Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/in-her-name/2026-10-09.txt

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Guest appearances

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.