About 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.
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Host Billy Jensen interviews investigative journalist and author Michelle McNamara about the Long Island Serial Killer's digital footprint and connected cold cases.
1 Nov 2023
Introducing Very Scary People: The Ken and Barbie Killers
Host Donnie Wahlberg investigates the chilling true story of Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka, the seemingly innocent couple who became Canada's notorious "Ken and Barbie" killers.
3 Apr 2019
You Only Have One Family
The Hodel family confronts their dark past and difficult secrets together, seeking to understand their story and find a way forward.
27 Mar 2019
The Troubling Questions
Fauna Hodel and Tamar Hodel's children grapple with unresolved emotions and crucial questions surrounding their family's legacy.
20 Mar 2019
Supposin' I Did Kill The Black Dahlia
Steve Hodel presents compelling evidence linking his father, George Hodel, to the infamous Black Dahlia murder in this investigative interview.
13 Mar 2019
Traumatic Reenactment
Tamar Hodel's children recount their harrowing childhoods, revealing the devastating impact of intergenerational trauma within the Hodel family.
6 Mar 2019
The Minotaur
Investigative journalist Steve Hodel uncovers disturbing family secrets as he reopens the 50-year-old Black Dahlia case, revealing his father's potential role as the killer.
27 Feb 2019
George's Gift
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.
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20 Feb 2019
A Skilled Surgeon
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.
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15 Feb 2019
Sneak Peek: "You couldn't make this story up."
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.
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13 Feb 2019
Saved By The Ghetto
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.
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22 Jan 2019
Introducing Root of Evil
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 TNT's 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Inside a recent episode
Introducing: Fear Thy Neighbor
Published 5 May 2025 · Transcript excerpt
[…] And it's not long before he brings the issue to a higher authority than the homeowners association. Yes? Ma 'am, we received several complaints from your neighbor about your dogs barking all night long, defecating on others' properties. My dogs haven't done anything like that. Janelle was obviously upset about Mr. Hettle calling the police. There was no documentation ever that the dogs ever caused any harm to Mr. Hettle or his animals. The pet issues eventually recede, but that doesn't stop the onslaught of complaints from the homeowners association. In fact, they seem to be increasing. And as Amaya puts it, the reason for many of the complaints are increasingly erroneous. […]
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