H.H. Holmes: Serial Killer or Media Myth? | HISTORY This Week

October 28, 1895. It’s the first day of a murder trial in Philadelphia, and H.H. Holmes has been left to represent himself. His lawyers say they haven’t had time to prepare for his case, although they may just want to avoid defending the man some newspapers are already saying is “sure to grace a gallows.” Holmes has been accused of murdering his business associate, but rumors swirl that he may have killed dozens, even hundreds more. #HISTORY A century later, some still call him "America's first serial killer." But how did H.H. Holmes earn this reputation? And why is it so hard to learn the truth about this legendary fiend? Special thanks to Adam Selzer, author of H.H. Holmes: The True Story of the White City Devil, and Harold Schechter, professor emeritus of literature at Queens College and author of Depraved: The Shocking True Story of America's First Serial Killer. ** This episode originally aired October 25, 2021. Credits: Ben Dickstein | Producer Sally Helm | Host/Producer Bill Moss | Sound Designer Emma Fredericks | Researcher McCamey Lynn | Executive Producer Jessie Katz | Executive Producer Ted Butler | Executive Producer Get in touch: historythisweekpodcast@history.com Follow on Instagram: @historythisweek Follow on Facebook: ⁠HISTORY This Week Podcast⁠ To stay updated: http://historythisweekpodcast.com Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2YFm0ez... Audacy: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/histor... Don't miss a video! Subscribe NOW:    / @history   ABOUT THE HISTORY CHANNEL: The HISTORY® Channel, a division of A+E Global Media, is the premier destination for historical storytelling. From best-in-class documentary events, to a signature slate of industry leading nonfiction series and premium fact-based scripted programming, The HISTORY® Channel serves as the most trustworthy source of informational entertainment in media. FOLLOW HISTORY CHANNEL: Watch Full Episodes: https://www.history.com/videos Sign Up For History Emails: https://www.history.com/emails/sign-up Browse Topical Videos: https://www.history.com/topics Facebook:   / history   Instagram:   / history   TikTok:   / history   X:   / history   YouTube:    / @history   Copyright Notice: This video and my YouTube channel contain dialog, music, and images that are property of The HISTORY® Channel. You are authorized to share the video link and channel, and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube Channel is provided. © 2025 The HISTORY® Channel H.H. Holmes: Serial Killer or Media Myth? | HISTORY This Week    / @history