Into The Dark: Episode 132 - "The Flapper Who Got Away With Murder"

Host: Peyton Moreland
Release Date: August 13, 2025
Podcast Description: A True Crime podcast with elements of horror and mystery, hosted by Payton Moreland. Each week, Payton delves into different cases, exploring the motivations behind criminal behavior while occasionally discussing conspiracy theories, hauntings, and other spooky topics.

1. Introduction to the Case

Peyton Moreland opens the episode by setting the stage for a true crime story from the roaring 1920s in Chicago. She emphasizes the era's fascination with female murderers and the societal biases that often led to their acquittal.

“It almost feels like every day there was another news story about another alleged female killer.” (06:30)

2. Beulah Anon: Background and Affair

Beulah Anon is introduced as a young woman from Kentucky who moved to Chicago with her second husband, Albert Anon. Struggling financially, Beulah secures a job as a bookkeeper at a laundromat, where she meets Harry Kolstead, a recently released ex-convict. Their mutual attraction leads to a secret affair, setting the stage for the tragic events of April 3, 1924.

“Harry thinks she's the most beautiful woman he's ever met and he can't make himself look away.” (13:45)

3. The Fateful Day: April 3, 1924

On the afternoon of April 3rd, Harry visits Beulah’s apartment. Neighbors hear a loud blast around 2 PM, later identified as a gunshot. For the next three hours, a record continuously plays in the apartment. When Beulah’s husband, Albert, returns home at 5 PM, he discovers Harry dead and Beulah alive but injured.

“The bullet actually didn't kill him immediately. He was shot and suffered for a long while, died and then stayed on the ground until Albert came home and found the body.” (18:20)

4. Police Investigation and Beulah’s Testimonies

The police quickly find the scene suspicious. Initial reports suggest Beulah shot Harry in self-defense, citing that he was a stranger who attacked her. However, inconsistencies arise during her interrogations:

• First Testimony: Claims of self-defense against an unprovoked attack.

  “I shot Harry in self defense.” (21:15)

• Second Testimony: Admits to an affair and a jealous rage led to the murder.

  “I was in a jealous rage.” (32:50)

• Third Testimony: Introduces a fabricated pregnancy to garner sympathy.

  “I am moving to Hollywood to become an actress.” (36:10)

Her changing stories and evident intoxication during interrogations cast doubt on her credibility, leading to her arrest and subsequent media frenzy.

5. Public Image and Media Manipulation

Beulah skillfully manipulates her public image to gain sympathy and influence public opinion. Supported by her loyal husband, Albert, she garners favorable media coverage despite accusations of infidelity and murder.

“She’s treating her like she’s a glamorous model or actress who just happened to kill someone.” (27:40)

6. Parallel Case: Belva Gardner

Peyton introduces Belva Gardner, another woman accused of murder around the same time. Belva's case mirrors Beulah’s, with both women gaining media attention and supporting each other in jail. Their camaraderie fuels further public fascination.

“Beulah and Belva kind of become best friends. They do one another's hair in jail and makeup.” (34:50)

7. Maureen Watkins and the Birth of "Chicago"

Maureen Watkins, a young reporter covering Beulah’s case, grows disillusioned with the sensationalist reporting that favors Beulah's manipulative tactics. Frustrated by the perceived miscarriage of justice, Maureen quits journalism to write a play inspired by the case.

“When Beulah was acquitted, Maureen was disgusted. She thought it was so obvious that Beulah was guilty.” (38:10)

Her play, "Chicago", becomes a Broadway sensation, eventually adapted into the famous musical and films. The character Roxie Hart is directly inspired by Beulah Anon.

“It's called Chicago, so if you've ever watched the show or the movie adaptation, you might not have realized it, but it's based on the true story of Beulah.” (38:25)

8. Long-Term Impact and Legal Reforms

Beulah’s acquittal highlights the systemic biases of the time, particularly the exclusion of women from juries. Her case, alongside others, spurs political movements advocating for gender-inclusive juries, leading to legislative changes in 1939.

“Politicians wanted women to be allowed to serve on juries as well. It took 15 years, and then in 1939, it happened.” (38:40)

9. Conclusion: The Intersection of True Crime and Pop Culture

Peyton wraps up by reflecting on how true crime stories like Beulah’s shape and are shaped by public fascination. She underscores the ethical considerations of turning real tragedies into entertainment, using Beulah’s story to illustrate the enduring impact of media portrayal on justice.

“True crime is fascinating. I think human beings have a right to know what their other fellow human beings are doing.” (38:50)

Key Takeaways

• Beulah Anon’s Case: A 1920s Chicago murder case where societal biases and media manipulation played crucial roles in the acquittal of a female accused murderer.
• Media’s Role: The sensationalist coverage and shaping of public perception significantly influenced the trial’s outcome.
• Creation of "Chicago": The real-life events inspired a major Broadway musical, highlighting the blend of true crime with pop culture.
• Legal Reforms: The case contributed to the eventual inclusion of women in jury pools, aiming to reduce gender biases in the legal system.
• Ethical Reflections: The episode invites listeners to consider the moral implications of consuming and dramatizing true crime stories.

Notable Quotes

• Peyton Moreland:
  “It almost feels like every day there was another news story about another alleged female killer.” (06:30)
  “She’s treating her like she’s a glamorous model or actress who just happened to kill someone.” (27:40)
  “True crime is fascinating. I think human beings have a right to know what their other fellow human beings are doing.” (38:50)

Conclusion

Episode 132 of Into The Dark meticulously unpacks the Beulah Anon case, illustrating how gender biases, media sensationalism, and societal perceptions can intertwine to influence legal outcomes. Through Beulah’s story, the podcast not only explores the depths of true crime but also its significant ripple effects on culture and justice systems.

Thank you for joining this deep dive into one of Chicago’s most infamous cases. Stay tuned for more journeys Into The Dark every Wednesday.