Ep. 119 | The Murder of Helle Crafts
Ep. 119 | The Murder of Helle Crafts  
Podcast: A Trial by Podcast
Rating: Explicit Published On: Tue Jun 30 2026
Description: In November 1986, Helle Crafts was reported missing. Danish flight attendant and mother of three, Helle had been planning to leave her husband after discovering he'd been having an affair. What followed was one of the most gruesome and forensically groundbreaking murder investigations in American history. Because there was no body. There was no crime scene. There was, however, a rented woodchipper, a freezer purchased just days before Helle vanished, and a witness who spotted a man feeding something into a chipper on the banks of the Housatonic River in the dead of a blizzard.Investigators ultimately recovered bone fragments, a fingernail, strands of blonde hair, and a single crown from Helle's tooth — enough to piece together what Richard Crafts had done to his wife, and enough to put him away. He became the first person in Connecticut history to be convicted of murder without a body.This is the story of Helle Crafts — and the case that changed forensic investigation forever.⭐ Support the show on Patreon for bonus content & ad-free listening! ⭐https://www.patreon.com/c/ATRIALBYPODCAST🎙️Sponsors, special offers & discount codes: https://www.atrialbypodcast.com/sponsorsFind us everywhere:🔗 All links: https://linktr.ee/atrialbypodcast🌐 Website: https://atrialbypodcast.com📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558845693491📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atrialbypodcast🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@atrialbypodcast📧 Contact: atrialbypodcast@gmail.comTheme Music: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/mr-mischiefLicense code: MOYK9CTUWGH7BLCSSources for this episode will be posted at atrialbypodcast.com within 30 days of the publish date.DISCLAIMER: This podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only. While we research thoroughly and use credible, publicly available information, it should not be considered a legal or definitive authority. We cannot guarantee veracity or completeness. Neither host is a lawyer, journalist, or investigator — views expressed are personal and should not be taken as fact. Listeners are encouraged to do their own research. This podcast is not intended to harm, slander, or defame any individual, group, or organization. All individuals discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Questions or concerns? Reach us at atrialbypodcast@gmail.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.