H. H. Holmes - The Most Horrific Serial Killer in US History? Well, I Never

The story of H. H. Holmes is one full of twists and turns, lies and deception.
He is usually referred to as 'America's First Serial Killer' with his own purpose built 'Murder Castle'. While there is some truth to be found in the stories, over the years myth and embellishment have crept in.
00:00 - Intro - H. H. Holmes America's First Serial Killer
00:57 - The Early Life of Herman W. Mudgett
05:13 - Separation and the birth of 'H. H. Holmes'
06:06 - Holmes starts work on the 'Murder Castle'
07:28 - Schemes, affairs and murders
11:06 - Benjamin Pitezel and the insurance fraud plot.
13:01 - Holmes' quest to wipe out the Pitezel family.
14:07 - Holmes is captured and charged.
15:50 - Holmes is Hanged
17:24 - One final twist.

[@WellINever]

Hey everyone! Just a quick message to say thank you all for the support. You've totally blown us away this year 😁 Also, we'd also like to draw your attention to our new side-channel 'Well, I Never Stars'. If you're in need of some extra content, go check it out! It's still fresh and new so there's not much there yet, but more coming soon! kzbin.info/door/tfmnqfNF9pBqoS5Gk-Mscg

[@racheledwards2352]

Keep up the good work

[@ig3815]

Subscribed ! 😁

[@Itsamemollyo]

This channel is amazing! Here’s to 2022 making this channel even bigger and giving y’all the credit you deserve 🌟

[@christinefrost8100]

yay! Im deffo taking a look!! 👀

[@pierson974]

Loved the video. Where did you get the information from?

[@MrPPCLI]

Probably the most rational and real story of Holmes that I've ever heard, thank you! Excellent videos, wonderfully done!

[@DPSFSU]

Your voice is so calming. Even when you're talking about murders, hangings and other atrocities it still feels like chatting with an old friend. Cheers!

[@catherinekershaw903]

I agree, your voice is so theraputicx

[@TrumpImmortal]

Definitely some unintentional, morbid ASMR.

[@chrisfranco373]

😂😂

[@stephaniehoyland4901]

Right it like talking to an old family friend who works at a museum or somthing

[@teresaalbrecht2283]

I agree

[@marcusjohnson6412]

I can’t begin to say how much respect I have for this channel for sticking to the facts rather than diving into the conspiracy theories to sensationalize the story as so many others would.

[@thebarky1988]

Totally agree. No drama, calm voice and no conspiracy theories!

[@101Volts]

It's refreshing to not go into "fantasy-pretending-to-be-real-land." Ugh. Leave the Popeye Theatrics (not to Popeye, *please.* And I say that as a 1930s Popeye fan. (Not like Popeye "pretends to be reality," that's the point; leave it to him, because Popeye cartoons aren't pretending to be real.)

[@ABSOLUTELY_LM]

People were able to get away with so much more crime back then it’s crazy scary !! Murder everywhere.

[@robd1329]

Ur lucky u werent born in that era

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Modern times are no better.

[@walmartian422]

It actually wasn’t nearly as common it was just pretty unthinkable that someone could actually perpetrate and get away with something this crazy. The country is alot more violent today than it was in Holme’s era.

[@Bearthedancingman]

My grandfather was extremely well read and had a vast library. He read lots of books as well as reading things online. This, and his "photographic" memory, meant that he often regaled us grandchildren with stories of history. And listening to you is like listening to him.

[@artofhobo]

Your grandfather sounds awesome

[@einienj3281]

This was really interesting, bc mostly the stories focus on the murder castle and not on H. H. Holmes.. Thank You 🖤

[@sokalbenoit]

I tried to stay away from this episode, because I've heard this story sooo many times. But I decided to eventually try it anyway because I just simply adore you and your way of telling stories. And, boy, this was refreshing! Such a different angle, so much more "down to earth" and so much more believeable. Thank you for great work and for giving us a more realistic version of events. You are amazing. Thank you!

[@kayevans2964]

I've heard many versions of the story of Holmes but yours was, by far, the most informative and brilliantly told. Thank you! 👋

[@matttilley8620]

Read "Devil in the White City" by the historian Erik Larson. I'm not knocking this version of events, but I'd be surprised if anyone thinks this version is more comprehensive and captivating than the one told by Larson.

[@kumakashi_watchdog1422]

I've only found one other version of events surrounding H.H. Holmes that was believable. Devil In the White City is a great read. But you, sir, are the best, most unbiased person I've heard when it comes to America's First Serial Killer. I've officially subscribed to your channel.

[@nancymills1884]

I imagine sitting at the table with you, a cup of tea and a couple of biscuits just listening to stories, chatting over details and days.

[@franktucker7580]

I've seen and read many reports about Mr Holmes over the years and I definitely prefer the real version of events.You can't deny just as in the case of Jack the ripper the sensationalism of the story has its own allure as well.Thank you for a well done video and have a nice day.

[@MessianicMermaid]

He most likely IS Jack the Ripper. There's a six-part series that originally aired on the History Channel in the US that makes a VERY compelling argument that they were one and the same man. It's called American Ripper! Check it out!

[@dantelovesbeatrice]

@@MessianicMermaid The show ended, when they'd deter-mined he'd died - prior to some of the Ripper-killings.

[@davidwholly5209]

I first heard about H.H. Holmes way back in the 80's, when I was in the 6th grade. The book I read even had one bizarre story of his "Murder Castle" including a trap door that dropped into an acid bath. However, I forgot his name soon after, and for years I wasn't able to find anything else on him, or how much about him was actually true. Thank you for uploading this story.

[@pinksprb]

What I don't understand is how people made up certain parts of this case, making it a lot more worse than how it appeared to be...

[@KittyClaudia]

Because people love to gossip and make their stories way more exciting as they truly are. The same is happening even now. Just listen to family or friends when they talk about something. Often they add things to it to sound interesting

[@samanthajo1987]

Yes another video! Btw, I wanted to tell you I love the fact you are at a desk facing the camera. I hope you never change your channel! I love everything you are doing throughout your videos, you don't ever need to change a thing! 🙂

[@catsandstuff29]

Your channel is fantastic. Excellent research, well presented and interesting tales. Thank you for all your hard work.

[@chemicallyscrwd5485]

Love your videos! I watch them even if I know the story just to hear you tell it :) Also season 5 of American Horror Story (Hotel) has a plot that is loosely based on his insane architecture!

[@Kerfufflefuf]

I have heard several versions H. H. Holmes crimes, and I think this is the first I've seen to strip away the sensationalism and focus more on what we actually know. Great video!

[@chocolatechip12]

Have you ever tried doing audio books of Poe or Lovecraft? I think your delivery would be just perfect!

[@DeezCheez69]

You guys have the quality of a Chanel with 3 mil subs. It blew me away when I found out you only had 123k

[@barbaravincze4997]

I know already half of these stories from internet, but listening to you is giving a new “taste“ to the stories.

[@TheMetalMenace]

I love your videos! And I love the extra little "funny" bits strewn in. Made my day a lot better :)

[@ImCarolB]

Your reading add so much to the interesting stories. The setting of you in your garb and the vintage decor make me want to drop in for a cup of tea and a chat.

[@chrisharris6549]

Perfectly pitched presentation by the narrator Paul Brodie. The construction and editing is excellent,too.

[@sarahsilverlight6161]

I am indeed a fan of the cleanly told, factual-based story. Thank you so very much for your all of your efforts and wonderful work in bringing these stories to us. This, from your newest subscriber!

[@davymckeown4577]

I find it refreshing to listen to a great storyteller who plies his craft without sensationalism or embellishment, thankyou sir.

[@margaretgould1521]

you just get better and better with each episode, great storyteller, thank you.

[@conniecrawford5231]

Read Larsen’s “The Devil in the White City”, the story of both Holmes and the 1893 Chicago Columbia Exposition ( World’s Fair)! Great book!

[@Cribbie_]

I love this guy, He delivers these cases perfect!

[@gingerray2834]

Well, I never quite enjoyed the story of H..H. Holmes as much as I did this morning. Washing the dishes today while listening to your voice calmly telling of some of his atrocities was actually enjoyable. Thank you.

[@EIRE55]

Thank you, Paul, for your wonderful story-telling. Fact is always far more interesting and shocking than any fiction, simply because one's mind has to digest the reality of it, whereas one can easily dismiss fiction as merely an interesting and brief story.

[@tiger8linny788]

Fact based for me! Sensationalism is over rated because the very thought of how casually some humans can snuff out the life of others is chilling enough without fictitious embellishments!

[@SoCalJellybean]

Yaaay, perfect timing! I just started my daily painting; now I have an awesome video to keep me company in the background! 🙌🏻

[@annemadison7258]

I have heard of H H Holmes and I have found the case incredibly morbid. H H Holmes was not America's first serial killer, that title can be given to quite a few people including the Bender family.

[@DiaryofaRecoveringAddict]

I can’t wait for more videos, Paul! I’ve watched all of these within a couple days and I’m so eager for more!

[@annebeag]

I've just started a paranormal podcast and wanted to cover the HH Holmes house. What I have learned so far, is finding information that isn't embellished to within an inch of it's life is hard so I thoroughly enjoyed your video. It felt factually accurate but still scary and you have a very calming voice which for some reason reads true crime better 😆

[@Stubrok]

One of my favorite channels on KZbin, well done as usual.

[@CH-vc2pw]

Without a doubt you have become my favorite KZbin channel to come across. Since finding your wonderful videos, I do believe my family and I have watched them all. From the presentation, narration, stories and epic beard. It’s a joy to watch. Especially for us lovers of everything historical.

[@debbiepugh2055]

Another great story ! And enjoying the new channel as well 😊 keep them coming please 🙏🏻

[@rosaleerich2090]

Greetings from Texas USA 🇨🇱🇬🇷🇺🇸 Sir, I can appreciate the truth any day ☺️ God bless you and yours ♥️🇬🇷✝️

[@kagama1408]

I like the more cleanly fact based story as it shows one actually did research it instead of just pulling the facts (invented or not) from the internet. It may destroy the myth but I prefer honesty.

[@DOOM-kronicills]

Great video I’ve been looking for a good narrated video of Holmes. I think you’ve really found a good genre of “ historical true crime” which is unexplored. Thanks

[@kandipiatkowski8589]

Wow. I didn't know that the stories about the Murder Castle were not true. What about him traveling to London to sell skeletons (presumably his murder victims) to medical schools. I do think the Ripper connection is a bit far fetched, but circumstancially is plausible.

[@jassmynlindee99]

First of all, i'm new but have been binge watching your channel and I LOVE! The voice, amazing, the beard, amazing! The stories??? *chefs kiss*

[@stardew_3836]

Learned about him in my history of Chicago class back in highschool. Its always an interesting story to revisit.

[@bryony1995uk]

I listen to your videos with my headphones whilst laid in bed.. your voice is so soothing it helps me sleep but then again I'm going to sleep listening to murder stories am I okay?? 😂

[@fay-amieaspen6046]

I've only just discovered your channel immediately I stated block watching your videos I'm so glad that I have and am working my way through your playlists. Thank you so much for the Crime videos of which I've discovered some stories/ cases I've never heard of, most interesting and enjoyable viewing.

[@lahnaflore2621]

This channel is sooooo underrated!!! Love your content!!

[@aceaster109]

i really appreciate your expressions - you have such a calming voice but the pauses and your expressions really sell how disturbing/amazing/unbelievable the facts you're sharing are.

[@jappa7838]

Recently found your channel and boy how incredible it is! Your narration is incredible, well paced and professional! I have a suggestion for a video, of course after your break. I thought the infamous Australia bush ranger Ned Kelly, Although it is a bit generic it may be interesting to some. Keep up the hard work on the channel and happy holidays! 😆

[@islewait6107]

I have read "Devil In The White City" by Eric Larson a few times now. 📚 It is an excellent nonfiction title on Mr. H.H.Holmes. 🕵‍♀️ I found this video quite interesting!👀 I can appreciatively enjoy your careful and well organized research. 📖 I think it is safe to say that you can now place me among many good others as "Well, I Never" enthusiasts! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@lakeozarkrei3767]

This a crazy story! I remember reading a book about this 40 years ago when I was in high school! Great video👍

[@adamthomson1192]

Fascinating again, your channel is a hidden gem that hopefully won't stay hidden.

[@alphaintuition1]

There's not a lot who'll give effort to write the chapters titles, and the time/location they are!...Thank you!

[@tadaa-kun2646]

I love this channel so much. You deserve more viewers. ❤️

[@paulhemingway9149]

I’ve heard about Holmes and like you say there has been many stories, however this is the most credible. Well done Paul , I find your presentation excellent.

[@chrisw6164]

This is a nice surprise, thank you

[@in_vino_veritas7938]

Very much a fan of fact rather than sensationalism. Thank you :) your videos and explanations are compelling

[@MirandaLovesPathology]

Thank you for telling the true story of H. H. Holmes! So well done, and your voice is perfect for narration 😃

[@dmarcouxbeatty374]

Sir, I have just found your channel and subscribed. I am legally blind. Totally blind in one eye. The other, I can see clearly at the end of my nose. Anything passed that is a multi coloured sometimes moving blur. Thus, my hearing is really important. (Lol) Blind females love voices. My sister-in-love is also legally blind. We will go out to a Mall just to sit on a bench and listen to voices. I will be recommending your channel to my sis-in-love. I can hear her now. Damn! He gives great voice!

[@chizzkeyt]

Thank you so much for another good story! ♥️

[@kwyorman]

Love the way you tell stories. There are many KZbin creators that should take voice lessons from you!

[@MarielynetteJohnson]

I like your narration. You're a comfortably goofy persona. I read "the devil and the white city" which repeated most of the falsehoods as factual. I find your video very compact and debunks the myth while reminding us that the true H H Holmes murders are bad enough without additives.

[@1805movie]

Kind of odd that the term "serial killer" wasn't invented until the mid 1970's. You'd think it would be around when Jack the Ripper or H.H. Holmes committed their heinous crimes.

[@utsteinproductions]

There is a theory out there that he was also Jack the Ripper. Holmes had a pause in his slayings which coincided with the Ripper killings. Ripper vanished, but Holmes started slaying again just after this happened. Both killers had extensive medical knowledge. Learned this in Criminology class years ago.

[@catherinelw9365]

Completely different MO. I don't think they are the same person.

[@okiemax]

Real shit, this is the first time I've heard the true story. Thank you Paul. This channel is a treat

[@sauroid1]

Having grown up in New Hampshire I had read a bit on H.H. Holmes and considered him to be the 19th century equivalent of Ted Bundy. I've been conned into believing all of the lies. Your presentation of his life is the best, in my opinion. I've never seen the photos of Holmes in the Salvation Army uniform, and his graduation photo, great job.

[@maryknight4823]

Only recently subscribed to your channel. You are a good narrater and easy to follow, unlike others who tend to talk too fast.. I particularly liked hearing about Holmes early life. I saw the programme where his remains were exhumed by a relative of his. Nice to hear the facts of all this, and not the sensationalism..............

[@matthewrippingsby5384]

Cleanly-told, factually-based every time! 👍 Exaggeration is misdirected energy, and credulity is wasted creativity! Thanks for these videos!

[@brianm4178]

He's my ancestor.... Mudgett is a variation of the Midgett name when our families immigrated. Midgette is another and pronounced quite fancy, if I say so myself lol Clara is still a commonly used name in the family and there was at least one more Minnie, in the line. Surely she was named after this Minnie, but she was wheelchair bound and had a pet fox... aside from her name literally being Minnie Midgett................. bye now!

[@captainhindsight8779]

A direct descendant??

[@brianm4178]

@@captainhindsight8779 I think that's how it works lol like distant cousins or something

[@ashtreemeadow7287]

Omg I’m so excited for this video!!! Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all of my fellow true crime lovers!!

[@victorianoskov1441]

Just found your channel and I am absolutely in love!

[@DCDPM]

Excellent work as usual. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[@amberkat8147]

As fun as the original wildly-exaggerated story I read as a teen was, I think the truth is generally best. Thank you for giving it to us

[@Rubytuesday1569]

Best narrator ever and thank you for saying ' hanged'. ☮️ I prefer the authentic version.

[@carolinesparrow1046]

I learnt about this guy for a project a few years ago and the things he did were jsut mental! Been waiting for someone to do a video on him for ages!!

[@WeAreNotAmused]

He keeps the focus moving steadily 4ward as well as choosing the words and the time to ellicit interest

[@Taragoola]

My dude I just found the channel. It's fantastic. Instant subscription from yours truly. Keep up the great work.

[@landryflip3200]

I’ll hear any story from you. You’re awesome at this. Thank you 🔥💪🏾🖤

[@tedjones3955]

Herman Mudgett...no wonder he changed his name! A great storyteller Sir. Great information I'd not heard before. Merry Christmas from Canada.

[@joancampbell1655]

Your videos are so good and interesting, love your shows.👍

[@michellewebb9393]

I wanted to say Thank You !🤓 I'm new to your channel's. I've listened to them and I really enjoy the time and effort you put in for the best experience for Us. It is great to have the options to all the different varieties you give us. 🤓❤Thank You again.I appreciate EVERYTHING you do ,are doing ,and wish you continued success on your future project's.🤓❤☀😊

[@Blaklege63]

In this case the truth was WAY crazier than fiction

[@carolmccormack2381]

I've just found your channels. Thanks very much so informative and great narration.

[@yourgirlfriendsonlyfansmak4302]

This is the first time I watched your content and I'm impressed. Definitely subbing.

[@BeHappy-ky5ft]

I have only just discovered your videos. I really enjoy them!

[@sayawolf1061]

Thank you for adding these interesting photos and drawings! I bet it's a lot of Research work, I really appreciate it! 😀👍

[@brianmccarthy5557]

If my memory serves, part of the Murder Castle survives and was incorporated into the building that replaced it. This is not an unusual occurrence for commercial properties. There may be something on You Tube about this or in one of the websites on Chicago history and locations.

[@hannahholley7652]

I absolutely love your shows. I've watched almost every single one!

[@rob-brown]

your demeanor is mesmerizing. great channel!

[@flowersinformaldehyde]

I absolutely love your narration ❤️

[@garryarganis5801]

he surely gave the phrase "go big or go home" a whole new meaning

[@elmocake2849]

I love all the facts you have. I’m addicted to your videos now.

[@zeusmanlord1602]

I'm very 'late to the party' and have been binge watching your posts for three days! They are brilliant! I believed in the 'hyped' version of H. H. Holmes - thanks for the true version!

I once watched a documentary about Holmes, where they told the story of a woman who Holmes confessed to have killed - but she was very much alive, and stormed into a police station, banging a newspaper on the table, stating that she, indeed, was not murdered. Sad thing is, even big newspapers and media still re-tell the fictional storys of Holmes and "the Castle" as facts. It's a shame. Thank you very much for sticking to facts and treating the victims with respect.

[@Katze5335]

These videos are amazing and I love the depth of research. Easily subscribed after my first video

[@retriever19golden55]

I really enjoy your videos, and that dry, biting wit. One thing, though... could you identify photos a little more? For instance, is the photo of a group of boys actually a photo of Mudgett, or purportedly him?

[@catherineflanagan3392]

I enjoyed that story .Again another great podcast thankyou 🇮🇪🤗

[@GabrielTheMagolorMain]

Thank you so much for sharing the real story!

[@chrissmiles2456]

Dude, you need your own History Channel show. you're awesome and have your own flavor. Kinda like Ripley's Believe it or Not but more Gothic, Steam Punky.