Episode 15 – Originally published in 2016
Trigger warning – discussions about murder
In the 1930s Philadelphia, like the rest of the country, was suffering from the great depression. While the rest of the country was at a 15% unemployment rate, Philly was doing much worse at 25% unemployment. With a population of about 2 million people, a half million people were unemployed in the ’30s, which created an atmosphere of desperation. As a result, Philadelphia was rife with opportunity for those who pray on the desperation of others to make money.
What began as two men trying to make a quick buck, running insurance scams and counterfeiting money, quickly became the largest poison ring in history. The Petrillo cousins business was murder, and business was good. With help from Dr. Morris Bolber – a faith healer, and Carina Favato – sometimes referred to as a marriage consultant, other times referred to as a witch, 16 people were eventually arrested for the murders of over 50 immigrant Philadelphians between 1932 and 1938.
TwistedPhilly is researched, hosted and produced by me, Deana Marie, and available biweekly wherever you listen to podcasts.
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