
About this episode
1940 - Rockland, Maine.
It was Halloween night, and 16-year-old Alzada Pauline Young wanted to go out. Her younger siblings were trick-or-treating, and on their way to a party. Why was she being punished?
In the height of an argument, she drew a knife in a threat against her step-father, John Phelps, who was the only thing standing in her way. In what he claimed was self defense, he hurled the closet weapon at her—a hammer—killing her instantly.
What happened next, was one of the most heinous and horrifying attempts at a cover up in Maine history.
John cut up her body under the cover of darkness, disposed of each part in burlap bags, and made sure all trace of Pauline was removed… The teenager did have a habit of staying away from home. He’ll just tell her mother she ran off to get married…
But little did he know, somebody had been listening. Neighbors were growing suspicious, and his secret would only stay buried for so long.
Was this a terrible and tragic accident? Or a man who killed his wife’s daughter in a homicidal rage because he wanted her gone?
Episode sources and photos: https://www.murdershetold.com/episodes/alzada-pauline-young
Support the show: https://www.murdershetold.com/support
Instagram: @murdershetoldpodcast
TikTok: @murdershetold
Facebook: /mstpodcast
Website: murdershetold.com
----
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time Murder, She Told publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Murder, She Told

On Advocacy, Community & the Fight for Justice
Murder, She Told
Aug 25, 202645:18pending

The Baffling Disappearance of Joan Risch, Part Two
Murder, She Told
Aug 11, 20261:01:09pending

The Baffling Disappearance of Joan Risch, Part One
Murder, She Told
Jul 28, 202654:57pending

The Murder of Maxine Bitomski
Murder, She Told
Jul 14, 202637:23pending