Unicorn Killer: Ira Einhorn and Holly Maddux

A bright young woman from Texas falls in love with a self-proclaimed counterculture guru in Philadelphia in the 1970s. The relationship that ensues is incredibly toxic and results in a missing person's case. When the truth comes out, the suspect goes on a flight from justice that lasts for years and spans countries.

Sources

Levy, Steven. The Unicorn’s Secret. Open Road Media, 2016.

“Einhorn Flying Solo In Court This Week - CBS News.” CBS News | Breaking News, Top Stories & Today’s Latest Headlines, https://www.facebook.com/CBSNews/, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/einhorn-flying-solo-in-court-this-week/. Accessed 4 April 2026.

“Holly Maddux (1947-1977) - Find a Grave Memorial.” Find a Grave - Millions of Cemetery Records, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6816551/holly-maddux. Accessed 4 April 2026.

Interview with Wife of Convicted Ira Einhorn. YouTube, 21 July 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkHD0ytsaE8.

“Long-Ago Memories of a Just-Deceased Mt. Airy Killer | The Chestnut Hill Local.” The Chestnut Hill Local, The Chestnut Hill Local, 12 May 2020, https://www.chestnuthilllocal.com/stories/long-ago-memories-of-a-just-deceased-mt-airy-killer,14057.

People Magazine Investigates. 2016.

The Philadelphia Inquirer, 29 Mar. 1979.

My Plainview, 1 Oct. 2002, https://www.myplainview.com/news/article/Maddux-boyfriend-testifies-he-feared-for-her-9025845.php.

The Philadelphia Inquirer, 19 Dec. 1999.

Baker, Russ. “A Touch of Eden | Esquire | DECEMBER 1999.” Esquire | The Complete Archive, https://classic.esquire.com/article/1999/12/1/a-touch-of-eden. Accessed 4 April 2026.

“In France, Einhorn Has Few Worries. The Convicted Killer Reads, Gardens and Works on the Internet – Daniel Rubin.” Daniel Rubin, https://www.facebook.com/WordPresscom, 2 Mar. 2025, https://danielrubinphl.wordpress.com/2025/03/02/in-france-einhorn-has-few-worries-the-convicted-killer-reads-gardens-and-works-on-the-internet/.

“The Capture of the Unicorn.” TIME, Time, 19 Feb. 1999, https://time.com/archive/6911029/the-capture-of-the-unicorn/.

“Who Was the ‘Unicorn Killer’? How a 1960s Activist-Turned-Murderer Evaded Extradition for 23 Years.” KSAT, KSAT San Antonio, 9 Apr. 2020, https://www.ksat.com/inside-edition/2020/04/09/who-was-the-unicorn-killer-how-a-1960s-activist-turned-murderer-evaded-extradition-for-23-years/.

Philadelphia Daily News, 14 Oct. 2010.

This Week’s Episode Brought To You By:

1-800 Flowers - Claim your double roses offer at https://www.1800flowers.com/LOVEMURDER

Shopify - $1 per month trial - http://shopify.com/lovemurder

IndaCloud - If you’re 21 or older, get 25% OFF your first order + free shipping with code lovemurder at https://inda.shop/lovemurder

HomeServe – Home repair protection plans starting at $4.99/month. Learn more at homeserve.com

Warby Parker - Our listeners can buy one prescription pair and get 20% off additional pairs at WarbyParker.com/lovemurder

Aura Frames - Exclusive $25-off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/LOVEMURDER. Promo Code LOVEMURDER

Find LOVE MURDER online:

Website: lovemurder.love

Instagram: @lovemurder