Ep 4. The Creepy Quandary of Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm

BuzzFeed Unsolved: True Crime is a documentary series that follows Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej as they explore some of the world's most perplexing unsolved mysteries. In season 6 episode 4, titled "The Creepy Quandary of Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm", the hosts delve into the bizarre and macabre case of a young woman whose remains were found in a tree in Hagley Wood, England in 1943.

The episode begins with Bergara and Madej recounting the story of how the discovery of a human skull by four boys playing in the woods led to the eerie revelation of a female body stuffed inside a hollow tree trunk. With no identification on the victim and little to go on at the crime scene, local authorities were left with a confounding mystery that would continue to baffle investigators for decades.

The hosts travel to England and visit the site of the discovery, where they interview both experts and locals who have their own theories and rumors about the case. As they delve deeper into the history of Hagley Wood, they explore the possibility that the victim – known only as "Bella" – was a victim of occult practice or wartime espionage, or even perhaps a member of the royal family.

Bergara and Madej also delve into the many theories that have emerged about the victim's identity over the years, from a Dutch dancer to a prostitute to a German spy. They talk to experts in forensic anthropology and pathology to try to piece together clues from the remains, as well as genealogists who have attempted to match the victim's DNA with any possible living relatives.

Along the way, the hosts give their own insights and opinions about the case, injecting their signature humor and skepticism into the story. They also delve into the many popular culture references that have emerged around the case, from songs to graffiti murals to horror movies.

"The Creepy Quandary of Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm" is a gripping and unsettling episode that showcases the power of true crime storytelling. Bergara and Madej's inquisitive nature and the eerie visuals of the English countryside combine to create a compelling narrative that will keep viewers on the edge of their seat right up to the final moments.