EPISODE · Sep 21, 2022 · 7 MIN
New York: Final Thoughts on Hazel Drew
from Foul Play: A Historical True Crime Podcast · host Shane L. Waters, Wendy Cee, Gemma Hoskins
As we wrap our thoughts on the unsolved murder of Hazel Drew, final reflections paint New York's grim legacy... examining once more into the mysterious death of Hazel Drew, we conclude our exploration with deeper insights into the shadowy figures and forgotten whispers surrounding this haunting New York tale. Hazel's murder is a story of young dreams crushed by the unknown, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions that continue to echo through time. Hazel Drew was more than a victim; she was a young woman with aspirations and a zest for life. Living in an era filled with new opportunities and challenges for women, Hazel's life represented both the hope and vulnerability of her gender. Understanding her story is important, as it highlights the historical intersection of gender, class, and security that still holds relevance today. Her case challenges us to reflect on the societal dynamics and legal insufficiencies that failed her. With the investigation mired in rumor and half-truths, this episode pieces together the few known facts. From potential witnesses to the cryptic persona of Hazel herself, each revelation casts light on the shadowy corners of her untimely demise. This era of New York was a landscape of progress juxtaposed with deep-seated conservatism. Women like Hazel sought freedom amid confining norms, proof of their forward-thinking spirit. We examine the intricacies of Hazel Drew's life and death. This episode promises a compelling exploration of the final threads of a tragic tale left unresolved in the history of crime. --- Support Foul Play: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/foulplaypodcast Website: https://www.mythsandmalice.com/show/foul-play/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foul-play-crime-series/id1525832703 Follow us: Instagram: @foulplaycrimeseries Twitter: @foulplaypodOur Sponsors:* Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com* Check out Mood and use my code SHANE for a great deal: https://mood.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
What this episode covers
More than a century ago, the body of 20 year old Hazel Drew was found floating in Teal's Pond near the bottom of Taborton Mountain in Sand Lake, New York. An autopsy found that she'd died of blunt head trauma to the back of her head prior to ending up in the pond. Her death was labeled a murder. In the weeks that followed the discovery of her body, many suspects were investigated including among others: her recently widowed, and suicidal, uncle William Taylor who lived nearby; a simple-minded 17 year old farm hand named Frank Smith, who fancied Hazel and his friend Rudolph Gunderman, a charcoal peddler, the two of whom had seen her along Taborton Road, near the pond, shortly before she died; and a pair of unknown men seen by a couple driving by, about the time the murder was supposed to have taken place, at the scene - one waiting in a horse drawn runabout, and the other beating around in the bushes near the pond, as if looking for something! What made Hazel's murder all the more mysterious, was that only a few days prior to it, she'd suddenly, and unexpectedly left her job as a domestic at the home of Professor E.R. Cary in Troy, and nobody knew what her intentions were. Also her luggage had been left - checked at the train station. In the end, all the leads the investigators had ran out. Nobody was ever arrested or charged with the murder, and to this day - Hazel Drew's murder remains unsolved! Find us online. Support the show by joining our Black Label to support the show and unlock exclusive benefits. You can join on Patreon and Apple Podcast Premium. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Join Shane's Facebook Group. Hosted by Shane Waters. Listen to his other crime podcast Mystery Inc, or his history podcast Hometown History! Our Sponsors: * Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com * Check out Mood and use my code SHANE for a great deal: https://mood.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
NOW PLAYING
New York: Final Thoughts on Hazel Drew
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Jan 2, 2026 ·47m
Dec 21, 2025 ·46m