Talking Dateline: The Thing About Helen & Olga
- Feb 11, 2026
- 22:39
- Full Episode
Lester Holt talks with Keith Morrison about his original podcast series “The Thing About Helen & Olga.” A team of seasoned detectives uncover horrifying murder plots in Los Angeles orchestrated by a pair of unlikely suspects: two elderly ladies named Helen Golay and Olga Rutterschmidt. Keith tells Lester who he believes was the mastermind of their devious schemes and plays extra sound from the manager of a mom-and-pop lighting store who had his own run-in with the “girls.” They’re joined by Dateline Senior Producer Susan Leibowitz, who shares a story about why she returned to the church where Helen and Olga volunteered “helping” the homeless long after reporting on the story.
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Brief Summary
Helen and Olga staged deaths of homeless men for insurance fraud, leading to their conviction and life sentences.
Key points
- The Granny Task Force. Helen and Olga's story reveals a shocking scheme targeting homeless men for insurance fraud.
- The Insurance Investigator. A determined investigator uncovers the truth behind the murders of Kenneth McDavid and Paul Vados.
- The Confrontation. Helen's reaction to the investigator's findings is captured on video, revealing her true feelings.
- The Cemetery Discovery. A shocking find at the cemetery reveals the graves of Helen and Olga.
- Life Sentences. Helen and Olga are sentenced to life in prison, with no chance of release.
Episode highlights
- The Granny Task ForceHelen and Olga's story reveals a shocking scheme targeting homeless men for insurance fraud.“They were actually singling out men for insurance policies.”1:10Feb 11, 2026
- The Insurance InvestigatorA determined investigator uncovers the truth behind the murders of Kenneth McDavid and Paul Vados.“He was like a Boy Scout who wouldn't give up.”3:45Feb 11, 2026
- The ConfrontationHelen's reaction to the investigator's findings is captured on video, revealing her true feelings.“She thinks she's getting the big payout check.”5:14Feb 11, 2026
- The Cemetery DiscoveryA shocking find at the cemetery reveals the graves of Helen and Olga.“There are two more gravestones there for Keisha and Helen.”11:28Feb 11, 2026
- Life SentencesHelen and Olga are sentenced to life in prison, with no chance of release.“They'll die there.”21:09Feb 11, 2026
