Ep 2. Albuquerque: the Black Widow
City Confidential, season 6 episode 2, follows the chilling tale of a woman whose greed and manipulation led to murder. Known as the Black Widow of Albuquerque, Linda Henning, a mother of two, was convicted of plotting and carrying out the murder of her husband, Girly Chew Hossencofft. The episode takes viewers through the investigation and prosecution of Linda's crimes.
Linda's story began in the 1980s when she began a career as a so-called "psychic consultant." She marketed herself as a medium who could communicate with the dead and even claimed to have worked for the FBI. Despite numerous legal and ethical issues with her practice, Linda's business was successful enough to allow her to purchase a home in Albuquerque and a new car.
Linda met Girly Chew Hossencofft, a researcher at a local laboratory, in the mid-1990s. The two quickly began a romantic relationship, and Girly became a partner in Linda's psychic business. Linda saw Girly as a means to an end, using his income and resources to grow her business and purchase property. However, Girly did not share Linda's financial goals. He refused to sign over his assets to Linda and threatened to leave her.
Linda's response to Girly's threats was to hire three individuals to kidnap him, torture him for information, and kill him. The individuals, James and Linda Popp and Diazien Hossencofft (no relation to Girly), were all connected to Linda through her psychic business. The Popps were her clients, and Diazien was a researcher at the same laboratory as Girly.
The investigation into Girly's disappearance began with the discovery of his abandoned car and a trail of evidence leading to Linda's property. Police searched Linda's home, finding blood-stained carpet, charred body parts, and vials of Hossencofft's blood. Linda attempted to misdirect the investigation with a series of false alibis and misleading statements.
However, diligent police work, a motivated prosecution team, and the cooperation of the Popps and Diazien led to Linda's arrest and conviction. Linda was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The episode provides an in-depth look at the case, from the perspectives of investigators, prosecutors, and friends and family of the victim. It highlights the role of greed and manipulation in Linda's actions and the impact of her crimes on Girly's loved ones. Ultimately, "Albuquerque: the Black Widow" is a cautionary tale of how unchecked desires and a lack of empathy can lead to devastating consequences.
