The Missing Candy Heiress cover art

The Missing Candy Heiress

The Missing Candy Heiress

By: Jonathan Rocks & Beth McNamara
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About this listen

In 1977, Helen Brach vanished without a trace.

Her disappearance has haunted Chicago for nearly five decades—a mystery entangled in greed, deception, and the underworld of the gang known as the horse mafia.

Through never-before-heard tapes, exclusive interviews with Helen’s family, law enforcement, and reporters, and unsealed police files, The Missing Candy Heiress re-investigates what really happened to Helen—and what became of her $100 million fortune.

This limited series blends investigative reporting with cinematic storytelling to unravel the power, secrets, and lies behind one of Chicago’s most enduring unsolved mysteries.

© 2026 Media 22 Creative True Crime
Episodes
  • Episode One: The Missing Candy Heiress

    Episode One: The Missing Candy Heiress
    Feb 17 2026

    In February 1977, Helen Brach — heir to the Brach’s Candy fortune — vanished without a trace.

    She was one of the wealthiest women in America. A widow dividing her time between Chicago, Florida, and her small Ohio hometown.

    Then she disappeared.

    There was no body. No confirmed crime scene. Almost no physical evidence.

    Nearly twenty years later, a horse trader named Richard Bailey was charged in connection with her disappearance — a charge he denies.

    In this premiere episode of The Missing Candy Heiress, we return to the beginning.

    Through exclusive interviews with Helen’s family, rare archival audio, and newly uncovered material, we examine the life of the woman behind the headlines — and the unresolved questions that have lingered for nearly fifty years.

    This is not just the story of a disappearance.

    It’s a story about money, influence, and the shadowy world surrounding one of Chicago’s most enduring mysteries.

    Be sure to follow us on instagram and hop on over to Substack where you will find bonus content AND the podcast in one place. https://themissingcandyheiress.substack.com/

    We would love to hear from you if you have questions, comments or information related this story - DM us on instagram or email us hello@themissingcandyheiress.com.

    The Missing Candy Heiress is produced, directed, and written by Jonathan Rocks and Beth McNamara. All material is copyrighted.

    Legal Disclaimer: All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States.
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    35 mins
  • The Missing Candy Heiress - Trailer

    The Missing Candy Heiress - Trailer
    Feb 9 2026

    Be sure to follow us on instagram and hop on over to Substack where you will find bonus content AND the podcast in one place. https://themissingcandyheiress.substack.com/

    We would love to hear from you if you have questions, comments or information related this story - DM us on instagram or email us hello@themissingcandyheiress.com.

    The Missing Candy Heiress is produced, directed, and written by Jonathan Rocks and Beth McNamara. All material is copyrighted.

    Legal Disclaimer: All individuals referenced in this podcast are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law in the United States.
    Show More Show Less
    2 mins
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