Los Angeles is a city that dreams in Technicolor, but lives in black and white—at least in my mind. For me L.A. is classic film noir, a Raymond Chandler novel, Bugsy Siegel wearing a county morgue toe tag (with his last name misspelled!), and a newsboy on a downtown street corner bellowing out a Herald-Express headline, “Hungry Ex-Wife Slays Hollywood Astrologer”.
The daily newspapers of Los Angeles presented Angelenos with a list of the city’s evils every day throughout the 20th century. Deranged L.A. Crimes looks behind the headlines to scrutinize the social history of the city.
The inspiration for Deranged L.A. Crimes is the life and times of a local reporter, Agness “Aggie” Underwood.
I was first introduced to Aggie through her reporting of the infamous 1947 mutilation murder of twenty-two-year-old Elizabeth Short (aka The Black Dahlia). Following the discovery of Short’s bisected and eviscerated body in a vacant lot in Leimert Park on January 15, 1947, every reporter in town began scouring the city for clues and evidence in the vicious slaying. Aggie was fortunate to be working for the Evening Herald & Express during the Dahlia case. The paper’s owner William Randolph Hearst had deep pockets, so it was easy for his reporters to grease the right palms and beat the other local newshounds, and often the cops, to key evidence and interviews.
Aggie tagged the slaying of the Werewolf killing because of the savagery of the mutilations inflicted on Short’s body. However, once the police interviewed Elizabeth Short’s acquaintances from Long Beach, who had nicknamed her the Black Dahlia, the headlines changed forever. The Black Dahlia label even turned up in official LAPD files!
I was intrigued by Aggie, a woman in the largely man’s world of the newspaper business, who had lived and worked in Los Angeles during the decades that I find among the most compelling in the city’s history. It was as if Aggie was my childhood fantasy come to life—a woman investigating crimes and uncovering the hidden truths concealed beneath layers of lies. I had often imagined myself in similar scenarios (truthfully, I still do) operating as a grown-up Nancy Drew.
As I started digging deeper, my interest in Aggie’s life and career grew, and in 2011 I gave a lecture at the Los Angeles Central Library in which I talked about Aggie and a few of the outrageous crimes on which she’d reported. The response gratified me; people loved Aggie’s personality and were as captivated by her tales of L.A.’s worst criminals as I was. I realized I wanted to expand the lecture into a blog, which I did in December 2012.
I seek to bring the darker side of Los Angeles to life through the blog. When possible, I will use Aggie as a guide. She knew killers, cops, celebrities, and politicians. She wrote hundreds of headline stories that made residents shake their heads in disgust at the rampant corruption that was pervasive in city government; and many of her stories horrified the locals when they realized that there were monsters living among them.
Aggie’s decades of reporting on Los Angeles left us with a road map of headlines to follow from the desert to the sea, and from Beverly Hills mansions to Bunker Hill apartment houses. Headlines such as “Doheny Kidnap Plot in Killing”, “3 Missing Inglewood Tots Found Murdered”, and “Find Thelma Todd, Film Star, Dead in Mystery” captured the attention of Angelenos every day for decades.
There have been many brilliant reporters in Los Angeles, and an incredible number of deranged tales to tell. So put on some comfortable shoes and together we’ll walk through historic Los Angeles and bear witness to crime, scandal, and the occasional natural disaster.
I truly hope that you will enjoy Deranged L.A. Crimes.
Joan Renner
P.S. The wonderful header photo for this site is courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library.
You’ve got my support! Thanks!
Thank you, Lindsay. I appreciate your support. I’ll do all that I can to continue to earn it.
I’m gonna love this site!
Sherry — thank you. You’ve made my day!
I am so excited about this! (My mom used to let me read all her True Crime and True Detective magazines when I was a kid and I became as addicted as her.) Looking forward to reading the rest of your stories. I already love the way you write.
Brenda, thank you for your kind words and positive feedback! You’ve made my day! I love the old crime magazines too, and I hope to honor their memory with Deranged L.A. Crimes. Again, thank you.
Can’t wait! Glad to learn other women are interested in the same mix of 20th century history and crime stories in a city like L.A. I’m from Chicago and L.A. is going to be a different perspective for me.
I’m always happy to meet a kindred spirit! I’m originally from Chicago, but have been in L.A. most of my life. There’s something a little different about crime in L.A. when compared to the mid-west and east, so I believe you’ll find it interesting.
Joan, anything special planned for The Black Dahlia on Jan 15?
Sherry – I’ll definitely do something for the Black Dahlia anniversary. It is one of the crimes that defines L.A., even after six decades. I was fortunate to be an assistant curator for the L.A. Police Museum’s limited run Black Dahlia exhibit early in 2012. It was an honor to be a part of putting the exhibit together and to be able to review many of the case files. Also, Aggie played a significant role in reporting on the crime.
I saw the exhibit online….you did a great job. How interesting to be able to view and be a part of the original investigation.
It was great being able to go through many of the original case files, and an honor to be a part of the museum’s effort to
bring the information to the public.
In your opinion, do you think everything on the Dahlia case will be made available to the public? After all these years, the killer is very old or either dead. I wish you would go on the Biography Channel, have a Special and just show everything once and for all. That would be so cool.
Sherry — it’s difficult to say if the files will be released or not. LAPD usually keeps a close grip on case files, and of course the statute doesn’t run out on murder. The Dahlia case is still an open homicide with a detective assigned to it, so we were lucky to be able to get access at all. It’s funny, the detective said that she still gets about 10 calls a month on the case — even confessors! The first question she asks the caller if they say they have info is “when were you born?”
This blog looks exactly what I’ve been waiting for. As a born Angeleno this has always been my favorite subject and favorite period.
Great!
Chris – I’m so glad that you’re enjoying the blog. I’ve been in L.A. almost all of my life (definitely long enough to
qualify as an honorary a native). And I share your passion for the subject. Thank you for your support.
Where is your “like” button for Facebook?
Cheryl — your comment reminded me to add the Facebook badge to the page. Thank you!
Very smart of the detective to ask the callers what year they were born. I’ve always wondered if the address book is in the evidence file or did it disappear with some of the other evidence. It’s a shame some of it is gone. I had no idea they get about 10 calls a month. That’s very interesting. Thank you!
The detective is a sharp cookie. I was stunned to discover that she still gets a relatively large number of calls on the case.
Well, now that we have a female detective over seeing the case, maybe we’ll get something done. It’s kinda spooky to think people will call and confess, but I guess it takes all kinds. I guess she can’t ask the “magic” questions now since all has been revealed. I’ll tell you, if I lived in LA I would work for you for free.
I like that a female detective is working the case too. I’m not sure, but I’m betting that there is still something that’s been successfully held back, even after 66 years. And thanks — free work is always appreciated 😉
Hey, Joan Renner! Loving your stuff here, fantastic…as always!
Hi, Jackie! Thanks for your kind words, I value your opinion. Best — Joan
Could you please open up a blog post on the Sam Rummel murder in 1950? He was Mickey Cohen’s lawyer and had obvious mob ties, but his clandestine meeting with certain corrupt LAPD officials just hours before his murder is a sinister coincidence.
The Rummel case is one of my favorites, really fascinating. I’ll try to get to it soon. Thanks for the suggestion, and thank you for reading the blog. Best — Joan
Hi Joan, I love your blog! I had a few questions regarding photos that were touched up back then and maybe you know the answer 🙂
I noticed some people/objects are outlined in old photos – I assume to sharpen the image? Was this done by newspapers or the police? And was it done to the originals/negatives? I also noticed some crime photos were drawn over to hide the grisly details, like the Black Dahlia crime scene with the drawn-in blanket. Was that a very common practice? Thanks!!
Hi Susana – I’m so glad that you are enjoying the blog. You’re absolutely correct about the manipulated photos, they wanted
to make sure that the image reproduced well in the newspaper, and sometimes they even drew fake frames around the photos! It
was the prints that they manipulated and not the negs. I’m on the board of Photo Friends, a non-profit affiliated with the
Central Library in downtown L.A., and the library has an enormous collection of photos from the Herald Express (a Hearst newspaper).
Many of those photos were manipulated (like the Black Dahlia), and sometimes only the prints still exist so we’re stuck with the touched-up image.
The Black Dahlia photo was heavily touched-up with the drawn in blanket and changes to her face so that the mutilations wouldn’t
show. Yes it was very common for newspapers to clean-up crime scene photos for publication. Great questions — hope I was of some help.
Best, Joan
Fascinating! Love it all. Thank you!!
My pleasure, Susana.
I’m in! Love Noir news…and alliteration…
Welcome, I’m glad you’re here! Best — Joan
i want to thank you for your outstanding blog. I find LA crime in the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s to be fascinating. I am a retired Deputy Sheriff in the Central Valley who served for over 30 years,as a detective for 20 of those years. During my early years I got to know a Fresno Bee crime reporter by the name of Eleanor Garner Hannah I guess she had been a reporter for the old LA Herald in the 40’s and 50’s. Over drinks at a local cop watering hole she could really spin some tales of that era in LA.I actually learned a lot from her about being a detective. Keep up the good work and keep us entertained.
Manuel, first I want to thank you for your 30 years of service — that is quite a career!
One of my favorite L.A. characters is Aggie Underwood who was also a reporter for the Herald;
she became editor in 1947. She is the inspiration for the blog, and so are old true crime
magazines and classic movie serials (shown weekly at local theaters, always with a cliffhanger).
There isn’t much difference in my mind between a good detective and a good reporter. They’re both
trained observers who generally have uncanny intuition and I’m in awe of their skills. Thanks again
for your kind words, and I am glad to hear that you’re enjoying the blog. Best — Joan
Hi – I just found this site after seeing a post from Decaying Hollywood Mansions. I am 56 and have lived in the Chicago area all of my life but was always intrigued with true crime stories – especially from the earlier part of last century. I finally visited LA a year ago and now that I have an idea of what it really looks like it’s made me much more interested in what’s got to be numerous crime stories in the area. Everything is just a little bit more heightened in that area, isn’t it? Of course when I was out there I got a map of the stars and while that was fun I, of course, had to look up Sharon Tate’s murder site. So I guess I’m hooked and I will enjoy reading everything on this site. Thank you!
Kim – it’s great to hear from you! I’m so glad that my friend Charles at DHM pointed you in my direction. I’m actually a native Chicagoan. I’ve been in California since I was a little kid, but you can’t take the Chicago out of the girl! Nothing like a visit to L.A. to really immerse you in the all that the place has to offer (from the delightful to the depraved). I don’t know if you took the Dearly Departed Charles Manson tour, but whenever you’re out in L.A. again I recommend it. Scott Michaels is the owner-operator and he knows his stuff. Also, I am a frequent co-host on crime bus tours for a company called Esotouric, it’s another way to get your crime fix. Thanks again for your kind words, and welcome. Best – Joan
This is one of the best crime blogs I have ever read; well written and engaging.
Can you recommend any other blogs that focus on vintage crime in other cities or parts of the country?
Hunter, thank you so much for your positive feedback! This is a labor of love for me and I am thrilled when people enjoy it. You may
find another historic crime blog via CLEWS http://www.laurajames.com/clews/
Again, thank you! Best — Joan
I live in Iowa Falls, Iowa, and noticed an error in your report on Madge Meredith. You state that she is an “Iowa City” girl. Iowa City is 150 miles Southeast of Iowa Falls. Both towns are on the Iowa River. Majorie Massow (Madge Meredith) was born and raised in Iowa Falls.
Richard — thank you for the information, I’ll make the correction. I get my information primarily from old newspapers and, unfortunately, they’re not always 100% accurate. Best, Joan
Hi Joan. I am the grandaughter of Albert Tucker, one of the kidnappers in the Madge Meredith case. I have some interesting things that he gave me to read and stories to tell.. I would love to talk with anyone who might be interested in turning this story into a screenplay or novel if you know of anyone. It’s got such an interesting twist at the end and would make a great true crime movie. Love the site!
Many thanks for your excellent work, Joan. I greatly appreciate all of your efforts in bringing to life the historical dark side of the City of Angels. I have always been a sucker for all things noir and became fascinated with the infamous L.A, criminal cases you write about through my long standing interest in the radio (and ‘50’s black and white television) episodes of Dragnet. These episodes were the grandfather of all police procedurals and hold up very well after some 60 years to the plethora of crime shows currently on television or in the movie theatres today. Yet every Dragnet radio show is also like a time capsule and listening to it transports one back to the noir world of the Los Angeles police from the late ‘40’s and early ‘50’s. It’s also fascinating to note how much the storyline for many of these episodes was drawn from the actual case files of the police. I think the connection between certain Dragnet episodes and actual well known police cases would make a fascinating exhibit at the LAPM or perhaps could even be the theme of an Esotouric tour. In any event, thanks again for this blog and keep up the great work!
Tom – thank you so much for your kind comments. I share your love of Dragnet (both on radio and TV) and I have listened to many episodes of “Calling All Cars”, etc. What I like about those shows is that they were based on real cases which gives them an authenticity that scripted shows can’t usually match. It’s always been my intention with the blog to write about the cases and offer the facts in a way that recalls those old programs and also the wonderful crime and detective magazines from the 1930s-1950s. I absolutely agree that certain of the Dragnet episodes juxtaposed with the real cases would make a compelling exhibit at the police museum. I’ll have to mention it to the executive director. I’ve been trying to write a tour for Esotouric for ages, perhaps what you’ve suggested is just the thing. I thank you again for your readership; I appreciate it. Best, Joan
Thanks so much for the positive reply. I am guessing that you are probably very busy with a range of different projects, but in the event you decide to pursue one (or both) of these ideas, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line if you think I could provide any long-distance (I live in Canada) research assistance. I would be happy to volunteer some of my time subject only to other obligations such as work and my dear wife’s “honey-do” list . 🙂 Regardless, I will continue to read the excellent articles you post on this blog. Cheers.
Tom — you’re right, I am juggling multiple projects at the present time; however, I thank you so much for your kind offer of research assistance. I will certainly keep you in mind if an opportunity should arise. Thanks again for your readership, I appreciate it. Best, Joan
I love this blog. I think LA true crime stories are fascinating and riveting. I’m hoping to do a screenplay about Jerry Giesler soon. You’ve given me a good start with this blog. You have great photos and write terrific stories.
Keep it up. thanks!
Thank you so much for your kind words about the blog. I agree, L.A. true crime is compelling. Giesler’s career was fascinating and would make a killer film–good luck with the screenplay! Best — Joan
can’t wait for more!
Thank you, Norma! I appreciate your kind commend and your readership. I’ll try not to disappoint.
Best,
Joan
LOVE this! I wrote the biography “Peg Entwistle and the Hollywood Sign Suicide” (McFarland, 2014) and am writing one on Carl “Alfalfa” Switzer, so this sight is right up my alley. Sharing it to my Hollywood Book Chat Group! 😉
James – I’m one of the many endlessly fascinated by old Hollywood. The Peg Entwistle story is particularly poignant. Looking forward to your
Carl Switzer book! Please keep me posted! –Joan
I love your blog ! This stuff is really cool . I’m a big time fan of all old things in Los Angeles . My grandfather was an L.A.P.D officer . Started working in in L.A. in 1931. He used to work in Lincoln Park area , in his early days . Man O man , the stories he told me about Los Angeles . I have to go to the museum in Highland Park , I would love to meet you . Tons of questions . Once again, hats off , for such a wonderful job on this blog .
Michael – Thank you so much for your kind words about the blog. I too am a big fan of old Los Angeles, in particular anything to do with law enforcement and crime. You must be very proud of your grandfather. He worked for LAPD during one of the most fascinating periods in its history. Yes, you really must visit the Police Museum, you’ll really enjoy it. I’m there most Thursdays but you should probably email me to verify. The museum is open the third Saturday of each month so I’ll be there on January 16th. We’re open from 9-3. Thanks again for your support, and I hope to meet you in person. Best — Joan
I’ve been joyously discovering you and Aggie Underwood in the week since I discovered that I drive down the hill past the site of Hazel Glab’s husband’s murder at least once every day. I’ve missed your show at the library but I did buy your book and am now looking for a take home copy of Newspaperwoman. I see that the LAPL circulation copies are out but they do have two in reference.
Do you have another book coming out? If you have any upcoming events, readings, adventures, please let me know so I can attend.
Thank you for opening this door for me.
Martha — thank you so much for your kind words about the blog. Aggie was a fascinating woman; and what a career! I pass the Hazel Glab
house routinely too on my way to the gym. I’m currently working on a book and I always post upcoming events, etc. here and on the Deranged L.A.
Crimes Facebook page. I hope to meet you one of these days. Best, Joan
I am the daughter of Norman Wells (half brother of Albert Horace Wells). So many puzzles are coming together after reading your article. Beautifully done. Do you have anymore on this crime. Books, films? Anything. Norma 208-473-6634
How do I register to be a member?
Thanks.
Carol, I must apologize for my very tardy reply. Things have been a little hectic here at Deranged L.A. Crimes. If you like you
can sign up for RSS feeds on the homepage. I hope that answers your question. If now please feel free to contact me. Best — Joan
Carol — I’ve just added a subscriber option to the site. Which is what I think you were really asking me about!
I am so glad I found this website.
Me too, Carol! Thank you so much for your readership and support–it means a lot to me. Joan
The story about Tracy Leroy Nute is about my cousin. This happened 2 years after i was born but will forever be in my mind. I cant believe i just came across this story. Thank you for doing this story. I just have one question how come so many pictures of the murderer and there is none of my cousin Tracy the victim?
Athena – I am so sorry that you never had the opportunity to know your cousin Tracy. To be able to tell the victims stories
is an honor, and one I take seriously. Strangely, in all the coverage in the Los Angeles Times on the case there wasn’t a
single photo of Tracy. I definitely would have used a photo if there was one–not sure why there wasn’t.
Joan
Hi Joan,
Feel so lucky to have found your website. L.A. ‘Noir’ is a passion of mine. Ever since I saw ‘L.A. Confidential’ I have been hooked on the era.
I was wondering if you could tell me the background behind the headline photo you use ? I have searched around here but was unable to find anything.
Keep up the great work!
Dave Mitchell
Toronto, Canada
David — Welcome! I’m glad you found the site. As you can tell I am very passionate about L.A. Noir too.
The photo I use for the site is courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library. The photo is c. 1930 and here’s
the info from the library:
LAPL00042202
Summary: An unidentified man is being taken into custody outside of Boos Bros. Cafeteria. A man, presumably
a police officer, is holding a gun as other men force the suspect into the car.
If you go to lapl.org you can search the photo collection (a large portion of it anyway) online. You can
find the photo I use with it’s ID number (above). There are many great vintage L.A. crime photos in the
online collection. If you get a chance you might want to browse it.
Best,
Joan
I love your blog. Just finished the book L.A. Noir and it’s an amazing account of LA crime and vice. Wow–so much movie material here.
As a screenwriter and true crime fan in Houston, I see so many parallels between
both cities in the area of crime. LA has so many stories which could still be made
into films. Thanks for the good work.
I have taken a few tours with Joan and she is so knowledgeable and a total hoot. My husband and I are so determined to have some Gin & Tonics with her in the near future.
Thank you, Toinette! Remember, it is 5 o’clock somewhere! Hope to see you and your husband soon.
Oh my gosh, you have done a remarkable job bringing to us these old crimes. I am so grateful I stumbled across your site. I know you are a true lover, like me of this kind of material. Your site reflects that. Thank you forgiving me many days and weeks of entertainment. Thank you, thank you, thank you, job well done!
Sandra — Thank you so much!! You really made my holiday! More stories to come. Be safe and well.
Best,
Joan
Love your blog! However, I need to know how to read a whole story. There seem to be pieces on several pages. Can you advise please??
Deb,
Thank you for your kind words about the blog. I’m glad you found it. I think the easiest way to read a multi-part story is to locate part one (you can enter the part or all of the title in the search box at the top of the page). When you’re ready to ready subsequent parts do the same thing. Does that make sense?
Best,
Joan
Hello Joan,
This is more of a question and not a comment.
My mom drives quite a bit so I bought her a Sirius XM Radio. She loves classic radio shows.
While we were coming home, an episode of dragnet came on.
I cannot remember the name of the episode but I do remember that it had to do with a man who was fairly comfortable money wise who had recently lost his wife.
The man was really grieving for his wife and apparently disappeared.
A relative contacted the Los Angeles Police Department for a welfare check of the man as the man left his suitcases which were packed at his house but never returned.
Detective Joe Friday started to question neighbors of the man and came upon a woman who lived down the street from the man.
She claimed that the man said he was going east to visit relatives. The woman stated that she was trying to help him but he was not interested and left town, and went on about that he needed to get over the wife who was dead.
The woman said that he was traveling east to see his sister.
The detectives checked out the man’s bank account and while he did withdraw money, nothing seemed suspicious.
The teller stated that he had not seen the man in a week or so.
The detectives checked on the man’s bills and credit cards and went to a department store and spoke with a woman in the credit department.
The woman stated the man’s wife had come into the department store and purchased a slip and some other items. The detectives went back to visit the neighbor woman who was not in but spoke with her gardener who complained that the woman was abusive and angry because she wanted her greenhouse a certain way. In the end it turned out that the woman shot the man because he was not interested in her.
She buried the man in the greenhouse with gun.
I know that the dragnet shows were from true stories and I was wondering if this is something that was possibly in the newspapers.
I enjoy your website and look forward to your comments.
Thank you,
Regina
Hi Regina,
I listen to the old radios on Sirius/XM too, and of course I love Dragnet. The episode you listened to is The Big Lease which aired November 1, 1951. I’m not 100% sure but I believe the episode was partly based on serial killer Louise Peete’s murder of Jacob Denton in 1920. It’s unlikely that Denton was Peete’s first victim, but his is the first killing for which she was convicted and served time. She would ultimately be released from prison and kill again in the 1940s. She received the death penalty. Peete is one of only four women ever executed by the State of California. I wrote about her in the Deranged blog and also for Los Angeles Magazine (http://bit.ly/2xhS2Ha) There’s a radio episode of Dragnet which is definitely based on Peete’s second murder (the one for which she got death). The episode is called The Big Thank You and aired on March 9, 1950.
Thank you for reading Deranged L.A. Crimes.
Best,
Joan
Header picture…..Joan, I apologize if this has already been asked and answered….you say that the header pic comes from the LA Library, but I’m curious as to whether it’s become one of your blog entries or if it is known what this pic is all about. (Loving the blog, btw! Addictive)
Jan, I wish I knew more about the bust in the photo. It was an unnamed crook who may have tried to rob the Boos Brothers cafe. When I saw the photo I knew it was perfect for the blog. I’m glad you’re enjoying Deranged. — Joan
thank you for replying, Joan…..darn, I so had hoped you knew what it was all about….it looks like they literally busted ‘his chops’ for him…..
SO enjoying the blog!
Jan, if only I knew! Still, I think I’ll poke around in some of the old newspapers to see if there is any info at all. I really would like to know what he was up to! Yeah, I think they busted his chops but good. I’m glad that you are enjoying the blog. It’s so much fun for me and I love getting feedback.
A friend of mine I was once familiar with (who was usually pretty accurate about matters like this) was firm in his belief that the murder of the young lady called “The Black Dahlia” was only one murder of a series of murders that took place in the 1940’s and 1950’s. It doesn’t matter how much research I conduct or how long I look at it, I can’t seem to find anything at all to suggest that such a series ever existed. Even worse, I can’t even ask the guy who planted the seed about it, because he left for greener pastures over a year ago. Have you heard or read anything at all about the subject that suggests there was a serial murderer operating in the area during the time period we’re looking at? I’d hate to think I was being lied to because I happen to be more gullible then the previous individual who got the treatment, but I’ve come up with absolutely nothing, and it’s getting so annoying that I’m inclined to pack it in on the grounds that I must be an easier target than most folks. I can find plenty of material about various murders accounted for, but very little cause to link any of them to a single offender. I have no doubt whatsoever that your input would be helpful. You seem to have an impressive array of knowledge about a subject that many people prefer to avoid. With the measure of violence that has always been a symptom of the human condition, I do not believe that such a firm grasp of history is a bad thing. It just tends to make you a more knowledgeable individual. If you have an opinion suggesting that there was a single offender who may have been responsible for the murder of Elizabeth Short, as well as other victims during the period under examination, I would be very interested to know whether that opinion has lead you to any firm conclusions, as well as what those conclusions may be.
James,
I apologize for my tardy reply.
I, and many others, are fascinated with the Black Dahlia case, and the other unsolved homicides of women in Los Angeles during WWII and
in the post-war era.
When you look at Los Angeles during the war and post-war years, you’ll find a huge increase in the population. The military moved men and
materials through the city, some people were stationed in the area, and there was an influx of people doing war work. What it meant was that
there were thousands of young people, away from home for the first time. Without the watchful eyes of friends, neighbors, and relatives, some
of the men and women behaved in ways they never would have at home. They didn’t have anyone to whom they were accountable.
Also, some soldiers who saw combat returned home with serious PTSD. Of course it wasn’t called that at the time, that didn’t happen until
Vietnam. They called the condition battle fatigue, and while there was some help available for emotional and mental disorders, many young men
either didn’t know, or didn’t take advantage of the assistance.
I have never found any information that causes me to believe Elizabeth Short’s murder was part of a series. The lead detective in the case,
Harry Hansen, always maintained the murder was a one-off. He didn’t think the person killed before or after the Dahlia.
The most vocal proponent of the series theory is Steve Hodel. Steve has written several books in which he accuses his deceased
father of the that crime and many other unsolved murders, including the June 1958 murder of novelist James Ellroy’s mother, Jean
Hilliker. I believe Steve’s father was a horrible person, but not a killer.
The only credible theory that I am aware of is put forward by former L.A. Times copy editor, Larry Harnisch. Larry has done a massive
amount of research into the case beginning with the article he wrote for the Times for the 50th anniversary of Short’s murder. He
believes it was Dr. Walter Alonzo Bayley, a teaching surgeon at USC, who was responsible–I should say Bayley and his then mistress.
Larry is writing a book about the case and I’m eagerly awaiting it.
Meanwhile, my own theory is pretty simple. I believe that Beth Short came back from San Diego on January 9, 1947, walked from the lobby
of the Biltmore Hotel, probably to a place down Olive Street called the Crown Grille. She either met her killer there or after she left.
My gut feeling is she was headed for Hollywood where she knew people and could find a place to stay. She, like lots of other young women
at the time, would have accepted a ride from a stranger. The arrogance of youth would have given her reason to believe she could spot a bad guy.
She couldn’t. Nobody can. Whoever she met that night took her, likely kept her until the morning of January 15, 1947, and then killed her.
She was dismembered where she died–but the police were never able to locate the crime scene. Her body was transported in a car and
posed a foot in from the sidewalk in a vacant lot in Leimert Park. She was dead about 10 hours before being discovered by local
housewife, Betty Bursinger, who, with her young daughter, were running errands on foot in the neighborhood.
Of the theories about her murder, and the other unsolved murders of women during the 1940s in Los Angeles, the ones I find hardest to
believe are the conspiracy theories. I think Benjamin Franklin said it first, but I always think of the following quote as belonging to Sonny
Barger (former President of the Oakland Chapter of the Hell’s Angeles)–“Two people can keep a secret, if one of them is dead.”
Even if there was DNA proof to solve the Dahlia case and the other murders, there would still be people to disbelieve it. One thing I
have learned about the case, is that people who are convinced they know who is responsible are the least likely to bend in the face of
reason or contrary evidence. Once an investigator (professional or amateur) closes his/her mind, they are doomed.
I hope I’ve been able to provide some usual information for you to chew on. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate
to contact me.
Best,
Joan
Have you ever covered Evan Charles Thomas, the Phantom Sniper?
Robert,
I haven’t written about Evan Charles Thomas, yet. I’m very familiar with the case though. I don’t know if you’re in the Los Angeles area, but
I co-host the occasional crime bus tour for a company called Esotouric, and on their Eastside Babylon tour one of the cases I cover is the Phantom
Sniper. He was an odd, deviant, guy. What’s your interest in the case?
Best,
Joan
What an excellent web site – I learned about via Scott Michaels of Dearly Departed. Your writing and summaries are on point. Trivia: Barbara Graham’s victim had worked professionally as a roller skater. Keep up the good work!
Ann,
Thank you for your kind words about the blog. I love Scott Michaels–he gives an tremendous Manson tour. I think I recall reading that
Mabel Monahan worked as a professional roller skater.It’s the small details about a victim that make their loss felt even more keenly.
Best,
Joan
The Black Dahlia recaps feel like a fresh take on the subject. I think Beth Short’s story still resonates because of all of the tertiary stories connected to this unsolved murder. Personally i don’t understand why Beth wouldn’t lower herself to take an everyday job that wouldn’t interfere with her hunt for Mr. Okay. Her unsubtle grifting for a next meal sounds like hard work to me, but maybe she enjoyed her skill at it. I’m intrigued by the medical report that her female organs weren’t fully developed; thus, Beth was incapable of traditional sexual intercourse. Just another odd detail in the strangest crime in L.A. history.
Thank you for this write up! I had been told that my grandfather Ray Giese, LAPD Homicide Detective, had something to do with the Black Dahlia case but this is the first time I’ve seen it in writing. Mom wouldn’t let Grandpa tell us much about his work; she was afraid we wouldn’t be able to sleep at night. Grandpa and his buddies were close to the press and did plenty of after hours drinking with them near the LAPD offices. (Ray Giese retired in 1956. He quit drinking a few years later.)
My pleasure, Kate. Aggie Underwood knew, and respected, members of local law enforcement and worked well with them (and drank with them, too). She quit drinking, or at least slowed down, as she got older. Do you know much about your grandfather’s career? I ask because one of my closest friends was Executive Director of the Los Angeles Police Museum for several years. He is a terrific historian, and is always eager to learn more about the people who came before him.
Best,
Joan
“Hungry ex wife” what next was she going to eat him?
I wouldn’t be surprised.
Gene Kaminski I have enjoyed every column of yours every comment and relished your blog on the black dahlia.I like to think I’ve investigated and research this case for years yet every now and then a new detail comes forth. I own day private investigator and security company in the LA area for 30 years. I’ve always thought it would be productive to contact Harry Hansen‘s relatives and get access to his notes. We might be surprised I also think there’s something connected to the killings in San Diego at that time; something that isn’t mentioned much. I am retired and soon very soon will be coming out with a Killer thriller Filled with dark humor. Oh, incidentally do you still guest host those bus tours That you alluded to… Thank you for the enjoyment
Thank you so very much for your kind words about Deranged L.A. Crimes. I agree with you
about the San Diego murders, they are rarely mentioned and perhaps a connection exists.
Please let me know when your thriller is published. Perhaps we can do an interview? Yes,
I am still involved qwit Esotouric, the bus tour company. The owners are planning to resume
the tours as soon as it is feasible. I’ll be on the bus for sure.
Thank you again. Stay safe.
Best,
Joan
I agree with every factor that you have pointed out. Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts on this. Check this out –> Crime and the person
Thanks!
Thank you for the link to your thoughtful piece on second chances. I won’t go into detail, but I’ve made the most
of the second chance I got in my early 20s. I appreciate everyone in my life and am grateful for each day.
Yesterday I met Arthur Craig Hulse… that was a very interesting experience…
I’m sure it was extremely interesting. I’ve neither seen nor spoken to him in many decades. He used to hang out with my brother, who told me he saw a side of Craig that was scary. The scary side ended their friendship. If he wasn’t in a wheelchair when you met him, then I’m convinced he scammed the parole board.
Best,
Joan