On True Crime Writing and the Black Dahlia Murder: LAPD Homicide Detective III Steve Hodel (ret.)
April 30, 2017
Los Angeles, California
Here’s a short four-minute clip from an interview I did a few years back on the responsibilities of being a True Crime writer.
LAPD Det. III Steve Hodel (ret.) on True Crime Writing Link HERE.
This has been on my mind a lot because I have been researching other crimes, cold cases that have been re-opened (prop69 monies) and the “powers that be” have a million reasons for not wanting to use common tools such as DNA technology that is now available such as DNA portraits.
Statements such as it’s not accurate!!!! I had my DNA done as well as several family members different sources and it is VERY accurate!
The cost is minimal compared to the time and money already spent.
They re-open cases and ask for the public’s help and then refuse suggestions or promptings…I can’t get the image of “Dogs Playing Poker” out of my head when I think of how hard they are working. What is not being said here and how can they ask common citizens to find their most prolific killers?
Hi Steve
You and your books facinate me as I’ve said before. And I’ve made a point in the past to exclaim about YOUR wonderful personal qualities. However, I’m thirsting for the “surrounding” story. Information about Esther’s roots in Russia, more about George senior and he and Esther’s patronage of the arts. Stories passsed down from their acquaintences to grandchildren or great grandchildren living today. Were they observant Jews? Where in the ancesters has the IQ been evident?
These are just a FEW of my questions. My final comment would be; why didn’t GHH donate is brain for autopsy? As June said he was a man of science and this would have contributed to scientific research. There would have been no need for the researchers to have had any personal info on him, just to observe structure etc. like Einstein’s.
Thanks for your thoughtful answer.
Hi Linda: Thanks again for the kind words. Currently working on Book V, which will cover some of the answers to “roots” and the early life of George Sr. and Esther and touching on their life in Paris pre-Ellis Island in 1903. While a “man of science” still I think the Misanthrope trumped the intellect. I’m sure he wanted to take his secrets to the grave and very likely feared leaving behind any DNA, so made sure he was quickly and quietly cremated and ashes put to sea. Going to be a while before I get the last book, “The Early Years” out, but continuing the joint/investigation and writing now. Best, Steve.