Today is the 76th Anniversary of the Kidnap/Torture Murder of Elizabeth “Black Dahlia” Short
January 15, 2023
Birch Bay, Washington
Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday (January 15, 1929)
Today is the 76th anniversary of the kidnap/torture/murder of Elizabeth Short, better known to the world as, “The Black Dahlia”.
Here is a short summary interview (7 minutes) I did a few years ago for the Today Show Australia.
For those that want a more detailed summary here are two interviews I did the first is a video with Fritz Coleman and Louise Palanker on their show: Media Path Podcast. My interview begins at 8.5 mins into the show and runs for about 50 mins. See the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-HcBaPgKY4&t=47s
The second is an audio interview with Dr. Alan Campbell (Apple podcast) that also provides a deeper look, but again, way too much to try and cover in 45mins. Dr. Campbell link to the apple podcast below:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/black-dahlia-murder-as-fine-art/id1453722153?i=1000468341978
A TIMELINE OF HORROR (originally published/blogged on September 18, 2021.
https://stevehodel.com/2021/09/18/a-timeline-of-horror-the-reconstruction-of-the-abduction-and-murder-of-elizabeth-black-dahlia-short-on-january-14-15-1947/
Steve, 76 years after Elizabeth Short’s murder but 20 years (circa) since you exposed your findings and the description on Media Path podcast still describes this murder as the case “that baffled the best minds of Law enforcement”! Pure BS! The “best and the brightest” in the LAPD & eventually the SFPD with the Zodiac killings knew full well who the killer was! This “group think” IS “the silence of the lambs”……there’s no discussion or plan here, just the silent assent to “cover our arses” best we can😖! Is there any difference between these famous & idolized California law enforcement agencies and let’s say for example the Catholic Church? Thousands of children, vulnerable people of all ages have been victimized by some in a ministry that envelops its followers in love and guidance! But we have yet to see “criminal” judgement leveled upon these abusers or upon the organization that protects its ministry! The GHH murders go far far beyond the man himself! Arguing in my 30’s with a loved Aunt, well educated, with a distinguished profession, I scoffed at a priest’s “retirement” to Napa Valley, sipping gourmet wines as he peacefully awaited his demise after multiple & graphic accusations from former students, parishoners. Where was justice here? My aunt answered, “but Patricia, we must look at all the good things he did in his years as a priest”!! ‘Nuff said!🤬🌵
Patricia O:
Yes, the ongoing coverup to protect LAPDs “two greatest heroes” (Chiefs William H. Parker and Thad Brown) will continue. Damn the Truth. Damn the “Protect and Serve.” The 11th Commandment “Circle The Wagons” will forever be their creed.
Hmm…..just read your post Steve on 1/18 about your dad administering the Stanford Binet IQ test to you in 1973…..you must have been 29-30 then? As I have said before, think GHH was wary of you even at that young age! Not saying there wasn’t some filial love there, but perhaps the feeling that he had to keep a watchful eye on you! And as you embarked upon your LAPD career he kept the saying “………keep your enemies close”…..and warned his buddies in LE to keep a watchful eye on you! Your love for your father was GHH’s ace in the hole😔! Sorry for the brutal assessment Steve, but think it always good to be aware of potential pitfalls that lay even now on your path! Do the sins of the father visit the son? I like to think sometimes those sins are corrected by a son (or daughter!) for future generations…..and that ain’t easy to do! You done good, son!!👌🤗🌵
Patricia:
Could well be correct on the “watchful eye” he had to wonder if anyone from inside the LAPD had said something, anything to me. (Sadly, not the case.) But, also, the reason for my trip to Asia and visiting dad in Manila was to determine if I wanted to leave the Dept and join him in Asia. I was divorced and single, with no children, I seriously considered the possibility. At 31, Wine, Women, Wealth, and a nice future as “the boss’s son.” Tempting for sure. So, his testing me was also motivated by his asking himself, “What potential does my son have? Let’s find out at least on some level.” My trip was lengthy, two months (I had so much overtime, I had to take a month to use some of it.) In the end, I decided NOPE. I could tell, despite the “many perks” I could not handle his need to control me and be dependent on HIM. Besides, I loved my job with LAPD as a relatively “new detective” so I PASSED. (Thank God I did.)
Wow….did not know GHH made you that offer! Have had similar “close calls” in my past & sometimes questioned if I made the right
decisions🤔. But as I aged, I realized the ”close calls” taught me lessons not to be forgotten! Sounds like you experienced the same! And those lessons learned are valuable tools in guiding our next generations👌! My grandchildren often ask me “Nana, how could you leave California!” Now that they’re adults I can say listen to “Hotel California”……..and we all laugh as they say “but our whole world now is Hotel California”! So true, for better or worse🤣. So much more to come, Steve. Stay well, stay safe!😎🌵
Denying for protecting an institution seems to be an “international” pattern. A famous german case, the Böhringer murder ,is denied a resumption though a witness in between is proven to have lied in court.The most probable reason: the lawsuit was done by a famous judge who later ruled the lawsuit against the NSU-Terrorists. A resumption could throw a suspicious light on this case, too.
Thanks for all your work, Steve,I am reading since many years and am convinced of your fathers deeds.
Stimmviech:
Thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated. Yes, it is definitely a world-wide pattern of abuse. Certainly not limited to California. The motives in this particular case go “way back” to GHH’s “Early Years” where he had specific information on both Thad Brown and DDA William Simpson who together convicted an innocent man who was then EXECUTED. I present it in “The Early Years” which are my latest two-part publications. Best, Steve
Steve, our HEALING CIRCLE sends you a cleansing, centering breath and powerful VIBRATIONS for ancestral HEALING. Ancestral healing heals the wounds of past generations. It connects us to our FOREFATHERS and FOREMOTHERS. It brings peace to them. It brings peace to us.
Peace always!
Yolie 💎
Regarding the mysterious Frome case: Is it true that one of the victims had exactly 8 cigarette burn marks on the right hand?
Joakim: Well, I cannot say for sure there were exactly “eight” but yes, she was tortured and had cigarette or cigar burns to her knuckles just as Elizabeth Short had cigarette or cigar burns to her back.
Eight small dots can be placed like two L letters.
Hello, I have been intrigued by your post about Elizabeth Short crime cases so far, as those articles were really well-constructed, perceptive, and also insightful using the objective basis when it comes to the methodology. However, I have a question that I really wanted to inquire from such case. Did he ever share his opinion about psychology in general or didn’t you ever consider that your father, Dr. George Hodel, have a certain disdain towards psychology or to be precise, American Psychological Association?
Thank you.
Rachel:
My father never really discussed his thoughts/opinions on an aspect of psychology. My overall sense was that he was a believer and was pretty much “old-school” Freudian. That said, his personal psychopathy and connections to Surrealism (no difference between the dream and conscious states) along with his misogyny and nihilism made for his own unique version which created the “Mr. Hyde.” While visiting with dad and his wife June in Manila I do recall they sat me down and had me take the standard Stanford/Binet IQ test of that day. (1973)
Steve, do you find it odd that Tamar’s husband had the same wish when he passed, he be cremated and all belongings destroyed? I am absolutely obsessed with this case, have been since I was in school MANY years ago
Ok I actually meant her first husband, I apologize
Melissa B:
I think you mean do I find it odd that both George Hodel and his life long accomplice Fred Sexton both gave the same order to their wives to “destroy all my personal effects when I die.” Fred Sexton told his young Hispanic wife in Mexico to do it and George Hodel told his wife, June Hirano to do it.
“Odd”? No, makes sense that they both gave the same order. Likely fear of either DNA connection or some papers or item to link them to their many serial crimes. Not sure if Sexton gave George the idea or George Hodel gave Sexton the idea. But, as I’ve said many times, “There are no coincidences.”
I just want to say that you have given a new meaning to the term hero! You do not get even remotely close to the recognition you deserve! Thank you for all that you have opened and shared with the world
Melissa B: Thanks. Very kind of you. Its taking a lot longer than I thought, but slowly getting there.
“The Truth Will Out”. I think if we can get the docuseries out there this year it will go a long way to summarizing my now 3000+ typed pages into what will likely be 5-6 episodes with the many graphics and visuals which are at the heart of my father’s psychopathy as “Murder As a Fine Art.”
While listening to the Nationally broadcast radio show–Coast to Coast a.m. — former LAPD Mike Rothmiller- Detective/OCID mentioned while viewing LAPD documents related to the research involving his book on Marilyn Monroe–that he viewed docs on the Black Dahlia– when the host stated that he ( the host) didn’t think it was ” that Hodel guy” Mike, with absolute certainty, said: ” No. Not at all.” Here we have another example of LAPD dismissing the fantasy GHH absurdity in 2023. Any thoughts on that?
Kieth P:
Haven’t listened to the “Coast to Coast AM” interview. Have no idea what “Black Dahlia-related documents” Rothmiller was referring to? He certainly would not have had access to any Dahlia Files during his ten years, “on the job.” The first question one needs to ask any naysayer is, “Have you read Hodel’s ongoing investigation? Are you familiar with the now 3000-plus typed pages of his Homicide Progress Report? Are you familiar with the fact that all the top LAPD brass in charge of the original investigation indicated “the case was solved at Hodel did it.” (LAPD Chiefs William Parker, Thad Brown, LADA Lt. Frank Jemison and LASO Undersheriff James Downey.) All separate confirmations at separate times. Are you familiar with the 146-page taped recorded confession over a six-week period and the electronic stakeout at Dr. Hodel’s private residence? Enuf said.
Phil D:
Hi Phil. Yes, I do think it is very significant as GHH did copycat numerous other crime signatures/MO from JtR. The LAPD reports claim that “the ovaries were intact” but we cannot be positive on this as they also report “no burn markes to body” and clearly we know he inflicted nine burn marks to her back with a cigar or cigarette during the extended torture. Thanks, Steve
Speaking of Black Dahlia anniversaries, Black Dahlia obsessive David Lynch first screened his film “Lost Highway”, which features the murder and bisection of a woman in a house, on 15 Jan 1997, the 50th anniversary of the murder. The character who murders said woman is named Fred.
And I’d add that: said murder scene house is a nice house in L.A. Oh, also, a character in the film who is seemingly the SAME character as the murderer Fred (Dayton, c.f. “date”–read: SEXton?) has a boss of sorts, someone he does work for, named Dick Laurent. Well, as Hodel means “myrtle”, the plant, Laurent comes from “laurel”, also a plant. And Wikipedia says laurel forests have many trees that resemble laurels but are actually from other plant families such as Myrtaceae–MYRTLES.