LAPD Detective Brian Carr, Formerly Assigned to Black Dahlia Murder Investigation Death Notice

July 14, 2024
Birch Bay, Washington
1951-2024
R.I.P.

Detective Brian Carr (1997)
My condolences to the family and friends of LAPD Detective Brian Carr, who passed away at age 73 on April 19, 2024. Carr was assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit and retired in May 2009.  He was assigned as “Keeper of the Keys” to the six-drawer filing cabinet containing LAPDs “Black Dahlia Case Files.”  In later interviews with the press post-publication of Black Dahlia Avenger (Arcade 2003), Carr stated, “I don’t know if Dr. George Hodel did or did not kill Elizabeth Short. I’m too busy investigating other active murder cases.” (All the DA transcripts from wire-recordings of Dr. Hodel’s confession and linkage to the Black Dahlia Murder had been removed from LAPD files in 1950, so in fairness, Det. Carr was unaware Dr. George Hodel had been the prime suspect since 1950. It was only when the LADA vault was opened, and the Hodel/Black Dahlia Files were located and published in 2003, along with my and Head DDA Steve Kay’s briefing to LAPD brass and Robbery/Homicide detectives, that Carr became aware of George Hodel’s name connected to the Black Dahlia murder.
We thank Detective Carr for his years of service to the LAPD and the citizens of Los Angeles. May he Rest In Peace.

3 Comments

  1. Patricia ONeill on July 14, 2024 at 2:54 pm

    RIP Brian Carr…..well earned & well deserved! One really has to be part of the “police family”…..and I’m including the wives, children here …….to .know the constant struggle for a policeman and especially detectives to separate the job from his/her home & family life😓. The number of murders /crimes committed daily in our society is pretty overwhelming……..much more than the general public realizes. And for the most part LE does a fantastic & overwhelming job in maintaining law and order. Unfortunately, many people do get away with murder! To contain such frenzy ALL elements of Law Enforcement, Medicine and Education must bond together to combat the constant growths of ennui, malaise & acceptance of “it is what it is”! Yes, you can get away with murder!!……know the “right” people, say or don’t say the right things, and in general once your workday is over live by “not my problem”!!
    Hope your talk yesterday went well, Steve! Have you ever thought of speaking directly to young people, students on all educational levels about the murders you have written about? Big undertaking at this age but bet you could interest/influence many students interested in Law Enforcement, Medicine, Education👌!! 😎🌵

    • Steve Hodel on July 14, 2024 at 5:09 pm

      Patricia O:
      Thanks, Patricia. Yesterday’s talk was excellent. There was a good turnout and a great Q&A after the presentation. (That’s the part I love best.) I hope the project/book-to-film if it unfolds in the near future, will speak for me. I’m kind of slowing down at this stage and ready to focus on “retirement” and giving treats to Rima, but ya neva know?

  2. Patricia ONeill on July 14, 2024 at 7:41 pm

    Book-to-film………hope it happens👏!! 😎🌵

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