Case Solved: Black Dahlia Avenger — Updated Definitive Edition Out October 21, 2025 with 150 New Pages

September 11, 2025
Birch Bay, Washington

Black Dahlia Avenger – Case Closed:2025 Update

October 21, 2025 — Mark the date.

Twenty-two years ago, I released Black Dahlia Avenger, presenting evidence that my father, Dr. George Hill Hodel, was the killer of Elizabeth Short. That first book sparked a firestorm of debate — hailed as “thoroughly and completely convincing” by Michael Connelly, reviewed as a bestseller in the New York Times, dissected on television, lectured at Paris France’s, Pompidou Center and discussed worldwide.

But the story didn’t stop in 2003.

For more than two decades, new evidence has surfaced: LA DA Secret Hodel Taped Sureveillance Files, LAPD case documents unearthed, hidden eyewitness accounts, and forensic revelations that sharpen the picture beyond doubt. Today, I can say with confidence that this new Closed-Case Definitive Edition delivers the most complete and unassailable account of the Black Dahlia murder ever published.

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What’s New in the 2025 Edition

– Over 150 pages of new investigative material — archival documents, photographic analysis, and law enforcement validations.

– Forensic and photographic evidence from the Hodel family albums, revealing chilling new connections.

– Fresh eyewitness testimony and the shocking identification of a previously unknown body location.

– The “Glendale Tell” and LAPD’s hidden files finally brought into the light.

– Louise Springer murder case upgrade (1949) — from “Probable” to “Solved.”

– Forensic proofs establishing the Hodel/Sowden House as the original murder location.

– Confirmation of Head DDA Stephen Kay’s and then active LAPD Chief of Detective’s  James McMurray’s conclusions (2003): “Case Solved” and the Assistant Chief McMurray’s order to his detectives to “clear the case based on Steve Hodel’s investigation.”

– An LAPD paid police informant’s 1949 death declaration naming “GH” (George Hodel) as the killer of Elizabeth Short and a second LA Lone Woman murder victim.

Case Closed — In Their Words

“The Black Dahlia case is solved.” — Los Angeles County Head Deputy DA Stephen Kay  

Why This Edition Matters

The Black Dahlia murder has haunted Los Angeles for nearly 80 years. But justice delayed is not always justice denied. This new edition doesn’t just revisit old ground — it closes the case by bringing forward evidence long hidden, now made accessible and undeniable.

As a former LAPD homicide detective, I don’t deal in “theories.” I deal in evidence. And the evidence proves this case solved.

Call to Action

Black Dahlia Avenger: Case Closed — The Updated 2025 Edition releases on October 21, 2025 from Arcade Publishing/Skyhorse.

Pre-Order HERE 

“For the Victims–Living and Dead”
Steve Hodel