The Murder Of The Black Dahlia
Who did it?
Event Information
When Elizabeth Short was Found
On January 15, 1947. The body of Elizabeth Short was found. Cut in half at the waist, and a smile carved from ear to ear. She was found by a young woman taking her three year old daughter out for a walk. So clean she was believed to be a mannequin. (Wikipedia, 2016)
When?
Wednesday, Jan 15, 1947, 09:00 AM
Where?
Leimert Park, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Who was Elizabeth Short?
Elizabeth Short was born on July 29th, 1924 in Hyde Park Boston, and grew up in Medford Massachusetts. She had 4 sisters and her parents names were Cleo and Phoebe. (Wikipedia 2016)
Who Killed her?
Since her body was so carefully washed and drained of blood, the LAPD thinks her killer was a doctor. The most likely suspect is Dr. George Hodel. He was an original suspect of the murder, it was not until 1991 when strict evidence came up after his death. His son, Steve Hodel became a police officer and started investigating on the case. Hodel found pictures of Elizabeth Short, as well as letters to the LAPD claiming he was the killer. Steve Hodel also said there was a room in his old house that he and his siblings were not allowed to enter. The room tested positive for chemicals used to decompose a body. Steve Hodel also thinks his father was the zodiac killer. (Eddy, 2014)
My theory
I believe that George Hodel was the killer. All evidence points to him. Examples: Letters to the LAPD, old photographs of Short, and the decomposition chemicals.
Research question
Why would someone want to kill Beth Short? I think it is because she was an upcoming actress and she was new to Los Angles. Who ever killed her might of had connections to her family. (Latson 2015)