48 Hours: "Hollywood Secrets" – Detailed Summary

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Hollywood Secrets," CBS News' "48 Hours" delves deep into the unsolved 1977 murder of Krista Helm, a young Hollywood aspirant whose life was tragically cut short. Hosted by award-winning correspondents, the episode navigates through decades of mystery, uncovering the complex web of relationships, hidden evidence, and persistent investigative efforts that seek to bring justice to Krista and closure to her family.

Krista Helm's Life and Ambitions

Krista Helm was a vibrant and ambitious young woman from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who dreamed of making it big in Hollywood. As her daughter Nicole Helm recounts, Krista was determined to escape her small-town roots:

“From the time she was a little girl, she would dance and sing and tell everybody she was going to be a movie star when she grew up. And of course, in little Milwaukee, Wisconsin, no one believed her.”
[05:57] – Nicole Helm

Krista's journey led her to New York City, where she quickly immersed herself in the bustling party scene, mingling with famous personalities such as Mick Jagger, Warren Beatty, and Jack Nicholson. Her magnetic presence and ambition earned her roles in films like "Let's Go for Broke," although her movie career had its setbacks, including a short-lived film that closed after just four days in Cincinnati.

The Murder and Initial Investigation

On February 12, 1977, Krista Helm left a party in West Hollywood and was brutally attacked and stabbed multiple times outside her agent's house. The violent nature of her murder left the community in shock. As Nicole Helm reflects on the night of the tragedy:

“I think the fight just got to be a little too difficult for her. It got ugly. There were a lot of dark people and dark lifestyles that she didn't really want to be part of.”
[30:05] – Nicole Helm

Initial investigations were complicated by the disappearance of Krista's personal effects, including a critical diary and numerous sex tapes she had recorded with various celebrities. These items were believed to contain information that could have served as a motive for her murder, possibly involving extortion.

Missing Evidence: Diary and Tapes

Krista's diary and tapes were central to understanding the motive behind her murder. According to Nicole Helm:

“They think that the diary was what was taken from her body when she died and that she was going to blackmail people with the diary.”
[02:48] – Nicole Helm

The disappearance of these items created significant dead ends in the investigation. Over the years, most of Krista's belongings were recovered from the home of her close friend, Lenny Barron. However, the whereabouts of the diary and tapes remained unknown, fueling suspicions of foul play within her inner circle.

The Cold Case Reopened

Decades later, driven by a desire for justice, Nicole Helm urged authorities to revisit her mother's unsolved case. This led to the involvement of Detectives Larry Brandenburg and Tom Harris from the LA Sheriff's Department's Cold Case Unit. Their approach involved meticulously retracing the steps of the original investigation and re-examining old evidence with modern forensic techniques.

Detectives Brandenburg and Harris emphasized the challenges of reopening a case three decades old:

“Well, actually, you try and go back in time yourself. I mean, you try and go back and look at it the way it looked that night one more time.”
[17:32] – Narrator

Key Suspects and Leads

Several individuals emerged as potential suspects over the years, each connected to Krista's tumultuous life:

1. Tony Sirico: Known for his role as Paulie Walnuts in "The Sopranos," Sirico had interacted with Krista after her murder. According to Krista's roommate, Sirico removed some of Krista's tapes, raising suspicions about his involvement. However, his DNA was eventually cleared.

2. Rudy Mazzella: A flamboyant drug dealer who bragged about killing Krista. Despite his assertions, there was insufficient evidence to link him conclusively to the murder, and he remains deceased.

3. Patty Collins: Krista's girlfriend, whose relationship with her was tumultuous and marked by jealousy. Patty provided a DNA sample, which did not match the evidence found under Krista's fingernails, though her evasive behavior continues to raise questions.

4. Lionel Williams: Convicted for the murder of Sal Mineo, Williams was initially believed to have been incarcerated during Krista's murder. However, it was later revealed that he was released shortly after and never questioned about Krista's death. Detectives now consider him a prime suspect due to similarities between the two cases.

DNA Breakthrough

A pivotal moment in the investigation came with the discovery of DNA evidence from Krista's fingernails, preserved for over thirty years. Intriguingly, the DNA belonged to another woman, suggesting the possibility of a female perpetrator. This revelation shifted the focus towards Patty Collins and other women in Krista's life, exploring motives rooted in jealousy and betrayal.

Current Status and Pursuit of Justice

As of the episode's release, Brandenburg and Harris continue to pursue leads, including re-examining old testimonies and seeking new interviews with individuals connected to Krista's life. Despite significant advancements in forensic technology, the case remains unsolved, leaving Krista's family yearning for answers.

Nicole Helm remains steadfast in her quest for truth:

“I believe that this person is out there. And I believe that we're going to find closure one day for my mom and. And we're going to find justice.”
[44:55] – Nicole Helm

Conclusion

"Hollywood Secrets" masterfully intertwines the glamour of Hollywood with the dark underbelly of unchecked ambition and the complexities of unresolved justice. Through compelling interviews, meticulous recounting of events, and the relentless pursuit of truth by both the family and law enforcement, the episode underscores the enduring impact of unsolved crimes and the human desire for closure. As the investigation continues, viewers are left contemplating the intricate connections and hidden motives that may one day reveal the truth behind Krista Helm's tragic fate.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Nicole Helm on Her Mother's Ambition:
  “From the time she was a little girl, she would dance and sing and tell everybody she was going to be a movie star when she grew up.”
  [05:57]

• Krista’s Friend on Her Personality:
  “She was throwing parties for big names... the Shah of Iran she dated, and he sent her jewels.”
  [08:39]

• John Gries on the Night of the Murder:
  “I jumped out of bed and... it sounded like it was happening right here.”
  [12:15]

• Detective on the Nature of the Crime:
  “The way she was attacked really sticks out. It was violent, a lot of passion involved.”
  [25:30]

• Darlene Thorson on Krista's Jealousy:
  “Patty was very, very jealous of anyone being around Krista.”
  [33:58]

• Nicole Helm on Seeking Justice:
  “We're going to find closure one day for my mom and. And we're going to find justice.”
  [44:55]

Final Thoughts

"48 Hours: Hollywood Secrets" serves as a compelling exploration of a cold case that remains enshrouded in mystery. The episode not only highlights the challenges in solving decades-old crimes but also portrays the enduring resilience of a daughter seeking to honor her mother's memory. As the investigation presses on, viewers are reminded of the intricate dance between fame, personal ambition, and the dark secrets that can lurk beneath the surface of Hollywood's glittering facade.