Last Podcast on the Left – Episode 602: The Black Dahlia Murder Part III - Blood and Brown

Release Date: January 4, 2025
Host: The Last Podcast Network

Overview

In Episode 602 of The Last Podcast on the Left, the hosts delve deep into the infamous Black Dahlia murder case, uncovering new angles and revisiting long-standing theories. Titled "Blood and Brown," this episode focuses on the intricate web of suspects, evidential inconsistencies, and the pervasive corruption within the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) that may have hindered the investigation.

Recap of the Black Dahlia Murder

The podcast revisits the enigmatic murder of Elizabeth Short, famously known as the Black Dahlia. Short's brutal and gruesome death in 1947 remains one of Hollywood's most perplexing unsolved cases. The episode builds upon previous discussions, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the suspects and circumstantial evidence.

Main Suspects: Leslie Dillon and Mark Hansen

Leslie Dillon

Leslie Dillon emerges as a central figure in this installment. A small-time crook with connections to Los Angeles' underworld, Dillon's interactions with Dr. Joseph Paul Deriver of the LAPD raise suspicions about his potential involvement in Short's murder.

• Quote [04:12]: "Welcome to Last Podcast on the Left, ladies and gentlemen, my name is Marcus Parks. I'm here with true detective Henry Zabrowski."
  - Marcus Parks

Dillon's alleged ties to the Gangster Squad and his suspicious behavior post-murder, including his correspondence with Dr. Deriver, position him as a compelling yet flawed candidate in the investigation.

Mark Hansen

Mark Hansen, a Danish nightclub owner with dubious connections, is introduced as another pivotal suspect. His strained relationship with Elizabeth Short, combined with his underworld affiliations, adds layers to the mystery.

• Quote [31:56]: "He had a bunch of curly soup on his head. I could tell when he was clumping around."
  - Henry Zebrowski

Hansen's involvement with the Astor Motel and his interactions with Short during her final days in Los Angeles are scrutinized, suggesting a possible motive rooted in obsession and possessiveness.

Astor Motel and Evidence

The Astor Motel becomes a focal point of the investigation, with multiple rooms exhibiting suspicious conditions on the morning of Short's body discovery.

• Quote [14:07]: "Hey, I don't suck dick, kid. This is where I wash my pussy."
  - Henry Zebrowski

Rooms three and nine are particularly highlighted for their blood stains and bundled clothes, respectively. The motel owner's delayed reporting and subsequent destruction of registration records further complicate the case, hinting at possible police or underworld interference.

LAPD Corruption and Investigation Flaws

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exposing the deep-seated corruption within the LAPD during the time of the Black Dahlia investigation. The interplay between the Gangster Squad, organized crime, and law enforcement's compromised integrity suggests a deliberate obstruction in solving the case.

• Quote [56:35]: "But those records and they could have seen, it was like, okay, well, no, none of these people were here during this time."
  - Marcus Parks

The grand jury's interactions, witness testimonies, and the eventual handover of the case to less competent officers illustrate a systemic failure that likely perpetuated the mystery surrounding Short's death.

Grand Jury and Testimonies

Dr. Deriver's attempts to revive the investigation through a grand jury reveal the extent of the impasse caused by police corruption. Testimonies from key figures, including Henry and Clara Hoffman, as well as other witnesses, present conflicting accounts that muddy the waters further.

• Quote [75:35]: "I saw y'all you pieces of I. How many people were like, oh, they're willing to do three episodes?"
  - Henry Zebrowski

These testimonies shed light on the challenges faced in obtaining reliable information, with many witnesses either retracting statements or providing dubious accounts under pressure.

Alternative Theories and Unresolved Questions

The hosts explore various alternative theories, including the possibility of multiple perpetrators and the involvement of other unsolved murders in Los Angeles at the time. The inconsistencies in eyewitness accounts, such as differing descriptions of Short's hair color, add to the perplexity of the case.

• Quote [50:14]: "Yes. So whatever they did, they did expertly cut through the spine, but they did not expertly cut through the gastrointestinal system."
  - Henry Zebrowski

These unresolved questions emphasize the complexity of the Black Dahlia case and the myriad avenues that remain unexplored due to the loss or destruction of crucial evidence.

Conclusion and Ongoing Mysteries

The episode concludes by acknowledging the lingering ambiguities surrounding the Black Dahlia murder. Despite extensive discussions and theories, the truth remains elusive, underscored by the pervasive corruption that plagued the investigation.

• Quote [87:00]: "I think the reason why this story drives people insane is because it's like, it is just out of reach from modern day."
  - Marcus Parks

The hosts tease future episodes that promise to unveil more suspects and delve deeper into the tangled web of the Black Dahlia mystery, keeping listeners engaged and eager for more revelations.

Notable Quotes

• [04:11] Ed Larson: "So, in the end, this wasn't anywhere near enough."
• [23:08] Henry Zebrowski: "No one's been known to exaggerate anything."
• [54:37] Ed Larson: "Are we positive it was a D and not like a sloppy O?"

Final Thoughts

"Blood and Brown" serves as a gripping continuation of the Black Dahlia murder saga, blending meticulous research with the hosts' signature humor and candid discussions. By highlighting the interplay between suspects, evidence, and institutional corruption, the episode underscores why the Black Dahlia case continues to fascinate and baffle true crime enthusiasts decades later.

For those yet to listen, this episode offers a comprehensive deep dive into one of Hollywood's most enduring mysteries, providing both insight and intrigue into the unresolved case of Elizabeth Short.