Morbid Podcast Episode 647: A Deeper Dive into the Murder of Elizabeth Short (Part 1)
Release Date: February 20, 2025
Host: Morbid Network | Wondery

Introduction to the Black Dahlia Case

In Episode 647, hosts Alaina and Ash revisit one of true crime's most enduring mysteries: the murder of Elizabeth Short, famously known as the Black Dahlia. This two-part series aims to explore the intricate details and lingering questions surrounding her brutal and highly publicized death in 1947.

Discovery of Elizabeth Short's Body

The episode begins with a chilling recount of how Elizabeth Short's body was discovered on a cold January morning in Los Angeles. On [09:38], Alaina narrates, “Elizabeth's body was found bisected at the waist in a vacant lot, meticulously arranged in a way that suggested a message beyond the act itself.” Betty Bersinger, the eyewitness, initially mistook the gruesome remains for a mannequin before realizing the horrific truth. Her panicked call to the LAPD was tragically mishandled, as noted [12:29] by Alaina: “The dispatcher noted it as a possible drunk, neglecting the sheer horror evident in Betty's voice.”

Victim's Background and Early Life

Alaina delves into Elizabeth Short's tumultuous upbringing, revealing a life marked by instability and tragedy. Born in Boston in [41:22], Elizabeth faced significant challenges, including her father's abandonment and her mother's struggle as a single provider. The hosts highlight her chronic health issues and her precarious financial situation leading up to her move to Hollywood with multiple roommates, as Alaina explains [47:28]: “Elizabeth was barely getting by on her wages, struggling to afford rent, and bouncing between boarding houses.”

The Crime Scene and Autopsy Findings

The description of the crime scene is particularly harrowing. At [19:59], Alaina states, “The crime scene was meticulously arranged, with Elizabeth's body posed grotesquely, suggesting the killer wanted to leave a lasting impression.” The autopsy conducted by Dr. Frederick Newbar revealed that Elizabeth had been “hemorrhage and shock from a concussion of the brain and lacerations of her face”, with the infamous Glasgow smile inflicted while she was still alive ([32:56]).

Initial Investigation and Suspect Leads

The investigation quickly turned chaotic, with the crime scene overwhelmed by reporters and photographers, compromising potential evidence. Notable quotes include Ash’s frustration at [32:53]: “How would you not photograph tire tracks or shoe prints? Those could be the most important clues.” Early suspects ranged from various boyfriends to mysterious men Elizabeth had interacted with, but inconsistencies in witness testimonies led to dead ends. For instance, [63:32], Alaina critiques a suspect’s flimsy alibi: “He picked up Elizabeth for a 'test' without any real motive.”

Media Sensationalism and Public Fascination

Alaina and Ash discuss the role of media in amplifying the Black Dahlia case's notoriety. The nickname "Black Dahlia" itself, coined shortly after her death, added a layer of sensationalism that kept public interest high. Alaina remarks [53:32]: “It's a catchy name that made the case easily referenceable and kept it in the public consciousness.”

Conclusion and Tease for Part 2

As Part 1 concludes, the hosts express their intention to uncover more suspects and delve deeper into unresolved aspects of the case in the upcoming episode. Alaina teases [67:32]: “We have some real suspects coming in Part two. I know who they are and it's gonna get crazy.” This sets the stage for a continued exploration of one of America's most infamous unsolved murders.

Notable Quotes

• Alaina [09:38]: “Elizabeth's body was found bisected at the waist in a vacant lot, meticulously arranged in a way that suggested a message beyond the act itself.”
• Alaina [12:29]: “The dispatcher noted it as a possible drunk, neglecting the sheer horror evident in Betty's voice.”
• Alaina [32:56]: “They believed that Glasgow Smile was inflicted while she was conscious and alive.”
• Ash [32:53]: “How would you not photograph tire tracks or shoe prints? Those could be the most important clues.”
• Alaina [53:32]: “It's a catchy name that made the case easily referenceable and kept it in the public consciousness.”
• Alaina [67:32]: “We have some real suspects coming in Part two. I know who they are and it's gonna get crazy.”

Final Thoughts

Episode 647 of Morbid offers a thorough and riveting examination of Elizabeth Short's tragic demise, blending meticulous research with engaging storytelling. By peeling back the layers of this historical case, Alaina and Ash provide listeners with both new insights and a compelling anticipation for the revelations to come in Part 2.