Murder: True Crime Stories — Episode: UNSOLVED: The Black Dahlia 2

Host: Carter Roy
Release Date: October 15, 2024

Introduction and Background

In the second and final episode of the Black Dahlia series, host Carter Roy delves deeper into the notorious 1947 unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short, famously known as the Black Dahlia. This episode meticulously examines the intricate investigation, the involvement of the press, systemic police corruption, and the eventual resurgence of interest decades later.

Discovery of the Body and Initial Investigation

On the morning of January 15, 1947, Will Fowler, a reporter for the Los Angeles Examiner, along with his colleague, stumbled upon the gruesomely mutilated body of Elizabeth Short in a vacant lot near 39th and Coliseum streets. Carter Roy narrates:

"She was naked and appeared to be dead... It looked like someone had beaten her to a pulp, cut her in half at the waist and slashed the corners of her mouth." (05:08)

The scene was meticulously arranged, suggesting a deliberate act rather than a chaotic rage killing. Detective Harry Hanson, led by LAPD Chief of Homicide Captain Jack Donohoe, arrived to assess the situation. Forensic analyst Ray Pinker determined that Elizabeth had been dead for at least ten hours and that only a trained surgeon could have executed the precise spinal bisecting.

Press Involvement and Evidence Handling

The Los Angeles Examiner swiftly capitalized on the discovery, publishing retouched images of the crime scene to mitigate public horror. Editor Jim Richardson played a pivotal role in expediting the identification process by facilitating communication between the LAPD and the FBI. He revealed:

"We could let Donohoe wire a copy of Jane Doe's prints to the FBI using the paper's sound photo machine." (05:08)

This collaboration led to the rapid identification of Elizabeth Short through her fingerprints, linking her to a previous arrest in Santa Barbara.

Suspect Robert Manley and Media Manipulation

Reporter Wayne Sutton traced Elizabeth's connections to Robert Morris Manley in San Diego. Despite initial suspicions and Manley's interrogation, he was eventually cleared of any involvement due to alibis corroborated by hotel records and personal testimonies.

Roy highlights the unethical tactics employed by the press:

"Jim Richardson brought Wayne into an office and instructed him to call Elizabeth's mother, Phoebe... to lie to her and say he was calling because Elizabeth had won a beauty pageant." (05:08)

This manipulation not only caused unnecessary trauma to Elizabeth's family but also complicated the investigation.

Mysterious Sightings and Critical Evidence

On January 14, a day before Elizabeth's body was discovered, LAPD officer Miriel McBride encountered her in a state of distress, mentioning a threat from a former suitor. Despite this lead, the identity of the threatening individual remained elusive.

A pivotal moment occurred on January 25 when the LAPD received a suspicious envelope containing Elizabeth's personal documents and an address book listing 75 men. This evidence pointed to Mark Hansen, a nightclub owner with alleged mob ties, as a significant suspect. However, rampant police corruption and the influence of organized crime impeded further progress.

Grand Jury Investigation and LAPD Corruption

By 1949, the LAPD was under severe scrutiny for corruption, exacerbated by numerous unresolved murders, including Elizabeth's. A grand jury investigation unveiled extensive misconduct, including murder cover-ups and ties to illegal operations. Mark Hansen's connections to both the mob and a protective LAPD detective, Detective Harry Hanson, suggested systemic obstruction in solving the case.

Roy summarizes the dire state of the investigation:

"The grand jury's questioning revealed a connection between Leslie Dillon and Mark Hansen... his friends on the force protected him." (28:55)

Despite substantial leads, the combination of media interference and corrupt law enforcement ultimately led to the case going cold by 1950.

Steve Hodel's Investigation and Father-Son Revelations

Decades later, former LAPD detective Steve Hodel reignited interest in the Black Dahlia case. Upon discovering incriminating photographs and court documents linking his father, Dr. George Hodel, to Elizabeth's murder, Steve pursued the truth relentlessly. He uncovered:

"Investigators heard something terrifying on one of those recordings... Suppose I did kill the Black Dahlia." (28:55)

Despite clear evidence suggesting his father's involvement, including precise surgical skills and connections to the crime scene, LAPD records had been destroyed or concealed, preventing a resolution.

Conclusions and Reflections

Carter Roy concludes the episode by reflecting on the enduring legacy of Elizabeth Short's tragic story. While Steve Hodel's efforts brought new attention to the case, definitive proof remains elusive. The episode underscores the profound impact of media manipulation, systemic corruption, and personal vendettas in obstructing justice.

"It's fair to think it'll never happen. But we can still do our part to honor Elizabeth and remember her story." (28:55)

Elizabeth Short's legacy continues to permeate popular culture, serving as a somber reminder of the complexities and failings within historical criminal investigations.

Notable Quotes

• Carter Roy: "She was naked and appeared to be dead... It looked like someone had beaten her to a pulp, cut her in half at the waist and slashed the corners of her mouth." (05:08)

• Jim Richardson: "We could let Donohoe wire a copy of Jane Doe's prints to the FBI using the paper's sound photo machine." (05:08)

• Carter Roy: "It's fair to think it'll never happen. But we can still do our part to honor Elizabeth and remember her story." (28:55)

Final Thoughts

"UNSOLVED: The Black Dahlia 2" offers a comprehensive examination of one of America's most enduring unsolved murders. Through meticulous storytelling and insightful analysis, Carter Roy presents a narrative rich with intrigue, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of truth amidst overwhelming obstacles.

For listeners seeking to understand the multifaceted dimensions of true crime investigations and their historical contexts, this episode serves as an essential exploration of the Black Dahlia case.

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