Friday Video: Black Dahlia
Letter sent by the Black Dahlia’s murderer
I guess I should start by saying that the paranormal is not my only interest in which I submerge myself in. I have a few other hobbies or interests that take up my time in this world. Photography is one of them. I love taking pictures. Digital, disposable cameras or a 120 format Holga, it doesn’t matter.
I always try to travel with a camera on me. I like the idea of capturing unexpected moments. Especially when people are in their pure element, not posing for the shot.
Nile river, Egypt. photo shot by myself
I also love to run. Something that I was never fond of back in high school, but learned to appreciate as I’ve gotten older. Running in downtown L.A. has it’s problems. You either have to get up at 4am to beat the early morning rush hour traffic, or go for a run after 10pm and deal with muggers. Until I get a black belt, I’ll stick to the 4am option.
Other than the traffic and muggers, running in downtown offers a plethora of stimulating visuals. From the bright lights of the Nokia theater and Staples center, to the architectural brilliance of the old hotels in the area. One of those hotels is the Biltmore Hotel. A really beautiful and grandiose hotel right in the heart of downtown. I’ve been inside that hotel several times. It’s where I’m supposed to get married at. Given that I don’t screw anything up….*crosses fingers*
My running route passes a few blocks from the Biltmore and through the Nokia/Staples compound. It takes me around the USC campus and through Leimert park. Why am I telling you guys all this? There’s a connection to it all. Trust me. I’m not just rambling here.
Getting back to my hobbies and interests; besides the paranormal, photography and running I like reading and profiling serial killers and/or infamous murders. I’m not a freak, I swear.
The connection here is the Biltmore Hotel and Leimert Park. These are the last places where people saw the Black Dahlia. Alive and dead.
I’m sure most of you have heard of Elizabeth Short’s story. She was an aspiring actress, turned prostitute who came to L.A. seeking fame. She ended up becoming famous, but for the most macabre reasons. From Wikipedia:
“The body of Elizabeth Short was found on January 15, 1947, in a vacant lot in Leimert Park, Los Angeles, severely mutilated, cut in half, and drained of blood. Her face was slashed from the corners of her mouth toward her ears, and she was posed with her hands over her head and her elbows bent at right angles.[1] The autopsy indicated she was 5′ 5″ and 115 pounds, with badly decayed teeth, light blue eyes and brown hair.[2]
Short was buried at the Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland, California. After her other sisters had grown and married, her mother moved to Oakland to be near her daughter’s grave. Her mother finally returned to the East in the 1970s, and lived into her ’90s.[1]“
The Black Dahlia’s body was found in Leimert Park:
View Los Angeles, CA in a larger map
It’s reported that her ghost is seen in the elevators of the Biltmore Hotel. Riding with passengers with no interaction whatsoever. Now, to me these are all urban legends. I don’t really think that she haunts the hotel like it’s rumored, but then again who knows. I’m a person who believes in ghosts/spirits but at the same time believe that most stories are either made up or misidentified natural phenomenon.
Does the ghost of Elizabeth Short haunt the hotel?
The gruesome death of Elizabeth Short is a grim reminder that the “City of Angels” has a dark side. I’m reminded of the dark history and dangers every time I hit the pavement.
Written by Javier Ortega - javier@ghosttheory.com
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That Biltmore Hotel is really nice. Have you heard about this serial killer in South Carolina Javier? I wonder what set him off to where he killed 5 people in a one week period. Also, it’s a small enough area where you think someone would recognize him/his vehicle. I’m no expert on serial killers but I guess this guy would be considered a “spree” killer. I wonder if he will stop for good.
By the way- I also have a Holga, though I haven’t fooled around with film in a long time. If you like running you should check out the movie Marathon Man with Dustin Hoffman. It’s an awesome flick.
BC,
As a matter of fact, I was reading up on the S.C. serial killer a few days ago. They would be considered a “Spree killer” if they get caught soon. If they continue to kill while evading capture, then they are considered a “serial killer”.
I’ve been following the leads on the L.A. serial killer (Grim sleeper)for quite sometime now. This one really bothers me.
The Holga is a fun camera, do you have any pics online? I’d love to check them out.
-Javier
I just read about that Grim Sleeper after you mentioned him. A serial killer driving a tricked out Pinto with a racing stripe?! I’m guessing he’s on the prowl in something a little more stylish nowadays.
BC,
LOL. I would think a pinto would standout nowadays.
I think the Grim Sleeper might be someone with an “Ed Gein past”.
Someone with hatred towards his mother and women. Brought up by an over-bearing, religiously zealous mother. That doesn’t really say much, but it’s a start.
I like the fact that there are a lot of “arm chair detectives” out there working the case. I hope they catch him.
-Javier
What makes you think that Javier? Is there something you can point to that has led you to that conclusion or is it just a hunch? It’d be cool if you expanded this site to include true crime and interviews with profilers and authors. I find that stuff fascinating.
The thing about this guy in South Carolina: that’s a fairly small community. Let’s say this guy is a lifelong resident. How does he go for years without murdering anyone and then kill 5 people in a one week period? Do you think he will now try to kill again or can he go the rest of his life without killing again (and as a result never get caught)? I heard a CNN report that the police presence there is pervasive now- the CNN vehicle was stopped twice at checkpoints. So he probably knows if he goes out he’d be stopped. But given they have a sketch of him and a description of his vehicle I don’t see how he’s not been caught- in a small town like that you would think there are people who know him and suspect him.
BC,
The reason why I think that is mainly because this man kills only women. He prefers to shoot them in the chest/head area and/or strangle them. A very personal method.
Lachrica Jefferson, one of his victims, was found with a note covering her face with the word “Aids” on it. What kind of clue was he trying to provide? Is he killing who he thinks are prostitutes or “dirty women” in a sort of “cleansing” manner? Usually killers, who are victims of psychological abuse by their mothers target women because they either see sex as something of an evil sin, or women as the roots to their troubles.
He disposes them in alleys and usually covers them with trash. He might view them as the same. Trash.
He did kill one man, but that is believed to be because he might have been a witnessed to one of his crimes. Some people believe he lives in the area. South Central/Inglewood area of L.A. A few miles south of downtown L.A.
As far as the S.C. killer:
You bring up a good point, since the media has picked this up, and the police presence is overwhelming, most likely he will either stop completely for a bit, or move on to a different state.
Interesting….
-Javier
The fact the Grim Sleeper drove not just any Pinto with a racing stripe but one that was tricked out on the inside- the only known survivor gave a good description of both him and his unusual vehicle- including the pimped out interior. If this info was widely publicized I guarantee it would ring a bell with someone. How many tricked out Pintos with a racing stripe were in LA in the last 20 years?