Black Dahlia — Elizabeth Short
Homicide · Los Angeles, California · 1947
Case Overview
Objective
Evaluate the Hodel theory through DA surveillance transcripts and surgical precision analysis, and document the chain of evidence destruction.
Synopsis
Elizabeth Short's body was found in a Los Angeles vacant lot, surgically bisected and completely drained of blood. One of the most publicized murder cases in American history. No forensic DNA has been recovered. LAPD original files were largely destroyed.
Current Research Angle
DA surveillance transcripts re: Hodel. Surgical precision analysis.
Research Tasks
4 tasks- 01Review DA surveillance transcripts referencing Dr. George Hodel
- 02Analyze surgical precision of wounds against 1940s medical training
- 03Document LAPD original file destruction timeline
- 04Map Elizabeth Short's movements in the 72 hours before death
- 05Compile all named suspects with supporting and contradicting evidence
Evidence Files
4 files- DA Surveillance Transcripts — HodelDocument
- Autopsy Report SummaryForensic
- Crime Scene Photographs — Public RecordImage
- Victim Timeline — Final 72 HoursTimeline
FOIA Requests
- LAPD Records DivisionSubmitted
- Los Angeles County DA — ArchivesPending
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Case Stats
- Research Tasks
- 4
- Evidence Files
- 4
- Entities
- 2
- Status
- Open
- Prosecution
- None