February 18, 2018
Los Angeles, California
“…I must respectfully decline that request. (one hour meet with detectives to discuss new DNA evidence)
Given the fiscal constraints facing the City, and the impact on investigations assigned to my command,
I do not believe it prudent that we pursue the Black Dahlia investigation at this time. …I believe that
Robbery-Homicide Division Detectives should expend their valuable skills on more contemporary investigations.”
LAPD Chief Charlie Beck
(Excerpt from response letter to author dated July 26, 2012)
There have been some recent website comments related to the “Dahlia Killer Letter” which was discussed in detail in Black Dahlia Avenger II (2014 ed.)
Since many of my blog site readers may be unaware of this important “new evidence” (well new as of 2014) I will here present a short review as well as attach the complete Chapter 23 summary as a PDF for those who are interested in a more in-depth look.
In a 2012 “Black Dahlia Exhibit” the LA Police Museum put on display some never before shown photos and letters from the original Black Dahlia investigation. The display contained two never previously publicly shown letters that the Department assumed were “crank Dahlia letters” mailed to the police and sheriff’s departments in 1950.
In my opinion, these letters were/are legitimate “Black Dahlia Avenger” mailings sent by George Hill Hodel as additional “clews” just as he prepared to permanently leave the U.S. in the fall of 1950. “Goodbye taunts” if you will.
It is my belief that not only is the handwriting on the letters that of my father, Dr. George Hodel, but that were the flaps and stamps on both letters tested and DNA obtained from them, it would likely match that of a full DNA profile of George Hodel, which I have in my possession.
See PDF summary attached for a full description of GHH’s unique handwriting above. Note the letter C in the word OFFIeE which appears to be a letter e.
This same unique and rare characteristic is seen in his 1946 Chicago Lipstick Murder message, “eatch Me Before I Kill More. I eannot eontrol myself.” And, is seen in his handprinting on my “echinese chicken, mountains, Sun” drawing in 1948. Also of special interest in the postmark date the suspect mailed the letter to “The Office of the Sheriff” which is October 10, 1950, just days before GHH left the country and more importantly is GEORGE HODEL’S BIRTHDAY, another “eatch me if you ean elue.”
My 2012 letter to LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and his response are fully included in the attached chapter.
My request back then was to simply meet with Robbery-Homicides detectives for one hour so that I might present and detail the “new evidence” and why and how it strongly relates again to George Hill Hodel and the likelihood that his DNA would be found on one or both letters in their custody. After more than a month I received Chief Beck’s response that his detectives were unable to meet for an hour to discuss as stated below.
GHH Unique Letter C Handwriting Samples![]()
HERE IS THE COMPLETE CHAPTER FROM BLACK DAHLIA AVENGER II (2014)
BDA II Chap 23 New Evid 2014ed.
SkH NOTE:
April 2013 KMEX “La Dahlia Noir” Interview Hodel/Roberts
l actually agree with you, I think he [Hodel] has made a very compelling theory. I think there’s a lot of things that looks like it and his dad could actually be responsible for the murder of the Black Dahlia.”
LAPD Detective II Mitzi Roberts
KMEX, La Dahlia Negra interview, April 2013
The currently assigned “Black Dahlia detective” from LAPD Cold Case Unit is Detective Mitzi Roberts. In a 2013 television interview she conducted with KMEX on the Black Dahlia investigation she made minor reference to the “department making some attempt to analyze DNA evidence, in her words, “just recently and also years ago, but none was obtained” and that “Steve Hodel was aware of this, or should have been.” This is inaccurate as no member of the LAPD has had any contact with me for any reason related to the Black Dahlia investigation or any DNA testing, since my original briefing to the Department with Head DDA Steve Kay back in 2004. Further, since the department passed on meeting and discussing potential evidence, they would not know which items/letters I was referring to unless they conducted follow-up after the book was updated with Chapter 23 in 2014.
Chapter Handwriting Exhibits:
The post LAPD Police Museum “New Evidence” May Hold Key to DNA Solution to Black Dahlia Murder: Chief Charlie Beck Declines Request for One-Hour Meet with Detectives to Discuss New Findings appeared first on Steve Hodel.