We conclude the tragic story of Elizabeth Short's 1947 murder with former LAPD homicide detective and New York Times bestselling author Steve Hodel. We delve into the moment Steve began to suspect his own father, Dr. George Hodel, was a central figure in the murder of Elizabeth Short, and subsequently the evidence he uncovered to substantiate that George was Elizabeth’s murderer. Throughout Steve's investigation, he reveals a complex web of connections linking Dr. Hodel to the art world, the disturbing crime scene, and widespread corruption within the LAPD. You can see the works of art referenced in this episode by clicking on the linked titles below. NOTE: Viewer Discretion Advised - These links contain graphic and upsetting material related to the Black Dahlia case.
The Lovers by Man Ray
Minotaur by Man Ray
Q - Quarrel by Man Ray
It's Midnight Dr. _____ by William Copley
Steve Hodel is a New York Times bestselling author. Born and raised in Los Angeles, he spent twenty-four years with the LAPD, where, as a homicide detective, he worked on more than three hundred murder cases and achieved one of the highest “solve rates” on the force. His first book, Black Dahlia Avenger: A Genius for Murder, was a NYT bestseller and was nominated for an MWA Edgar Award in the Best Fact category. Steve’s investigations and nine books, now spanning two decades, have been featured on NBC Dateline, CBS 48 Hours, Court TV, and Bill Kurtis Cold Case Files, CNN Anderson Cooper, and Discovery Channel. In 2019, Steve appeared on The Today Show, as well as Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz, where he and other family members discussed the making of the hit podcast Root of Evil: The True Story of the Hodel Family and the Black Dahlia Murder. This podcast was the companion piece and true story to the Patty Jenkins/Chris Pine fictionalized six-part miniseries I Am the Night (2009). Steve was not consulted, nor did he participate in the fictional version, but he did provide extensive interviews in the Root of Evil podcast. In 2022, Steve moved to Birch Bay, Washington State, and now resides there.
To read more about Steve’s work, visit his website at stevehodel.com/ and explore his collection of published books at stevehodel.com/books/.
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21 mins