Were the Black Dahlia and Zodiac murders the work of the same man? A new theory argues a disturbed World War II veteran was responsible. In this episode, a former FBI profiler explores the psychology behind both cases, examining where they overlap and where they diverge.

Marvin Margolis was a promising early suspect in the Black Dahlia murder, but he managed to slip through the cracks. So who was this man of many pseudonyms? In this episode, we’ll explore what Margolis did during and after the Dahlia investigation, and a key piece of evidence that potentially links … Marvin Margolis was a promising early suspect in the Black Dahlia murder, but he managed to slip through the cracks. So who was this man of many pseudonyms? In this episode, we’ll explore what Margolis did during and after the Dahlia investigation, and a key piece of evidence that potentially links both the Dahlia and Zodiac cases. more

Join Vanessa and Dr. Engels as they unravel the shocking aftermath of Elizabeth Short’s 1947 murder, exploring how the "Black Dahlia" case became one of the most infamous unsolved crimes in Los Angeles history. From the media frenzy and investigative failures to the disturbing suspects and later rev… Join Vanessa and Dr. Engels as they unravel the shocking aftermath of Elizabeth Short’s 1947 murder, exploring how the "Black Dahlia" case became one of the most infamous unsolved crimes in Los Angeles history. From the media frenzy and investigative failures to the disturbing suspects and later revelations tied to Dr. George Hodel, this true crime deep dive examines why the murder of Elizabeth Short still haunts America decades later. Discover the mystery, corruption, and dark Hollywood secrets behind one of the most chilling cold cases of all time.

If you’re new here, don’t forget to follow Serial Killers & Murderous Minds to never miss a case! For ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Serial Killers & Murderous Minds is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

🎧 Need More to Binge? 

Listen to other Crime House Originals Clues, Crimes Of…, Murder True Crime Stories, Crime House 24/7, and more wherever you get your podcasts!

Follow me on Social


Instagram: @Crimehouse


TikTok: @Crimehouse


Facebook: @crimehousestudios


YouTube: @crimehousestudios


To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices more

In this episode, Vanessa and Dr. Engels explore the tragic life and unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short, the aspiring actress who the press labeled as the "Black Dahlia." From her difficult childhood and Hollywood dreams to the final days before her 1947 killing, this true crime deep dive examines th… In this episode, Vanessa and Dr. Engels explore the tragic life and unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short, the aspiring actress who the press labeled as the "Black Dahlia." From her difficult childhood and Hollywood dreams to the final days before her 1947 killing, this true crime deep dive examines the mystery, media frenzy, and chilling unanswered questions behind one of Los Angeles’ most infamous murder cases. Find out how the murder of Elizabeth Short became one of the most haunting unsolved cases in all of true crime.

If you’re new here, don’t forget to follow Serial Killers & Murderous Minds to never miss a case! For ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Serial Killers & Murderous Minds is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

🎧 Need More to Binge? 

Listen to other Crime House Originals Clues, Crimes Of…, Murder True Crime Stories, Crime House 24/7, and more wherever you get your podcasts!

Follow me on Social


Instagram: @Crimehouse


TikTok: @Crimehouse


Facebook: @crimehousestudios


YouTube: @crimehousestudios


To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices more

We conduct a behavioral linkage analysis to examine the question of whether two of the most infamous unsolved cases in American criminal history—the murder of Elizabeth Short, known as the Black Dahlia, and the Zodiac killings—could have been committed by the same offender.

We thought you might also like THE CONSULT!

We begin our analysis of one of the most infamous unsolved murders in American history—the Black Dahlia case. In this episode, we focus on the crime scene and autopsy of 22-year-old Elizabeth Short, whose body was discovered on January 15, 1947, in a vaca… We thought you might also like THE CONSULT!

We begin our analysis of one of the most infamous unsolved murders in American history—the Black Dahlia case. In this episode, we focus on the crime scene and autopsy of 22-year-old Elizabeth Short, whose body was discovered on January 15, 1947, in a vacant lot in the Leimert Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. She had been bisected at the waist and subjected to extensive post-mortem mutilation.

Please follow, rate and review The Consult wherever you get podcasts!

If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting The Consult on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. more

William J. Mann has written Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood, a terrific new book on the Black Dahlia case and he joins us to discuss the murder- and his victim centric approach.

Support local booksellers and order Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters and madness in Midc… William J. Mann has written Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood, a terrific new book on the Black Dahlia case and he joins us to discuss the murder- and his victim centric approach.

Support local booksellers and order Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters and madness in Midcentury Hollywood from Bookshop.Org https://tinyurl.com/5n7jkx2f

Order Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood from Amazon- https://tinyurl.com/y5wvc76u

Find discounts for Murder Sheet listeners here: https://murdersheetpodcast.com/discounts

Check out our upcoming book events and get links to buy tickets here: https://murdersheetpodcast.com/events

Order our book on Delphi here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/shadow-of-the-bridge-the-delphi-murders-and-the-dark-side-of-the-american-heartland-aine-cain/21866881?ean=9781639369232

Or here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Shadow-of-the-Bridge/Aine-Cain/9781639369232

Or here: https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Bridge-Murders-American-Heartland/dp/1639369236

Join our Patreon here! https://www.patreon.com/c/murdersheet

Support The Murder Sheet by buying a t-shirt here: https://www.murdersheetshop.com/

Check out more inclusive sizing and t-shirt and merchandising options here: https://themurdersheet.dashery.com/

Send tips to [email protected].

The Murder Sheet is a production of Mystery Sheet LLC.

Save money and look stylish with our sponsor Quince. This is a company that’s all about getting you luxuries at an affordable price. Organic cotton and Mongolian cashmere sweaters. Washable silk pieces. Polos and menswear that looks great, for less. Shop for them so you can look great for a wonderful price as the weather changes. 

Quince is a massive part of my wardrobe at this point. I wore my Quince black washable silk mini skirt to a night on the town with Kevin. We had a lot of fun. I really liked the way it looked. Sometimes I pair it with my Quince Mongolian cashmere sweaters, especially my fisherman crewneck sweater in ivory. It has kind of a flirty but classy look. 

Don’t forget your berets, Áine! She’s gotten a blue one and a tan one. I like them a lot. 

Yes, I can never forget my Quince berets. They’re cute.

Quince pieces are durable as well as stylish. They don’t go out of fashion. And they’re high quality, so you can wear them for a very long time. Quince keeps prices down by cutting out the middlemen. So you know you’re getting all their pieces for a great deal. It’s a way for you to get the best and treat yourself, without hurting your wallet. 

Refresh your wardrobe with Quince. Go to Quince dot com slash MSHEET for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. That's Q-U-I-N-C-E dot com slash MSHEET. Free shipping and 365-day returns. Quince dot com slash MSHEET

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. more

Black Dahlia Confidential - True Crime Documentary

A review of the 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short, popularly known as the "Black Dahlia" because of her black bouffant hairstyle. Her dismembered body was found near a sidewalk in L.A., and is the oldest unsolved case in LAPD files. Several suspects are named, including the father of a retired cop, who… A review of the 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short, popularly known as the "Black Dahlia" because of her black bouffant hairstyle. Her dismembered body was found near a sidewalk in L.A., and is the oldest unsolved case in LAPD files. Several suspects are named, including the father of a retired cop, who has written several books on the subject.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. more

Part one of a two part episode covering dismemberment. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack talk about the Black Dahlia case that is back in the headlines again, as well as Ed Gein, and other dismemberment killers we have covered. Imagine opening your garbage can to bring it back up the driveway empty,… Part one of a two part episode covering dismemberment. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack talk about the Black Dahlia case that is back in the headlines again, as well as Ed Gein, and other dismemberment killers we have covered. Imagine opening your garbage can to bring it back up the driveway empty, but it is too heavy, open the door and see a foot! One of the many cases covered in this episode of Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan. 

 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. more

Who killed the Black Dahlia? In this eye-opening shocker,  award-winning producer, true-crime researcher, and Hollywood insider Eli Frankel finally solves the greatest-and most gruesome-murder mystery of the twentieth century just before its 80th anniversary.
In January 1947, the bisected body of El… Who killed the Black Dahlia? In this eye-opening shocker,  award-winning producer, true-crime researcher, and Hollywood insider Eli Frankel finally solves the greatest-and most gruesome-murder mystery of the twentieth century just before its 80th anniversary.
In January 1947, the bisected body of Elizabeth Short, completely drained of blood, was discovered in an undeveloped lot in Los Angeles. Its gruesome mutilations led to a firestorm of publicity, city-wide panic, and an unprecedented number of investigative paths led by the LAPD—all dead ends. The Black Dahlia murder remained an unsolved mystery for over seventy years.
Six years earlier and sixteen hundred miles away, another woman’s life had ended in a similarly horrific manner. Leila Welsh was an ambitious, educated, popular, and socially connected beauty. Though raised modestly on a prairie farm, she was heiress to her Kansas City family’s status and wealth. On a winter morning in 1941, Leila’s butchered body was found in her bedroom bearing the marks of unspeakable trauma.
One victim faded into obscurity. The other became notorious. Both had in common a killer whose sadistic mind was a labyrinth of dark secrets.
Eli Frankel reveals for the first time a key fact about the Black Dahlia crime scene, never before shared with the public, that leads inexorably to the stunning identification of a criminal who was at the same time amateurish and fiendish, skilled and lucky, sophisticated and brutish. Drawing on newly discovered documents, law enforcement files, interviews with the last surviving participants, the victims’ own letters, trial transcripts, military records, and more, this epic true-crime saga puts together the missing pieces of a legendary puzzle.
In Sisters in Death, the Black Dahlia cold case is finally closed. SISTERS IN DEATH: The Black Dahlia, the Prairie Heiress, and Their Hunter—Eli Frankel  more

Larry Harnisch, retired Los Angeles Times reporter and a leading subject-matter expert on the Black Dahlia case, joins the show to discuss his decades-long research into the 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short, detailing his investigative approach and efforts to separate fact from myth.

In 1947, the mutilated body of 22-year-old Elizabeth Short was found in Los Angeles, shocking the nation and spawning a media firestorm. Dubbed “The Black Dahlia,” her case became one of the most infamous unsolved murders in American history. This episode of Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes unra… In 1947, the mutilated body of 22-year-old Elizabeth Short was found in Los Angeles, shocking the nation and spawning a media firestorm. Dubbed “The Black Dahlia,” her case became one of the most infamous unsolved murders in American history. This episode of Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes unravels the secrets, suspects, and sinister theories that still haunt Hollywood nearly 80 years later.

Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. For ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts.

Don’t miss out on all things Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes!


Instagram: @Crimehouse


TikTok: @Crimehouse


Facebook: @crimehousestudios


X: @crimehousemedia


YouTube: @crimehousestudios


To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices more

In the third and final part of our analysis of the Black Dahlia case, we discuss our observations of the offender. Based on the crime scene, autopsy findings, and what we know about Elizabeth Short, we develop a profile of the person responsible for her murder.

You can follow The Consult on social … In the third and final part of our analysis of the Black Dahlia case, we discuss our observations of the offender. Based on the crime scene, autopsy findings, and what we know about Elizabeth Short, we develop a profile of the person responsible for her murder.

You can follow The Consult on social media:

X/Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/107-the-black-dahlia-part-3/

Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.

If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. more

In the second part of our analysis of the Black Dahlia case, we examine the victimology of Elizabeth Short. Who was she, and what can her life tell us about the person who killed her?

We begin our analysis of one of the most infamous unsolved murders in American history—the Black Dahlia case. In this episode, we focus on the crime scene and autopsy of 22-year-old Elizabeth Short, whose body was discovered on January 15, 1947, in a vacant lot in the Leimert Park neighborhood of Lo… We begin our analysis of one of the most infamous unsolved murders in American history—the Black Dahlia case. In this episode, we focus on the crime scene and autopsy of 22-year-old Elizabeth Short, whose body was discovered on January 15, 1947, in a vacant lot in the Leimert Park neighborhood of Los Angeles more

In today's episode, we dive in on a chilling case. Back in 1947, 22-year-old aspiring actress Elizabeth Short was found brutally murdered in Los Angeles. Dubbed “The Black Dahlia” by the press, her gruesome, unsolved killing became one of the most infamous cold cases in American history—and continue… In today's episode, we dive in on a chilling case. Back in 1947, 22-year-old aspiring actress Elizabeth Short was found brutally murdered in Los Angeles. Dubbed “The Black Dahlia” by the press, her gruesome, unsolved killing became one of the most infamous cold cases in American history—and continues to haunt Hollywood to this day.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices more

The Black Dahlia mystery: Wild theories, enduring myths and a long-overlooked suspect.

New episodes every Tuesday.

To read more about these cases, visit Crimes of the Times at latimes.com
Video episodes will be available on Spotify and Youtube.

On the morning of January 15, 1947, a woman walking with her young daughter spotted something pale and white lying in the weeds of a vacant lot. When the woman walked closer to get a better look, she made a horrifying discovery: the bisected body of a young woman, brutally murdered and like trash in… On the morning of January 15, 1947, a woman walking with her young daughter spotted something pale and white lying in the weeds of a vacant lot. When the woman walked closer to get a better look, she made a horrifying discovery: the bisected body of a young woman, brutally murdered and like trash in the abandoned overgrown lot. The woman in the lot would soon be identified as twenty-two-year-old aspiring actress Elizabeth Short, who the press nicknamed “The Black Dahlia.” 

Thank you to the Incredible Dave White of Bring Me the Axe Podcast for research and Writing support!

References

Associated Press. 1947. "Mrs. Phoebe Short can't believe slain girl hers." Los Angeles Times, Janaury 17: 2.

Bartlett, Jim. 2017. The Black Dahlia: Los Angeles' most famous unsolved murder. January 8. Accessed January 14, 2025. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38513320.

Daily News. 1947. "Body of girl mutilated by murderer." Daily News (Los Angeles, CA), January 15: 1.

Federal Bureau of Investigation. 1947. Correspondence, Identification Division, FBI. Letter from R.B. Hood, SAC to Director Hoover, re: Black Dahlia identification, Washington, DC: United States Department of Justice.

Gilmore, John. 1994. Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia. Gardena, CA: Zanja Press.

Goffard, Christopher. 2024. "The killing of Elizabeth Short, dubbed the Black Dahlia, has inspired endless theories." Los Angeles Times, October 26: B1.

Hodel, Steve. 2003. Black Dahlia Avenger: A Genius for Murder. New York, NY: Arcade Publishing.

Lait, Matt. 1991. "Memories of murder." Los Angeles Times, June 22: B1.

—. 1991. "Search fails to turn up evidence of '47 murder." Los Angeles Times, June 23: B1.

Los Angeles Times. 1947. "Beth Short slaying suspect jailed after asserted admission of crime." Los Angeles Times, January 29: 2.

—. 1947. "'Black Dahlia' knife braggart terroizes girl." Los Angeles Times, February 5: 7.

—. 1947. "'Black Dahlia's' love life traced in search for her fiendish murderer." Los Angeles Times, Janaury 18: 3.

—. 1947. "'Dahlia' clues fail; inquest conducted." Los Angeles Times, Janaury 23: 2.

—. 1947. "Elizabeth Short case slayer baffles police." Los Angeles Times, Janaury 31: 2.

—. 1947. "Girl victim of sex fiend found slain." Los Angeles Times, January 16: 2.

—. 2004. "Janice Knowlton claimed a link to Black Dahlia murder." Los Angeles Times, December 19: B7.

—. 1947. "'Killer' fails to surrender in Elizabeth Short death." Los Angeles Times, January 30: 2.

—. 1947. "Mystery envelope sent in 'Dahlia' case; address book gives dozens of fresh leads." Los Angeles Times, January 25: 3.

—. 1947. "Police await second 'Dahlia' letter for clue to break murder case." Los Angeles Times, January 27: 2.

—. 1947. "Police free red-haired salesman as suspect in 'Black Dahlia' murder." Los Angeles Times, Janaury 21: 2.

—. 1947. "Police stumped in beauty killing." Los Angeles Times, February 2: 2.

—. 1947. "Soldier's 'Dahlia' date tale newest clue in slaying." Los Angeles Times, February 6: 2.

—. 1947. "Soldier's leave time checked in 'Dahlia' murder." Los Angeles Times, February 7: 2.

—. 1947. "Suspect detained for questioning in 'Black Dahlia' mutilation murder." Los Angeles Times, January 20: 2.

—. 1947. "Tooth cavities clue checked in beauty slaying." Los Angeles Times, February 4: 2.

Nightingale, Suzan. 1982. "Author claims to have found 1947 murderer." Los Angeles Herald Examiner, Janaury 17.

United Press. 1947. "'Sick' veteran is booked in Dahlia death." Fresno Bee, January 29: 1.

—. 1947. "Spurned lover is hunted in murder of 'Black Dahlia'." Fresno Bee, January 17: 1.

—. 1947. "L.A. Police hope Dahliua murderer will surrender." Sacramento Bee, January 28: 4.

Weller, Sheila. 2015. "The sins of the father." Dujour, June 01. more

On the morning of January 15, 1947, a woman walking with her young daughter spotted something pale and white lying in the weeds of a vacant lot. When the woman walked closer to get a better look, she made a horrifying discovery: the bisected body of a young woman, brutally murdered and like trash in… On the morning of January 15, 1947, a woman walking with her young daughter spotted something pale and white lying in the weeds of a vacant lot. When the woman walked closer to get a better look, she made a horrifying discovery: the bisected body of a young woman, brutally murdered and like trash in the abandoned overgrown lot. The woman in the lot would soon be identified as twenty-two-year-old aspiring actress Elizabeth Short, who the press nicknamed “The Black Dahlia.” 

Thank you to the Incredible Dave White of Bring Me the Axe Podcast for research and Writing support!

References

Associated Press. 1947. "Mrs. Phoebe Short can't believe slain girl hers." Los Angeles Times, Janaury 17: 2.

Bartlett, Jim. 2017. The Black Dahlia: Los Angeles' most famous unsolved murder. January 8. Accessed January 14, 2025. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38513320.

Daily News. 1947. "Body of girl mutilated by murderer." Daily News (Los Angeles, CA), January 15: 1.

Federal Bureau of Investigation. 1947. Correspondence, Identification Division, FBI. Letter from R.B. Hood, SAC to Director Hoover, re: Black Dahlia identification, Washington, DC: United States Department of Justice.

Gilmore, John. 1994. Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia. Gardena, CA: Zanja Press.

Goffard, Christopher. 2024. "The killing of Elizabeth Short, dubbed the Black Dahlia, has inspired endless theories." Los Angeles Times, October 26: B1.

Hodel, Steve. 2003. Black Dahlia Avenger: A Genius for Murder. New York, NY: Arcade Publishing.

Lait, Matt. 1991. "Memories of murder." Los Angeles Times, June 22: B1.

—. 1991. "Search fails to turn up evidence of '47 murder." Los Angeles Times, June 23: B1.

Los Angeles Times. 1947. "Beth Short slaying suspect jailed after asserted admission of crime." Los Angeles Times, January 29: 2.

—. 1947. "'Black Dahlia' knife braggart terroizes girl." Los Angeles Times, February 5: 7.

—. 1947. "'Black Dahlia's' love life traced in search for her fiendish murderer." Los Angeles Times, Janaury 18: 3.

—. 1947. "'Dahlia' clues fail; inquest conducted." Los Angeles Times, Janaury 23: 2.

—. 1947. "Elizabeth Short case slayer baffles police." Los Angeles Times, Janaury 31: 2.

—. 1947. "Girl victim of sex fiend found slain." Los Angeles Times, January 16: 2.

—. 2004. "Janice Knowlton claimed a link to Black Dahlia murder." Los Angeles Times, December 19: B7.

—. 1947. "'Killer' fails to surrender in Elizabeth Short death." Los Angeles Times, January 30: 2.

—. 1947. "Mystery envelope sent in 'Dahlia' case; address book gives dozens of fresh leads." Los Angeles Times, January 25: 3.

—. 1947. "Police await second 'Dahlia' letter for clue to break murder case." Los Angeles Times, January 27: 2.

—. 1947. "Police free red-haired salesman as suspect in 'Black Dahlia' murder." Los Angeles Times, Janaury 21: 2.

—. 1947. "Police stumped in beauty killing." Los Angeles Times, February 2: 2.

—. 1947. "Soldier's 'Dahlia' date tale newest clue in slaying." Los Angeles Times, February 6: 2.

—. 1947. "Soldier's leave time checked in 'Dahlia' murder." Los Angeles Times, February 7: 2.

—. 1947. "Suspect detained for questioning in 'Black Dahlia' mutilation murder." Los Angeles Times, January 20: 2.

—. 1947. "Tooth cavities clue checked in beauty slaying." Los Angeles Times, February 4: 2.

Nightingale, Suzan. 1982. "Author claims to have found 1947 murderer." Los Angeles Herald Examiner, Janaury 17.

United Press. 1947. "'Sick' veteran is booked in Dahlia death." Fresno Bee, January 29: 1.

—. 1947. "Spurned lover is hunted in murder of 'Black Dahlia'." Fresno Bee, January 17: 1.

—. 1947. "L.A. Police hope Dahliua murderer will surrender." Sacramento Bee, January 28: 4.

Weller, Sheila. 2015. "The sins of the father." Dujour, June 01. more