George Hodel

Former LAPD Detective Steve Hodel outlines in his book, BLACK DAHLIA AVENGER, collections of evidence he’s found in the Black Dahlia case. Hodel’s theory points to his father, George Hodel, a surgeon.

In 1949, Dr. Hodel was tried for molestation of his 14-year-old daughter, Tamar. He was acquitted of that charge, however, he was added to the short list of suspects in the murder of Beth Short. His phones were tapped, and the younger Hodel presents transcripts of comments his father made in reference to the case. Hodel presents the statements, such as, “What if I did kill (her)?” as admittance, and opponents of this theory look at the comments being made in jest, believing the doctor was teasing police.

Hodel’s theory is the most prominent, as well as the most controversial. He has backing from former LA prosecuter Stephen R. Kay (who stated in a Cold Case Files interview that he was positive Hodel’s claims are accurate). However, Steve Cooley, of the LA District Attorney’s office said he wouldn’t spend any amount of money investigating the accusations.