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MYDARKPLACES

byJamesEllroy

Copyright1996byJamesEllroy

AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPanAmericanCopyrightConventions.

PublishedintheUnitedStatesbyVintageBooks,adivisionofRandomHouse,
Inc.,NewYork,andsimultaneouslyinCanadabyRandomHouseofCanadaLimited,
Toronto.OriginallypublishedinhardcoverintheUnitedStatesbyAlfredA.
Knopf,Inc.,in1996.

FIRSTVINTAGEBOOKSEDITION,AUGUST1997

0

I

THEREDHEAD

_AcheapSaturdaynighttookyoudown.Youdiedstupidlyandharshlyand
withoutthemeanstoholdyourownlifedear_.
_Yourruntosafetywasabriefreprieve.Youbroughtmeintohidingas
yourgoodluckcharm.IfailedyouasatalismansoIstandnowasyour
witness_.
_Yourdeathdefinesmylife.Iwanttofindtheloveweneverhadand
explicateitinyourname_.
_Iwanttotakeyoursecretspublic.Iwanttoburndownthedistance
betweenus_.
_Iwanttogiveyoubreath_.

Somekidsfoundher.
TheywereBabeRuthLeagueplayers,outtohitafewshagballs.Three
adultcoacheswerewalkingbehindthem.
Theboyssawashapeintheivystripjustoffthecurb.Themensawloose
pearlsonthepavement.Alittletelepathicjoltwentaround.
ClydeWarnerandDickGinnoldshooedthekidsbackawaystokeepthem
fromlookingtooclose.KendallNungesserranacrossTylerandspottedapay
phonebythedairystand.
HecalledtheTempleCitySheriff'sOfficeandtoldthedesksergeanthe'd
discoveredabody.Itwasrightthereonthatroadbesidetheplayingfieldat
ArroyoHighSchool.Thesergeantsaidstaythereanddon'ttouchanything.

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Theradiocallwentout:10:10a.m.,Sunday,6/22/58.DeadbodyatKing's
RowandTylerAvenue,ElMonte.
ASheriff'sprowlcarmadeitinunderfiveminutes.AnElMontePDunit
arrivedafewsecondslater.
DeputyVicCavallerohuddledupthecoachesandthekids.OfficerDave
Wirecheckedoutthebody.
ItwasafemaleCaucasian.Shewasfairskinnedandredheaded.Shewas
approximately40yearsofage.Shewaslyingflatonherbackinanivypatcha
fewinchesfromtheKing'sRowcurbline.
Herrightarmwasbentupward.Herrighthandwasrestingafewinches
aboveherhead.Herleftarmwasbentattheelbowanddrapedacrossher
midriff.Herlefthandwasclenched.Herlegswereoutstretched.
Shewaswearingascoopfront,sleeveless,lightanddarkbluedress.A
darkblueovercoatwithamatchingliningwasspreadoverherlowerbody.
Herfeetandankleswerevisible.Herrightfootwasbare.Anylon
stockingwasbuncheduparoundherleftankle.
Herdresswasdisheveled.Insectbitescoveredherarms.Herfacewas
bruisedandhertonguewasprotruding.Herbrassierewasunfastenedandhiked
aboveherbreasts.Anylonstockingandacottoncordwerelashedaroundher
neck.Bothligaturesweretightlyknotted.
DaveWireradioedtheElMontePDdispatcher.VicCayallerocalledthe
Templeoffice.Thebodydumpalertwentout:
GettheL.A.CountyCoroner.GettheSheriff'sCrimeLabandthephoto
car.CalltheSheriff'sHomicideBureauandtellthemtosendateamout.
Cavallerostoodbythebody.DaveWireranovertothedairyand
commandeeredalengthofrope.Cavallerohelpedhimstringupacrimescene
perimeter.
Theydiscussedtheoddpositionofthebody.Itlookedhaphazard_and_
fastidious.
Spectatorsdriftedby.CavalleropushedthembacktotheTylerAvenue
sidewalk.Wirenoticedsomepearlsontheroadandcircledeachandeveryonein
chalk.
Officialcarspulleduptothecordon.Uniformedcopsandplainclothesmen
duckedundertherope.
FromElMontePD:ChiefOrvalDavis,CaptainJimBruton,SergeantVirg
Ervin.CaptainDickBrooks,LieutenantDonMeadandSergeantDonClappfrom

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TempleSheriff's.Templedeputiescalledouttocontaintheciviliansandplain
curiousonandoffdutycops.
DaveWiremeasuredtheexactpositionofthebody:63feetwestofthe
firstlockedgateontheschoolgrounds/2feetsouthoftheKing'sRowcurb.The
photodeputyarrivedandsnappedperspectiveshotsofKing'sRowandtheArroyo
Highplayingfield.
Itwasnoonandclosinginon90degrees.
Thephotodeputyshotthebodyfromstraightdownandsidewaysangles.Vic
Cavalleroassuredhimthattheguyswhofounditdidnottouchit.Sergeants
WardHallinenandJackLawtonarrivedandwentstraighttoChiefDavis.
DavistoldthemtotakechargeperthecontractmandatingallElMonte
citymurderstotheL.A.Sheriff'sHomicideBureau.
Hallinenwalkedovertothebody.Lawtondiagrammedtheareainhis
notebook.
TylerAvenuerannorthsouth.King'sRowintersecteditatthesouthern
edgeoftheschoolproperty.King'sRowraneastaboutyards.Itterminatedat
CedarAvenuetheeasternedgeoftheschoolproperty.Itwasnothingmorethan
apavedaccessroad.
AgateclosedofftheCedarAvenueend.Aninnergatesealedsome
bungalowsnearthemainArroyoHighbuildings.TheonlywaytoenterKing'sRow
wasviaTylerAvenue.
King'sRowwasfeetwide.Thesportsfieldranalongthenorthernedge.A
shrubcoveredchainlinkfenceranbehindthesoutherncurblineanda3foot
wideivythicket.Thebodywaspositioned75yardseastoftheTylerKing'sRow
intersection.
Thevictim'sleftfootwastwoinchesfromthecurb.Herweighthad
presseddowntheivyallaroundher.
LawtonandHallinenstaredatthebody.Rigormortiswassettinginthe
victim'sclenchedhandhadgonerigid.
Hallinennotedafakepearlringonthethirdfinger.Lawtonsaiditmight
helpthemIDher.
Herfacehadgoneslightlypurple.Shelookedlikeaclassiclatenight
bodydump.
VIcCavallerotoldthecoachesandbaseballkidstogohome.DaveWireand
VirgErvinmingledwiththecivilians.SergeantHarryAndreshowedupanoff
dutySheriff'sHomicidemanhottolendahand.

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Thepressshowedup.SomeTempledeputiescruisedbytocheckoutthe
scene.Halfthe26manElMontePDcruisedbydeadwhitewomenweresomekind
ofdraw.
Thecoroner'sdeputyshowedup.Thephotodeputytoldhimhecouldexamine
thevictim.
HallinenandLawtonpushedforwardtowatch.Thecoroner'sdeputylifted
thecoatoffthevictim'slowerbody.
Shewasnotwearingaslip,agirdleorpanties.Herdresswaspushedup
aboveherhips.Nopantiesandnoshoes.Thatonestockingdownaroundherleft
ankle.Bruisesandsmalllacerationsontheinsidesofherthighs.Anasphalt
dragmarkonherlefthip.
Thecoroner'sdeputyturnedthebodyover.Thephotodeputysnappedsome
shotsofthevictim'sposterior.Thevictim'sbackwasdewwetandshowedsigns
ofpostmortemlividity.
Thecoroner'sdeputysaidshewasprobablydeadeighttotwelvehours.She
wasdumpedbeforesunrisethedewonherbackwasaplainindicator.
Thephotodeputytooksomemorepictures.Thecoroner'sdeputyandhis
assistantpickedupthebody.Itwaslimpstillshyoffullrigormortis.They
carriedthevictimtotheirvanandplacedheronagurney.
HallinenandLawtonsearchedtheivythicketandtheadjoiningcurbside.
Theyfoundabrokencarantennaontheroad.Theyfoundabrokenstringof
pearlsintheflattenedivynearthedumpposition.Theypickedupthepearls
circledinchalkandstrungthemonthenecklace.Theysawthattheyhada
completeset.
Theclaspwasintact.Thestringwasbrokeninthemiddle.Theyevidence
baggedbothpiecesofthenecklace.
Theydidnotfindthevictim'spanties,shoesorpurse.Theydidnotspot
tiremarksinthegravelnearthecurb.Therewerenodragmarksonanysurface
alongKing'sRow.Theivysurroundingthedumppositiondidnotlooktrampled.
ItwasI:20p.m.Thetemperaturewasupinthemid9os.
Thecoroner'sdeputycutoffsamplesofthevictim'sheadandpubichair.
Hetrimmedthevictim'sfingernailsandplacedthecuttingsinasmallenvelope.
Hehadthebodystrippedandpositionedfaceuponhisgurney.
Therewasasmallamountofdriedbloodonthevictim'srightpalm.There
wasasmalllacerationnearthecenterofthevictim'sforehead.
Thevictim'srightnipplewasmissing.Thesurroundingareolawascreased
withwhitescartissue.Itappearedtobeanoldsurgicalamputation.

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Hallinenremovedthevictim'sring.Thecoroner'sdeputymeasuredthebody
at66inchesandguessedtheweightat135pounds.Lawtonlefttocallthestats
intoHeadquartersDispatchandtheSheriff'sMissingPersonsSquad.
Thecoroner'sdeputytookascalpelandmadeadeep6inchlongincisionin
thevictim'sabdomen.Hepartedtheflapswithhisfingers,jabbedameat
thermometerintotheliverandgotareadingof90degrees.Hecalledthetime
ofdeathas3:00to5:00a.m.
Hallinenexaminedtheligatures.Thestockingandcottoncordwere
separatelylashedaroundthevictim'sneck.Thecordresembledaclotheslineor
venetianblindsashpull.
Thecordknotwastiedatthebackofthevictim'sneck.Thekillertied
itsotightthatoneoftheendsbrokeofffrayingandtheoddlengthsofthe
knotendsprovedthatfactconclusively.
Thestockingaroundthevictim'sneckwasidenticaltothestocking
bunchedaroundherleftankle.
Thecoroner'sdeputylockeduphisvananddrovethebodytotheL.A.
CountyMorgue.JackLawtonputoutapolicebandbroadcast:
AllSanGabrielValleyunitsbealertforsuspiciousmaleswithfreshcuts
andscratches.
WardHallinenroundedupsomeradioreporters.Hetoldthemtoputiton
thelocalair:
Deadwhitewomanfound.Forty/redhair/hazeleyes/5'6"/135.Direct
potentialinformantstotheElMontePDandTempleCitySheriff'sOffice

ChiefDavisandCaptainBrutondrovetoElMontePDHeadquarters.Three
rankingSheriff'sHomicidemenjoinedthem:InspectorR.J.Parsonson,Captain
AlEtzel,LieutenantCharlesMcGowan.
Theysettledinforaskullsession.BrutoncalledtheBaldwinParkPD,
PasadenaPD,SanDimasSheriff'sOffice,CovinaandWestCovinaPDs.Heran
theirvictim'sstatsbythemandgotidenticalresponses:Shedoesn'tmatchany
ofourshorttermmissingfemales.
UniformeddeputiesandElMontecopsgridsearchedtheArroyoHigh
grounds.Hallinen,LawtonandAndrecanvassedtheimmediateneighborhood.
Theytalkedtopeopleoutwalkingandpeoplesunningintheiryards.They
talkedtoalongstringofcustomersatthedairystand.Theydescribedtheir
victimandgotdownthelineresponses:Idon'tknowwhoyou'retalkingabout.

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Theareawasresidentialandsemiruralsmallhousesinterspersedwith
vacantlotsandblocksofundevelopedranchland.Hallinen,LawtonandAndre
wroteitoffasfutilecanvassingturf.
TheydrovesouthtothemainElMontethroughways:Ramona,Garvey,Valley
Boulevard.Theysweptastringofcafesandafewcocktailbars.Theytalkedup
theredheadandgotarunofnegativeresponses.
Theinitialcanvasswastappedout.
Thegridsearchwastappedout.
Nopatrolunitswerereportingsuspiciousmaleswithcutsandscratches.
AcallcameintotheElMontePD.Thecallersaidshejustheardaradio
bulletin.Thatladytheyfoundattheschoolsoundedjustlikehertenant.
TheswitchboardoperatorradioedVirgErvin:Seethewomanat700Bryant
Road.
TheaddresswasElMonteaboutamilesoutheastofArroyoHighSchool.
Ervindrovethereandknockedonthedoor.
Awomanopenedup.SheidentifiedherselfasAnnaMayKryckiandstated
thatthedeadwomansoundedlikehertenant,JeanEllroy.Jeanleftherlittle
houseontheKryckipropertylastnightaround8:00.Shestayedoutallnight
andstillhadn'treturned.
Ervindescribedthevictim'sovercoatanddress.AnnaMayKryckisaidthey
soundedjustlikeJean'sfavoriteoutfit.Ervindescribedthescarringonthe
victim'srightnipple.AnnaMayKryckisaidJeanshowedherthatscar.
ErvinwentbacktohiscarandradioedtheinformationtotheElMonte
switchboard.ThedispatchersentapatrolcarouttofindJackLawtonandWard
Hallinen.
Thecarfoundtheminsideoftenminutes.Theydrovestraighttothe
Kryckihouse.
Hallinenpulledoutthevictim'sringstraightoff.AnnaMayKryckiID'd
itasJeanEliroy's.
LawtonandHallinensatherdownandquestionedher.AnnaMayKryckisaid
shewas_Mrs_.Krycki.Herhusband'snamewasGeorge,andshehada12yearold
sonfromapreviousmarriagenamedGaylord.JeanEllroywastechnically_Mrs_.
JeanEllroy,butshe'dbeendivorcedfromherhusbandforseveralyears.Jean's
fullfirstnamewasGeneva.HermiddlenamewasOdeliaandhermaidennamewas
Hilliker.Jeanwasaregisterednurse.Sheworkedatanaircraftpartsplantin
downtownL.A.Sheandher10yearoldsonlivedinthelittlestonebungalowin

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theKryckis'backyard.JeandrovearedandwhiteBuick.Hersonwasspendingthe
weekendwithhisfatherinL.A.andshouldbehomeinafewhours.
Mrs.KryckishowedthemaphotographofJeanEllroy.Thefacematched
theirvictim's.
Mrs.KryckisaidshesawJeanleaveherbungalowlastnightaround8:00.
Shewasalone.Shedroveoffinhercaranddidnotreturn.Hercarwasnotin
herdrivewayorhergarage.
Mrs.Kryckistatedthatthevictimandhersonmovedintothebungalow
fourmonthsago.Shestatedthattheboyspentweekdayswithhismotherand
weekendswithhisfather.JeanwasoriginallyfromalittletowninWisconsin.
Shewasahardworking,quietwomanwhokepttoherself.Shewas37yearsold.
Theboy'sfatherpickedhimupinataxicabyesterdaymorning.Shesaw
Jeandoingyardworkyesterdayafternoon.TheytalkedbrieflybutJeandidnot
discussherSaturdaynightplans.
VirgErvinbroughtupthevictim'scar.Wheredidshegetitserviced?
Mrs.KryckitoldhimtotrythelocalUnion76station.Ervingotthe
numberfromInformation,calledthestationandtalkedtotheproprietor.The
mancheckedhisrecordsandcamebackonthelinewithaplatenumber:
California/KFE778.
ErvincalledthenumberintotheElMontePDswitchboard.Theswitchboard
shotitouttoallSheriff'sandlocalPDunits.
Theinterviewcontinued.HallinenandLawtonpressedonetopic:thevictim
andherrelationshipswithmen.
Mrs.KryckisaidthatJeanhadalimitedsociallife.Sheseemedtohave
noboyfriends.Shewentoutbyherselfsometimesandusuallycamehomeearly.
Shewasnotmuchofadrinker.Sheoftensaidshewantedtosetagoodexample
forherson.
GeorgeKiyckiwalkedin.HallinenandLawtonaskedhimabouthisSaturday
nightactivities.
HetoldthemAnnaMaywenttoamoviearound9:00.Hestayedhomeand
watchedafightcardonTV.Hesawthevictimdriveoffbetween8:00and8:30
p.m.anddidnotseeorhearherreturnhome.
ErvinaskedtheKryckistoaccompanyhimtotheL.A.CountyMorgue.They
hadtologapositiveIDonthebody.
HallinencalledtheSheriff'sCrimeLabandtoldthemtorollaprint
deputyoutto700Bryant,ElMontethesmallhousebehindthelargerhouse.

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VirgErvindrovetheKryckistotheL.A.HallofJusticeatwelvemile
shotuptheSanBernardinoFreeway.TheCoroner'sOfficeandthemorguewerein
thebasementbelowtheSheriff'sHomicideBureau.
Thevictimwasstoredonaslabinarefrigeratedvault.TheKryckis
viewedherseparately.TheybothidentifiedherasJeanEllroy.
ErvintookaformalstatementanddrovetheKryckisbacktoElMonte.
TheprintdeputymetHallinenandLawtonoutsidetheEllroybungalow.It
was4:30p.m.andstillhotandhumid.
Thebungalowwassmallandbuiltofmarooncoloredwoodandriverrock.It
stoodbehindtheKryckihouse,atthefarendofasharedbackyard.Theyard
featuredshadepalmsandtallbananaplants,witharockandmortarpondasa
centerpiece.ThetwohousesweresituatedatthesoutheastcornerofMapleand
Bryant.TheEllroyplacehadaMapleAvenueaddress.
ThefrontdoorfacedthepondandtheKryckis'backdoor.Itwas
constructedoflouveredglassaffixedtowoodframing.Apanenearthekeyhole
wasmissing.Thedoorcouldnotbelockedfromtheinsideoroutside.
Hallinen,Lawtonandtheprintdeputyenteredthehouse.Theinteriorwas
cramped:twotinybedroomsoffanarrowlivingroom;astandupkitchen,
breakfastnookandbathroom.
Theplacewasneatandorderly.Nothinglookeddisturbed.Thevictim'sbed
andherson'sbedhadnotbeensleptin.
Theyfoundaglassinthekitchen,partiallyfilledwithwine.They
checkedthedrawersinthevictim'sbedroomandfoundsomepersonalpapers.They
learnedthatthevictimworkedatAirtekDynamics2222SouthFigueroa,L.A.
Theylearnedthatthevictim'sexhusbandwasnamedArmandEllroy.He
livedat4980BeverlyBoulevard,L.A.HisphonenumberwasHOllywood38700.
Theysawthatthevictimdidnothaveatelephoneherself.
Theprintdeputydustedthewineglassandseveralotherprintsustaining
surfaces.Hecameupwithnoviablelatentfingerprints.
HallinenwalkedovertotheKryckis'houseandcalledtheexhusband's
number.Heletitringagoodlongtimeandgotnoanswer.
VirgErvinwalkedin.Hesaid,DaveWirefoundthevictim'scarparked
behindabaronValleyBoulevard.

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ThebarwascalledtheDesertInn.Itwaslocatedat11721Valleytwo
milesfromthedumpsiteandamilefromthevictim'shouse.Itwasaflatone
storybuildingwitharedclayshingleroofandfrontwindowawnings.
Therearlotextendedbacktoalineofcheapstuccobungalows.Agrass
stripcoveredwithsycamoretreesdividedfourparkingspacerows.Lowchain
linksclosedthelotinsideways.
AredandwhiteBuickwasparkedbythewestsidefence.DaveWirewas
standingbesideit.JimBrutonandHarryAndrewerestandingbyaSheriff's
prowlunit.
AlEtzelwasthere.BlackieMcGowanwasthere.
HallinenandLawtonpulledintothelot.VirgErvinandtheprintdeputy
pulledupinseparatecars.
DaveWirewalkedoverandlaiditallout.
Hecaughtthelicenseplatecallandstartedcheckingsidestreetsand
parkinglots.Hefoundthevictim'scarat3:35p.m.Itwasunlockedand
appearedtobeunransacked.Hecheckedthefrontandbackseatsanddidnotfind
carkeysorthevictim'spurse,undergarmentsandshoes.He_did_findahalf
dozenemptybeercans.Theywerewrappedinbrownpaperandtiedupwithstring.
HallinenandLawtonexaminedthecar.Itlookedpristineinsideandout.
Theprintdeputyphotographedtheinteriorandexterioranddustedthedoorsand
dashboard.Hecameupwithnoviablelatentfingerprints.
ATempledeputyarrived.HeimpoundedtheBuickanddroveittoanearby
Forddealershipforsafekeeping.
Somecivilianswereloungingonthegrassstrip.WirepointedoutRoyDunn
andAlManganiellotwoDesertInnbartenders.
AndreandHallinentalkedtothem.Dunnsaidheworkedlastnight;
Manganiellosaidheonlyworkeddays.HallinenshowedthemMrs.Krycki's
snapshotofthevictim.Bothmensaidthey'dneverseenthewomanbefore.
TheyneversawtheredandwhiteBuickbefore.Dunnwasondutylast
nightbuthewasburiedbehindtheservicebaranddidn'tseeanycustomers
comeandgo.TheybothfiguredtheBuickhadbeenparkedinthelotallday
maybeevenovernight.
Andreaskedthemwhoelsewasworkinglastnight.Dunnsaid,TalktoEllis
Outlaw,themanager.
HallinenandAndrewalkedinside.CaptainEtzelandLieutenantMcGowan
taggedalong.

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TheDesertInnwasnarrowandLshaped.Leatheretteboothslinedthe
walls.Asitdownbarfacedthreerowsoftablesandthefrontdoor;theservice
barandkitchenstooddirectlybehindit.Adancefloorandraisedbandstand
formedtheshortpartoftheL.
AndreandHallinenbracedEllisOutlawandshowedhimtheirphotoofthe
victim.Outlawsaidhe'dneverseenherorthat'57Buickoutback.Hewasn't
workinglastnight,butheknewwhowas.
Hegavethemsomenames:
Hiswife,Alberta"Bert"Outlaw.Hissister,MyrtleMawby.Theywereboth
athisplacenow.TrytheRoyalPalmsApartments321WestMildredAvenue,West
Covina.AndtryMargieTrawickGllbert81136.ShewaitressedattheDesert
Innonandoffandheheardshewasinlastnight.
Hallinenwrotedowntheinformationandfollowedtheothercopsoutside.
TheparkinglotwasfullofElMontePDguyskeepingupwiththeaction.A
secondbunchofguyswerestakedoutatBryantandMaplewaitingforthe
victim'sexhusbandandkidtoshowup.
Itwas6:30p.m.andcoolingoffalittle.Itwasalongearlysummerday
andnowhereneardark.
Astringofcarradioscrackledallatonce.
Thekidandtheexwereback.Separateunitsweretransportingthemtothe
ElMonteStation.

Thevictim'sexhusbandwasaweekshyof6oyearsold.Hewastalland
athleticallybuilt.Heseemedtobeincontrolofhisemotions.
Thevictim'ssonwaspudgy,andtallfor10yearsold.Hewasnervousbut
didnotappearinanywaydistraught.
Theboyarrivedhomeinacab,alone.Hewasinformedofhismother's
deathandtookthenewscalmly.HetoldadeputythathisdadwasattheEl
MontebusdepotwaitingforaFreewayFlyertotakehimbacktoL.A.
ApatrolcarwasdispatchedtopickupArmandEllroy.Fatherandsonhad
notbeenincontactsincetheirgoodbyesatthedepot.Theywerenowbeingheld
inseparaterooms.
HallinenandLawtoninterviewedtheexhusbandfirst.Ellroystatedthat
hehadbeendivorcedfromthevictimsince1954andthathewasexercisinghis
childvisitationrightsthisweekend.Hepickedtheboyupinacabat10:00
a.m.Saturdayanddidnotseehisexwife.Heandhissontookabustohis

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apartmentinLosAngeles.Theyatelunchandwenttoamoviecalled_The
Vikings_attheFoxWilshireTheatre.Theshowendedat4:30.Theydidsome
groceryshoppingandreturnedhome.Theyatedinner,watchedTVandwenttobed
between10:00and11:00p.m.
Theysleptlatethismorning.Theytookabusdowntownandatelunchat
Clifton'sCafeteria.Theyspentseveralhourswindowshoppingandcaughtabus
backtoElMonte.Heputhissoninacabatthedepotandsatdowntowaitfor
anL.A.boundbus.Acopapproachedhimandtoldhimthenews.
HallinenandLawtonaskedEllroyhowhegotonwithhisex.Hetoldthem
theymetin'39andgotmarriedin'40.Theygotdivorcedin'54thingswent
badandtheycametohateeachother.Thedivorceproceedingswereacrimonious
andadversarial.
HallinenandLawtonquizzedEllroyonhisexwife'ssociallife.Hetold
themJeanwasasecretivewomanwhokeptthingstoherself.Sheliedwhenit
suitedherandshewasreally43,notthe37sheclaimed.Shewaspromiscuous
andanalcoholic.Hissonfoundherinbedwithstrangemenonseveral
occasions.HerrecentmovetoElMontecouldonlybeexplainedasarunfromor
runtosomelowlifeshewasseeing.Jeanwassecretiveaboutherprivatelife
becausesheknewhewantedtoproveheranunfitmotherandthusgainfulltime
custodyofhisson.
HallinenandLawtonaskedEllroytonamehisexwife'sspecific
boyfriends.Hetoldthemheonlyknewonename:HankHart,afatbluecollar
typemissingonethumb.
HallinenandLawtonthankedEllroyforhiscooperationandwalkedtoan
interviewroomdownthehall.Someoffdutycopswerekeepingthevictim'skid
company.
Theboywasbuckingupnicely.Hewashangingintoughalltheway.
HallinenandLawtonhandledhimgently.Theboyconfirmedhisfather's
accountoftheweekenddowntothesmallestdetail.Hesaidheonlyknewthe
namesoftwomenhismomwentoutwith:HankHartandateacherathisschool
namedPeterTubiolo.
Itwas9:00p.m.WardHallinengavetheboyacandybarandwalkedhim
downthehalltoseehisfather.
ArmandEllroyhuggedhisson.Thekidhuggedhimback.Theybothlooked
relievedandstrangelyhappy.

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TheboywasreleasedtoArmandEliroy'scustody.Acopdrovethemtothe
ElMontebusstation.Theycaughta9:30FreewayFlyerbacktoL.A.
VirgErvindroveHallinenandLawtontotheRoyalPalmsApartments.They
showedtheirsnapshotandrantheirstandardlineofquestionsbyBertOutlaw
andMyrtleMawby.
Bothwomenrecognizedthepicture.Bothwomenstatedthatthevictimwas
notaDesertInnregularalthoughshewasintheplacelastnight.Shewas
sittingwithasmallbuiltmanwithstraightblackhairandathinface.They
werethelasttwopatronstoleaveatclosingtime,2:00a.m.
Bothwomenstatedthatthey'dneverseenthesmallbuiltmanbefore.
MyrtleMawbysaidtheyshouldcallMargieTrawick.Shewassittingbythe
barearlierintheeveningandmighthavesomethingtoadd.JackLawtondialed
thenumberEllisOutlawgavethem.MargieTrawickpickedup.
Lawtonransomepreliminaryquestionsbyher.MargieTrawickcameon
strongshe_did_seeanattractiveredheadsittingwithagroupofpeoplelast
night.LawtontoldhertomeethimattheElMontePoliceStationinhalfan
hour.
ErvindroveLawtonandHallinenbacktothestation.MargieTrawickwas
waitingforthem.Shecameoffashighstrungandanxioustohelp.
HallinenshowedhertheJeanEllroysnapshot.SheID'ditflatout.
ErvinsplitfortheDesertInntoshowthatsnapshotaround.Hallinenand
LawtongotMargieTrawickcomfortableandlethertalkwithoutinterruption.
Shesaidshewasn'temployedbytheDesertInnbutshe'dwaitressedthere
sporadicallyforthepastnineyears.Sherecentlyunderwentmajorsurgeryand
enjoyedgoingtotheplacestrictlyforfun.
Shearrivedaround10:10lastnight.Shesatdownatatablenearthebar
andhadafewdrinks.Theredheadwalkedinthedoorabout10:45or11:00.She
wasaccompaniedbyaheavysetdishwaterblondewithaponytail.Theblondewas
about40thesameageastheredhead.
Theredheadandtheblondesatdownatatable.AMexicanlookingman
walkedoverimmediatelyandhelpedtheredheadoffwithhercoat.Theyheadedto
thedancefloorandbegandancing.
Themanwas35to40,5'8"to6'.Hehadaslenderbuildanddarkhair
slickedbackfromawidow'speak.Hehadaswarthycomplexion.Hewaswearinga
darksuitandawhiteshirtopenatthethroat.
Themanseemedto_know_thetwowomen.

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AnothermanaskedMargietodance.Hewas25ish,lighthaired,medium
heightandbuild.Hewaswearingsloppyclothesandtennisshoes.Hewasdrunk.
Margiedeclinedhisinvitation.Thedrunkgotsnottyandwalkedoff.A
shortwhilelatershesawhimdancingwiththedishwaterblonde.
Otherthingsdistractedher.Sheranintoafriendanddecidedtotakea
drivewithhim.Theyleftat11:30.Thedrunkwassittingwiththeredhead,the
blondeandtheMexicanthen.
She'dneverseentheredheadortheblondebefore.She'dneverseenthe
Mexican.Shemighthaveseenthedrunkhelookedsortoffamiliar.
LawtonandHallinenthankedMargieTrawickanddroveherhome.Sheagreed
tocomeinforabackupinterviewsometimeinthenextfewdays.Itwaspushing
midnightagoodtimetobracebarpeople.
TheycircledbacktotheDesertInn.JimBrutonwastherehitting
patronsupwithquestions.LawtonandHallinengrabbedhimandrandownMargie
Trawick'sstory.
Theyhadmoreworkableinformationnow.Theytablehoppedandlaiditout
allovertheroom.Theygotabitestraightoff.
SomebodythoughtthedrunksoundedlikeaclownnamedMikeWhittaker.He
didconstructionworkandhadaflopinSouthSanGabriel.
BrutonwentouttohiscarandradiopatchedaquerytotheCalifornia
StateDepartmentofMotorVehicles.Hegotaquickpositive:
MichaelJohnWhittaker,whitemale,DOB1/1/34.5'10",185pounds,brown
hair,blueeyes.2759SouthGladysStreet,SouthSanGabriel.

Theaddresswasarundownroominghouse.TheownerwasaMexicanwoman
namedInezRodriguez.
Hallinen,LawtonandBrutonbadgedheratthedoor.Theysaidtheywere
lookingforMikeWhittakerasapossiblehomicidesuspect.
ThewomansaidMikedidn'tcomehomelastnight.Hemighthavecomeand
goneduringthedayshedidn'tknow.Hewasquiteabigdrinker.Mostofthe
timehehungoutattheMelody,overonGarveyBoulevard.
Their"murdersuspect"linespookedInezRodriguez.
Hallinen,LawtonandBrutondrovetotheMelodyRoom.AmanmatchingMike
Whittaker'sdescriptionwassittingatthebar.
Theysurroundedhimandbadgedhim.ThemansaidhewasMichaelWhittaker.

13
Hallinensaidtheyhadsomequestionspertainingtohiswhereaboutslast
night.LawtonandBrutonfriskedhimandmanhandledhimouttothecar.
Whittakerplayedtheroustsubmissive.
TheydrovehimtotheElMonteStation.Theyhustledhimtoaninterview
roomandgotupinhisface.
Whittakersmelled.Hewasjitteryandhalfdrunk.
HecoppedtobeingattheDesertInnlastnight.Hesaidhewaslooking
forcooze.Hewasprettyblitzedlastnight,sohemightnotrememberthingstoo
good.
Telluswhatyou_do_remember,Michael.
Herememberedgoingtothebar.Herememberedaskingagirltodanceand
gettingbrushedoff.Herememberedcrashingatableparty.Thepartyconsisted
ofaredhead,anothergirlandanItaliantypeguy.Hedidn'tknowtheirnames
andhe'dneverseenthembefore.
Lawtontoldhimtheredheadgotmurdered.Whittakerseemedgenuinely
shocked.
Hesaidhedancedwiththeredheadandtheothergirl.Hehittheredhead
upforaSundaynightdate.Shenixeditandsaidsomethingaboutherkidcoming
backfromaweekendwithhisfather.TheItaliantypeguywasdancingwiththe
redhead,too.Hewasagooddancer.He_might_havesaidhisnamewasTommybut
Idon'tremembertoogood.
Telluswhatyou_do_remember,Michael.
Michaelrememberedthathefelloffhischair.Michaelrememberedthathe
outstayedhiswelcomeatthetable.Michaelrememberedthethreepeoplebugging
outofthejointtogethertoberidofhim.
Hestayedatthebarandgotmoreblitzed.HewalkedtoStan'sDriveIn
foralatenightsnack.ASheriff'sprowlteamroustedhimafewblocksup
ValleyBoulevard.TheypoppedhimforplaindrunkanddrovehimtotheTemple
CityStation.
Thedrunktanktherewaspacked.ThecopsdrovehimtotheHallofJustice
Jailandbookedhimin.Somebeanersstolehisshoesandsockswhilehewas
sleeping.
Thetankdeputykickedhimlooseinthemorning.HewalkedbacktoSouth
SanGabrielbarefootmaybe12miles.Thedaywasascorcher.Thepavement
cheweduphisfeetandgavehimbigredblisters.Hewentbyhisroomand
grabbedsomemoneyandapairofshoesandsocks.HewalkedtotheMelodyand
hunkereddowntodrink.

14
BrutonlefttheroomandcalledtheTempleCitySheriff'sOffice.Adeputy
confirmedWhittaker'sstory:themanwasincustodyfrom12:30a.m.on.Hewas
alibiedupforthevictim'sprobabletimeofdeath.
Brutonwalkedbacktotheinterviewroomandlaidoutthenews.Whittaker
wasthrilled.Hesaid,CanIgohomenow?
Brutontoldhimhe'dhavetosubmitaformalstatementwithin48hours.
Whittakeragreed.JackLawtonapologizedfortheheavytreatmentandofferedhim
alifttohisroominghouse.
Whittakeraccepted.Lawtondrovehimtohisplaceanddroppedhimoffat
thecurb.
Hislandladyhaddumpedhisbelongingsoutonthefrontlawn.Thefront
doorwaslatchedandbolted.
Shedidn'twantnofuckingmurdersuspectsunderherroof.
Itwas2:30a.m.,Monday,June23,1958.TheJeanEllroyjobSheriff's
HomicideFile#Z483362wasnow16hoursold.

TheSanGabrielValleywastherat'sassofLosAngelesCountya30mile
stretchofcontiguoushicktownsdueeastofL.A.proper.
TheSanGabrielMountainsformedthenorthernborder.ThePuente
MontebelloHillsclosedthevalleyinonthesouth.Muddyriverbedsandrailroad
trackscutthroughthemiddle.
Theeasternedgewasambiguouslydefined.Whentheviewimproved,youknew
youwereoutofthevalley.
TheSanGabrielValleywasflatandboxshaped.Themountainflanktrapped
insmog.TheindividualtownsAlhambra,Industry,Bassett,LaPuente,Covina,
WestCovina,BaldwinPark,ElMonte,TempleCity,Rosemead,SanGabriel,South
SanGabriel,Irwindale,DuartebledtogetherwithnothingbutKiwanisClub
signstodistinguishthem.
TheSanGabrielValleywashotandhumid.Wickedwindskickeddustoffthe
northernfoothills.Packeddirtsidewalksandgravelpitdebrismadeyoureyes
sting.
Valleylandwascheap.Theflattopographywasidealforgridhousingand
potentialfreewayconstruction.Themoreremotethearea,themorelandyour
moneygotyou.Youcouldhuntcoonsafewblocksoffthelocalmaindragand

15
nobodywouldgiveyouanygrief.Youcouldfenceinyouryardandraisechickens
andgoatsforslaughter.Youcouldletyourtoddlersrundowntheblockintheir
shitstaineddiapers.
TheSanGabrielValleywasWhiteTrashHeaven.

Spanishexplorersdiscoveredthevalleyin1769.Theywipedoutthe
indigenousIndianpopulationandestablishedamissionnearthePomonaFreeway
RosemeadBoulevardjuncture.LaMisi?ndelSantoArcngelSanGabrieldelos
TemblorespredatedthefirstL.A.settlementbytenyears.
Mexicanmarauderstookoverthevalleyin1822.Theykickedoutthe
Spaniardsandappropriatedtheirmissionland.TheUnitedStatesandMexico
foughtabriefwarin'46.TheMexicanslostandhadtoforkoverCalifornia,
Nevada,Arizona,UtahandNewMexico.
TheWhiteMangotbusinessgoing.TheSanGabrielValleyenjoyedalong
agricultureboom.ConfederatesympathizersmovedwestaftertheCivilWarand
boughtalotofvalleyland.
Therailroadshotthroughin1872andsparkedarealestateboom.The
valley'spopulationincreasedby1,ooo%.L.A.wasbecomingagoodsizedburg.
Thevalleycashedinonit.
Realestateprofiteersannexedthevalleyintosmallcities.Adevelopment
boomfollowedandcontinuedstraightthroughthe1920s.Citypopulationsgrew
exponentially.
Housingbanswereenforcedvalleywide.Mexicanswererestrictedtoslum
districtsandtinroofshantytowns.Negroeswerenotallowedonthestreets
afterdark.
Walnutcropswerebig.Citruscropswerebig.Dairieswereareal
moneymaker.
TheDepressionputtheskidstoSanGabrielValleygrowth.WorldWarII
resurrectedit.ReturningGIsgothiptowestwardmigration.Realestate
developersgothiptotheirhipness.
Tractsandsubdivisionswentup.Walnutgrovesandorchardswereblitzed
tomakeroomformoreandmoreofthem.Cityboundariesexpanded.
Thepopulationskyrocketedthroughthe'5os.Theagriculturebizdeclined.
Manufacturingandlightindustryflourished.TheSanBernardinoFreeway
stretchedfromdowntownL.A.tosouthofElMonte.Automobilesbecamea
necessity.

16
Smogarrived.Morehousingdevelopmentswentup.Theboomeconomybrought
anewlooktothevalleybutdidnotinanywayalteritsWildWestcharacter.
YouhadDustBowlrefugeesandtheirteenagekids.Youhadpachucoswith
duck'sasshaircuts,SirGuyshirtsandslitbottomedkhakis.Okieshatedspics
thewaytheoldcowboyshatedIndians.
Youhadabiginfluxofmenflicked.upbyWorldWarIIandKorea.Youhad
packedsuburbsinterspersedwithlargeruralpatches.Youcouldwalkdownthe
RioHondoWashandcatchfishwithyourhands.YoucouldjumpintotheRosemead
cattlepensandshootyourselfacow.Youcouldcarveyourselfanicefresh
steakrightthere.
Youcouldgodrinking.YoucouldhittheAces,theTorch,theShip'sInn,
theWeeNipee,thePlayroom,Suzanne's,theKitKat,theHat,theBonnieRaeor
theJollyJug.YoucouldseewhatwasshakingattheHorseshoe,theCoconino,the
Tradewinds,theDesertInn,theTimeOut,theJetRoom,theLuckyXorthe
Alibi.TheHollywoodEastwasgood.TheBigTime,theOffBeat,theManger,the
BlueRoomandtheFrenchBasquewereokay.DittotheCobraRoom,Lab's,the
PineAway,theMelodyRoom,theCave,theSportsman,thePioneer,the49'er,the
PalmsandtheTwister.
Youcouldbeltafew.Youmightmeetsomebody.The'5osdivorceboomwas
peaking.Youcoulddrawfromabigpoolofatthereadywomen.

ElMontewasthe'58hubofthevalley.Earlysettlerscalledit"theEnd
oftheSantaFeTrail."Itwasashitkickertownandagoodplacetohavefun.
Recentsettlerscalledit"theCityofDivorcedWomen."Itwasahonkytonk
placewithamorethandistinctwesternatmosphere.
Thepopulationhoveredaround10,000.Itwas90%whiteand10%Mexican.
Thecitywasfivemilessquare.Unincorporatedcountylandborderedit.
ThepopulationexpandedonSaturdaynights.Outoftownersdroveinto
prowlthecocktailjointsonValleyandGarvey.TheElMonteLegionStadium
featuredCliffleStoneandHometownJamboreebroadcastliveonKTLATV.
Theaudienceworecowboygarb:Stetsonsandpipestempantsforthemen;
starchedhoopskirtsforthewomen.TheStadiumrandoowopdancesonCliffle's
offSaturdays.Pachucosandwhitepunkssluggeditoutintheparkinglot
regularly.
TheSanBerdooFreewaycutthroughElMonte.Motoristsexitedandtook
ValleyBoulevardeastbound.TheystoppedtoeatatStan'sDriveInandtheHula

17
Hut.TheystoppedtodrinkattheDesertInn,thePlayroomandtheHorseshoe.
Valleywas_the_Saturdaynightthoroughfare.Eastboundmotoristsendedup
dawdlingtherewhethertheyplannedtoornot.
TheactionstripendedatFivePointsthejunctureofValleyandGarvey.
Stan'sandthePlayroomstoodattheprimenortheastcorner.Crawford'sGiant
CountryMarketwasjustacrossthestreet.Adozenrestaurantsandjukejoints
werejammedtogetherofftheintersection.
ResidentialElMonterannorth,southandwestofthere.Housesweresmall
andcameintwostyles:fauxranchandstuccocube.Mexicanswereisolatedina
stripcalledMedinaCourtandashacktownnamedHicksCamp.
MedinaCourtwasthreeblockslong.Thehousesthereweremadeof
cinderblockandscavengedwood.HicksCampwasjustacrossthePacificElectric
tracks.Thehousestherehaddirtfloorsandwerebuiltfromlumberrippedoff
ofoldboxcars.
Themovie_CarmenJones_wasshotatHicksCampinAMexicanslumwas
recastasaNegrosharecropperslum.Thesetdesignersdidnothavetochangea
singledetail.
MedinaCourtandHicksCampwerefullofwinosandhopheads.Afavored
HicksCampformofmurderwastogetyourvictimdrunkandlayhimonthe
railroadtracksforanoncomingfreighttodecapitate.
TheElMontePDhandledpatrolcallsandinvestigatedallcrimesshortof
murder.Therosterlistedtwentysixcops,amatronandaparkingmeterman.The
departmenthadarelativelycleanreputation.Localmerchantskepttheboyswell
lubedwithfoodstuffsandliquor.ElMontecopsalwaysshoppedintheir
uniforms.
Theguyspatrolledinonemancars.Theworkvibewasfriendlycaptains
andlieutenantsdrankwithplainoldharnessbulls.ThePDwasachoicejobyou
couldhelppeopleorbeatupwetbacksorpromotelotsofpussy,accordingto
yourinclination.
Theboysworeallkhakiuniformsanddrove'56FordInterceptors.They
repossessedcarsforlocaldealersandbeefedwiththeSheriff'sovervarious
chickenshitmatters.Halfthemensignedonunderapatronagesystem.Halfcame
inviacivilservice.
ThePDcededtheirmurderjobstoSheriff'sHomicide.Foraroughand
tumbletown,theygotveryfewsnuffs.
TwodykeylookingwomenkilledanElMontehousepainteronMarch30,
1953.Theman'snamewasLincolnFEddy.

18
EddyandDorotheaJohnsonspentthatdayboozinginseveralElMontebars.
TheystoppedatEddy'shouseinthelateafternoon.EddycoercedMissJohnson
intoablowjob.MissJohnsonwenthomeanddiscussedthematterwithher
roommate,MissViolaGale.Thewomengotaholdofarifleandwalkedbacktothe
Eddyhouse.
TheyshotLincolnEddy.Twoboysplayingcatchoutsidesawthementerand
leave.Theywerearrestedthenextmorning.Theyweretried,convictedand
sentencedtolengthyprisonterms.
OnMarch17,1956,Mr.WalterH.Depewdrovehiscarthroughthefront
wallofRay'sInnonValleyBoulevard.
Twomenwerestruckandkilled.Mr.Depew'sbroadsiderippedouta16foot
chunkofthefrontwallanda19footchunkattherear.Severalotherbar
patronswereseriouslyinjured.
Mr.DepewwasdrinkingatRay'sInnearlierintheday.Hiswifewasa
barmaidthere.Mr.Depewgotintoanargumentwiththeowner.Theownerejected
Mr.Depewafewhoursbeforetheincident.
Mr.Depewwasarrestedimmediately.Hewastried,convictedandsentenced
toashortprisonterm.
Sheriff'sHomicidehandledbothcases.TheirlastthreeElMontemurders
gotclearedinflickingrecordtime.
TheJeanEllroyjobwasrunninglongeralready.

The_Times_,_Express_and_Mirror_gaveitpagetwoplay.Itmadethe
localTVnewsforfiveseconds.
Theredheadratedzero.TheJohnnyStompanatosnuffwastherealgoods.
LanaTurner'sdaughtershankedJohnnybackinApril.Thestorywasstillhot
news.
The_Mirror_ranashotoftheredheadsmiling.TheTimesranapictureof
thekidjustafterthecopsgavehimtheword.JeanEllroywasthetwelfth
countymurdervictimof1958.
ArmandEllroywentdowntotheCoroner'sOfficeearlyMondaymorning.He
identifiedthebodyandsignedaHealthandSafetyCodeformtoreleaseitto
theUtterMcKinleyMortuary.Dr.GeraldK.Ridgeperformedtheautopsy:
Coroner'sCaseFile#353396/23/58.

19
Heascribedcauseofdeathto"asphyxiaduetostrangulationbyligature."
Hisanatomicsummarynotedthe"totallyocclusivedoubleligature"aroundthe
victim'sneck.Henotedthatthevictimwasinhermenstrualphase.Hissmear
forspermatozoaturneduppositive.Hefoundatamponattherearofthevaginal
vault.
Henotedthe"surgicalabsence"ofthevictim'srightnipple.He
diagrammedthescrapesonherhipsandkneesandthebruisesontheinsidesof
herthighs.Hedescribedthebodyasbeing"thatofawelldeveloped,well
nourished,unembalmedwhitefemale."Hisexternalexaminationnotescutstraight
tothetwogarrotes:

Thereisadoubletightlyocclusiveligatureabouttheneck,producing
deepgroovingofthesofttissues.Thisligatureiscomprisedofbothalength
ofapparentclotheslinecord,whichhasapparentlybeenplacedfirstaboutthe
neckandknottedtightlyintheleftposteriorregion.Theendsofthecordare
free,oneextremelyshortandapparentlyhavingbeenbrokenlooseattheknot,
whiletheotheroneisofmoderatelengthandextendsinferiorly.Apparently
appliedoverthefirstligatureisatightlyknottednylonstocking,theknot
likewiselocatedintheleftposteriorlateralsurface.Thenylonligature
overliesthelonglimboftheclotheslineligatureatthatpoint.Thenylon
stockingappearstohavebeentightlyaffixedbytheusualoverhandknotfirst
andintheformationofthesecondknot,onelimbofthefreeendhasbeen
loopedunderapartialslipknot,whichisquitetightlydrawnup.

Dr.Ridgeremovedtheligaturesandnotedthe"deeppallidgroove"around
theneck.Heshavedthevictimbaldanddescribedherheadtissuesas"Intensely
cyanoticandsuffusedwithdarkbluishpurplediscoloration."Hecutthescalp
downtotheskullandpulledtheflapsback.Hediagrammedelevenwoundsand
labeledthem"intensereddeepscalpecchymoses."
Thedoctorsawedoffthetopoftheheadandexaminedthevictim'sbrain
tissue.Heweigheditandfound"noevidencesofinjuryorotherintrinsic
abnormalities."Hecutopenthevictim'sstomachandfoundwholekidneybeans,
meatshards,orangeyellowmassesresemblingcarrotsorsquashandyellowish
massesresemblingcheese.
Heexaminedtherestofthebodyandfoundnootherevidenceoftrauma.He
tookabloodsampletobeheldforchemicalanalysisandremovedportionsofthe
vitalorgansforpotentialmicroscopicstudy.

20
Heextractedfoodparticlesfromthestomachtobeheldandanalyzed.He
frozethespermatozoasmeartobeheldandbloodtyped.
Atoxicologisttookabloodsampleandscreeneditforalcoholcontent.
Hisreadingwaslow:.08%.
Aforensicchemistcheckedthebody.Hefoundsmallwhitecarpetlike
fibersunderthevictim'srightmiddlefingernailandbaggedthemasevidence.
Hetookthetwogarrotes,thevictim'sdress,rightstockingandbrassiereto
theSheriff'sCrimeLab.Henotedthattheunraveledstranglingcordwas1
incheslongyethadtightenedto3inchesaroundthevictim'sneck.
Dr.RidgecalledWardHallinenandsummarizedhisfindings.Heconfirmed
asphyxiaasthecauseofdeathandsaidthatthevictimhadbeenstruckinthe
headatleastsixtimes.Shemayhavebeenunconsciouswhenshewasstrangled.
She'dengagedinrecentsexualintercourse.Shehadprobablyeatenafullmeal
onetotwohoursbeforeherdeath.ItwasmostlikelyMexicantypefoodshehad
partiallydigestedbeans,meatandcheeseinherstomach.
HallinenwrotetheinformationdownandcalledSheriff'sMetro.Helaid
outhiscasetothesquadlieutenantandrequestedtwomentocanvassbarsand
restaurantsintheElMonte/Rosemead/TempleCityarea.Thelieutenantsaidhe'd
sendoutBill\/ickersandFrankGodfrey.Hallinensaidtheyshouldstressthree
things:
ThevictimateMexicanstylefoodSaturdaynightorveryearlySunday
morning.ShemighthavebeenoutwithaMexicanoraLatintypeCaucasian
possiblynamedTommy.Thevictimwasredheadedthetwoprobablystoodout.
Thelieutenantpromisedpriorityservice.Hallinensaidhe'dbeout
canvassinghimself.

LawtonandHallinenconnectedattheElMonteStation.Theysplitupand
startedworkingseparatecanvassingbeats.
JimBrutonteamedupwithCaptainAlEtzel.Theydroveto700Bryantand
reinterviewedGeorgeandAnnaMayKrycki.Mrs.KryckistucktoherJeandidn't
drink/Jeandidn'tgooutwithmenstory.ShesaidthatJeanansweredanewspaper
adandrentedthelittlebackhouseimpulsively.Jeanlikedthefencedinyard
andthickfoliage.Shesaidtheplacefeltsafetoher.TheKryckishadahunch
thatJeanwashidingoutinElMonte.

21
Jeandidnothaveatelephone.SheusedtheKryckis'phoneforlocalcalls
andmadeherothercallsatwork.TheKryckisreceivedafewcalls_to_her.
Theywerestrictlycallsrelatedtoherjob.
BrutonaskedMrs.KryckiifshehadanymorephotosofJean.Shegavehim
sixKodachromesnapshots.Etzelaskedhertogothroughthebungalowwiththem.
TheyneededtoinventoryJean'sthingsanddeterminetheshoesandpurseshehad
withherSaturdaynight.
Mrs.KryckiwalkedBrutonandEtzelthroughthehouseandexaminedthe
victim'sbelongings.ShedrewablankonthepurseandsaidJean'sclearplastic
highheelsweremissing.
BrutonandEtzeldrovetotheElMonteStationanddroppedthesnapshots
offforreprinting.
HallinenmetupwithLawton.
Theircanvassingrunswereunsuccessful.Theyhitnumerousbarsand
nightclubsbutnobodyrecalledaredheadandadarkmanoutSaturdaynight.
TheydrovetotheAirtekDynamicsplant.Itwasjustsouthofdowntown
L.A.abigsixstorystructure.ThepersonneldirectorwasnamedRuthSchienle.
She'dheardaboutthekilling.Shesaidthenewswasbuzzingallover
Airtek.ShesaidshewasfriendlywithJean.JeanwasawelllikedAirtek
employee.
AirtekwasadivisionofthePackmeyrGunCompany.Theymanufactured
windowcasingsformilitaryplanes.Jeanwastheplantnurse.Shehiredonin
September'56.
Mrs.SchienlesaidsheknewverylittleaboutJean'sprivatelife.
HallinenandLawtonpressedher.
ShesaidJeanhadveryfewclosefriends.Shewasnotmuchofasocializer
andonlyanoccasionaldrinker.Herfriendsweremostlyoldercouples,dating
backtothetimeofhermarriage.
HallinenandLawtondescribedtheblondeandthedarkman.Mrs.Schienle
saidtheydidn'tsoundlikeAirtekpeopleoranyofthefriendsJeantoldher
about.ThenameTommydidnotringabell.
HallinenandLawtonleftheracardandsaidthey'dbeintouch.Theytold
hertocallifshepickeduponanythingsuspicious.
Mrs.Schienleassuredthemshe'dcooperate.HallinenandLawtonheaded
backtoElMonte.

22
TheMetropolitanDetailwasaloanoutunit.Ithadonefunction:to
assisttheHeadquartersDetectiveBureauinmajorinvestigations.Theassigned
deputiesworeplainclothesandwereskilledatcanvassing.
FrankGodfreylockedintotheEllroycaseonMondayafternoon.Bill
Vickerswassettostartsoon.
Godfreycanvassedwithaphotoofthevictim.Hequeriedwaitresses,
carhops,bartenders,restaurantandcocktailloungemanagers.Hestressedthe
redhead,theblondeandadarkmanwhomightbenamedTommy.Hesaidtheredhead
orderedMexicanfoodorachilisizewithcheese.
HehitStaat'sCafeatMeekerandValley.Awaitresssaidtheredhead
lookedfamiliar.ShesaidapartyoffourcameinSaturdaynightandordered
chilisizes.PearlPendletonwaitedonthem.
Pearlwasofftoday.Godfreygothernumberfromthemanagerandcalled
her.PearllistenedtohisquestionsandsaidthatnoneofherSaturdaynight
customersresembledthepeoplehedescribed.
GodfreyhitDick'sDriveInatRosemeadandLasTunas.Nobodytherewas
workingSaturdaynightintoSundaymorning.Themanagerwasnotonthepremises.
Acarhopgavehimsomenames:Marlene,Kathy,KittyJohnson,Suethe
countergirl.TheywereallworkingSaturdaySundaygraveyardandwouldbe
rotatingbackondutyWednesday.
GodfreywalkedacrossthestreetandcheckedouttheClockDriveIn.The
managersaidnoneofhisondutycrewwasworkinglateSaturdaynightorearly
Sunday.Hecheckedhis6/21rosterandkickedloosesomenamesandnumbers:two
diningroomgirls,onehostess,onecountergirlandfourcarhops.
GodfreycircledovertoFivePointsandhitStan'sDriveIn.Themanager
saidhisSaturdaySundaygirlswerealloffnow.Godfreywrotedowntheirnames
andhomenumbers:
EveMcKinley/ED36733;Ellen"Nicky"Nichols/ED36442;Lavonne"Pinky"
Chambers/ED76686.
Itwas4:00p.m.GodfreyswungsouthonGarveyandstoppedattheMelody
Room.
TheownerintroducedhimselfasClyde.HeheardoutGodfrey'squestions
andtoldhimtocontactBernieSnyder,thenightbarman.Bernieclosedtheplace
at2:00a.m.Sunday.CallBernieandtalktohim.
Acustomerbuttedin.Hesaid_he_washereSundaymorningand_he_sawa
ponytailedblondehuddledupwithadarkhairedguy.Theguywasthirtyto
thirtyflve;Theponytailandhimwereactingrealnervous.

23
ClydesaidtheponytailsoundedlikearegularnamedJo.Sheworkedfor
Dun&BradstreetinL.A.Hecalledthewomana"barlizard."Thedarkhairedguy
didn'tcomeofffamiliaratall.
Godfreytookdownthecustomer'snameandphonenumber.Clydeurgedhimto
callBernieSnyderBernieknewallthefaces.
Godfreycalledfromthebar.Bernie'swifeanswered.ShesaidBernie
wouldn'tbebackuntil5:30tryhimthen.
Itwas4:30p.m.Mostofyourlocalnightspotsdidn'topenuntil6:00or
7:00.Godfreywasrunningupalongphonecalllist.

TheDesertInnwasahillbillyjoint.ItusedtobecalledtheJungleRoom
andChet'sRendezvous.MyrtleMawbyboughttheplaceforherkidbrother,Ellis
Outlaw.EllisrenameditOutlaw'sHideout.
ElliswasalwaysintroublewiththecopsandthefuckingInternalRevenue
Service.TheFedsshuthimdownforskimmingwithholdingmoneyfromhis
employeesthenlethimreopensohecouldpayoffhisdebt.EllisbrainedAl
Manganiellowithabottlebackin'55andnarrowlyavoidedajailstretch.He
justcouldn'tmaketheHideoutturnasteadyprofit.
HesolditbacktoChetWilliamson.ChetrenamedittheDesertInnandlet
Ellisrunit.Elliscamefromabarkeepingfamily.HissisterMyrtleshother
husbandintheearonceandgottwococktailbarsintheensuingdivorce
settlement.
EllisownedthebungalowsbehindtheDesertInnparkinglot.HispalAl
Manganiellorentedaflopfromhim.Ellisranasmallhandbookoutofthebar.
HetookactiononalltheracesatHollywoodParkandSantaAnita.
EllisgotpoppedfordrunkdrivinginMayof'57.TwoElMontecopssaid
hetriedtobribethemnicecoiniftheyshitcannedthearrestreport.Acouple
ofEllis'buddiesofferedthembackupbribes.
Thebribeofferswererelativechumpchange.Thethingescalatedintoa
hicktowncauseclbre.
Elliswasconvictedfordrunkdriving.Appealskepthimoutofjailfor
overayear.Ellisandhispalsbeatthebriberyrap.
ThedrunkdrivingappealsranoutonJune19th.Ajudgeconfirmedthe
conviction.ElliswasorderedtoappearforsentencingonJune27th.
TheDesertInnwasvenerablyshitkickerandhighclassbyElMonte
standards.

24
SpadeCooleyplayedthereonhiswaydownfromlocalTVThequasiInk
SpotsplayedthereontheirpostVegasslide.
Negrocustomersgotthebum'srush.Spicsgotawarywelcomeifthey
didn'tshowupenmasse.
TheDesertInnwasagoodplacetodrinkandscoutnookie.TheDesertInn
wassafeandcivilizedby1958ElMontestandards.

JimBrutonmetHallinenandLawtonatthebar.Itwas6:30p.m.
TheyhitAlManganielloupfortheDesertInnguestbook.Alshowedthema
ledgerfilledwithnamesandaddresses.Theyskimmeditandfoundtwomennamed
Tom.
TomDowney:4817AzusaCanyonRoad,BaldwinPark.TomBaker:5013North
LarryStreet,BaldwinPark.
Alsaidhedidn'tknowTomBaker.TomDowneywasmoretheirspeedsortof
aslickdarkhairedguyliketheonetheysaidwasdancingwiththeredhead.
Hallinen,LawtonandBrutondrovetoDowney'saddress.Awomananswered
thedoorandID'dherselfasMrs.Downey.
ShesaidTomwasstillatworkhesoldFordsatElMonteMotors.He
shouldbehomeinafewminutes.
Theytoldherthey'dbebacklaterandstakedoutthehouseinBruton's
car."Afewminutes"stretchedtonineandahalfhours.
Theycalleditquitsat5:00a.m.Brutonradioedthestationandtoldthem
todispatchapatrolunittorelievethestakeout.
Ablack&whitearrivedfiveminuteslater.BrutondroveHallinenand
LawtonbacktotheDesertInntogettheircars.Everybodydispersedandwent
home.
ThepatrolguyswatchedtheDowneyhouse.TomDowneyshoweduptwenty
minutesintotheirstakeout.
Thepatrolguysgrabbedhim.TheyradioedtheElMonteswitchboardand
toldtheoperatortorouseCaptainBruton.
TomDowneywaspissedoffandbewildered.Thepatrolguysdrovehimtothe
ElMonteStationandplacedhiminaninterviewroom.
JimBrutonwalkedin.HisfirstimpressionofTomDowney:Thisguyistoo
stockytobeoursuspect.
Brutonquestionedhim.Downeysaidhewasoutchasingcuntandboywashe
tired.BrutontoldhimtorundownhisSaturdaynightactivities.

25
DowneysaidhewasattheDesertInnontwodifferentoccasions.Thefirst
timewasbetween8:00and9:00.HesatatatablewithBenGrissmanandanother
guywhiletheyatetheirdinner.
Benandtheotherguyleft.Hestayedanothertenminutesorso.Hehita
fewmorespots,returnedtotheDesertInnandhadtwodrinks.Hecasheda20
dollarcheckwiththebartenderandsplitjustpriortomidnight.Hewentto
anotherbarandmetupwithafriend.TheydrovetoasteakhouseinCovinaand
hadalatesupper.Hegothomereallate.
Brutondescribedthevictim,theblondeandthedarkman,andplacedthem
attheDesertInnroughlyconcurrentwithDowney'svisits.Downeysaidhedidn't
noticeanybodyresemblingthem.
Brutonwrotedown"BenGrissman"andgotthenameofDowney'sotherbuddy.
HetoldDowneythatsomeSheriff'smenmightwanttotalktohim.
Downeypledgedhiscooperation.Brutonsenthimhomeinapatrolcar.

AletterarrivedattheElMonteStationTuesdaymorning.Itwasscrawled
onthebackofabankdepositslipandanemployee'stimeclocksheet.

ElMonteChiefofPolice 6/23/58

DearSir,
Iwouldsuggest,inrelationtoyourlatestrapemurder(thatIreadabout
intoday'spaper)youshouldquestionE.Ponce,aTVrepairman,worksfor
Dorn's,livesinMontereyPark.ThisisrathernearElMonteandmywifecharges
thatherapedherinApriloflastyear,inmyhome.Healsothreatenedherat
thattimeandtherestofthefamily.Ourmatterisinthecourtsatthistime.
HeisatallslimMexican,verypronouncedaccent.Makehimaccountforhis
actionsandoranyothersofasimilarnature,asheissoinclined.
AskPonceifhewasacquaintedwiththenursethatwasraped&murdered.
FindoutifsheeverboughtaTVorhadotherdealingswithDorn's,andifPonce
hadeverrepairedsetsoranyotherapplianceforher.LookatDorn'sbooksand
hours.Makehimaccountforhistimeonthenightofthecrime.Substantiated.
Askmetoidentifyhim,justasifIhadseenherwithhim.Letmegetaclose
look.

26
Theletterwassigned"LesterA.Eby,17152CiresAvenue,Fontana,Calif."
TheChief'ssecretarycalledInformationandgottheaccompanyingphonenumber:
VA27814.Shewroteitatthebottomofthetimeclocksheetandcalled
Informationback.
Sheaskedforalistingon"E.Ponce"inMontereyPark.Theoperatorgave
hertheonlyoneshehad:EmilPonce,320EastFernfleldDrive,PAI3047.She
wrotetheinformationdownbelowtheinformant'snameandplacedtheletterin
CaptainBruton'sbox.

RuthSchienlecalledSheriff'sHomicideTuesdaymorning.Shelefta
detailedmessageforWardHallinenandJackLawton.Thephonemanwroteitdown
onthebackofateletypeslip.

MissSchienlerptdthatHenryKurtz,4144IrvingP1.,CulverCityNE8
5888,didnotrptforworklastnightandhadphonedinthathewouldnotbein
tonight(6/2LJJ58).HenryF.Kurtz/MW/3942/5'8"220/brownhair

ThephonemanplacedtheslipinJackLawton'sbox.

JimBrutoncalledFrankGodfreyTuesdaymorning.Hetoldhimtohustle
downtoBreaandtalktoaMexicangirlnamedCarmenContreras.Theygotatip
thatsheknewaDesertInnhabitunamedTommy.Thegirl'saddresswas248
SouthPoplar.
GodfreydrovetoOrangeCountyandfoundtheaddress.Thegirl'smother
senthimovertotheBeckmanInstrumentCompanyCarmen'splaceofemployment.
GodfreytalkedtoCarmen.CarmensaidsheknewamannamedTommybutshe
didn'tknowhislastname.HewasaCaucasian,30to40,5'6"to5'7".Hewas
darkcomplectedandhadbrowneyesanddarkcurlyhair.
CarmenthoughthelivedinBaldwinPark.Hewasmarriedbutwastryingto
obtainadivorce.Hedrovea'57Mercurycoupe,pinkoverwhite.Hetoldherhe
usedtoowna'52Olds.HeworkedforafloorinstallationcompanyinTemple
City.HehungoutattheIvanhoeinTempleCityandtheDesertInninElMonte.
Helikedtositatthebarortablehop.HetookhertoanItalianplaceon
Valleyacoupleoftimes.Shehadn'tseenTommyinawhile.

27
Godfreygaveheracard.HetoldhertocallhimifshedredgedupTommy's
lastname.Carmensaidshewould.
GodfreycalledJimBrutonandrantheinterviewbyhim.Brutonsaidhe'd
checkouttheIvanhoe.

AnanonymoustipstercalledtheTempleCitySheriff'sTuesdaymorning.He
saidthis"Johnny"guymightbetheonewhochokedthatnurse.
ThetipstersaidJohnnyfrequentedtheDesertInn.Hedroveapinkand
whiteOldsHolidayandconsideredhimselfa"loverboy."Hewaswhite,30to35,
5'8"withamediumbuild.Hehadblackhairandadarkcomplexion.Hehadanex
girlfriendnamedPatriciaFields.
ThedesksergeantrelayedtheinformationtoBillVickers.Vickersfounda
phonelistingforPatriciaFieldsandcalledher.

MissFieldstoldhimthatJohnnyhadbeenworkingoverseassinceDecember.
She'dbeencorrespondingwithhimsincethattime.Vickersaskedherifshe
couldverifyit.MissFieldstoldhimtocallPeggyNarucore.Hernumberwas
GI32638.
Vickerscalledthenumber.PeggyNarucoreconfirmedMissFields'story.

Itwasmidafternoon.
FrankGodfreyandBillVickerswerecanvassingbarsandrestaurants.Ward
HallinenandJackLawtonwerereinterviewingthevictim'sexhusbandandson.
Theirapartmentwassmallandhot.Theysataroundasmallkitchentable.
ArmandEllroymentionedthefuneralnextweek.He'darrangedfora
ministerandburialatInglewoodCemetery.Jean'ssisterandherhusbandwere
flyinginfromMadison,Wisconsin.He'dbetakinghisboybacktoElMontenext
Mondaytopickuphisthings.
HallinenandLawtonaskedtheboysomequestions.
Didyourmotherknowablondwomanwithaponytail?Didyoueverseeher
withaMexicanmanoradarkwhiteman?Whowereherfriendsatwork?Didshe
makeanyfriendssinceyoumovedtoElMonte?_WhydidshemovetoElMonte?_
TheboysaidhismotherliedaboutthemovetoElMonte.Shesaidshe
wantedhimtoliveinahouse,notanapartment.Heknewshewaslying.

28
HelikedSantaMonica.ElMontescaredhim.Hedidn'tunderstandwhythey
movedsofaraway.
Hedidn'tknowanyblondwoman.Hedidn'tknowanyMexicanguyordark
whiteguy.Hedidn'tknowhismother'sworkfriends.Healreadytoldthemabout
HankHartandPeterTubiolo.Mrs.Kryckiwashismother'sfriendheknewthat.
Lawtonaskedhimifhismotherdrankliquor.
TheboysaidshedrankalotofEarlyTimesbourbon.

JimBrutongotacallTuesdayevening.TheTempleSheriff'sforwardeda
tip:TommyjustshowedupattheIvanhoe.
BrutonarrangedforaSheriff'sunittotransporthimtotheElMonte
Station.Hesetupaninterviewroomwithaonewayglassmirrorandcalled
MyrtleMawby.Sheagreedtocomeinandviewthesuspect.
TwodeputiesbroughtTommyin.ItwasTomBakerfromtheDesertInnguest
book.BrutonhadhimrundownhisSaturdaynight.
BakersaidhewenttotheracesatHollywoodPark.Hestayedthroughthe
seventhraceanddrovetoarestaurantonFlorenceandRosemead.Hehadaburger
anddrovetohisplaceinBaldwinPark.Hespenttherestoftheevening
watchingTVwithhislandlordandthelandlord'sson.HewasnotattheDesert
InnSaturdaynight.
MyrtleMawbyobservedTomBaker.ShetoldBrutonthathewasnottheman
shesawwiththeredhead.
TomBakerwasreleased.ApatrolcardrovehimbacktotheIvanhoe.

Itwas8:00p.m.
VickersandGodfreywereoveratTemplecallingbartendersandcarhopsat
home.HallinenandLawtonwerecallingoutfromtheElMonteStation.
TheyweretryingtolocateMargieTrawickandMikeWhittaker.Theyneeded
themtosubmitformalstatementstonight.
TheyfoundMargieatherparents'house.TheyfoundMikeattheMelody
Roomandtoldhimthey'dsendacarforhim.TheyarrangedforaSheriff's
stenographertocomeouttothestation.
Thedesksergeantinterruptedthem.Hesaidatipjustcameinacarhop
atStan'smighthaveseensomethingSaturdaynight.

29
LavonneChamberswaswearingaredandgolduniform.HallinenandLawton
interviewedherinthemanager'scubbyhole.
Stan'swascircularandspaceagemodern.Aneonspirepokedoutofthe
roof.Thelotbehinditwashugecarscouldstackupthreerowsdeepandflash
theirlightsforservice.
Lavonnesaidsheheardaradiobroadcast.Shehemmedandhawedforadayor
soandtoldhershiftbosswhatsheknew.HecalledtheSheriff'sforher.
HallinenandLawtoncoaxedheralittle.Lavonnerelaxedandtoldthemher
story.
Sherecognizedthedescriptionontheradio.Sherememberedtheredhead
fromherdressdowntoherpearlring.Shewascertainthatsheservedthe
redheadandherdate_twice_SaturdaynightandSundaymorning.
Theycameinshortlyafter10:00.Thewomanorderedagrilledcheese
sandwich;themanorderedcoffee.Themanwasdriving.Thecarwasa'55or'56
Oldssedan.Itwastwotonegreenwiththelightergreenprobablyontop.The
manwasverythin,35to40,withblackhaircombedstraightback.Helooked
likehemightbeofGreekorItalianextraction.

Thewomanactedlighthearted.Shemighthavebeenintoxicated.Theman
actedboredandreserved.
Theyateanddroveoff.Theyreturnedbetween2:00and2:45a.m.They
parkedinoneofherstallsagain.
Theredheadorderedchiliandbeans.Themanorderedcoffee.Shewasstill
lighthearted.Hewasstillboredandreserved.Theyate,paidupanddroveoff.
HallinenandLawtondisplayedthevictim'scoatcoveredwithforensic
tagsnow.LavonneChambersID'dtheliningimmediately.SheID'daphotoofthe
victimjustasfast.Sheagreedtosubmitaformalstatementtomorrowbutonly
atherhouse.Shecouldn'tleaveherchildrenalone.
HallinenandLawtonsetupa3:30appointment.Lavonnewentonandon
abouttheredheadshewassoprettyandseemedsonice.

MikeWhittaker'sformalstatementwasamess.
Hekeptpleadingdrunkenness.Hepeggedthe43yearoldredheadedvictim
asabrunetteinher20s.HecalledtheponytailedblondeaMexicangirl.

30
Hisstorywasvagueandfilledwithmemorygaps.Hekeptcontradictinghis
Sundaynightstatement.Hisonechronologicalframeofreferencewasthemoment
hefelloffhischair.
Theinterviewconcludedat9:35p.m.
MikeWhittakerwalkedout.MargieTrawickwalkedin.

STATEMENTOFMARGIETRAWICK.TAKENATTHEEL
MONTEPOLICEDEPARTMENT,505EASTVALLEYBOULEVARD,ELMONTE.PRESENT:SERGEANT
W.E.HALLINEN,
SERGEANTJ.G.LAWTON.9:41P.M.,JUNE24,1958.FOR

FILE#Z483362.REPORTEDBY:DORAA.BRITTON,

STENOGRAPHICREPORTER.

BYSGT.HALLINEN:

Q Whatisyourfullname?
A MargieTrawick.

Q Doyouhaveamiddlename?
A Yes,themiddlenameisLucille.

Q Areyousometimesknownbyanotherlastname?
A MymaidennamewasPhillips.

Q Wheredoyoulive?
A 413CourtAdairStreet,ElMonte.

Q Doyouhaveatelephone?
A Gilbert81136.

Q MayIaskyourage?
A IwasthirtysixaweekagolastSaturdaythe14thofJune.

Q Whodoyouliveatthataddresswith?

31
A Myparents,Mr.andMrs.F.W.Phillips.

Q Areyouworkingatthepresenttime?
A Rightnow,no.Idohaveanemployer.I'moffonsick
leaveatpresent.

Q Whoisyouremployer?
A Tubesales,2211TubewayAvenue,LosAngeles22.

Q Didyouhavepreviousemploymentasawaitress?
A Yes.Waitress.MostlyhostessattheDesertInn,11721
EastValleyBoulevard,ElMonte,right.

Q Howlongwereyouemployedthere?
A Approximatelynineyears.Notsteadyatanytime,whenever
theyneededme.Whenbusinesswasrealgood.

Q Whenwasyourlastdateofemployment?
A Let'ssee,IwenttothehospitalMay6thanditwas
theSaturdaynightbeforethatTuesday.

Q ReferringtoSaturdaynight,June21stintheevening,
doyourecallthisdate?
A Yes,Ido.

Q Wouldyoutellusyourmovementsstartingwith
approximately10:00p.m.ofthatdate?
A Ileftmyhomeatabout,betweenfiveandtenminutes
after10:00,wentdirectlytotheDesertInn.

Q Pardonme,whattypeofplaceistheDesertInn?
A It'sanightclub,strictly.Dancinganddinnerhouse.

Q WhattimedidyouarriveattheDesertInn?
A Iwouldsayabout10:15,to10:20.Justwhattimeit
wouldtakemetodrivefromherestraightthere.

32
Q Wheredidyousit?
A Thetabledirectlyinfrontofthebarnexttothe
servicestation.

Q Byservicestationyoumeantherewherethegirls
obtaintheirdrinksforservicetothecustomers?
A That'sright.

Q Whilesittingatthattabledidyouviewtheroom
andit'scustomers?
A Yes,asit'shabitwithme.

Q Couldyoutellusabouttheconditionastomovement
ofcustomersandanyoneinparticularthatyounoticed?
A Thereweresixpeopleattwotablespulledtogether
directlyonthefrontrownexttothedancefloor.

Q Didyourecognizeanyofthesepeople?
A AsregularcustomersoftheDesertInn,yes.

Q Canyounamethem?
A Icannot.

Q Didyounoticeanyoneatthebar?
A Yes,therewasthecoloredsingersittingonthe
stoolnexttotheservicestation.Therewastwo
othermenatthebar.

Q Wouldyouknowtheirnames?
A OnlyonethatIknowasCliff.He'sthemanthat
leftwithmeat11:30.

Q YouarereferringtowhenyoulefttheDesertInn
at11:30p.m.?
A Yes,that'sright.

33
Q Anyothersyourecognizedorcanname,sittingat
anyofthetableswithinyourview?
A TherewasadancerthatusedtodanceatthePioneer,
astripper,Imean,andIdon'tknowwhetherit'sher
husbandoragent,butheisalwayswithher,sitting
directlynexttome.Therewasanotherregularsitting
atthecentertableunderthemirroronthesidewall.
Theywereregulars.Therewerefourpeopleatthethird
tablenexttothedancefloor.Idon'tknowthem,but
theyhavebeeninthereanumberoftimes.Therewasa
youngcoupledirectlybehindthem.TheyoungfellowI've
seen.ThegirlIhadnot.

Q Asyourecallthesepeoplewithinyourviewatthetables,
approximatelywhattimewasit?
A ThiswasatthetimethatIwentin.

Q Didanyoneelseseatthemselvesorcomeintotheplace
thatyoutookparticularnoticeof?
A Twogirls.Onearedheadandoneis,Icalladishwater
blonde,cameinandsatdownatthecentertable,centerrow.

Q Wouldyoudescribethesetwoladies?
A Theredheadwasveryattractive.IcallitaTitianred.
Idon'tknowwhatyoumightcallit.Notadarkred,nota
lightred.Verynicelydressedandanavybluedusterdress.
Dressofprint,thedusterlinedwiththesamematerialas
thedress.Theoutsideofthedusternavyblue.Atthetime
thattheysatdown,thewaitress,whichisaverydearfriend
ofmine,wastalkingtoacustomeratthebar.

Q Whatisthewaitress'sname?
A MyrtleMawby.

Q Withreferencetotheredheadedgirl,canyoudescribeher
astoapproximateage,heightandweight?
A Iwouldsayshewasfortyyearsold.Iwouldjudgeherto

34
be5'5",herweightI'dsayishardformetojudge.Idon't
believeIstatedherexactweight,possiblybetween125to
130pounds.

Q Didyounoticeanyjewelryonthisgirl?
A Ididnot.

Q Didyounoticeanythingelsethatmightbedistinguishing?
A ThereasonInoticedthegirlinparticularwaswhenshe
pulledhercoatofftodancewithafellowthatwalkedup
tothetable.

Q Canyoudescribetheothergirlsittingatthetable?
A Shewasadishwaterblonde,hadashortthreequarterlength,
beigeortancoatonacrosshershoulders.Shehadonflat
heelshoesanduntilIsawherdance,that'sasmuchofa
description.Dancing,aboutherweight,Ijudgedhertobe
heavierthantheredheadbyfiveortenpounds.Shewashippy
orbroadacrossthehips.

Q Herage?
A Aboutthesameastheotherlady,aboutfortyyearsold.

O Height?
A Aboutthesameastheredhead.Shehadonflatheels.The
redheadhadhighheels.

BYSGT.LAWTON:

Q Didyounoticetheshoesoftheredhead?
A No,Ididnot.

Q Didtheredheadappeartobeintoxicated?
A Neitheroneofthemappearedthatway.

35
BYSGT.HALLINEN:

Q Afterthetwogirlsyouhavejustdescribedsatatthe
table,whathappenednext?
A IcalledMrs.Mawby'sattentionthatshehadtwocustomers
andshefinishedherconversationwiththegentlemanatthe
bar.InthemeantimeatallthinMexicanfellowwalkedto
thebackofthechairoftheredhead.Ididnothearhimask
hertodance.Sheimmediatelyarosefromherchair.

Q Beforeyougoon,canyoudescribethispersonalittlemore
fully?
A Iwouldsayhewasbetween5'9"and6'tall,verythinbody
stature,thininface.Darkhair,slickedback.Quiteslickeddown.

Q Wasthereanywavetothishair?
A No.

Q Wasthereanypart?
A No,itwasarecedingforeheadonbothsideshere.

Q Whattypeclothes,ifyourecall?
A Darksuit.Darksportshirt,wornopenatthethroatwiththe
collaroutofthesuitcoat.

Q Didyounoticeanythingwhiteorlightonthisman?
A Ididnot.

Q Theage?
A Iwouldsaythathewasn't,hewasaroundthesameageasthe
womenthere.

Q Approximatelyfortyyearsofage?
A Yes,sir.Betweenthatandfortyfive.

36
Q Didyouhearanyoftheconversationwhenhecametothetable?
A No,Ididnot.

Q Didyouhaveanyimpressionastowhetherthismankneweither
oneofthegirls?
A Itseemedtomethathewasamemberoftheparty.Itlooked
thatway.

Q Andyouobtainedthatimpressionfromwhat?
A Fromthewayheapproachedtheredhead.Shearosefromher
chair,shetookhercoatoff,hehelpedherfoldit,liningout,
putitacrossthebackofthechairandwenttothedancefloor.

Q Atthistimeitlefttheothergirlwiththeponytailsitting
aloneatthetable?
A MissMawbystartedthentotaketheirorderandcamebackand
stoodbymytablebecauseshehadtowaittoseewhetherthey
werealloldenoughbeforeshecouldserveanydrinkstothat
table.Whathappenednext,shetooktheirorder;onebeer,two
highballs.Iheardhercall,"Tall,"thenIknewoneofthem
hadatalldrink.

Q Atthistimetherewerethreeatthetable?
A Yes.

Q Whatisyournextrecollectionastotheproceedings?
A ThenextrecollectionwasofMikecomingoffthedancefloor
withtheblonde.

Q Youdon'tknowhisname?
A No,Ididn'tatthetime.

Q YouhavesincelearnedhisnameisMike?
A Yes.

Q Iwishtogobackjustasmallwaysinthisstatementand

37
askyouifyoucanrecalltheapproximatetimethatthetwo
girlsarrivedatandsatatthetableyoudescribed?
A IwouldsayIhadbeenthereatleastahalfhour,which
wouldmakeitaboutquarterto11:00.

Q WouldyoudescribethepersonyounowknowasMike?
A Well,hehaslightbrownhair.Iwouldcallhimblonde
becauseofhisfacialfeatures.Hestrikesmeasablonde.
Youngfellow,23,24yearsold.Hadadarkshirtwithnavy
blueorblack.Thethingmostnoticeabletomewasthatit
wassloppy.Itwasunbuttonedallthewaydownthefront.
Darktrousersandfabricshoeson,kindoflighttennisshoes.

Q Thisisthesamedescriptionyourelatedtouspriorto
knowingthatthisperson'snamewasMike?
A That'sright.

Q WhatdidMikedo?
A Inreferencetoaskingmetodancehewalkedinthefront
door,walkedtothebarandorderedabeer,thencameupto
mytableandaskedmeifIwouldliketodance,andItold
himthenumberwastoofast.ThenheaskedmewouldIdance
aslowoneandItoldhim,"No,thankyou."Hebecamevery
belligerentandaskedmedidIevenknowhowtodanceatall.
Hewentbacktothebar,pickeduphisbeerandwalkedtothe
cornertablethatseparatesthecocktailloungefromthefood
sideoftheplace.ThewaitressImadetheremarktothe
waitressthathewasbelligerentandlookedratheryoungto
me.Shewentandcameback,gavehimacleanashtrayandclean
napkin,camebacktomytableandsaid,"No,he'splentyold
enough."AshortwhilelaterInoticedthathewasdancingwith
theponytailblondethatwassittingatthecentertable,
centerrowwiththeredhead.

Q DidyounoticeMikegotothetablepriortodancingwith
thegirlwiththeponytail?
A No,whenIsawhimsittingatthetablewiththepartyat

38
thattimethatmadefourofthem;theMexican,theyoung
fellow,andthetwogirls.

Q Doyourecallinrelationtothelocationofthebarwhat
thepositionofthefourpeoplewere?
A Thetwogirlshadtheirbackstome.

Q Whichwouldmaketheirbackstowhichsideoftheroom?
A Theirbackswereatthenorth.Theywerefacingthedance
floor.Mike'schairwaspulledincloseatananglewhere
hecouldwatchthedancefloor,closertotheponytailblonde.

Q Whichwouldbethewestside?
A Yes,west.TheMexicanfellowwasstillfacingme.That
wouldmakehimfacenorth.

Q Andthebarandthegirls?
A That'sright.

Q AndontheeastsideofMike?
A Yes.

Q Didyouseeanymoredrinksorderedforthetable?
A Ionlysawthewaitressservetworoundsofdrinks.

Q Doyourecallwhoorderedthoserounds?
A No,Idon't.

Q Didyounoticetheconditionastointoxicationofthe
fourpeoplesittingatthistable?
A TheyoungfellownowknownasMikewasquiteintoxicated.
Theotherthreepeople,no.

Q Didbothmendancewiththetwogirls?
A AfterthatIdidn'tpayparticularattentionbecause
Ileftat11:30.

39
Q Theywereallfoursittingatthetablewhenyouleft?
A Yes,sir.

Q DidyougooutoftheDesertInnwithsomeone?
A Yes,Idid.

Q Anditwasapproximately11:30whenyouleft?
A That'sright.

Q Didyoureturnatanytimethatevening?
A Tenminutestoone.Ibroughtthesamefellowback.
Tookhimtocollectmoneythatwasowedtohim.

Q Whattimedidyouarriveback?
A Tentoone.

Q Didyounoticetheconditionastotheoccupancyofthe
tableandthebaroftheDesertInn?
A Itwaspracticallyemptyonthecocktailloungeside.

Q Didyounoticethetableyouhavepreviouslydescribed
ashavingthefourpeoplethere?
A Itwasempty.

Q Didyouseeanyofthosepeoplepreviouslydescribed
intherestaurant?
A No,Ididnot.

Q Howlongdidyoustaythere?
A Justafewveryfewminutes.

Q Andthenyouleft?
A ThenIwenthome,yes.

40
BYSERGEANTLAWTON:

Q ThistallorthinMexicanmanthatyouhavedescribed,
ifyousawhimagain,wouldyoubeabletoidentifyhim?
A IbelieveIcould.Hewassothininhere,youmightthink
hehadnoteethuntilyousawhimsmile.

Q Youareindicatingthejawarea?
A Yes.

Q He'stheonethataskedtheredheadtodance?
A Yes.Ididn'thearhimaskher.

Q Buttheydanced?
A Yes.

Q He'stheoneyougottheimpressionthattheykneweachother?
A That'sright.

Q Thankyouverymuch.

STATEMENTCONCLUDEDAT10:10P.M.

TwolettersarrivedattheElMonteStationWednesdaymorning.Bothwere
addressedtotheChiefofPolice.
ThefirstletterwastypedandpostmarkedFullerton,California.

WehavebeentrailingMr.C.S.I.fromSantaAnaandsawhimthrowthat
body,redhairgirlfromhisora1954Plymouthtwotonesalmonpink,chocolate
browncarthatevening.YouseehehasapolicerecordatvariousSouthern
California'sPoliceDept.andhasthreatenedseverallives.Weconsiderhim
TRASHandheistheoneyouarelookingfor.KI28114willtellyousomemore.

41
Theletterwassigned"EyeWitness,PeggyJane,Mr.andMrs.Virgil
Gaibraith,Fullerton."
ThesecondletterwaspostmarkedLosAngeles.Itwashandwritten.
"ConsiderHerWays"wasprintedonthefrontoftheenvelope.

Soshallthypovertycomeasonethattravallethandthywantasanarmed
man.
Olgawasraisedinahouseofillfame,fromotherprosshelearnedall
aboutburglary,robbery,theft,andthethiefislikeamurderer.Hertrail
leadspastholdupsofbanksthe9thandSpringcashierwithinrecentmonths
aswellasa"Job"ofabankinSanFranciscoknownlocallyasGrandma.She
disguiseshavingbeenaroundthemoviestudiosandanelevatoroperatoratthe
Ambassador,fromthelatterandmaidworkshedevelopedthetheftandmurder
techniquesheworkedoutinHollywoodtokillawomaninahotel,Mrs.
Greenwald,MissEppersonandawomaninanL.A.hotel.Numerousothermurdersa
StepanovichinMacArthurParkinrecentmonthsandothersnotrevealedtothe
public.ShehangsabouttheSantaFeTrailwaysbusdepot&museumsandForest
Lawn,aswellaschangeableareasanddistrictswhereshemayfindamanto
pickpocket,awomanforsodomy,adrunktoroll,atravellartofleeceorpick
pocket,OliveraStreetwhereshesellsherbody&pickstravellarpockets,and
youngmenusuallytwotosleepwithitinhergut.
ShehastosleepsoshefindsahoteloverthebridgetoWest7thStr.in
L.A.EnrouteisthemarketrunbyAnthonyJr.&theSeniorThomas.ThereAnthony
seducedherandfrequentlyApaysher,nowAlivesinElMonte,topreventanew
crimeinElMonte,driveAnthony(byquenchinghimwithfire)outofElMonteor
shewillslayyou,yourchildrenandyourlovebecauseshewantstogetmoney
fromAnthony.ThereforedrivehimoutofyourCity.Ifyoudonotwantyesif
nothingelseasocialdisease.IfyourtowniswideopenforproslikeOlgawe
willcontinuetostampoutthatevil.Rulersareaterrorforevil.Nowthe
writerislookingfortwoeunuchstopitchOlgaoutofthewindow.Thereforeyou
mustsendherwhereeunuchsareandareataplacewherewomenplunge.Sendher
tothestatehospitalonthepretextoffixingherfeet.Sheneverwearspants
violatesthelawagainstindescentexposureandsorollshersockswhichcause

42
varicoseveins.Shecangetacrampandfallintraffic&intheflurryof
excitementthesheriffthesuperiorcourtjudge&thestatehospmeddirector
couldbebumpedinto&perish.Wherewouldyoube?Sheisblond,40to45,is
yoursuspect.
IfthecrimesoftheftandmurderstopthenOlgaistheguiltyparty.The
longershestaysintheinstitutionthelongeristhetimeneededforher
habitualwaytocarrycrimeintothere.Itwillbefoundoutandthenitwillbe
realizedthatalthoughthereareothercrimesunsolvedinherareaattributedto
malesyousheriff'shavebeenlookingforthewrongsuspectinthebookofthe
scienceofcriminologyofwhichyouarepaidtoeat,sleep,talkandgoona
journeyabout.Sciencethethiefisasamurderer,andthelowpayperson
covets,Olgaonlygetsafewrepliesforherads&herfeetforcehertosleep.
Therearemorefemalesthanmalesanddisturbancesoftheareaofbirthby
simulatedactionsandobjectsarepartofapro'sshowstag"Job."Thereforehe
orshethatdoethviolencetothebodyofanypersonshallfleetothepit.Let
nomanstayhim,unlessthisfemalebeastisgassedwewillsendyouin.

Theletterwasunsigned.Itwasaccompaniedbyapagetornfroman
Italianlanguagemagazine.Onesideofthepagefeaturedscientifictext.The
othersidefeaturedalargephotographofabumblebee.
TheChief'ssecretarydroppedbothlettersinCaptainBruton'sbox.

AnAPBwentoutWednesdaymorning.

ALLPOINTSBULLETIN
SPECIALATTENTION...SANGABRIELVALLEYPOLICE

AGENCIESANDCHP

ONJUNE22,1958THESTRANGLEDBODYOFAWOMAN
WASFOUNDINTHEELMONTEAREA.SHEHASBEEN
IDENTIFIEDASJEANELLROYAKAJEANHILLIKERAKA
GENEVAO.ELLROY.ITISBELIEVEDTHATTHESUSPECT
EITHERSTILLHASINHISPOSSESSIONORHASTHROWN
AWAYARTICLESOFVICTIM'SCLOTHINGANDPERSONAL

43
EFFECTSINCLUDINGAPURSE,DESCRIPTIONUNKNOWN,KEYS
TOVICTIM'S1957BUICK,APAIROF
WOMAN'SSHOES,POSSIBLYCLEARPLASTICWITHHIGH
HEELS,AWOMAN'SUNDERPANTS,GIRDLEANDSLIP.

ANYINFORMATIONREABOVEFORJ.G.LAWTON&W.E.HALLINEN,
HOMICIDEDETAIL,SHERIFF'SDEPARTMENT.
(REFERLAWTONHODBHOMICIDEDETAILFILEZ483362).

E.W.BISCAILUZ,SHERIFF

ItwasWednesdayafternoon.BillVickerswashittingtheElMontespots
again.
HecheckedSuzanne'sCafewithnegativeresults.HecheckedtheDublin
Innwithnegativeresults.
Hegotatipatthe49'er.Abartendersaidthevictimmighthavebeenin
theplacethepreviousSaturdaynightJune14th.
Shewaswithaguy.Hewas5'8",withastockybuildandslightlywavy
blondhair.Theywerebothdrunk.Theystayedashortwhileandgotintoan
argumentsomethingabouttheredheadrefusingadrink.Thebartendersaidhe'd
seentheblondguybeforebuthewasn'taregularandhedidn'tknowhisname.
VickerscheckedtheMamaMiaRestaurant.Theownertoldhimtocallhis
waitressCatherineCatheyshewasworkinglastSaturdaynight.
Vickerscalledher.CatherineCatheysaidaredhairedwomancameinthe
placeabout8:00p.m.,alone.Vickerssaidhe'dcallherbackandarrangeto
showheraphotoofthevictim.
VickerscheckedtheOffBeat.Nobodyrecognizedhissnapshotofthe
victim.Theowner'swifetoldhimastorythatshethoughtmightconnecttohis
case.
AregularnamedAnnMaeSchidtwasintheOffBeatlastnight.Shesaid
shewasdrinkingattheMangerBarwithherhusbandandanothercoupleFriday
nightandgotintoanargumentwiththem.Sheleftthebaraloneandgot
accostedbyaMexicanoutside.

44
TheMexicanpulledherintoacarandattemptedtorapeher.Hecouldn't
accomplishtheact.AnnMaeescaped.
Shedidn'treporttheassault.Shewasafraidshe'dbearrestedforplain
drunk.
AnnMaewas40ishandredhaired.Theowner'swifegaveVickersherphone
number:GI80696.
VickersleftheracardandworkedhiswayovertotheManger.Hegot
negativeresultsatKay'sCafeandtheElMontetaxistand.
AguynamedJackGroveswasworkingthebarattheManger.Herecognized
thevictim'sphotoandsaidshewasintheplaceSaturdaynightbetween8:00and
9:00.Hethoughtshewasalone.
GrovesdidnotknowthenameAnnMaeSchidt.HesaidtheownersCarl
Mangerandhiswifemightknowher.TheywereworkingSaturdaynight.They
mighthavemoreinformationpertainingtotheredhead.

LavonneChamberswasdivorced.Shelivedinasmallhousewithherthree
smallkids.HallinenandLawtontookherformalstatementthere.

STATEMENTOFLAVONNECHAMBERS.TAKENAT823
FOXDALEAVENUE,WESTCOVINA.PRESENT:SERGEANT
W.E.HALLINEN,SERGEANTJ.G.LAWTON.3:55P.M.,
JUNE25,1958.FORFILE#Z483362.REPORTEDBY:
DELLAANDREW,STENOGRAPHICREPORTER.

BYSGT.LAWTON:

Q Whatisyourname?
A LavonneChambers.

Q Doyouhaveamiddlename?
A Marie.

Q Howoldareyou,Mrs.Chambers?
A Twentynine.

45
Q Andyourhomeaddress?
A 823Foxdale,WestCovina.

Q Andyourphonenumber?
A Edgewood76686.

Q Whatisyourbusinessoroccupation?
A CarhopatStan'sDriveIn.

Q IsthatStan'sDriveIn,atFivePoints,ElMonte?
A Yes.

Q OnSaturdaynight,Junethe21st,intheearlymorning
hoursofJune22nd,wereyouworkingatStan's,inthat
capacityasacarhop?
A Yes.

Q Andduringthecourseoftheevening,whenyouwere
servingdifferentcars,wasthereanyparticularcar
thatcameinandoccupantsthatattractedyourattention?
A Well,itwasafterIcamebackfromeating.Iusuallyeat
at9:00o'clock.It'susually10:00,whenIcomeback.
Afterthat,Isawthiswomanshe'stheonethatattracted
me,morethantheman.

Q Thewomanattractedyou,morethantheman.Anditwas
afterten?
A Itwasafterten.

Q Couldithavebeenclosertoeleven?
A Itcouldhavebeen,butitseemsitwasclosertoten,
becauseitwasn'ttoolongafterIcamebackfromeating.

Q Whatkindofcarwerethismanandwomanin?
A ItwasadarkgreenOldsmobile,itwasa'55or'56,and
morethanlikely,a'55,bythepaint.Itwasarealdull

46
finish,andthepaintwaslikeithadneverbeenwaxed.

Q Whattypeofbody?
A Sedan.

Q DoyouknowthedifferenceintheOldsmobileseries,
betweentheregularlineandtheHolidayseries?
A Yeah.IknowtheHolidayisalongercar.

Q Isityourimpressionthiswas,orwasnotaHoliday?
A Thiswasnot.

Q Itwasnot?
A Uhhuh.

Q Yourecallwetalkedtoyoulastnight,overatStan's,
anditseemslikeyousaidsomethingitwasapossibility
itmighthavebeentwotoned?
A Itispossible.Ifitwastwotoned,itwasallgreena
lightershadeofgreenandadarkergreen.

Q Whatisyourbestrecollection,atthisparticulartime?
Youhaveprobablythoughtaboutitsincewetalkedtoyou
lastnight,alongthoselines,astowhetheritwasorwas
notatwotone.
A Istillfeelitwasatwotone.

Q Thebottompartbeingthedarkestofthetwocolors?
A Uhhuh.

Q Yousaidthatthiswomanistheonethatattractedyour
attentionthemost?Whywasthat?
A Well,usuallyyouwalkuptoacarandyouaskthemifthey
wantamenu,andtheysayyes,ortheysayno.Butshedidn't
knowwhatshewanted.Butshesaid,"Iwantasandwich,the
smallestsandwichyougot."AndIstartedtosay,Ahotdog?"
andshesays,'Thinnestsandwichyouhave."Isaid,"Thatwill

47
beagrilledcheese."Shesaid,"Okay".Hedidn'tsayanything,
andIwaitedforhimtoorder,andhesaid,"Justcoffee."And
Itooktheorder.AndwhenIwenttopickupthetray,Inoticed
theringthewayshewassitting.Shewassmilingandlaughing
allthetime,realgay.

Q Excuseme.Yousaidyounoticedthering,thewayshewas
sitting?
A WhenIwasathiswindow,theringwasonthisfinger,soI
couldseethat.(Indicating.)

Q Indicatingbythat,youmeanyourweddingringfinger?
A Uhhuh.

Q Onherlefthand?
A Uhhuh.

Q Canyoudescribethatring?
A Itwasanenormouspearl,itwassobig.

Q Anythingelse,inparticular,aboutit?
A Itlookedreallybigger,Iguess,becausethewayherhand
was.Itlookedlikeitwentallthewayaround,becauseI
couldseethebigpartofthepearl.

Q Anythinginadditiontothepearl?
A No,justthepearl,andthedressshehadon.Theblue
dressInoticedthat.

Q Again,ifyourecall,weshowedyouacoatthathastwo
differenttypesofmaterial,theoutsidebeinglinen,kind
ofdarkblue,andtheinsideliningasilkmaterial,like
variedcoloredblue.
A That'swhatitwas,ablueprintdress.

Q Thecloththatyousaw,thatlinedthiscoatthatweshowed
youlastnight,wasthesamematerial?

48
A Asthedress.

Q Wasityourimpressionthatthiswomanhadbeendrinking?
A Yes,shewasoh,I'dsay,prettydrunk.

Q You'dsayshewasprettydrunk?
A Uhhuh.

Q Howabouttheman?
A No,hewasn't.Ifhewasdrunk,hedidn'tshowit.Heseemed
verysober.

Q Canyoudescribethiswomantous?
A Shewasthin,withshortdarkredhairandverypleasant
realnicepersonality,orseemedtohave.Thekindyoulook
twiceather.

Q Howoldawomandoyouthinkshewas?
A Idon'tknow.Iamnotaverygoodjudgeofages.

Q Well,asIrecall,youare29.
A I'dsayshewasolderthanIam.

Q Howmucholderthanyou?
A Gee,Idon'tknow.

Q Well,couldshehavebeen40yearsold,inyouropinion?
A Shecouldhavebeen.

Q Idon'twanttoputideasinyourmind,Iwantyourbest
recollection,justtryingtohelpyourecollect,alittle
bit.Howabouttheman,whatdidhelooklike?
A Dark,verythin.Thinface,haddarkhair,haircombed
straightback.

Q Yousaydarkhair.Couldithavebeendarkbrown,orblack?
A Itwaseitherblack,orawfullydarkbrown.

49
Q Diditappearthatheusedsomekindofpreparationonit,
thatmadeitlaydown?
A Oh,tomakeitlaydown,maybe.Ididn'tnoticemuch.Hehad
quiteathickheadofhair.Itwasn'tthickitwasreceded
back,alittlebit.Buthestillhadquiteabitofhairontop.

Q Laydownflatontop?
A Uhhuh.

O Howolddoyouthinkhewas?
A Inhisthirtiesmiddlethirties,past.

Q Betweenthirtyfiveandforty,possibly?
A Uhhuh.

Q Whatnationalitywouldyouthinkhemightbe?
A She,ofcourse,Ididn'tthinkaboutherbeinganything
butjustAmericanbutforhim,I'dtakehimforaGreek
orItalian.

Q GreekorItalian.IsitpossiblehemighthavebeenMexican
orSpanishtype,Latintype?
A Hecouldhavebeen.(Pause.)Histanwas,seemedlikehe
wasn'tdarkenoughtobeaMexican.'Course,Iknowthere's
lotsoflightones,but

Q Wasthereanythingparticularabouttheconditionofher
clothing,atthistime?
A No,Ididn'tnotice.Inoticedthedressshehadon,whenI
firstwaitedonthem.Iknowitwaslownecked,becausethe
lightwasshining.

Q Aboutthiscar.Sincewehavetalkedtoyoulastnight,have
youthoughtofanything,atall,thatmightbedistinguishing
aboutthecar,thatcouldhelpus?
A No,Ithoughtaboutthecar,lastnight.Ithought,too,it

50
musthavehadaCalifornialicenseonit.Ifithadbeenan
outofstatelicense,Iwouldhavenoticedit.Weworkfor
tips,andabout99%oftheoutofstatecars,younevermake
anythingoutof,soyounoticethem.AndIdidn'tnoticethat
thecardidn'thavetheCalifornialicenseonit,sochances
arethatitdid.

Q Howaboutdentedfenders,orbrokengrillwork,oranything
likethat?Doyourecallanything
A (Interrupting)Ijustnoticedthatthepaint,thefinish,was
sodull.

Q Didyouhearthemaftertheyfinishedtheirorderandpaid
youandleftdidyouhearorseethemleave?
A No.

Q Didyou,atanytime,hearthecarrunning?
A Huhuh.Thecarwasn'trunningwhenIwenttopickupthetray.

Q Andyoudidn'thearthemdriveaway?
A No.

Q Inotherwords,youwouldn'tknowwhetherithadloudpipes
oranythinglikethatonit?
A No.

Q Then,Iunderstandthatyousawthiscaragain,lateron.
Whenwasthat?
A Sundaymorning,afterthebarwasclosed.Itmusthavebeen
around2:15oralittleafter,becausewedon'tusuallyget
acrowdinthereuntilabout2:15.Butusuallythelot'sfull
by2:15,andtheyparkedinback,almosttotheback,right
wherewehavethelightshiningoverontheside,onher.And
Iwentbacktothecar,andofcourse,askedthemifthey
wantedamenu.Shespokeupandsaidshewantedabowlofchili
andacupofcoffee.AndIstoodthere,waitingforhimtoorder,
andIguessIwouldn'thavenoticedhimIwaitedforhimto

51
order,andfinallyhesaid,"Justcoffee."

Q Yousaidsheorderedabowlofchili?
A Uhhuh.

Q Justchili,orchiliandbeans?
A Justchiliandcoffee.

Q Wouldtherebesomebeansinthechili,though?
A Yes,always.That'salwaysservedaschiliandbeans.We
don'tservestraightchili.

Q Whatwashercondition,atthistime?
A Shewasalittledrunkerthanshewasthefirsttime,
butshewasstillverypleasant.Shewasn'tnasty.Real
pleasanttowaiton,gayandlaughing,andwhenIpicked
upthetray,shesaidsomethingItriedtorememberwhat
shesaidtome,ortohim,butIcan'trememberwhatshe
said,andwhoshewastalkingto,butshesaidsomething
andlaughed,andIsmiledather,andIcouldn'tremember
whatshesaid.

Q Whatwastheconditionofherclothing,atthistime?
A Herclotheswereallright,exceptforthefrontofher
dress.'Course,thewaythedresswasmade,Icouldsee
practicallythewholebreast,oneside.

Q Itwasn'tcoveredbyabrassiere?
A No,Icouldn'tseenobrassiere.Icouldseesomething
white,thatItookforaslip,withalittlewhitelaceonit.

Q Couldthathavebeenherbrassiere,pusheddown?
A Itcouldhavebeen,buttheydon'tusuallyhavelaceonthem.

Q Couldyouseeherfeet,atall?
A No,Icouldn'tseeherfeet.Icouldhave,ifIhadlooked,
butIdidn't.Ihavetoreachquiteawaysinsidethecar,

52
togetthetraysout,andputtheinsidetraysin.

Q Whatimpressiondidyouget,atthistime,regardingher
appearance,astowhatheractivityhadbeen,justpriorto
comingin,onthisoccasion?
A Oh,Idon'tknow.Shedidn'tlookmuchdifferentthanshedid
thefirsttimeIsawher.Igotabetterlookatherbecause
Iwasonhersideofthecar.

Q Couldithavebeenpossiblethat,becauseoftheappearance
thatyouhavejustdescribedherasbeingin,theclothing,
thattheycouldhavejustcomefromapettingpartysomewhere?
A Theycouldhave.Itispossible.

Q Shegavenoindication,atthistime,thatshewasupsetor
mad,oranything?
A No,shewasverypleasant,verygay.Shewaslaughing.The
pictureofhersmiling,Irememberedsowell,becauseshe
laughedallthetime.

Q Hedidn'tsmileany?
A No,heseemedveryboredwithit.Except,Ihadtowaitfor
aminuteforhimtopayme.ThelasttimeIwaitedonhim,
Iwaitedagain,soIwentupandtoldhimhowmuchthebill
was.Ihadtowaitafewminutes,'forehehadthemoneyin
hishand,andgavemeadollarbill.Igavehimchange,
walkedaroundtotheothersideofthecar.Thetipheleft
wasonthetray.

Q Howdidhepayyou,eachtime?Bothtimeswithadollarbill?
A Idon'trememberthefirsttime,butIrememberthelasttime.

Q Doyourecallwhetherhetookitoutofhispocket,orout
ofawallet?
A Hehaditinhishand,butitwasafewminutesbeforehegave
ittome,whenItoldhimwhattheamountwas.

53
Q Haveyoueverseenthesepersonsbefore,eitheroneofthem?
A NotthatIremember.Idon'tremembereverseeingthem,before.

Q Isthereanydoubtinyourmind,sincewehavetalkedtoyou
thefirsttime,andshowedyouthearticleofclothingandthe
picturesthatwehaveofthiswoman,thattheybelongtoand
arethesamepersonthatyouwaitedonthatnight?
A Thereisnodoubtofit.

Q Ifyousawthismanagain,wouldyoubeabletoidentifyhim?
A IamquitesureIwould.Irememberhim,inmymind.Thereis
nothingsooutstandingabouthimthatIcoulddescribehim,
nofeaturesthatwouldpointhimoutinacrowd.ButIknow,
inmymind,whathelookslike.

Q Well,yousaidhehadathinface.Wasitanextremelythinface?
A ItwaslikeItalianorGreekanoselikethat.Andthin,real
thinface.

Q Didyougetanyimpressionthathemighthavehadfalseteeth,
ornot?
A No.

Q Youknow,sometimes,peoplethathavefalseteetheitherin
orouttheirjawskindofsag,aroundhere.Didyougetthat
impression?
A No,Ididn't.

Q Nothingotherthanthethinness?
A No.

BYSGT.HALLINEN:

54
Q Youhaveprobablygiventhisconsiderablethought,since
wetalkedtoyouyesterday.Wouldyoudescribe,ifyoucan,
theman'sclothing?
A Itwaslight,that'sallIcanremember.Itwasajacket,
orsomethingwithlongsleeves,anditwaslight.

Q Youarefairlycertainitwaslight?
A Uhhuh.

Q Onthesportside,orwoulditbeoftheregularsuittype?
A No,itwasn'tasuit.Itwassomekindofajacket.I'dsay
itwasasportjacket.

Q Youdon'tknowthecolorofhistrousers?
A No.

Q Doyourecallwhetherhehadashirton,lightordark?
A Hehadashirton,butIdon'trecallthatIdon'tremember
ifitwaslightordark.

Q Wouldyoubeabletorecognizeacarsimilartothisone?
A Oh,yeah.

Q Inotherwords,you'dbeabletotellacar,whetheritwas
similar,ornotsimilar?
A Icouldtell,I'dknow.Iprobablycouldn'tpickthecarout,
thatparticularcar,butifIsawacarlikeit,Icouldtell.

Q Youfeel,atthattimeyou'dknow,whenyousawit,whether
thecaryouhaveinmindforthiscarwouldbetwotonedor
onetoned?
A Uhhuh.

Q Didyounoticewhethereitheroneofthemsmoked,whilethey
wereinthere?
A Inevernoticed.

55
Q Goingbacktothisman'sfeatures,washisskinswarthy,or
regular,smooth,inyouropinion?
A Itwassmooth,itwasdark.

Q Wouldhebealightcomplectedman?
A No,hewasadarkcomplexionedman.

Q Butlightskin?
A No,hisskinwasn'tlight,butitwasn'tdark.Notlikeyousee
arealdarkMexican,likethat.Itwasadarkskin,likeanItalian.

Q Youmentionedthehairasbeingblack,andstraightback?
A Uhhuh.

Q Andalso,thatitrecededattheforehead?
A Slightrecededslightly.Notverymuch.

Q Andathickheadofhair,though?
A Yes,hishairwasquitethickontop.

Q Wasthereanythingdistinguishableabouthisears?
A Idon'tremember.

Q Outstanding,or
A (Shookheadfromlefttoright.)

SGT.LAWTON:Oneotherthing.Didyounoticewhetherheworeany
kindofjewelry,suchasrings?
A No,Ididn'tnotice.

SGT.LAWTON:Thankyouverymuch.

STATEMENTCONCLUDEDAT4:15P.M.

56
AregionwideteletypewentoutWednesdaynight.ItsummarizedtheEllroy
case72hoursin.
Itmentionedthevictim'smissingpurseandundergarments,themale
suspect,theblondwomanandthe'55'56Olds.Allpoliceagencieswith
informationweredirectedtocontactSheriff'sHomicideortheElMontePD.
ACaliforniaHighwayPatrolmancalledinatipat10:10p.m.TheElMonte
PDdeskmanloggedit.
TheCHPmanknewa"darkLatintype"withatwotoneOlds.Theguyhung
outaroundFivePoints.Hisvehiclehadpressphotographerplatesandawhip
antenna.ThedarkLatintypehadasurlydispositionandlikedtomonitorpolice
radiocalls.TheCHPmansaidhe'dgethisplatenumberandcallitin.
Theteletypedrewheatfast.Deadwhitewomenalwaysstirredthingsup.

Thursdaymorning.
VickersandGodfreyconcludedtheircanvassingandreachedthelastof
theircallbackpeople.Thevictim'sSaturdaynightwhereaboutswerenowhalfway
sketchedin.
HallinenandLawtonsentaRUSHquerytotheCaliforniaDMV.They
requestedstatsonalland'56OldsmobilesregisteredtoSanGabrielValley
owners.TheysentasecondRUSHorder,totheSheriff'sRecordsBureau.
Theyrequestedmugshotsandfiledataonregisteredsexoffenders
resemblingthedarkman.TheirsuspectwasmostlikelyCaucasianbuthecould
bearacialLatin.Theyaddednotesonthesuspect'svehicleandthecrime
itself:beating,strangulation,probablerape.Theirvictimwasa43yearold
whitewomanknowntofrequentcocktailbars.
LavonneChambersandMargieTrawickweretransportedtotheHallof
Justice.AdeputyhelpedthemconstructIdentiKitportraitsofthesuspect.
TheIdentiKitwasanewdevice.Witnessespickedoutindividualfeatures
printedoncardboardstripsandbuiltmixandmatchfacesfrommemory.Therewere
dozensofchins,noses,hairlinesandmouthstobuildfrom.Skilledtechnicians
helpedthewitnessesputthemtogether.
ThedeputyworkedwithLavonneandMargieseparately.Theresultwastwo
similarbutdistinctlydifferentiatedfaces.
Lavonne'smanlookedlikealeanfacedaverageguy.Margie'smanlooked
vicious.

57
Asketchartistwasbroughtin.Hesatdownwithbothwitnessesand
elicitedseparateportraitsofthesuspect.Histhirdrunthroughmelded
featuresfromthetwopreviousversions.LavonneandMargieagreed:He'stheguy
wesaw.
Thesketchmanmimeographedcopiesofthepictureandgavethemto
HallinenandLawton.TheyroutedthemtotheInformationBureautobeincluded
inapressreleaseontheEllroyhomicide.
AdeputydroveLavonneandMargiehome.HallinenandLawtonarrangedto
interviewthevictim'scoworkersandsearchherhouseagain.
Thecasewasfourdaysold.

Thursdayafternoon.
JimBrutoncalledacontactattheElMonteUnifiedSchoolDistrict.The
mangavehimPeterTubiolo'shomenumber.
BrutoncalledTubioloandaskedhimtocometothestationforthe
purposeofansweringafewquestions.ThemattertobediscussedwastheJean
Ellroymurder.
Tubioloagreedtocomeinthatafternoon.Hestressedthathehardlyknew
thewoman.Brutontoldhimitwasjustroutineandassuredhimthatthe
interviewwouldremainconfidential.
Atimewasset.BrutoncalledHallinenandLawtonandtoldthemtodrive
out.Theysaidthey'dbringMargieTrawickandlethertakealookattheman.
PeterTubiolowasprompt.Bruton,HallinenandLawtontalkedtohimina
mirroredinterviewroom.Tubiolowasheavysetandroundfaced.Hedidnot
resemblethedarkmaninanyway,shape,mannerorform.
HewastheviceprincipalofAnneLeGoreElementarySchool.Thevictim's
sonjustcompletedthefifthgradethere.Hewasafrightenedandrather
volatilechild.
TubiolosaidhemetJeanEllroyononlyoneoccasion.Shecametohis
schooltodiscussherson'spoorscholasticprogressandinabilitytogetalong
withotherchildren.Hedidnot"date"or"socialize"withthelateMrs.Ellroy.
Suchactionswereagainstschooldistrictpolicy.
Thecopstoldhimthekidsaidotherwise.Tubiolostucktohisstory.All
heknewabouttheEllroys'privatelifewasthattheparentsweredivorcedand

58
theboywasn'tallowedtoseehisfatherduringtheweek.Mrs.Ellroywasafine
womanbuttherewasnothingpersonalbetweenthem.
MargieTrawickobservedTubiolo.Shegotagoodcloselookthroughthe
mirror.
Shetoldthecopshewasn'ttheguy.TheycutTubiololoosewith
apologies.

WardHallinengotatipThursdaynight.TheWestCovinaPDhadasuspect:
alocalfoulballnamedSteveAnthonyCarbone.
HallinenhadFrankGodfreycheckitout.GodfreyranamakeonCarboneand
camebackenthusiastic.
CarbonewasawhitemaleAmericanofItaliandescent.HisDOBwas2/19/15.
Hewas5'10"and140pounds,withhazeleyes,straightblackhairandahigh
forehead.HeownedaOldstwodoorsedan,polarwhiteovergreen,licenseMMT
879.
HehailedfromDetroit,Michigan.Hewaspoppedthreetimesforindecent
exposure:10/41,11/41,8/53.HemovedtoWestCovinain'57.Heranupa
stringofthreedrunkdrivingsandtwoassaultwithadeadlyweaponbeefs.His
lastADWwasnotable.Hepulleda30.30carbineonacop.
Carbonewasfoultemperedandbelligerent.Carbonewasawellknowncop
haterandasexoffender.
HallinenandLawtonjumpedonhim.
TheyhadtheWestCovinaPDhaulhimin.TheyhadhisOldsmobileimpounded
andphotographedinthePDparkinglot.ASheriff'slabmandustedit,checked
itforbloodstainsandvacuumeditforfibersresemblingthewhiteonesfoundon
thevictim.
Thelabmancameupempty.
HallinenandLawtonleanedonCarbone.Hegavethemavagueaccountofhis
actionsSaturdaynight.JimBrutonbroughtMargieTrawickandLavonneChambers
inforashowup.
Theybothsaidhewasn'ttheguytheysawwiththeredhead.

HallinenandLawtonworkedstraightthroughtheweekend.Theytalkedto
thevictim'scoworkersandfailedtoturnupanyleads.Theywalkedthroughthe

59
victim'shouseagain.TheyspenthoursattheDesertInnandtalkedtodozensof
patrons.Nobodycouldputahandleontheblondeorthedarkman.
MetrogotatiponaguynamedRobertJohnMellonaformermentalpatient
fromNorthDakota.AdeputycheckedMellonoutandwrotethetipoffas
worthless.
AmannamedArchieG.RogerscalledinatiptotheElMontePD.
HesaidaguynamedBillOwenhadagirlfriendnamedDorothy.Theysortof
matchedthedescriptionofthosepeopleinthepaperthefolksseenwiththe
deadnurse.
Owenwasapainterandamechanic.HeusedtolivewithMr.Rogers'
sister.DorothyfrequentedtheMangerandtheWeeNipeebar.ShesleptinMr.
Rogers'carSaturdaynight,June21st.
Dorothy'sphonenumberwasED46881.Dorothysaidshehadanewfriend
namedJean.DorothyplannedtobringJeanbyMr.Rogers'sister'shousethat
Saturdaynight.
Mr.Rogersfoundthewholethingsuspicious.
TheElMontePDforwardedthetiptoSheriff'sMetro.DeputyHowie
HaussnerJackLawton'sbrotherinlawhandledit.
HegotRogers'sister'saddressandmatchedDorothy'sphonenumbertoa
HaroldT.HotchkissinAzusa.HeattachedthetwoaddressestothenamesWilliam
OwenandDorothyHotchkissandteletypedthemtotheCriminalRecordsBureauin
Sacramento.
Thekickbackwasinconclusive.
ThenameDorothyHotchkisscamebackblank:norecord,nowants,no
warrants,nolistingattheAzusaaddress."WilliamOwen"camebacksixtimes
overvariousOwenswithcriminalrecordsdatingbackto'39.NoneoftheOwens
livedintheSanGabrielValley.
TheOwenHotchkisspaperworkwasstuffedinanaccordionfile.Thefile
wasmarkedZ483362.

JeanEllroywasburiedonTuesday,July1st,1958.
ArentapreacherperformedaProtestantservice.Shewasplacedinthe
groundatInglewoodCemeteryoutinsouthwestL.A.
Jean'ssisterandbrotherinlawwerethere.SomeAirtekpeopleshowedup.
ArmandEllroyandafewofJean'soldfriendsattended.
JackLawtonandWardHallinenwerethere.

60
Jean'ssoncoppedapleaandstayedaway.HespentthedaywatchingTV
withsomefriendsofhisdad's.
Theheadstonewasmarked"GenevaHillikerEllroy.19151958."
Theplotwasonthewestedgeofthecemetery.Itwasinchesfromabusy
streetandastretchofchainlinkfence.

TheL.A.Sheriff'sOfficehailedfromtheWildWestdays.Itwasamodern
policeagencysuffusedwith19thcenturynostalgia.TheLASOembracedWildWest
motifswholesale.ItmadeforbrilliantPR.
TheSheriff'smannedcountylockupsandpatrolledcountyturfoutof
twelvesubstations.SaidturfranthroughthecityofLosAngelesandoutinto
thenorth,southandeastboundboonies.Deputiesworkedthedesert,the
mountainsandaswankystretchofbeach.Theirjurisdictiontookinhundredsof
squaremiles.
Malibuwasplumduty.WestHollywoodwasgoodtheSunsetStripwasalways
percolating.EastL.A.wasfullofrowdyMexicans.Firestonewaswalltowall
colored.TempleCityandSanDimaswereoutintheSanGabrielValley.Deputies
coulddriveupintothefoothillsandshootcoyotesforkicks.
TheSheriff'sDetectiveBureauinvestigatedcriminalactionscountywide.
Sheriff'sHomicidehandledmurdersfornumerousMickeyMousepolicedepartments.
TheSheriff'sAeroBureauflewcountyskiesandsupplantedrescueoperations.
TheSheriff'sOfficewasexpandingfulltilt.1958L.A.wasaboomtown.
LosAngeleswasalwaysroughandready.Theplacewasbuiltfromland
grabsandracialgrief.TheL.A.Sheriff'sOfficewascharteredin1850.Itwas
meanttobringruletoanunrulysliceofland.
ThefirststringofCountySheriffswereelectedtooneyearterms.They
dealtwithmaraudingIndians,MexicanbanditsandChinesetongwars.Vigilantes
wereasignificantthreat.Drunkenwhitemenlovedtolynchredskinsanddusky
bandidos.
L.A.Countygrew.ElectedSheriffscameandwent.Thesworndeputyforce
grew,concurrentwithcountyexpansion.Civilianhelpwasoftenrequired.The
Sheriffwoulddeputizemenandformthemintomountedposses.

61
TheL.A.Sheriff'sOfficemodernized.Carsreplacedhorses.Largerjails
andmoresubstationswerebuilt.TheL.A.Sheriff'sOfficegrewtobethe
largestofitskindinthecontinentalU.S.ofA.
SheriffJohnC.Clineresignedin1920.BigBillTraegerservedthe
remainderofhisterm.Traegerwaselectedtothreefouryeartermsofhisown.
HeranforCongressin1932andwon.TheCountyBoardofSupervisorsappointed
EugeneW.BiscailuzSheriff.
BiscailuzjoinedtheSheriff'sOfficein1907.HewashalfAngloandhalf
SpanishBasque.Hispeoplecamefrommoney.HisCaliforniarootswentbackto
theSpanishlandgrantdays.
Biscailuzwasabrilliantadministrator.Hewaspoliticallydeftand
likable.HewasapublicrelationsgeniuswithahugeloveofWildWestlore.
Biscailuzwasahalfassedprogressive.Someofhisviewswerenear
Bolshevik.Heexpressedthoseviewsinanavuncularmanner.Hewasrarely
accusedofspoutingheresy.
Biscailuzmobilizedforcestofightfiresandfloodsanddevelopedthe
county's"MajorDisasterPlan."BiscailuzbuilttheWaysideHonorRanchoand
shapeditsrehabilitativepolicy.Biscailuzlaunchedajuvenilecrimedeterrence
program.
Biscailuzintendedtoholdhispostforagoodlongtime.WildWest
ritualshelpedassurehisreelections.
HereinstatedtheSheriff'sMountedPosse.ThePosserodeinparadesand
searchedforoccasionallostkidsoutintheboondocks.Biscailuzwasoften
photographedwiththePosse.Healwaysrodeapalominostallion.
BiscailuzsponsoredtheannualSheriff'sRodeo.Uniformeddeputiessold
ticketsalloverthecounty.TherodeousuallysoldouttheL.A.Coliseum.
Biscailuzappearedinwesterngarb,repletewithtwinsixshooters.
Therodeowasamoneymakerandagoodwillextravaganza.Dittotheannual
Sheriff'sBarBQthatfedatarateof60,000ayear.
BiscailuztooktheSheriff'sOfficeouttothepeople.Heseducedthem
withhisveryownmyth.Mythicshowandtellperpetuatedhispower.Itwasblue
ribbondisingenuousness.
BiscailuzknewthatalotofhisboyscalledNegroes"figgers."Biscailuz
knewthatphonebookbeatingsassuredrapidconfessions.Biscailuzroundedup
JapsandlockedthemdownatWaysideafterPearlHarbor.Biscailuzknewthatone
shotwithabeavertailsapcouldknockasuspect'seyescleanoutofhishead.
Biscailuzknewthatpoliceworkwasanisolatingprofession.

62
SohegavehisconstituentstheWildWestasUtopianIdyll.Itgothimre
electedsixtimes.Hebackedhisritualisticbullshituptoanambiguousdegree.
Hisboyswerelesssuppressionmindedthantheircrosstownrivalsinblue.
WilliamParkertookovertheLAPDin1950.Hewasanorganizational
genius.HispersonalstylewasinimicaltoGeneBiscailuz's.Parkerabhorred
monetarycorruptionandembracedviolenceasanessentialpartofpolicework.
Hewasanalcoholicmartinetonamissiontoreinstatepre2othcentury
morality.
BiscailuzandParkerruledparallelkingdoms.Biscailuz'smythimplicitly
stressedinclusion.ParkercooptedaTVhonchonamedJackWebb.Theycookedup
aweeklysagacalled_Dragnet_acrimeandseverepunishmentmyththatordained
theLAPDwithachasteimageandgodlikepowers.TheLAPDtooktheirmythto
heart.Theystucktheirheadsuptheirassesandisolatedthemselvesfromthe
publicthatGeneBiscailuzembraced.BillParkerhatedNegroesandsentgoons
downtoDarktowntoleanonclubownerswhoadmittedwhitewomen.GeneBiscailuz
likedtoschmoozewithhisMexicanconstituents.Hewassortofatacobender
himself.
GeneBiscailuz'smythwasstrictlylocalstuff.BillParker'smythwas
marketednationally.TheSheriff'sresentedtheLAPD'scelebrity.TheLAPD
consideredtheSheriff'sabushleagueoutfitandhoggedthecreditfortheir
jointoperations.
Ideologydividedthetwoagencies.Topographydividedthemmore.TheLAPD
pointedtotheirdenselypackedjurisdictionandracialdemographicsasproofof
theirsuperiorityandthejustificationfortheirstateofsiegementality.The
Sheriff'spointedtothecountyspreadingoutataboomrate.
Theyhadnewturftolearn.Newcitiesweresigningupforcontract
services.Theysimplycouldn'taffordtokickindiscriminateass.
BillParkerturned56in1958.Hissensibilitywasontherise.Gene
Biscailuzturned75andplannedtoretireattheendoftheyear.
BiscailuzjoinedtheSheriff'sOffice50yearsbefore.Hesawhorses
replacedbyflivversand"GreyGhost"sedansandFordblack&whites.Hesawhis
WildWestLosAngelesgrowandreinventitselfwayoutsidethebordersofhis
myth.
HeprobablyknewthatwhitesettlersrapedIndiansquaws.Heprobablyknew
thatWildWestlawmenwerepsychopathsanddrunks.Hemighthaveconcededthat
hismythwasmostlywishfulthinkingandmoonshine.

63
Hemightcallnostalgiaanindulgence.HeprobablyknewthattheWildWest
playedhellonwomenthenandnow.
HeprobablyknewthatWildWestSaturdayNightscomprisedamythoftheir
own.Hemighthavewrittenthatredhairednurseoffasamythiccasualty.

Theinvestigationcontinued.
HallinenandLawtonworkeditfulltime.JimBrutonstayedonboard.
GodfreyandVickersmovedontofreshassignments.
TheL.A.papersranthesketchofthesuspectanddroppedthestorycold.
Theredheadneverclickedasavictim.TheLanaTurner/CherylCrane/Johnny
Stompanatocasehoggedalltheheadlines.
HallinenandLawtonhabituatedtheDesertInn.Theytalkedtoregular
patronsandpeoplepassingthrough.Theygotnosolidleads.Theyhittheother
barsaroundFivePointsrepeatedly.Theytappedouteverywhere.
TheElMontePDkeptthepressureon.Patrolunitsrodewiththesketch
andasnapshotofthevictim.Localawarenessranhigh.
ThePDloggedatiponThursday,July3rd.Amansaidhesawfourguys
dumpingbeercansintheRioHondoWashafewweeksago.Theydroveupinan
Olds88,licenseHHPOneoftheguyssaidhehadadatewithanursenamedJean
comingupthatevening.
Thetipwascheckedout.Thecarwasidentifiedasa'53Oldsmobilecoupe.
ItwasregisteredtoBruceS.Baker,12060Haliwood,ElMonte.Bakerandhis
friendswereinterviewedandcrossedoffassuspects.
HallinenandLawtonreinterviewedthevictim'scoworkersandlocatedher
friends.EverybodystucktothechasteJeanEllroyline.Nobodyconjuredupa
ponytailedblondeoradarkman.Jean'sexboyfriendHankHartwaspickedupand
cutloosefast.Hewasshortandfatandhadonethumb.Hewasalibiedupfor
thenightofJune21st.
HallinenandLawtoncheckedoutrecentchokejobsandtriedtoidentifya
pattern.OneSheriff'scaseandtwocitycasescaughttheirattention.
HeleneKelly,DOD10/30/53,Rosemead.Beatenandmanuallystrangledinside
herhouse.Thevictimwasold.Shewasn'traped.Itlookedlikeabotched
burglary.

64
RuthGoldsmith,DOD4/5/57,theWilshireDistrictinL.A.Thevictimwas
50yearsold.Shewasfoundonherbathroomfloor,partiallyclad.Shewas
raped.Herwristswereboundbehindherbackwithanylonstocking.Awashcloth
wasstuffedintohermouthandcinchedbyanothernylon.Thevictimdiedof
suffocation.Herapartmentwasnotransacked.LAPDdetectivesruledout
burglary.
MarjorieHipperson,DOD6/10/57,theLosFelizDistrictinL.A.Thevictim
was24yearsold.Shewasfoundonherbed,withhernightgownupoverherhips.
Shewasraped.Anylonstockingwastiedtoherrightwrist.Asecondnylonwas
cinchedaroundherneck.Herlipswerebruised.Awhitewashclothgagwasfound
underherhead.
Allthreecaseswerestalleddead.TheMOsdivergedfromtheEllroyjob
morethantheyconnected.
TheSheriff'sRecordsBureaukickedloosemugshotsandrapsheets:forty
oddsexoffendersresemblingthedarkman.
Mostofthemenwerewhite.Adozenwereclassified"MaleMexicans."Their
sexoffensesranthegamut.Mostofthemenwereoncountyparole.
SomehadleftL.A.Somewerebackinjail.HallinenandLawtonranallthe
mugsbyLavonneChambersandMargieTrawick.Theystruckoutuniformly.
Theyleanedonthemostdarkmanlikeguysjusttobesure.Theyfound
themathomeandhadtheirparoleofficersroustthem.Theystruckoutallthe
way.
Otheragenciessentinmugshots.HallinenandLawtonranthembyLavonne
andMargie.
LavonneandMargiekeptsayingno.Theyweredecisivewitnesses.Theyknew
whattheyknew.
Lavonnehadthreekidsoutofonefailedmarriage.Shewasmakinggood
taxfreecoinatStan'sDriveIn.HerboyfriendwasadeputyattheTempleCity
Station.ThecarhopsatStan'sfedtheTempleboysforfreesothey'dchase
downcheckdashersandprymoneyoutofthem.Stationtrusteeswashedandwaxed
Lavonne'scar.Lavonneknewherwayaroundcops.
Margiehada14yearolddaughter.Herbookiehusbanddiedofaheart
attackbackin'48.Margieblewthemoneyheleftherandmovedinwithher
parents.ShelookedsortoflikeabrunetteJeanEllroy.SheknewtheElMonte
barsceneintimately.Shewasinpoorhealthandstrungoutondoctorprescribed
dope.

65
LavonneandMargiedugthewholewitnessscene.HallinenandLawtonliked
them.Theydawdledovercoffeewhentheybroughtmugshotsby.
Theygotatipthatthevictim'shairdresserresembledthedarkman.They
tookLavonnebyhissalonandtreatedhertoarinseandstyle.Lavonnesaidhe
wasn'ttheguy.Hewasaflamboyantswishmoreover.
Moretipscamein.

7/11/58:

AmannamedPadillacalledtheElMontePD.Hesaidhegotreleasedfrom
theHallofJusticeJailonJune3oth.Hesawamanresemblingthesuspectwalk
outofabaronSouthMainStreet.

7/13/58:

AmannamedDonKesslercalledtheTempleCitySheriff'sOffice.Hestated
thatheworkedattheElMonteBowlandsawamanresemblingthesuspectinhis
establishment.Mr.Kessler'smotherfollowedthemantotheBonnieRaebar.The
manditchedher.ThemanwasdirtyandappearedtobeaMexican.

7/14/58:

TheTempleSheriff'srelayedatiptotheElMontePD.Itinvolvedanother
dirtymanattheElMonteBowl.
Themanresembledthesuspect.Themanwaswearingdirtytantrousers.An
ElMontePDofficerfoundasimilarpairoftrousersonthestreetashorttime
later.Theofficerpickedthemup,broughtthemtothestationandplacedthem
onCaptainBruton'sdesk
TheElMontePDhadDeadWhiteWomanFever.

ACoroner'sInquestwasheldonTuesday,July15th.Dr.CharlesLanghauser
presided.JackLawtonrepresentedtheLosAngelesCountySheriff'sOffice.
Sixjurorsheardevidence.TheinquestwasheldinRoom150attheHallof
Justice.
ArmandEliroytestifiedfirst.Hestatedthathehadnorecent
relationshipwithhisexwifeandhadn'tseenheraliveinovertwoyears.He

66
statedthatheviewedherbodyonMonday,June23rd,andacknowledgedthather
fullnamewasGenevaHillikerEllroy,43yearsofageandanativeofWisconsin.
GeorgeKryckitestified.Hedescribedabriefconversationhehadwiththe
victimonSaturday,June21st.Jeandidnotappeartobeinebriated.Hesaidit
wasfunny"Herfaceseemedtobealwaysmadeup."
JackLawtonaskedKryckiseveralquestions.Heemphasizedthevictim's
friends.
Kryckisaidhedidn'tknowherfriends.HiswifemightsheknewMrs.
Ellroybetterthanhedid.
AnnaMayKryckitestified.Langhauserranherthroughheractivitieson
thenightofJune21standcutbacktotheissueofJeanEllroy'sfriends.Mrs.
KryckisaidsheonlyknewonecoupleolderpeoplecurrentlyvisitingEurope.
Lawtontookover.HeaskedMrs.KryckiifJeaneveraskedhertorecommend
aplacetohaveadrink.
Mrs.Kryckisaid,"Yes"butshetoldJeantherewasnoplaceshecouldgo
unescorted.She_did_mentiontheDesertInnandSuzanne's.TheywerepopularEl
Montenightclubs.
Lawtonaskedherifsheeverrecommendedanyrestaurants.Mrs.Kryckisaid
sherecommendedValdez'sandMorrow's.Theconversationoccurredamonthbefore
themurder.Jeanneversaidifshewenttoanyofthoseplaces.
LawtonaskedMrs.KryckiifsheeversawJeandrunk.Mrs.Kryckisaid,
"Never."LawtonaskedherifsheeversawJeantakeadrinkatall.Mrs.Krycki
revisedherJeantheTeetotalerline.ShesaidJeanhadafewglassesofsherry
intheevening.
LawtonaskedMrs.KiyckiifJeaneverconfidedhertroubles.Mrs.Krycki
saidshementionedherexhusbandonceinawhile.LawtonaskedheraboutJean's
menfriends.Mrs.Kryckideniedthatsuchfriendsexisted.
Dr.LanghauserexcusedMrs.Krycki.
DeputyVicCavallerotookthestandanddescribedthecrimesceneat
ArroyoHighSchool.
MargieTrawickwasswornin.Shedescribedtheeventsshewimessedatthe
DesertInn.Shesaidthesuspectlookedlikeamanwho'dhadallhisteeth
pulled.Hewasjustthatthininthejaw.
JackLawtontestified.HesummarizedtheEllroycasethreeweeksin.
HesaidthevictimappearedtobedrunkatStan'sDriveIn.Hesaid
severalpeoplethoughtthey'dseenthevictimthatSaturdaynight.Their

67
informationwasunverified.MargieTrawick,LavonneChambersandMyrtleMawby
weretheironlyverifiedeyewitnesses.
Hesaidthey'drundownagoodbunchofsuspects.Hesaidallofthemen
werecleared.Theinvestigationwasstillgoingforward.
Dr.Langhauserexcusedthejury.Theyreturnedwithaverdictfast:
"Asphyxia,duetostrangulationbyligature,inflictedonthedeceasedby
apersonorpersonsunknowntothisjuryatthistime;andfromthetestimony
introducedatthistime,wefindthedeathofthedeceasedwashomicidal,and
thattheunknownpersonorpersonswascriminallyresponsibletherefor."

SalvadorQuirozSerenawasanexAirtekmachinist.Hewasa35yearold
Mexican.Hewas5'6",i6opounds,withblackhairandbrowneyes.Hispal
Enrique"Tito"MancillarattedhimofffortheJeanEllroysnuff.Serenawas
knowntodrivea'55Oldssedan.
Sheriff'sHomicidecaughtthecall.HallinenandLawtonwere
incommunicado.SergeantAlSholundhandledthetip.
HesentateletypetotheStateRecordsBureau.Theyrepliedfast.Serena
hadafullpagerapsheet.
Oneburglarypop.OneADWpop.Onebigamyconviction.Thesuspectwas
registeredasaresidentalienandaresidentexcon.
SholundteletypedthestateDMVTheyrepliedfast.
Serenaowneda'54Oldscoupe.Hislastknownaddress:952Westmoreland,
L.A.
Theaddressdidn'tmatchtheaddressMancillagavehim.Sholunddroveto
AirtekandbracedMancilla.
MancillasaidheknewSerenafortwoyearsduringandafterhisAirtek
stint.SerenawaspalswithtwootherAirtekguys:JimFosterandGeorge
Erqueja.
SerenawasdowninMexicorecently.HereturnedtoL.A.lastmonth.Jim
FosterfoundhimapadathisapartmenthouseinCulverCity.
MancillavisitedSerenaonoraboutJune23rd.Hesaid,"Didyouhearwhat
happenedtoJean?"Serenasaid,"No."MancillatoldhimthatJeanhadbeen
murdered.Serenadidnotseemsurprised.
SerenasaidhedancedwithJeanatacompanypicniclastyear.Hesaid,"I
couldhavehadherifIwantedto."

68
SerenashowedupatMancilla'shousesevenoreightdayslater.Hewanted
toborrowTito'scar.Mancillaturnedhimdown.Serenareturnedthatnight.He
saidhewasmovingtoSacramento.
SholundfoundJimFosterandGeorgeErquejaonthepremises.Theysupplied
identicalstories:SerenamovedtoSacramentoandgotajobwiththeAerojet
Company.SholunddrovebacktotheHallofJusticeandlaidoutadetailedmemo
forJackLawton.
Lawtongotthememo.HecalledAerojetandtalkedtothepersonnel
manager.ThemansaidSalvadorQuirozSerenawasmostlikelyarecenthirenamed
SalvadorEscalante.Lawtonsaidhe'dbedrivinguptotalktohim.Hetoldthe
personnelmantokeepthatconfidential.
Thepersonnelmansaidhe'dcooperate.LawtoncalledJimBrutonandran
theEscalantethingbyhim.TheydecidedtodriveuptoSacramento.
Theymadethedrivethatnight.TheygotamotelroomandwenttoAerojet
thenextmorningJuly17th.
ThesecuritybossdeliveredSerenaAKAEscalante.LawtonandBrutondrove
himtotheSacramentoCountySheriff'sOfficeandgrilledhim.
Hewasbuiltstocky.Hedidn'treallylookliketheirguy.
HesaidhegotmarriedinMexicoonJune3rd.HemovedbacktoCalifornia
threeweeksorsolater.Heheardaradioreportonthemurderwhilehewas
drivingthroughElCentro.HeranintoTitoMancillathenextday.They
discussedthenursewhogotclipped.
Hesaidhiswifewashisalibi.Shedidn'tspeakEnglish,though.
BrutoncalledthelocalBorderPatrolOfficeandnaileddownan
interpreter.TheymethimattheEscalanteresidence.
TheytalkedtoElenaViveroEscalante.Shealibiedherhusbandup
convincingly.TheywereinMexicoonJune21st.Salvadorwasneveroutofher
sight.Shecorroboratedallherhusband'sstatements.
Thesuspectwasreleased.

Sheriff'sHomicidewasacentralizeddivision.Itwasmadeupofthirteen
sergeants,twolieutenantsandacaptain.ThesquadroomwasabovetheCounty
Morgue.Astenchwaftedupsometimes.
Murderswereassignedonarotatingbasis.Therewerenoregular
partnershipsthemenwereteamedupcatchascatchcan.Theunitwashandpicked

69
andelite.TheyhandledstickyextortioncasesunderSheriffBiscailuz'sdirect
orders.GeneBiscailuzshothistopsecretshitstraighttoHomicide.
Theunithandledsuicides,industrialaccidentsand35to50murdersa
year.Twelvesubstationsandaflockofcontractcitiesfedthemvictims.Most
ofthemenkeptbottlesintheirdesks.Theydrankinthesquadroomandhitthe
Chinatownbarsontheirwayhome.
WardHallinenwas46.JackLawtonwas40.Theirstylescontrastedand
clashed.
Wardwasknownas"theSilverFox."Hewasasmallmanwithlightblue
eyesandwavygraywhitehair.Heworeslendercutsuitsbetterthanawindow
mannequin.Hewassoftspoken,authoritative,meticulous.Hedidnotliketo
carryagunanddisdainedtherowdieraspectsofpolicework.Hedidnotlike
workingwithimpatientandimpetuouspartners.HewasmarriedtoformerSheriff
Traeger'sdaughter.Theyhadagirlinhighschoolandagirlinherfirstyear
ofcollege.
Jackwasmidsized,heavysetandbalding.Hewashardcharging,
hardworking,thorough.IfyougaveJackgrief,hewouldkicktheshitoutofyou
intwosecondsflat.Helovedkidsandanimals.Heroutinelyrescueddogsand
catsfoundatcrimescenes.Hecuthishomicideteethinthearmyinvestigating
Japwarcrimes.Hedugthegravityofhiswork.Itmeshedwiththevolatileand
protectivepartsofhisnature.Hehadatendencytoflyoffthehandle.Hewas
marriedandhadthreeyoungsons.
WardandJackgotalongokay.Theydeferredtoeachotherwhentheyhad
to.Theyneverlettheirconflictingstylesfuckupacase.

TheEliroycasewasstalledout.Theyweren'tcomingupwithshitonthe
blondeandthedarkman.
Courtcommitmentsinterruptedthem.HallinencaughtaMexicanknife
killingonJuly24th.
ApunknamedHernandezgotshivved.Threepachucosgotpoppedatthe
scene.Itallpertainedtoyouthgangintrigueorsomebodyflickingsomebody's
sister.
Sheriff'sNarcologgedanEllroytiponAugust1st.Thetipsterwasa
nursenamedMrs.Waggoner.
ShesaidsheansweredalovelornadandmetaMexicanmannamedJoethe
Barber.Hewas45yearsold,5'11",200pounds.Hedrovealightgreen'55

70
Buick.Mrs.WaggonerhadanaffairwithJoetheBarber.Hetriedtogetherto
stealnarcoticsfromthehospitalwheresheworked.Hetoldherthathesold
marijuana.
ANarcodeputylikedthenurseangle.HeforwardedthetiptoHomicide.
JoetheBarberwasinterviewedandcrossedoffasasuspect.
TheElMontePDloggedatiponAugust3rd.TwoMexicanmenandawhite
womanreporteditinperson.
TheysaidtheyweredrinkingataMexicanplaceinLaPuente.Theymeta
manwhoofferedtodrivethemwherevertheywishedtogo.Hewaswhite,25to
30,5'9",150pounds,withdarkbrownhairandblueeyes.Theygotintohis'39
ChevyTudor.
HedrovethemtotheSanDimasWash.A'46Fordtruckpulledupbehind
them.Thedriverwaswhite,30yearsold,5'10",i8opounds,withblondhairand
blueeyes.
TheyallstoodaroundtheWash.TheChevymangrabbedthewoman's
necklace.Hesaidifshewasn'tcarefulshe'dgetitlikethatnurseinEl
Monte.Thetruckmandidthis"IhateMexicans"number.OneoftheMexicanguys
jumpedhim.TheotherMexicanguyandthewomanescaped.ThefirstMexicanguy
beatupthetruckmanandjoinedthem.
Theinformantslefttheirnameswiththedeskofficer.Hetypedupa
reportandplaceditinCaptainBruton'sbox.
TheEllroycasewasstalledout.Hallinencaughtawifestabshusbandjob
onAugust29th.
LillianKellaslashedEdwardKellafatallygood.Shesaidheslappedher
intheheadoncetoooften.Thecasewasroutinelatesummerstuff.
TemplePatrolloggedinaweirdoccurrenceonSeptember2nd.Itstarted
outsidetheKitKatbarinElMonte.
TwodeputiesspottedawomannamedWillieJaneWillis.Shewasleaning
againstaphoneboothinadazedcondition.TheKitKat'sjanitorsaidhesaw
WillieJanegetoutofayellowcementtruck.Thedriverchasedheraroundthe
truck,gaveupthechaseanddroveoff.WillieJaneshowedthedeputiesabump
onherhead.
ThedeputiesdroveWillieJanetotheFalkMedicalCenter.Adoctorplaced
heronanexaminationtable.WillieJanestartedtorant.Shesaid,"Carlos,
don'tkillher.Isawhimkillheranddumpherbodybytheschool."
OneofthedeputiesaskedherifshemeantArroyoHigh.WillieJane
attackedhimandtriedtorunoutareardoor.Thedeputiescaughtherand

71
placedherintheirpatrolcar.Theemergencyroomdoctorthoughtshewashigh
onnarcotics.
ThedeputiesdroveWillieJanetotheTempleCityStation.Shemumbled
hystericallyenroute.Thedeputiesheardhersay,"Isawhimkillher.He
chokedheranddumpedherbodybytheschool.Isawherface,itwaspurple,how
horrible."
WillieJanetriedtojumpoutofthecar.Thedeputiespreventedher.
WillieJanesaid,"Don'ttakemebacktothatschool,pleasedon'tmakemego
backthere."
Theyarrivedatthestation.ThedeputiesescortedWillieJaneinside.A
detectiveinterviewedherandforwardedamemotoHomicide.
HallinenandLawtonwroteitoffasbulishit.

Thetipsandnutreportsdiedout.TheEllroycasemovedintolimbo.
LawtoncaughtabusinessdisputekillingonOctober9th.Hallinencaught
wifeshootshusbandjobsonthe12thandthe14th.AsexcreepnamedHarvey
GlatmanwasarrestedonOctober27th.
TheCHPbaggedhimdowninOrangeCounty.Hewasstrugglingwithawoman
onaroadsideneartheSantaAnaFreeway.TheyfelloutofGlatman'scarand
wrestledforthegunhepulledonher.AHighwayPatrolguysawtheincidentand
madethearrest.
Thewoman'snamewasLorraineVigil.ShewasapinupmodelfromL.A.
Glatmanluredheroutonaphotosessionpretext.Hesaidhehadastudioin
Anaheim.
GlatmanwasbookedattheOrangeCountySheriff'sOffice.Theychargedhim
withattemptrapeandADW.Deputiesfoundclotheslinecord,acamera,several
rollsoffilmandaboxof.32calibershellsinhiscar.Theycheckedold
teletypesandmissingpersonsreportsandgotthreepotentialclicks.

8/1/57:

ApinupmodelnamedJudyAnnDulldisappeared.Shewaslastseenwitha
photographernamedJohnnyGlynn.ThetwoleftMissDull'sWestHollywood
apartmentandwereneverseenagain.HarveyGlatmanmatchedJohnnyGlynn's
description.

72
3/8/58:
AwomannamedShirleyAnnBridgeforddisappeared.Sheleftherhousein
theSanFernandoValleywithamannamedGeorgeWilliams.Thetwowerenever
seenagain.MissBridgefordbelongedtoalonelyheartsclub.Williamscontacted
herthroughtheclubdirectory.HarveyGlatmanmatchedGeorgeWilliams'
description.

7/20/58:
ApinupmodelnamedAngelaRojasAXARuthRitaMercadodisappearedand
wasneverseenagain.
HarveyGlatmanagreedtotakeapolygraphtest.Theoperatoraskedhim
questionspertainingtothethreemissingwomen.Hisresponsesindicatedguilty
knowledge.Theoperatorpointedthisouttohim.Glatmansaidhekilledthe
threewomen.
BridgefordandRojaswereLAPDmissings.JudyAnnDullwasanL.A.
Sheriff'scase.TheOrangeCountycopsnotifiedbothagencies.
TwoLAPDdetectivesdrovedowntoOrangeCounty.JackLawtondrovedownto
representSheriff'sHomicide.CaptainJimBrutoncamewithhim.
Theinterrogationsranlong.Glatmanhadhisdetailsdownpat.
LawtonquestionedhimregardingvictimDull.SergeantPierceBrooks
questionedhimregardingvictimBridgeford.SergeantE.V.Jacksonquestioned
himregardingvictimRojas.
GlatmansaidhesawanewspaperadinlateJuly'57.Itofferedpinup
modelsathourlyrates.Hecalledthenumberincludedandtalkedtoawoman
namedBettyCarver.MissCarverinvitedhimovertoviewherportfolio.
TheapartmentwasonNorthSweetzer.GlatmanarrivedandaskedMissCarver
ifshewasfreeforasessionnow.MissCarversaidshewasbusy.Glatmansawa
photographofherroommateJudyDull.Heaskedif_she'd_beinterested.
MissCarversaidsheprobablywouldbe.
Glatmanleftandcalledbackthenextday.HetalkedtoJudyAnnDulland
gavehisnameasJohnnyGlynn.MissDullagreedtoatwohoursession.Glatman
drovetoherapartmentandpickedherup.
TheydrovetohisapartmentinHollywood.Glatmantoldherhewantedto
sellsomeboundandgaggedshotsto_TrueDetective_.MissDulllethimbindand
gagher.
Glatmanphotographedher.Glatmanpulledagunonher.Glatmanfondledher
andrapedherandforcedhertoposeinthenudewithherlegsspread.

73
Theyspentsixhoursathisapartment.JudyAnndidnotresisthis
assaults.Glatmansaidshewasactuallyeager.Shetoldhimshewasanymphoand
couldn'tcontrolherselfaroundmen.
Glatmantiedherwristsandledherdowntohiscar.ItwasIo:3op.m.

HedrovehereastontheSanBerdooFreeway9omilesorsooutofL.A.
TheyhitthatbigdesertpocketaroundIndio.Heturnedoffonadesolate
switchback.Hestoppedthecarandwalkedherofftheroad.Hetiedherankles
andplacedherfacedowninthesand.
Hetiedtheslackendoftheanklecordaroundherneck.Hesteppedonher
back.Heyankedthemiddleofthecordandstrangledher.Hestrippedherdown
toherpantiesandscoopedsandoverherbody.
HegottheitchagaininMarch'58.Hesawalonelyheartsclubadinthe
paper.Hewentouttotheoffice,paidafeeandjoined.Hesaidhisnamewas
GeorgeWilliams.
Thedirectorgavehimsomephonenumbers.Hemadeadatewithagirland
wentovertoherplacetocheckherout.Shewasn'thistype.HecalledShirley
AnnBridgefordandarrangedadateforSaturdaynight,March8th.
Hepickedherupinfullviewofherwholegoddamnfamily.Hesuggesteda
driveinsteadofamovie.ShirleyAnnagreed.
Glatmandrovehersouth,intoSanDiegoCounty.Theyhaddinneratacafe
andneckedinthecar.ShirleyAnnsaidshehadtobegettinghome.
Glatmandrovehereast.Theyparkedoffthefreewayandneckedalittle
more.Glatmanpulledhisgunandforcedherintothebackseat.
Herapedher.Hetiedherhandsandshovedherintothefrontseat.He
droveherfarthereastandstoppedthecaronapitchblackdesertroad.He
marchedheroutagoodtwomilesandhogtiedherandgaggedher.
Thesuncameup.Glatmangotouthiscameraandflashequipment.
Helaidablanketdown.HephotographedShirleyAnnboundandgagged.He
cinchedhernecktoherankles.Hepulledthemiddleofhisropeandstrangled
her.
HedrovebacktoL.A.HedevelopedtheShirleypictures.Heputthemina
metalboxbesidehisJudyshots.
HegottheitchagaininJuly.Hesawacheesecakemodeladinthepaper
andcalledthenumber.AngelaRojasinvitedhimovertoherstudio/padonPico.

74
Glatmanshowedup.Angelasaidshewasn'tfeelinggoodandaskedhimto
takearaincheck.Glatmanagreed.Hecamebackthefollowingnight,uninvited.
Angelalethimin.Glatmanpulledhisgunandforcedherintoherbedroom.
Hetiedherfeetandanklesandfondledher.Heuntiedherandrapedher.He
heldhisguntoherbackandmarchedherouttohiscar.
Hedroveherstraighttothedesert.Hefoundanestingspotarounddawn.
Hecampedoutwithherallday.Herapedherandphotographedher.He
drovehertoamoreisolatedspotafterdark.
Hetoldherhewantedtotakesomemorepictures.Hewalkedheroutinto
thetooliesandsetuphiscameraandflashgear.
Hetiedherupandgaggedherandshotsomefilm.Heplacedherfacedown
onablanketandnoosedherupnecktoankles.Shekickedandthrashedand
strangledherselftodeath.Glatmantossedsomeshrubsonthebodyanddrove
backtoL.A.
LawtonmentionedtheJeanEllroymurder.Glatmansaidhedidn'tdoit.He
didn'tknowwhereElMontewas.Heonlykilledthethreewomenhejustcopped
to.Hedidn'tkillanyredheadednurse.
Glatmanwasbookedonthreecountsofmurderone.ThecopsandtheOrange
CountyDAdiscussedfilinglogistics.
JudyAnnDullwasmurderedinRiversideCounty.ShirleyAnnBridgefordand
AngelaRojasweremurderedinSanDiegoCounty.GlatmanassaultedLorraineVigil
downinOrange.Harveywasflickedhistrialprioritywasn'tessential.
Glatmanhadtwosexassaultpriors.HespentfiveyearsinSingSingand
twoyearsintheColoradoStatePen.Hewas30yearsoldandworkedasaTV
repairman.Hewasskinny.Helookedlikeanundernourishedlittleputz.
Lawton,BrooksandJacksontookaHarveyGlatmanmurdersitetour.
Photographers,DAsandvariousdeputysheriffswentwiththem.Glatmanledthem
straighttothebonesofvictimBridgefordandvictimRojas.
JudyDull'sremainswerefoundinDecember'57.TheywereJaneDoetagged
attheRiversideCountyCoroner'sOffice.
ThetourendedatGlatman'sapartment.Thecopsexaminedhisphotograph
collection.
Hehaddozensofmailordersmutpictures.Theyallfeaturedboundand
gaggedwomen.HehadpicturesofboundandgaggedwomenshotoffhisownTV
screen.GlatmansaidhealwayswatchedTVwithhiscamerainhislap.Yougot
somegoodbonusshotsthatway.

75
HehadpicturesofgirlshephotographedinDenver.Theywereboundand
gaggedintheirpantiesandbras.Hesaidthegirlswereallaliveandwell.
Hekepthisspecialpicturesinametalbox.Thecopswentthroughthem
onebyone.
JudyDull'sbrassierewasstretchedbelowherbreasts.Hergagflattened
outhercheeksanddistortedherwholeface.Herlegsapartposeswerefatuous
andobscene.
Shedidn'tlookscared.Shelookedlikeajadedadolescent.Maybeshe
thoughtshecouldoutsmartthisnebbish.Maybeshethoughtcomplianceequaled
poise.Maybeshepossessedaskewedpinupgirlbravado:Allmenareweakand
easilymovedwiththerightcombinationofflatteryandpussy.
AngelaRojaslookeddazed.Herdesertbackdropwasbeautifullylit.
ShirleyAnnBridgefordknewherlifewasover.Glatman'scameracaughther
tearsandcontortionsandthescreamthegaginhermouthwasholdingmute.
ThepicturesshockedJackLawton.Glatmansickenedhim.Heknewhedidn't
killJeanEllroy.

HallinenandLawtoncaughtacasetogetheronNovember8th.Amannamed
WoodrowHarleyrapedhis13yearoldstepdaughterandsmotheredherwitha
chloroformsoakedpillow.
Theyspentaweekwrappingitup.TheyvisitedArmandEllroyandhisson
rightbeforeThanksgiving.
Theboyhadgrownabit.Hewasverytallforakidhisage.
HallinenandLawtontookEllroyandhissondowntoTinyNaylor'sDrive
In.Thekidorderedanicecreamconcoction.HallinenandLawtonrantheir
Mom'sboyfriendriffbyhimagain.
Herehashedthestuffhealreadytoldthem.Hecouldn'tdredgeupanynew
studs.
Theywentbacktotheapartment.Ellroytoldthekidtogooutsideand
play.Heneededtotalktothegentlemenalone.
Thekidwalkedoutandtiptoedbackdownthehallway.Heheardhisfather
andthecopstalkinginthekitchen.
Hisfatherwascallinghismotherapromiscuousdrunk.Thecopswere
sayingtheircasewasdead.Jeanwassuchagoddamnsecretivewoman.Herlife
justdidn'tmakesense.

76

II

THEKIDINTHEPICTURE

_Youfooledpeople.Yougaveyourselfoutinsmallincrementsand
reinventedyourselfatwhim.Yoursecretwaysnullifiedthemeanstomarkyour
deathwithvengeance_.
_IthoughtIknewyou.Ipassedmychildishhatredoffasintimate
knowledge.Inevermournedyou.Iassailedyourmemory_.
_Youfrontedasternrectitude.YoucutitlooseonSaturdaynights.Your
briefreconciliationsdroveyouchaotic_.
_Iwon'tdefineyouthatway.Iwon'tgiveupyoursecretssocheaply.I
wanttolearnwhereyouburiedyourlove_.

MyfatherputmeinacabattheElMontedepot.Hepaidthedriverand
toldhimtodropmeatBryantandMaple.
Ididn'twanttogoback.Ididn'twanttoleavemyfather.Iwantedto
blowoffElMonteforever.
ItwashotmaybetendegreesmorethanL.A.ThedrivertookTylernorth
toBryantandcuteast.HeturnedonMapleandstoppedthecab.
Isawpolicecarsandofficialtypesedansparkedatthecurb.Isaw
uniformedmenandmeninsuitsstandinginmyfrontyard.
Iknewshewasdead.Thisisnotarevisedmemoryoraretrospective
hunch.IknewitinthemomentatagetenonSunday,June22nd,1958.
Iwalkedintotheyard.Somebodysaid,"There'stheboy."IsawMr.and
Mrs.Kryckistandingbytheirbackdoor.

77
Amantookmeasideandkneeleddowntomylevel.Hesaid,"Son,your
mother'sbeenkilled."
Iknewhemeant"murdered."Iprobablytrembledorshudderedorweaveda
littlebit.
Themanaskedmewheremyfatherwas.Itoldhimhewasbackatthebus
station.Ahalfdozenmencrowdedaroundme.Theyleanedontheirkneesand
checkedmeoutupclose.
Theysawoneluckykid.
Acopsplitforthebusstation.AmanwithacamerawalkedmebacktoMr.
Krycki'stoolshed.
Heputanawlinmyhandandposedmeataworkbench.Iheldontoasmall
blockofwoodandpretendedtosawatit.Ifacedthecameraanddidnotblink
orsmileorcryorbetraymyinternalequilibrium.
Thephotographerstoodinadoorway.Thecopsstoodbehindhim.Ihada
raptaudience.
Thephotographershotsomefilmandurgedmetoimprovise.Ihunchedover
thewoodandsawedatitwithahalfsmile/halfgrimace.Thecopslaughed.I
laughed.Flashbulbspopped.
ThephotographersaidIwasbrave.
Twocopsledmetoapatrolcarandputmeinthebackseat.Iscootedover
tothelefthandwindowandlookedout.WetookMapletoasidestreettoPeck
Roadsouthbound.Istuckmyheadoutthewindowandregisteredoddthings.
WeturnedwestonValleyBoulevardandpulledupinfrontoftheElMonte
PoliceStation.Thecopswalkedmeinsideandsatmedowninasmallroom.
Iwantedtoseemyfather.Ididn'twantthecopstohurthim.
Someuniformedmenkeptmecompany.Theyweregentleanddeferredtomy
statusasanowmotherlesschild.Theykeptalineoffriendlychattergoing.
MyfatherpickedmeupSaturdaymorning.WetookabustoL.A.andwentto
seeamoviecalled_TheVikings_.TonyCurtisgothishandchoppedoffand
startedwearingablackleatherstumpguard.Ihadanightmareaboutit.
Copsdriftedinandoutoftheroom.Theykepthandingmecupsofwater.I
drankitall.Itgavemesomethingtodowithmyhands.
Twomenwalkedintotheroom.Thefriendlycopswalkedout.Onemanwas
heavysetandalmostbald.Theothermanhadwavywhitehairandlightblueeyes.
Theywerewearingsportsjacketsandslacks.

78
Theyaskedmequestionsandwrotedownmyanswersinsmallpocket
notebooks.Theyhadmedescribemyweekendwithmyfatherandaskedmetoname
mymother'sboyfriends.
ImentionedHankHartandPeterTubiolo.MymotherwentoutwithHankback
inSantaMonica.Tubiolowasateacheratmyschool.Hedatedmymotheratleast
acoupleoftimes.
Iaskedthemenifmyfatherwasintrouble.Theytoldmehewasn't.They
saidIwouldbereleasedtohiscustody.
ThewhitehairedcopgavemeacandybarandtoldmeIcouldseemydad
now.Theyletmeoutofthatlittlesquareroom.
Isawmyfatherstandinginthehallway.Hesawmeandsmiled.
Iranstraighttohim.Theimpactknockedhimbackalittle.Hegaveme
hisstandardbearhugthatshowedoffhowstronghewas.

AcopdroveustotheElMontedepot.WecaughtalatebustoLosAngeles.
Isatnexttothewindow.Myfatherkeptanarmaroundme.TheSanBerdoo
Freewaywasdarkandfullofglitterytaillights.
IknewIshouldcry.Mymother'sdeathwasagiftandIknewIshouldpay
forit.Thecopsprobablyjudgedmefornotcryingbackatthehouse.IfI
didn'tcry,itmeantIwasn'tnormal.Mythoughtswerejustthatconvoluted.
Iletmyclenchedupnervesgo.IletthepurefuckingaweI'dbeen
feelingforhoursslipfree.
Itworked.
Icried.IcrankedtearsoutallthewaytoL.A.
Ihatedher.IhatedElMonte.Someunknownkillerjustboughtmeabrand
newbeautifullife.ShewasafarmgirlfromTunnelCity,Wisconsin.Icaredfor
hersolelyinconjunctionwithmyfather.Whenshebrokethemarriageoffshe
mademehissonexclusively.
Istartedhatinghertoprovemyloveformyfather.Iwasafraidto
acknowledgethewoman'sedgywillandcourage.
Myfatherwasmistakenlydiagnosedwithcancerin1956.Mymotherbroke
thenewstomebutwithheldthehe'llbeallrightpunchlinefordramatic
effect.Iweptandpunchedoutourlivingroomsofa.Mymothercalmedmedown
andtoldmeitwasulcers,notcancerandIneededalittletriptogetover
theshock.

79
WedrovedowntoMexico.WegotahotelroominEnsenadaandatealobster
dinneratanicerestaurant.Mymotherworeanoffoneshoulderdress.She
lookedstartlinglyfairskinnedandredheaded.Iwasawarethatshewas
performing.
Iwentswimminginthehotelpooithenextmorning.Thewaterwasvisibly
dirty.Icameoutwithblockedearsandathrobbingheadache.
Theheadacheworkeditswaydowntomyleftear.Thepaingrewmore
localizedandmoreintense.MymotherexaminedmeandtoldmeIhadasevereear
infection.
Thepainwasgodawful.Icriedandgroundmyteethuntilmygumsbled.
Mymotherbundledmeupinthebackseatofhercaranddroveusnorthto
Tijuana.Thepharmaciestheresoldmedicineandhardnarcoticsoverthecounter.
Mymotherfoundaplaceandpurchasedabottleofpills,avialofdopeanda
hypodermicsyringe.
Shefedmewaterandpills.Shepreppedaspikeandshotmeuprightthere
inthecar.Mypaindiedinstantaneously.
WedrovestraightbacktoL.A.Thedopewarmedmeandlulledmetosleep.
Iwokeupinmybedroomandsawstrangenewcolorsdriftingoutofthe
wallpaper.
Iwithheldtheincidentfrommyfather.Theomissionwasinstinctiveand
precociouslyderived.I'llascribemotive40yearsafterthefact.
Mymotherprotectedmewithdecisivelygreatstyle.Iknewmyfather
wouldn'twanttohearherpraised.Iplayedtohisfear.Ididn'ttellhimshe
lookedgoodinthatdress.Ididn'ttellhimhowgoodthatdopefelt.Ididn't
tellhimsheownedmyheartforalittlewhile.

Myparentsexcelledatappearances.Theywereagreatlookingcheap
couple,alongthelinesofRobertMitchumandJaneRussellin_Macao_.They
stayedtogetherfori5years.Ithadtobesex.
Hewas17yearshersenior.Hewastallandbuiltlikealight
heavyweight.Hewasdropdeadhandsomeandpossessedamassivewang.
Hewasanineffectualmanwhocameoffdangerousatfirstreading.She
boughtthephysicalpackageandthecharmthatwentwithit.Idon'tknowhow
longthehoneymoonlasted.Idon'tknowhowlongittookthemtoget
disillusionedandcedetheirmarriagetodryrot.

80
Theybothmovedwestinthelate'30s.Theymet,sizzled,wedandsettled
inL.A.Shewasaregisterednurse.Hewasanoncertifiedaccountant.He
inventorieddrugstorestockandpreparedincometaxreturnsforHollywood
people.HehadathreeorfouryearrunasRitaHayworth'sbusinessmanagerand
arrangedherweddingtoAlyKhanin1949.Redhairedwomenruledhispostwar
years.
Imadethescenein'48.Thenoveltyofakidsentthemgagaforawhile.
TheymovedoutoftheirplaceinBeverlyHillsandfoundalargerapartmentin
WestHollywood.ItwasaSpanishstylepadwithbrushedstuccowallsandarched
doorways.Igrewintoawarpedstateofcognizancethere.
RitaHayworthfiredmyfather,circa'52.Hetookoccasionaldrugstore
jobsandhoggedthelivingroomcouchmoststandardworkdays.Helovedtoread
andsleep.Helovedtosmokecigarettesandwatchsportingeventsonourbubble
screenTV.Thecouchwashisallpurposeforum.
Mymotherhustledtoandfromwork.ShehadafulltimegigatSt.John's
HospitalandwetnursedadipsomaniacalactressnamedZaSuPittsontheside.
Shebroughthomethebulkofthemoneyandbuggedmyfathertogetapermanent
job.
HeputheroffwithvaguevowsandcitedhisHollywoodconnections.Hewas
palswithMickeyRooneyandaschlockproducernamedSamStiefel.Heknewpeople
withpull.Hecouldparlayhisfriendshipsintosomethingsweet.
Ispentalotoftimeonthecouchwithmyfather.Hedrewpicturesforme
andtaughtmetoreadwhenIwasthreeandahalfyearsold.Wesatsidebyside
andreadseparatebooks.
Myfatherfavoredhistoricalnovels.Idugkid'sanimalstories.Myfather
knewthatIcouldn'tstandtoseeanimalsmistreatedorkilled.Heskimmedthe
booksheboughtformeandshitcannedtheonesheknewI'dfinddisturbing.
Myfathergrewupinanorphanageandhadnobloodfamily.Mymotherhada
youngersisterinWisconsin.Myfatherhatedhissisterinlawandherhusband,
aBuickdealernamedEdWagner.MyfathersaidUncleEdwasadraftdodgeranda
kraut.HekilledlotsofkrautsintheFirstWorldWarandhadnouseforthem.
TheWagnersthoughtmyfatherwasabum.Myfathertoldmemycousin
Jeannietriedtoscratchmyeyesoutonce.Idon'trecallanysuchincident.
Myparents'friendsconformedtoatype:olderpeoplenaivelyimpressed
withthem.MyparentslookedgoodandhobnobbedwithHollywoodswingers.They
dazzledintheshortrunandonlyfought,carpedandbickeredintheprivacyof

81
theirownhome.Theykeptupaunitedfrontandlimitedtheiroffensive
broadsidestoonewitnessme.
Theirlifetogetherwasonelongskirmish.Sheattackedhissloth;he
attackedhernightlyboozeintake.Theirsquabbleswerestrictlyverbalandthe
absenceofphysicalviolencemadethemthatmuchmoreprotracted.Theyarguedin
measuredtones,rarelyyelledandneverscreamed.Theydidnotbreakflowerpots
orhurldishes.Theirlackofoverttheatricscloakedthefactthattheir
collectivewilltoreasonandreconciledidnotexist.Theyfoughtaself
suppressedwar.Theyworkedthemselvesintothepicayunestateofthe
perpetuallyaggrieved.Theirhatredescalatedoveryearsandpeakedatalevel
oflowfury.
Itwas'54.IwassixyearsoldandinthefirstgradeatWestHollywood
ElementarySchool.Mymothersatmedownonourlivingroomcouchandtoldme
shewasdivorcingmyfather.
Itookithard.Ithrewtantrumsforweeksrunning.Myhistrionicswere
feveredandacumulativeresponsetoyearsofchickenshitparentalbattling.TV
hadtaughtmethatdivorcewaspermanentandbinding.Divorcestigmatizedlittle
kidsandflickedthemupforlife.Themothergotcustodyofallminorchildren.
Mymotherkickedmyfatheroutoftheapartment.Shetoleratedmyhurt
childroutineforafewweeks,gavemeaconcisewhackintheheadandtoldme
tostopit.
Istoppedit.Igotacrazylittlekidnotiontoforgeanallpowerful
separatethingwithmyfather.
Mymotherhiredalawyerandfiledfordivorce.Ajudgegrantedher
temporarycustodyandallowedmetospendweekendswithmyfather.Herenteda
bachelorpadafewblocksfromhisoldapartment.
IholedupwithhimforastringofFridaystoSundays.Wecookedburgers
onahotplateandmademealsoutofCheezVVhizandcrackers.\Vereadbooks
sidebysideandwatchedTVfightcards.Myfatherbegantosystematically
poisonmymindagainstmymother.
Hetoldmeshewasadrunkandawhore.Hetoldmeshewasfuckingher
divorcelawyer.Hesaidhehadashotatgainingcustodyofmeifhecould
provemymothermorallydeficient.Heurgedmetospyonher.Iagreedtosnoop
outmymother'sindiscretions.
MyfathergotajobindowntownL.A.Isnuckoutandmethimonhisway
homefromworkeverychanceIgot.WerendezvousedatadrugstoreonBurtonWay
andDoheny.Weateicecreamandtalkedalittlebit.

82
Mymotherdiscoveredthistreachery.Shecalledmyfatherandthreatened
himwithcustodyinjunctions.Shehiredababysittertowatchdogmeafter
school.
Iditchedmyschoolbusthenextmorning.Ihidoutinthecourtyardbymy
father'sapartment.Iwantedtoseemyfatherwickedbad.Iwasafraidofthe
Salkvaccineshotsscheduledatschoolthatday.
Mymotherfoundme.Shedrovemetoschoolandarrangedtoinjectmewith
theSalkvaccineherself.
Sheshotmeupinhernurse'suniform.Shewasskilledwithaneedleit
didn'thurtatall.Shelookedgoodinwhiteseersucker.Itoffsetherredhair
alluringly.
Thedivorcecasewenttocourt.Ihadtotestifyinclosedsession.I
hadn'tseenmyfatherinawhile.Ispottedhimoutsidethecourtroomandranto
him.
Mymothertriedtointercede.
Myfatherwhiskedmeintoamen'sroomandhunkereddowntotalktome.My
motherstormedinanddraggedmeout.Myfatherletithappen.Amanstandingat
aurinalwithhisdickinhishandobservedthewholetransaction.
Itestified.ItoldakindlyjudgethatIwantedtolivewithmyfather.
Heruledotherwise.Hisdecreestipulatedaweekday/weekendsplit:fivedays
withher,twodayswithhim.Hesentencedmetoabifurcatedlifedivviedup
betweentwopeoplelockedinanintractablemutualhatred.
Icaughtbothsidesofthathatred.Itwasresolutelyscornfuland
eloquentlyexpressed.Mymotherportrayedmyfatherasweak,slovenly,lazy,
fancifulandduplicitousinsmallways.Myfatherhadmymothercategorizedmore
concisely:ShewasaLushandaWhore.
Ilivedbythedivorcedecree.Weekdaysmeantrestricteddrudgery.
Weekendsmeantfreedom.
Myfatherfedmetastyfoodandtookmetocowboymovies.HetoldmeWorld
WarIstoriesandletmeleafthroughhisgirliemagazines.Hesaidhehad
severalsweetdealscooking.Heconvincedmewewerejustmomentsshyofgreat
wealth.Bigmoneymeantbigtimelawyersandbigtimelegalpull.Thoselawyers
haddetectiveswhocoulddigupdirtontheLushandtheWhore.Theycouldget
himfulltimecustodyofme.
MymothermovedustoasmallerapartmentinSantaMonica.ShequitSt.
John'sandgotanindustrialnursejobatPackardBellElectronics.Myfather
movedtoaonebedroompadontheHollywoodWilshireDistrictborder.Hedidn't

83
ownacarandtransportedmebybus.Hewaswellintohisfiftiesandstarting
tolooklikeagigolopasthisprime.Peopleprobablythoughthewasmy
granddad.
ItransferredtoaprivateschoolcalledChildren'sParadise.Itwas
unaccreditedandsetmymotherback50bucksamonth.Theplacewasadumpsite
forkidsfrombrokenhomes.Passinggradeswereguaranteedbutthehoursof
confinementstretchedfrom7:30a.m.to5:00p.m.daily.Theteacherswere
shrillorbeatendownpassive.Myfatherhadatheoryaboutthelongschool
hours.Hesaidtheywerecalculatedtogivesinglemomstimetoflicktheir
boyfriendsafterwork.Hesaidthiswasnotallbad.
Children'sParadisestraddledsomeprimewestsiderealestate.Adirt
yardjammedwithplayequipmentfacedWilshireBoulevard.Theyardwasthree
timesthesizeofthemainclassroombuilding.Aswimmingpoolwaspositionedat
thewestflank.
Idaydreamedmywaythroughthethirdandfourthgradesthere.Myreading
skillseclipsedmyretardedcomprehensionofarithmetic.Iwasabigkid.I
flauntedmysizeandbluffedmywaythroughminorkidconfrontations.Itwasthe
genesisofmyefficacious"CrazyManAct."
Iwasafraidofallgirls,mostboysandselectedmaleandfemaleadults.
Myfearderivedfrommyapocalypticfantasyapparatus.Iknewthatallthings
wentchaoticallybad.Myempiricaltraininginchaoswasunassailablyvalid.
MyCrazyManActgotmetheattentionthatIcravedandwarnedaggressors
nottofuckwithme.Ilaughedwhennothingwasfunny,pickedmynoseandatemy
snot,anddrewswastikasallovermyschoolnotebooks.Iwastheposterboyfor
theIfYouCan'tLoveMeNoticeMechapterinallchildpsychologytextbooks.
Mymotherwasdrinkingmore.She'dcrankhighballsatnightandgetpissed
off,maudlinoreffusive.Ifoundherinbedwithmenacoupleoftimes.The
guyshadthat'5osloungelizardlook.Theyprobablysoldusedcarsor
repossessedthem.
Itoldmyfatheraboutthemen.Hesaidhehadprivateeyestailingmy
mother.IstartedscanningmyblindsideeverywhereIwentwithher.
MymotherquitPackardBellandhiredonatAirtekDynamics.Myfather
workeddrugstorejobsfreelance.IcontinuedmyeducationatChildren's
Paradise.MyCrazyManActkeptmetenuouslyafloat.
Myparentswereunabletotalkinacivilfashion.Theydidnotexchange
wordsunderanycircumstances.Theirexpressionsofhatredwerereservedforme:
_He's_aweakling;_she's_adrunkandawhore.Ibelievedhimandwroteher

84
accusationsoffashogwash.Iwasblindtothefactthatherbroadsidescarried
agreaterbasisintruth.
'57fadedout.MymotherandIflewtoWisconsinforChristmas.UncleEd
WagnersoldheraspiffyredandwhiteBuick.Wedroveithomethefirstweekof
'58.Wesettledbackintoourworkandschoolroutine.
MymothersatmedownlateinJanuaryandcoziedmeupforabiglie.She
saidweneededachangeofscenery.Iwasalmosttenyearsold,andI'dnever
livedinahouse.ShesaidsheknewaniceplacecalledElMonte.

Mymotherliedpoorly.Shetendedtoformalizeandoverstateherliesand
oftenembellishedthemwithexpressionsofparentalconcern.Shealwayslaidout
hermajorlieshalfdrunk.
Iwasagoodliedecoder.Mymotherdidnotcreditmewiththisgift.
Itoldmyfatheraboutthemove.Hefoundthenotiondubious.HesaidEl
Montewasfullofwetbacks.Itwasaskunkplacebyanyandallstandards.He
figuredmymotherwasditchingsomeWestL.A.studorwasrunningtosomeEl
Monteshitbird.Youdon'tuprootandmove3ooddmilesfornogoddamnreason.
Hetoldmetostayalert.Hetoldmetoreportmymother'sroundheeled
stunts.
MymotherwantedtoshowoffElMonte.WecruisedoutthereonaSunday
afternoon.
Myfathergotmepredisposedtohateandfeartheplace.He'dportrayedit
accurately.
ElMontewasasmoggyvoid.Peopleparkedontheirlawnsandhoseddown
theircarsintheirunderwear.Theskywascarcinogenictan.Inoticedlotsof
evillookingpachucos.
Wewentbyournewhouse.Itwasprettyontheoutsidebutsmallerthan
ourpadinSantaMonica.
Wetalkedtoournewlandlady,AnnaMayKrycki.Shewasnervousandchatty
anddartyeyed.SheletmepetherAiredaledog.
AyardenclosedtheKryckis'houseandourhouse.Mymothersaidwecould
getadogofourown.ItoldherIwantedabeagle.Shesaidshe'dgetmeone
formybirthday.
WemetMr.KryckiandMrs.Krycki'ssonfromapreviousmarriage.We
walkedthroughournewhouse.

85
MyroomwashalfthesizeofmyroominSantaMonica.Thekitchenwasno
morethanacrawlspace.Thebathroomwasnarrowandcramped.
Thehousejustifiedthemove.Itcosmeticallyvouchedmymother'sBigLie.
Iknewitatthetime.

WemovedoutearlyinFebruary.IenrolledatAnneLeGoreElementary
Schoolandbecamemyfather'sfulltimespy.
Mymotherwasdrinkingmore.ThekitchensmelledlikeherEarlyTimes
bourbonandL&Mcigarettes.Isniffedthetumblerssheleftinthesinktosee
whattheallurewas.Thesyrupyodormademegag.
Shedidn'tbringmenhome.Myfatherfiguredshewasshackinguponthe
weekends.HestartedcallingElMonte"Shitsville,U.S.A."
Imadethebestofabadplace.
Iwenttoschool.IgotfriendlywithtwoMexicankidsnamedReyesand
Danny.Theysharedareeferwithmeonce.Igotdizzyandgoofyecstaticand
wenthomeandateawholeboxofcookies.Ipassedoutandwokeupconvinced
thatIwouldsoonbecomeaheroinaddict.
Schoolwasadrag.Myarithmeticskillsweresubzeroandmysocialskills
weresubpoor.ReyesandDannyweremyonlypals.
Myfathervisitedmeatnoonrecessonedayadivorcedecreeviolation.A
kidshovedmefornoreason.Ikickedhisassinfullviewofmyfather.
Myfatherwasproudofme.ThekidsnitchedmeofftoMr.Tubiolo,the
viceprincipal.Tubiolocalledmymotherandsuggestedaconference.
Theymetandtalked.Theywentoutonacoupleofdates.Ireportedthe
detailstomyfather.
Mymothergotmeabeaglepuppyformytenthbirthday.Inamedher"Minna"
andsmotheredherwithlove.
Mymotherlaidamindfuckonmeinconjunctionwiththegift.Shetoldme
Iwasayoungmannow.IwasoldenoughtodecidewhoIwantedtolivewith.
ItoldherIwantedtolivewithmyfather.
Sheslappedmeinthefaceandknockedmeoffthelivingroomcouch.I
bangedmyheadonacoffeetable.
Icalledheradrunkandawhore.Shehitmeagain.Imadeupmymindto
fightbacknexttime.

86
Icouldbrainherwithanashtrayandnegatehersizeadvantage.Icould
scratchherfaceandruinherlookssomenwouldn'twanttofuckher.Icould
smashherwithabottleofEarlyTimesbourbon.
Shepushedmeoveraverysimpleline.
Iusedtohateherbecausemyfatherdid.Iusedtohatehertoprovemy
loveforhim.
Shejustboughtmyownfulltilthatred.
ElMontewasprisoncamp.WeekendsinL.A.werebriefparoles.
MyfathertookmetomoviesonHollywoodBoulevard.WecaughtVertigoand
astringofRandolphScottwesterns.Myfatherlaidoutthestraightdopeon
RandolphScott:Hewasonenotorioushomo.
HetookmebytheHollywoodRanchMarketandgavemeacrashcoursein
homos.Hesaidfruitsworemirroredshadestomeasurecrotchbulgescovertly.
Fruitsservedonegoodpurpose.Theirpresenceexpandedthepoolofavailable
women.
HewantedtoknowifIlikedgirlsyet.
ItoldhimIdid.Ididn'ttellhimthatfullblownwomenjazzedmemore.
Divorcedmothersweremorepreciselymytype.
Theirbodieshadtheseneatimperfections.Heavylegsandbrastrap
markingsdrovemecrazy.Ilikedpaleskinned,redhairedwomenespecially.
Theconceptofmotherhoodexcitedme.Iwasuptodateonthefactsof
lifeandwastitillatedbythefactthatmotherhoodbeganwithfucking.Women
withkidshadtobegoodatit.Theywerepracticed.Theydevelopedatastefor
sexduringholymatrimonyandcouldn'tlivewithoutitwhentheirordained
unionswentkaput.Theirneedwasdirty,shamefulandthrilling.
Likemycuriosity.
OurbathroominElMontewastiny.Thebathtubfacedthetoiletataright
angle.Icaughtaglimpseofmymotherdryingoffafterashoweronenight.
Shesawmelookingatherbreasts.Shetoldmethatthetipofherright
nipplegotinfectedaftermybirthandhadtoberemoved.Hertonewasinnoway
provocative.Shewasaregisterednurseexplainingamedicalfact.
Ihadpicturesinmymindnow.Iwantedtoseemore.
Ispenthoursinthebathtub,feigninginterestinatoysubmarine.Isaw
mymotherhalfnudeandnudeandstrippedtoherslip.Isawherbreastssway.I
sawhergoodnipplepebbledupfromthecold.Isawtheredbetweenherlegsand
thewaysteammadeherskinflush.
Ihatedherandlustedforher.

87
Thenshewasdead.

Monday,June23rd,1958.Abrightsummerdayandthestartofmysunnynew
life.
Anightmarewokemeup.
Mymotherdidnotappear.TonyCurtisandhisblackstumpguarddid.I
shooktheimageoffandletthingssinkin.
Theboohoostuffwasbehindme.Ispilledsometearsonthebusandthat
wasthat.Myperiodofmourninglastedhalfanhour.
I'vegotthelookofthatdaymemorized.Itwasincandescentpowderblue.
MyfathertoldmetheWagnerswerecomingoutinafewdays.Mrs.Krycki
hadagreedtolookaftermydogforawhile.Thefuneralwasnextweekandmy
attendancewasnotmandatory.TheSheriff'sCrimeLabwassettoshoothimthe
Buick.Heplannedtosellitformymother'sshorttermequityifthe
provisionsofherwilldidnotbarthesale.
Mrs.KryckitoldmyfatherthatIstabbedherbananatreestodeath.She
demandedrestitutionpronto.ItoldmyfatherthatIwasjustplayingagame.
Hesaiditwasnobigthing.
Hewascomingoffsomber.Icouldtellhewasreallyhappyandinsome
stateofserendipitousshellshock.Hewasclosingouthisexwithpostmortem
minutiae.
Hetoldmetoamusemyselfforawhile.Hehadtogodowntownandidentify
thebody.

TheWagnersarrivedinL.A.afewdayslater.UncleEdwascomposed.Aunt
Leodawasneardistraught.
Sheworshippedherbigsister.AstylegapseparatedtheHillikergirls
Jeanhadthelooks,theredhairandthesexycareer.Herhusbandwas
superficiallydashingandhunglikeamule.
EdWagnerwasfatandstolid.Hebroughthomethebacon.AuntLeodawasa
Wisconsinhausfrau.Shewasslowtorileandagoodgrudgeholder.Hersister
livedanalternativelifethatshefoundcompelling.Theexplicitdetailsof
thatlifewouldundoubtedlyshockhernoend.

88
MyfatherandIsawtheWagnersseveraltimes.NodiscernibleEllroy
Wagnerhatredsurfaced.EdandLeodachalkedmycalmemotionalstateupto
shock.Ikeptmymouthshutandlettheadultsdothetalking.
ThefourofusdroveouttoElMonte.Westoppedatthehouseandtooka
lastwalkthroughit.Ihuggedandkissedmydog.Shelickedmyfaceandpissed
alloverme.MyfathergoofedontheKryckishethoughttheyweregeeks.Edand
Leodapickedupmymother'spersonalpapersandmemorabilia.Myfathertossedmy
clothesandbooksintobrownpaperbags.
WestoppedatJay'sMarketonourwayoutoftown.Acheckerfussedover
mesheknewIwasthedeadnurse'skid.Mymotherstartedafightwithmein
thatmarketjustafewweeksback.
Somethinggothergoingonmypoorscholasticprogress.Shewantedtoshow
memypotentialfate.Shehustledmeoutofthemarketanddrovemedownto
MedinaCourttheheartoftheElMontetacobelt.
MexicanpunkswereoutwalkingthatslickwalkIadmired.Therewereno
housesjustshacks.Halfthecarslackedaxlesandwheels.
Mymotherpointedoutharrowingdetails.Shewantedmetoseewhatmylazy
wayswouldgetme.Ididn'ttakeherwarningsseriously.Iknewmyfatherwould
neverletmeturnintoawetback.

Ididn'tgotothefuneral.TheWagnerswentbacktoWisconsin.
MyfathertookpossessionoftheBuickandsoldittoaguyinour
neighborhood.Hemanagedtopocketmymother'sdownpayment.AuntLeodabecame
theexecutrixofmymother'sestate.Sheheldthepursestringsonafat
insurancepolicy.
Adoubleindemnityclauseboostedthepremiumupto20grand.Iwasthe
solebeneficiary.Leodatoldmeshewasputtingthemoneyintrustformy
collegeeducation.ShesaidIcouldextractsmallamountsforemergencies.
Isettledintoenjoymysummervacation.
Thecopscamebyafewtimes.Theyquizzedmeonmymother'sboyfriends
andotherknownassociates.ItoldthemallIknew.
Myfatherkeptsomenewspaperclippingsonthecase.Hetoldmethebasic
factsandurgedmenottothinkaboutthemurderitself.HeknewIhadavivid
imagination.
Iwantedtoknowthedetails.

89
Ireadtheclippings.IsawapictureofmyselfatMr.Krycki'sworkbench.
InaileddowntheBlondeandDarkManscenario.Igotaspookyfeelingthatit
wasallaboutsex.
MyfatherfoundoutthatI'dbeenthroughhisclippings.Hegavemehis
pettheory:MymotherbalkedatathreewaywiththeBlondeandtheDarkMan.It
waspartofalargerriddle:WhydidsheruntoElMonte?
Iwantedanswersbutnotattheexpenseofmymother'scontinued
presence.Idivertedmycuriositytokid'scrimebooks.
IstumbledontotheHardyBoysandKenHoltseries.Chevalier'sBookstore
soldthemforadollarapiece.Adolescentdetectivessolvedcrimesand
befriendedcrimevictims.Murderwassanitizedandoccurredoffpage.Thekid
detectivescamefromaffluentfamiliesandtooledaroundinhotrods,
motorcyclesandspeedboats.Thecrimeswentdowninswankyresortlocations.
Everybodyendeduphappy.Themurdervictimsweredeadbutwereimplicitly
havingablastinheaven.
Itwasaliteraryformulapreordaineddirectlyforme.Itletmeremember
andforgetinequalmeasure.Iatethosebooksupwholesaleandwasblessedly
unawareoftheinternaldynamicthatmadethemsoseductive.
TheHardyBoysandKenHoltweremyonlyfriends.Theirsidekicksweremy
sidekicks.Wesolvedperplexingmysteriesbutnobodygothurttooseverely.
MyfatherboughtmetwobookseverySaturday.Iwentthroughthemfastand
spenttherestoftheweeksufferingwithdrawalpangs.Myfatherheldtheline
attwoaweek,nomore.Istartedshopliftingbookstofillmyreadinggaps.
Iwasaslylittlethief.Iworemyshirttailoutandstuckthebooks
undermywaistband.ThefolksatChevalier'sprobablythoughtIwasacute
littlebookworm.Myfathernevermentionedthesizeofmylibrary.
Thesummerof'58spedby.Irarelythoughtaboutmymother.Shewas
compartmentalizedanddefinedbymyfather'scurrentindifferencetohermemory.
ElMontewasanaberrantnonsequitur.Shewas_gone_.
EverybookIreadwasatwistedhomagetoher.Everymysterysolvedwasmy
loveforherinellipses.
Ididn'tknowitthen.Idoubtifmyfatherknewit.Hewasscheminghis
waythroughthesummerwithhisredheadeddemonintheground.
HeboughttenthousandJapsurplus"ToteSeats"attencentsapiece.They
wereinflatablecushionstositonatsportingevents.Hewasconvincedhecould
sellthemtoL.A.RamsandDodgersorganizations.Thefirstbatchwouldgethim

90
going.HecouldgettheJapstochurnmoreToteSeatsoutonaconsignment
basis.Hisprofitswouldzoomfromthatpointon.
TheRamsandDodgersbrushedmyfatheroff.Hewastooproudtohawkthe
ToteSeatsstreetvendorstyle.Ourshelvesandclosetswerecrammedwith
inflatableplastic.Youcouldhaveblownthecushionsupandfloatedhalfthe
countyouttosea.
MyfatherwroteofftheToteSeatventureandwentbacktodrugstorework.
Heputincrashhours:noonto2:00or3:00a.m.Heletmestayalonewhilehe
wasgone.
Ourpadwasunairconditionedandsoakedinsummertimeheat.Itwas
startingtosmellMinnadefiedhousebreakingandurinatedanddefecatedall
overthefloors.Duskcooledtheplaceoffanddiffusedthestinkalittle.I
lovedbeingaloneintheapartmentafterdark.
IreadandskimmedtheTVdialforcrimeshows.Ilookedthroughmy
father'smagazines.Hesubscribedto_Swank_,_Nugget_and_Cavalier_.Theywere
fullofniftypicturesandrisquecartoonsthatwentovermyhead.
Istaredatmyfather'sWorldWarImedalsminiaturesencasedinglass.
Theaggregationmarkedhimonebighero.Hewasbornin1898andwasthree
monthsshyof50whenIwasborn.Ikeptwonderinghowmuchtimehehadleft.
Ilikedtocookformyself.Myfavoritemealwashotdogsscorchedona
coilburner.Mymother'scannedspaghettidinnerswerenowherenearasgood.
IalwayswatchedTVwiththelightsoff.IgothookedonTomDuggan's
Channelgabfestandtunedineverynight.Dugganwashalfhipster,halfright
wingblowhard.Heabusedhisguestsandtalkedaboutboozeconstantly.He
portrayedhimselfasamisanthropeandalech.Hestruckadeepchordinme.
Hisshowendedaround1:00a.m.Mysummer'58ritualsgotscarythen.
Iwasusuallytooagitatedtosleep.Istartedimaginingmyfather'sdeath
byhomicideandcarcrash.Iwaitedupforhiminthekitchenandcountedthe
carsthatwentbyonBeverlyBoulevard.Ikeptallthelightsofftoshowthat
Iwasn'tafraid.
Healwayscamehome.Henevertoldmethatsittinginthedarkwasa
strangethingtodo.

Welivedpoor.WehadnocarandreliedontheL.A.bussystemfor
transport.Weconsumedanallgreasesugarandstarchdiet.Myfatherdidnot

91
touchalcoholbutcompensatedforitbysmokingthreepacksofLuckyStrikesa
day.Wesharedasinglebedroomwithourmalodorousdog.
Noneofthisbotheredme.Iwaswellfedandhadalovingfather.Books
providedstimulationandasublimateddialogueonmymother'sdeath.Ipossessed
aquietlytenaciousabilitytoexploitwhatIhad.
Myfathergavemefreerunoftheneighborhood.Iexploreditandletit
fuelmyimagination.
OurapartmentbuildingstoodatBeverlyBoulevardandIrvingPlace.Itwas
theedgeofHollywoodandHancockParkasignificantjunctureofstyles.
Smallstuccohousesandwalkupapartmentbuildingsrantothenorth.They
endedatMelroseAvenueandtheParamountandDesiluStudiolots.Thestreets
werenarrowandgridstraight.Spanishstylefacadesdominated.
BeverlytoMelrose.WesternAvenuetoRossmoreBoulevard.Fiveblocks
northtosouthandseventeenblockseasttowest.Moviestudiostomodesthouses
toarowofstoresandcocktailpitstotheWilshireCountryClub.Halfofmy
wanderingturfabouthalfthesizeofElMonte.
Theeasternedgefeaturedwoodframedhousesandgarishflewapartment
dumps.ThewesternedgewasamidL.A.GoldCoast.IdugthehighriseTudor
fortresseswithdoormenandwideentryports.TheAlgiersHotelApartmentsstood
atRossmoreandRosewood.Myfathersaidtheplacewasaglorified"fuckpad."
Thebellboysranastringofgoodlookinghookers.
Mynorthernroamingflankwastopographicallydiverse.Ilikedtowatch
theviewdeclinewesttoeast.Oddblockswerenicelytended.Oddblockswere
dirtyandrundown.IlikedthePolarPalaceSkatingRinkatVanNessand
Clinton.IlikedtheElRoyaleApartmentsbecausetheysoundedlike"Eliroy."
TheAlgierswasthrilling.Everywomanwalkinginandoutwaspotentiallya
hooker.
Ilikedmynorthernroamingflank.Sometimesitscaredmekidsridingby
ontheirbikeswouldswervemywayorflipmethefinger.Smallconfrontations
woulddrivemesouthfordays.
MysouthernroamingflankstretchedfromWesterntoRossmoreandBeverly
toWilshireBoulevard.Theeasternedgehadonedraw:thepubliclibraryat
CouncilandSt.Andrews.Itwasnegligibleprowlturf.
Ilovedtoprowlduesouthandsouthwest.1stStreet,2ndStreet,3rd
Street,4thStreet,5thStreet,6thStreet,Wilshire.Irving,Windsor,Lorraine,
Plymouth,Beachwood,Larchmont,Lucerne,Arden,Rossmore.
HancockPark.

92
LargeTudorhousesandFrenchchateaus.Spanishmansions.Broadfront
lawns,trellisedarbors,treelinedcurbsidesandanairoftimewarp
containment.Perfectlycircumscribedorderandwealthafewblocksfrommyshit
encrustedhome.
HancockParkhypnotizedme.Thelandscapeheldmespellbound.
IroamedHancockPark.Iwalkedandgawkedandstrolledandtrolled.I
cinchedMinnatoherleashandletherpullmedownIrvingtoWilshirethreeor
fourtimesaday.IprowledtheshopsonLarchmontBoulevardandboostedbooks
atChevalier's.
Idevelopedcrushesonhousesandgirlsglimpsedinwindows.Iconstructed
elaborateHancockParkfantasies.MyfatherandIwouldcrashHancockParkand
makeitourownkingdom.
IdidnotcovetHancockParkfromanykindofaggrievedperspective.I
ownedtheplacewithmyimagination.Itwasenoughforawhile.

Thesummerof'58ended.IenrolledinthesixthgradeatVanNessAvenue
ElementarySchool.Myroamingjauntsweredrasticallycurtailed.
VanNessAvenueSchoolwasgenteel.Nobodyofferedmemarijuana.My
teacherpamperedmealittle.Sheprobablyknewmymomwasamurdervictim.
Iwasbecomingquitealargekid.Iwasfoulmouthedandspoutedprofane
lingoontheschoolyard.Myfather'sfavoriteexpressionwas"Fuckyou,Fritz."
Hisfavoriteexpletivewas"cocksucker."Imimickedhislanguageandreveledin
itsshockvalue.
IwasrefiningmyCrazyManAct.Itkeptmemiserablylonelyandsealedup
inmyownlittlehead.
Myreadingtastesweregrowingmoresophisticated.I'dgonethroughall
theHardyBoysandKenHoltbooksandwastiredofpatplotsandsimple
closures.Iwantedmoreviolenceandmoresex.MyfatherrecommendedMickey
Spillane.
IstolesomeSpillanepaperbacks.Ireadthemandgottitillatedand
scared.Idon'tthinkIfollowedtheplotsverywellandIknowitdidn't
hindermyenjoyment.IdugtheshootingandthesexandMikeHammer'santi
Communistfervor.Thetotalpackagewasjusthyperbolicenoughtokeepmefrom
getting_too_frightened.Itwasn'trockbottombluntandhorrificlikemy
motherandtheBlondeandtheDarkMan.

93
Myfatherwaspermittingmemorefreedom.HetoldmeIcouldgotothe
moviesbymyselfandtakeMinnaoutforherlatewalks.
HancockParkbynightwasanotherseparateworld.
Darknessmadecolorsrecede.Cornerstreetlampsputoutaniceglow.
Housesbecamebackdropsforwindowlights.
Istoodoutinthedarknessandlooked_in_.Isawdraperies,blankwalls,
blipsofcolorandpassingshapes.Isawgirlsinprivateschooluniforms.Isaw
somebeautifulChristmastrees.
Thoselatenightwalkswerespookyandenticing.Darknessreinforcedmy
claimontheturfandpumpedupmyimagination.Istartedprowlingbackyardsand
lookinginbackwindows.
Theprowlingwasathrillinitself.Backwindowsgavemeintimateviews.
Bathroomwindowswerethebest.Isawhalfdressedwomenandwomenand
girlsinrobes.Ilikedtowatchthemputterinfrontoftheirmirrors.
Ifoundacatcher'smittonapicnictable.Istoleit.Ifoundareal
leatherfootballbehindanotherhouse.Istoleitandcutitopenwithapocket
knifetoseewhatwasinside.
Iwasstillpreadolescent.Iwasathiefandavoyeur.Iwasheadedfora
hotdatewithadesecratedwoman.

Shecametomeinabook.Aninnocentgiftburnedmyworlddown.
Myfathergavemethebookformyeleventhbirthday.Itwasanonfiction
odetotheLosAngelesPoliceDepartment.Thetitlewas_TheBadge_.Theauthor
wasJackWebbthestarandbrainsbehindthe_Dragnet_TVshow.
TheshowderivedfromLAPDcasefiles.Thecopstalkedinmonotonesand
treatedsuspectswithbrusquecontempt.Thesuspectswerecowardlyand
bombasticallyverbose.Thecopsboughtnoneoftheirbulishit.
_Dragnet_wasthesagaofdeadendlivesupagainstauthority.Suppressive
policemethodsinsuredavirtuousL.A.Theshowtalkedasterngameandoozed
subtextualselfpity.Itwastheepicofisolatedmeninanisolating
profession,deprivedofconventionalillusionsandtraumatizedbytheirdaily
contactwithscum.Itwas'50sstylemaleangstalienationasapublicservice
announcement.

94
ThebookwastheTVshowunchained.JackWebbdetailedpoliceprocedures
andwhinedabouttheLAPD'swhitemaleburdenatgreatlength.Hecompared
criminalstoCommunistswithoutirony.Heservedupreallifeanecdotesto
illustratetheterrorsandprosaicsatisfactionsofpolicework.Herandown
somesnappyLAPDcasesfreeofTVcensorshipstrictures.
TheClubMeccafirebombjobwasascorcher.
FourcreepswereejectedfromaneighborhoodtavernonApril4,1957.They
returnedwithaMolotovcocktailandtorchedthejointtotheground.Six
patronsdied.TheLAPDtrackedthekillersdownwithinafewhours.Theywere
tried,convictedandsentencedtodeath.
DonaldKeithBashorwasapadburglar.Hehitsmallapartmentsinthe
WestlakeParkDistrict.Twowomeninterruptedhispadcrawls.Bashorbeatthem
dead.Hewascaptured,triedandconvicted.Hewenttothegaschamberin
October'57.
StephenNashwasagaptoothedpsychopath.Hewaspissedoffattheworld.
HebeatamantodeathandslashedatenyearoldboyundertheSantaMonica
Pier.TheLAPDnabbedhimin'56.Hecoppedtoninemoremurdersandtagged
himself"theKingoftheKillers."Hewastried,convictedandsentencedto
death.
Thestoriesweredeadpanhorrific.Thevillainslookedstupidand
nihilisticallyinclined.
StephenNashkilledonimpulse.Hismurderslackedaqualityof
calculationandwerenotperpetratedwithaneyeforfullblownhorror.Nashdid
notknowhowtoharnesshisrageintosymbolicgesturesandinflictthemona
livinghumanbeing.Helackedthewillorinclinationtocommitmurdersthat
inspiredgreatpublicfascination.
TheBlackDahliakillerknewwhathedidn't.Heunderstoodmutilationas
language.Hemurderedabeautifulyoungwomanandthusinsuredhisanonymous
celebrity.
IreadJackWebb'saccountoftheBlackDahliamurdercase.Itsentmeway
offthedeepend.
TheBlackDahliawasagirlnamedElizabethShort.Herbodywasfoundina
vacantlotinJanuary1947.Thedumpsitewasfourmilesduesouthofmy
apartment.
ElizabethShortwascutintwoatthewaist.Thekillerscrubbedherbody
cleanandlefthernaked.Heplacedhertwoinchesoffacitysidewalkwithher
legsspreadwide.

95
Hetorturedherfordays.Hebeatherandslicedherwithasharpknife.
Hestubbedcigarettesoutonherbreastsandcutthecornersofhermouthback
toherears.
Hersufferingwashorriblyattenuated.Shewassystematicallyabusedand
terrorized.Thekillerprobedandrearrangedherinternalorganspostmortem.The
crimewaspuremisogynistinsanityandthusripeformisinterpretation.
BettyShortdiedattwentytwo.Shewasaflakykidlivingoutflakykid
fantasies.Areporterlearnedthatshedressedsolelyinblackandnamedher
"TheBlackDahlia."Thetagnullifiedherandvilifiedherandturnedherintoa
saintedlostdaughterandaslut.
Thecasewasahugenewsevent.JackWebbsteepedhistwelvepagesummary
intheethosofthetime:Femmefatalesdiehardandarecomplicitousin
attractingdeathbyvivisection.Hedidn'tunderstandthekiller'sintentionsor
knowthathisgynecologicaltamperingdefinedthecrime.Hedidn'tknowthatthe
killerwashorriblyafraidofwomen.Hedidn'tknowthathecuttheDahliaopen
toseewhatmadewomendifferentfrommen.
Ididn'tknowthosethingsthen.IdidknowthatIhadastorytorunto
andrunfrom.
WebbdescribedtheDahlia'slastdays.Shewasrunningtoandfrommenand
stretchinghermentalresourcesschizophrenicallythin.Shewaslookingfora
safeplacetohide.
Twophotographsaccompaniedthestory.
ThefirstoneshowedBettyShortat39thandNorton.Herlegswerehalf
visible.Menwithgunsandpocketnotebookswerestandingoverherbody.
Thesecondoneshowedherinlife.Herhairwassweptupandbacklikea
1940sportraitshotofmymother.

IreadtheDahliastoryahundredtimes.Ireadtherestof_TheBadge_
andstaredatthepictures.StephenNash,DonaldBashorandthefirebombguys
becamemyfriends.BettyShortbecamemyobsession.
AndmysymbioticstandinforGenevaHillikerEllroy.
Bettywasrunningandhiding.MymotherrantoElMonteandforgeda
secretweekendlifethere.Bettyandmymotherwerebodydumpvictims.JackWebb
saidBettywasaloosegirl.Myfathersaidmymotherwasadrunkandawhore.
MyDahliaobsessionwasexplicitlypornographic.Myimaginationsupplied
thedetailsthatJackWebbomitted.Themurderwasanepigramontransientlives

96
andimpactedsexasdeath.TheunsolvedstatuswasawallItriedtobreakdown
withachild'scuriosity.
Iappliedmymindtothetask.Myexplicationeffortswereentirely
unconscious.Isimplytoldmyselfmentalstories.
Thatstorytellingworkedcounterproductively.Mydaytimetalesofdeathby
sawandscalpelgavemeterriblenightmares.Theyweredevoidofnarrative
linesallIsawwasBettybeingcut,slashed,poked,probedanddissected.
Mynightmareshadapurerawforce.Vividdetailsburstoutofmy
unconscious.IsawBettydrawnandquarteredonamedievaltorturerack.Isawa
mandrainherbloodintoabathtub.Isawherspreadeagledonamedicalgurney.
Thosescenesmademeafraidtosleep.Mynightmarescamesteadilyorat
unpredictableintervals.Daytimeflashescomplementedthem.
I'dbesittinginschool.I'dbeboredandpreytooddmentalwanderings.
I'dseeentrailsstuffedinatoiletbowlandtorturegadgetspoisedfor
business.
Ididnotwillfullyconjuretheimages.Theyseemedtospringfrom
somewherebeyondmyvolition.
Thenightmaresanddayflashescontinuedthroughthespringandsummer.I
knewtheywereGod'spunishmentformyvoyeurprowlsandthievery.Istopped
stealingandpeepingHancockParkwindows.Thenightmaresanddayflashes
continued.
Iwentbacktostealingandwatching.Amancaughtmeinhisyardand
chasedmeout.Iquitvoyeurizingaltogether.
Thenightmaresanddayflashescontinued.Theirpowerdwindledthrough
sheerrepetition.MyBlackDahliaobsessionassumednewfantasyforms.
IrescuedBettyShortandbecameherlover.Isavedherfromalifeof
promiscuity.Itrackeddownherkillerandexecutedhim.
Theywerestrong,narrativebasedfantasies.Theytookthequeasyedgeoff
myDahliafixation.
IwassettoenterjuniorhighinSeptember'59.MyfathertoldmeI
shouldstarttakingbusesbymyself.Iexploitedthatnewfreedominthenameof
formalDahliaresearch.
ItookbustripsdowntowntotheMainPublicLibrary.Ireadthe1947
_HeraldExpress_onmicrofilmrolls.Ilearnedallaboutthelifeanddeathof
theBlackDahlia.

97
BettyShortcamefromMedford,Massachusetts.Shehadthreesisters.Her
parentsweredivorced.ShevisitedherdadinCaliforniain1943.Shegothooked
onHollywoodandmeninuniform.
The_Herald_calledhera"playgirl"anda"partygirl."Idecodedthe
termstoread"whore."Shewantedtobeamoviestar.Shewasconcurrently
engagedtoseveralarmyflyboys.AguynamedRedManleydroveherupfromSan
Diegoaweekbeforeherdeath.ShehadnofixedLosAngelesaddress.She'dbeen
bouncingaroundbetweenroominghousesandcheapapartmentsformonths.She
frequentedcocktailbarsandcadgeddrinksanddinnersoffstrangemen.Shetold
whoppingliesroutinely.Herlifewasindecipherable.
Iinstinctivelyunderstoodthatlife.Itwasachaoticcollisionwithmale
desire.BettyShortwantedpowerfulthingsfrommenbutcouldnotidentifyher
needs.Shereinventedherselfwithyouthfulpanacheandconvincedherselfthat
shewassomethingoriginal.Shemiscalculated.Shewasn'tsmartandshewasn't
selfaware.Sherecastherselfinacookiecuttermoldthatpanderedtolong
prescribedmalefantasies.TheflewBettywastheoldBettybushwhackedby
Hollywood.Sheturnedherselfintoaclichthatmostmenwantedtofuckanda
fewmenwantedtokill.Shewantedtogetdeepdarkdownandcozywithmen.She
sentoutmagneticsignals.Shemetamanwithnotionsofdeepdarkdownandcozy
cloakedinrage.Heronlycomplicitousactwasacommonfaitaccompli.Shemade
herselfoverformen.
The_Herald_rantheDahliastoryfor12solidweeks.Itplayedupthe
massiveinvestigationrifewithfruitlessleadsandweirdosuspects.False
confessionsandothertangentialoffshootsgotfrontpagecoverage.
Thelesbiantheorywashotforawhile:BettyShortmighthavetraveledin
dykecircles.Thesmutpicturetheoryhadagoodrun:Bettymighthaveposedfor
pornographicsnapshots.
Peoplerattedtheirneighborsoffasthekiller.Peoplerattedofflovers
whojiltedthem.PeoplewenttopsychicsandsoughtouttheDahlia'sspirit.
ElizabethShort'sdeathinspiredaminorhysteria.
PostwarL.A.coalescedaroundthebodyofadeadwoman.Hordesofpeople
fellswaytotheDahlia.Theyweavedthemselvesintoherstoryinbizarreand
fantasticalways.
Thestorythrilledmeandmovedme.Itfilledmewithaperversesenseof
hope.
TheDahliadefinedhertimeandplace.Sheclaimedlivesfromthegrave
andexertedgreatpower.

98
StephenNashwenttothegaschamberinAugust'59.Hespitsomechewing
gumatachaplainrightbeforetheystrappedhimin.Hesuckeddownthecyanide
fumeswithabigshiteatinggrin.
IenrolledatJohnBurroughsJuniorHighSchoolafewweekslater.Harvey
GlatmanwenttothegaschamberonSeptember18th.Ihitmyfatherupfora
bicycle.WeconnedaCnoteoutofmyauntandboughtacandyappleredSchwinn
Corvette.
Icustomizedthatbiketothenines.Iaddedgooseneckhandlebars,plastic
saddlebags,rhinestonestuddedmudflapsandaspeedometerthattappedoutat
150milesanhour.Myfathercalledmybikea"niggerwagon."Itwasbeautiful
butveryheavyandslow.Ihadtowalkituphills.
Ihadavehiclenow.Mynewschoolwasthreemilesfrommypad.Myroaming
turfexpandedexponentially.
Irodemybikedownto39thandNortonseveraltimes.Housescoveredthe
vacantlotwhereBettyShortwasfound.Itorethemdownwithmyimagination.I
laidbicycleskidmarksonthesidewalknearthathallowedspot.
IstillhadDahlianightmares.IconjuredtheDahliauptocombat
schoolroomboredom.Ikeptrereading_TheBadge_.ItkeptmezeroedinonL.A.
crime.
1949:theBrendaAllenvicescandal.Callgirlsjungledupwithcorrupt
cops.ColorfulmobsterMickeyCohen.The1951"TwoTonys"snuff.Marie"the
Body"McDonaldandherfakekidnapcaper.The"BloodyChristmas"police
brutalityscandal.
Iwasdevelopingatabloidsensibility.Crimejazzedmeandscaredmein
roughlyequivalentmeasure.Mybrainwasapoliceblotter.
IfollowedtheMaDuncancaseonTV.MaDuncanhadapossessivepassion
forhersonFrank.FrankmarriedahotyoungnurseandmadeMajealous.Mahired
twoMexicanwinostorubthenurseout.TheyabductedheronNovember17,'58.
TheydroveherintotheSantaBarbarahillsandstrangledher.Mashortchanged
theguysontheirhitfee.Mashothermouthoffandtoldafriendaboutthe
wholething.TheSantaBarbarafuzzbustedMaandtheMexicans.Theywere
currentlyembroiledinlegalproceedings.
IfollowedtheBernardFinch/CaroleTregoffcase.Finchwasaplayboy
physician.Tregoffwashisslinkygirlfriend.FinchhadalucrativeWestCovina

99
practice.HiswifewasfilthyrichandFinchwashersoleheir.Finchand
TregofffakedaburglaryandsnuffedMrs.FinchinJuly'59.Thecasewasa
localsensation.
IfollowedCarylChessman'sfighttobeatthegaschamber.Myfathertold
meChessmanbitawoman'snipplesoffanddroveherinsane.
Myfathercosignedmycrimeobsession.Henevertriedtoderailmyone
tracktendency.IcouldreadwhatIwantedtoandwatchunlimitedTV.Hetalked
tomelikeapal.HeshotmechoicegossipgleanedfromhisyearsasaHollywood
bottomfeeder.
HetoldmeRockHudsonwasafagandMickeyRooneywouldfuckawoodpile
ontheoffchanceasnakemightbeinside.RitaHayworthwasanymphoheknew
thatfrompersonalexperience.
Wewerepoor.Ourapartmentreekedofdogshit.Iatecookiesandmilkfor
breakfasteverymorningandhamburgersorfrozenpizzafordinnereverynight.I
worerattyclothes.MyfathertalkedtohimselfandtoldTVcommentatorsto
"fuckoff'and"suckmydick."Wehungaroundinourundershorts.Wesubscribed
toskinmagazines.Ourdogbitusoccasionally.
Iwaslonely.Iwasfriendless.Ihadahunchthatmylifewasn'tquite
kosher.
ButIknewthings.

MyparentsnamedmeLeeEarleEllroy.Theysentencedmetoalifeof
tonguetrippingl'sande'sand"Leroy"sbydefault.Ihatedmygivennames.I
hatedbeingcalled"Leroy."Myfatherconcededthatthe"LeeEarle"and"Eliroy"
combostunk.Hesaiditwasaniggerpimpname.

Heemployedaparttimealiashimself.Hewentby"JamesBrady"andworked
somedrugstoregigsunderthatnameasataxevasionmeasure.Imadeupmymind
early:SomedayI'dditchthe"LeeEarle"andkeepthe"Ellroy."
Mynamebroughtmegriefatschool.Bulliesknewthewaytogetmygoat.
TheyknewIwasatimidkid.Theydidn'tknowthathurled"Leroy"sturnedme
intoSonnyListon.
Thereweren'tmanybulliesatJohnBurroughsJuniorHighSchool.Afew
punkconfrontationskilledthe"Leroy"epidemic.

100
JohnBurroughswasknownas"J.B."Itstoodat6thandMcCaddenthe
southwesternedgeofHancockPark.Ihonedmywarpedcognizancethere.
Thestudentbodywas8o%Jewish.RichHancockParkkidsandgeneralkid
riffraffformedtheother20%.J.B.hadahotreputation.Abrilliantbunchof
youngstersmatriculatedthere.
MyfathercalledJews"porkdodgers."Hesaidtheyweresmarterthan
regularpeople.HetoldmetostayalertJewishkidswerecompetitive.
Istayedalertinschool.Imanifestedmyalertnessperversely.
Iteamedupwithsomefellowlosers.Wesmuggledinskinmagazinesand
jerkedoffinadjoiningtoiletstalls.WetormentedaretardedkidnamedRonnie
Cordero.Igaveoralbookreportsonbooksthatdidnotexistandhipped
selectedkidsinmyEnglishclasstotheruse.Itookacontroversialclassroom
standonthecaptureofAdolfEichmann.IcomparedEichmanntotheScottsboro
BoysandCaptainDreyfus.
IcovetedmyJewbaiterrep.Itookmymother'santipapistlineandragged
JohnKennedy'spresidentialefforts.IcheeredCarylChessmanintothegas
chamber.Iurgedmyclassmatestodigtheatombomb.IdrewswastikasandStuka
airplanesallovermynotebooks.
Myanticsweremeanttoshock.Theywereinspiredbythebrightnessand
eruditionIencounteredatschool.Myreactionaryfervorwaskinshiptwisted
insideout.
Thatbrightnessrubbedoffonme.Igotgoodgradeswithminimumeffort.
Myaccountantfatherdidmymathhomeworkandpreparedtestcribsheetsforme.
Iwasfreetoreadanddreamawaymyoffschoolhours.
IreadcrimenovelsandwatchedcrimeTVshows.Iwenttocrimemovies.I
builtmodelcarsandblewthemupwithfirecrackers.Istolebooks.Icrasheda
banthebombrallyinHollywoodandchuckedeggsatpinkoplacardwavers.I
developedabigthrobbingloveofclassicalmusic.
Dahlianightmarescameinintermittentbunches.Mydayflashescohered
aroundoneimage.
BettyShortwaspinnedtoarevolvingtargetboard.Aman'shandspunthe
boardandslashedBettywithachisel.
Theimagewassubjectivelyviewed.Theimagemademethekiller.
TheDahliawasalwayswithme.Realgirlsviedformyheart.Akillerwas
stalkingalltheschoolgirlsIgroovedon.Jill,KathyandDonnalivedingreat
peril.

101
Myrescuefantasieswererichlydetailed.Myintercessionswereswiftand
brutal.Sexwasmyonlyreward.
IstalkedJill,KathyandDonnaaroundschool.Ilurkedneartheirhomes
ontheweekend.Inevertalkedtothem.
Myfatherwasgettingrealaction.HispalGeorgetoldmehewasfucking
twocheckstandgirlsattheLarchmontSafeway.Icamehomeunexpectedlyoneday
andcaughthiminthesack.
Itwasahotafternoon.Ourapartmentdoorwasopen.Iwalkedupthe
outsidestairsandheardgroaning.Itiptoedinsideandpeepedthroughthe
bedroomdoorway.
Myfatherwaspouringtheporktoazaftigbrunette.Thedogwasonthe
bedwiththem.Shewasdodginglegsandtryingtosleeponabouncingmattress.
Iwatchedforawhileandtiptoedbackoutside.

Iwaswisinguptomyfather.Ifhe_really_wonallthosemedals,he'dbe
asfamousasAudieMurphy.Ifhehadrealdriveandtalent,we'dbelivingfat
inHancockParkrightnow.HewastooproudtohandsellhistenthousandTote
Seatsbutnottooproudtoscammoneyoffmymother'sinsurancepolicy.
Myteethneededstraightening.IhitmyAuntLeodaupfororthodontic
treatmentmoneyandoverquotedtheamountrequired.Myfatherpaidthedentist's
initialbillandpocketedthebalance.Hefellbehindonhismaintenance
paymentsandpaidacutrateoralsurgeon20buckstocutthehardwareoffmy
teeth.
AuntLeodawaseasilyconned.Isnowjobbedherregularly.Iwastrashing
mycollegeeducationfund.Thethoughtdidn'tfazemeoneiota.
IhatedEdandLeodaWagnerandmycousinsJeannieandJanet.Myfather
hatedtheWagnerclanbigtime.Myhatredwashishatredcarboncopied.
Leodathoughtmyfatherkilledmymother.Myfathergotakickoutofthe
notion.HetoldmeLeodasuspectedhimfromthestart.
IdugtheDadaskillerconcept.Itsubvertedmyawarenessofmyfather's
passivenatureandgavethemansomepanache.Hekilledmymothertogain
custodyofme.HeknewthatIhatedher.HewasakillerandIwasathief.
MyfatherharpedonAuntLeoda'ssuspicions.Heenjoyedtheimplicit
drama.Hepushedmebacktothatstackofnewspaperclippings.

102
Irereadthem.Imatchedmyfather'sfacetoapolicesketchoftheDark
Man.Therewasnoresemblancewhatsoever.Myfatherdidnotmurdermymother.He
waswithmewhenthecrimeoccurred.
SpadeCooleybeathiswifetodeathinApril'61.Hewashoppedupon
amphetamines.EllaMaeCooleywantedtoditchSpadeandjoinafreelovecult.
Shewantedtoscrewyoungermen.
Ifollowedthecase.SpadeCooleycoppedapleaandbeatthegaschamber.
EllaMaegotfuckedoutofajustvengeance.
Iwas13yearsold.Deadwomenownedme.

Ilivedintwoworlds.
Compulsivefantasiesruledmyinnerworld.Theoutsideworldintrudedall
toooften.Ineverlearnedtohoardmythoughtsandholdthemforprivate
moments.Mytwoworldsclashedcontinually.
Iwantedtocrashtheoutsideworld.Iwantedtowowtheoutsideworld
withmysenseofdrama.Iknewthataccesstomythoughtswouldmakepeoplelove
me.Itwasacommonteenagedconceit.
Iwantedtotakemythoughtspublic.Ipossessedexhibitionistflairbut
lackedstagepresenceandcontrolofmyeffects.Icameoffasadesperate
clown.
Myperformingrepertoiremirroredmyprivateobsessions.Ilikedtospiel
oncrimeandNazifiendsinhiding."KiddieNoir"wasmymetier.
Myforumswereclassroomsandschoolyards.Iranmyspielstodoofuskids
andexasperatedteachers.Ilearnedanoldvaudevilletruth:Youholdan
audienceonlyaslongasyoumakethemlaugh.
Myfantasiesweredarkandserious.Myaudienceshadalowtolerancefor
vivisectedwomen.Ilearnedtotopicallydigressforyucks.
Theearly'60sweregoodcomicfodder.ItookcontrarystandsontheA
bomb,JohnKennedy,civilrightsandtheBerlinWallbrouhaha.Iyelled"Free
RudolfHess!"andadvocatedthereinstatementofslavery.IdidwickedJFK
imitationsandstumpedforthenuclearannihilationofRussia.
Afewteacherstookmeasideandtoldmemyshtickwasn'tfunny.My
classmateswerelaughing_at_menot_with_me.Icaughttheirimpliedmessage:

103
Youareonefuckedupkid.Theycaughtmymessageupfront:Laughatmeorwith
mejust_laugh_.
Myfantasiesmadeformarginalstanduproutines.Myfantasieswerea
schizoidbridgebetweenmytwoworlds.
Ifantasizedendlessly.Igotupaheadoffantasysteamandrodemybike
throughredlights.IsatintheatersandranfantasyriffsoffthemoviesIwas
seeing.Iturnedboringnovelsintoenthrallingonesbyaddingextemporaneous
subplots.
MyonegreatfantasythemewasCRIME.Myonegreatherowasmyself,
transformed.Imasteredmarksmanship,judoandcomplexmusicalinstrumentsina
microsecond.Iwasadetectivewhojusthappenedtobeaviolinandpiano
virtuoso.IrescuedtheBlackDahlia.Izoomedaroundinsportscarsandbright
redFokkertriplanes.Myfantasieswererichlyanachronistic.
Andsexsaturated.
JeanEllroytypewomencravedme.Itook4oishredheadsglimpsedonthe
streetandgavethemmymother'sbody.Iplowedthroughtheminthecourseofmy
adventures.Isettledintomarriagewiththelastschoolgirltogoosemy
heartbeat.IalwayslefttheJeanEllroysubstitutesbereft.
Myfantasieswerepersistentlyonenote.Theywereahedgeagainst
schooldayboredomandmywretchedhomelife.
Ihadmyfather'snumbernow.At14Iwastallerthanhim.IfiguredI
couldkickhisass.Hewasaweaklingandabullshitartist.
Wewereboundbyastickykindofneed."We"wereallwehad.The"we"
thingmademyfatherallgooey.Iboughtthe"we"thinginweakmomentsand
bridledatitmostofthetime.Theoldman'sloveformewascloyingandat
oddswithhisprofanetakeonlife.IlovedhimwhenhecalledPresidentKennedy
"aCatholiccocksucker"andhatedhimwhenheweptatthenationalanthem.Idug
hisfuckpadhotelriffsandsquirmedwhenheembellishedhisWorldWarI
exploits.Icouldn'tacknowledgeasimpletruth:Theredheadwasabetter
singleparentproposition.
Theoldman'shealthwasfading.Hewascoughinguplungersandweaving
behinddizzyspells.He'dmakeasmallbundleattaxtime,lazearoundthepad
anddepletehisroll.He'dlookfordrugstoreworkwhenhegotdowntohislast
tenscoots.Hisgetrichquickfervorragedon.
HemanagedastageshowattheCabaretConcerttheatre.Theshowfeatured
youngcomediansandsingers.MyfathergottightwithacomicnamedAlanSues.

104
Theshowbombed.MyfatherandAlanSuesopenedahatshop.Suesdesigned
thehats.Myfatherkeptthebooksandfloggedthehatsbymailorder.The
venturewentbustquicksville.
Myfatherseguedtosporadicdrugstoregigs.Hewaspushingsixtyfive.He
guzzledAlkaSeltzerforhisulcersatthesameratemymotherdownedbourbon.
Weweredeadassedbrokethroughoutmostof'62.
IconnedcoinoutofAuntLeoda.The"Ineeddentalwork"pitchworked
wonders.Fiftydollarhandoutsfloatedusforweeks.Istolefrommyfatherto
augmentmyprivateincome.
Hesentmetothestoretobuyourfood.Ishopliftedagoodportionofit
andpocketedthepriceoftheitems.Icarriedawadofonedollarbillsina
Vegasstylemoneyclip.
IrodemytopheavybikeuptoHollywoodandouttothebeach.Irodeit
tothedowntownpubliclibrary.Ilikedtorideandsyncmyfantasiestostreet
scenes.IlikedtocruisebytheplaceswhereJill,KathyandDonnalived.
IthievedasIrode.IcoppedbooksatthePickwickShopandboosted
schoolsuppliesfromRexallDrugs.Istolewithouthesitationorshuddersof
remorse.
Icutawidetwowheeledswath.Iwasageekyminormiscreantabouttown.
Istood6'1"andscaledinat130pounds.Pimplescomprisedthebulkofmy
weight.Mysupercustomizedbicycledrewjeersandcatcalls.
L.A.atlargemeantfreedom.Myneighborhoodmeantselfrestriction.My
immediateoutsideworldwasstillrigidlycircumscribed:MelrosetoWilshireto
WesterntoRossmore.Thatworldwaspackedwithmybabyboompeers.
Iwantedtobewiththem.Iknewafewfromschoolandafewfrom
neighborhoodcollisions.Iknewalltheirnamesandmostoftheirreputations.I
cravedtheirfriendshipanddegradedmyselftogetit.
ItriedtobuytheiraffectionwithJapsurplusToteSeatsandgot
laughedoutenmasse.Iinvitedafewkidstomypadandwatchedthemrecoilat
thestenchofdogshit.Itriedtoconformtotheirstandardsofnormalbehavior
andbetrayedmyselfwithfoullanguage,poorhygieneandexpressedadmiration
forGeorgeLincolnRockwellandtheAmericanNaziParty.
Myexhibitionistflairwaspurelyselfdestructive.Icouldn'ttonedown
myact.Iwasprogrammedtograndstandandalienate.Myeffortstoadapt
triggeredaninternalbacklash.Icutmyselfoffatthepassandremaineda
teenageleper.

105
Otherlepersdugmyactandfellinbehindmybanner.Iruledmyleper
colonyimperiously.Ididn'trespectthekidswhothoughtIwascool.Myschool
friendshipsburnedoutquick.MostofmybuddieswereJewishandpredisposedto
distrustmyNazishenanigans.
Myfriendshipsbeganwithnihilisticbonhomieandendedwithineffectual
fistfights.Iwonkidsoverwithshocktacticsandblewthemoutwithmyoverall
loservibe.Thepatternwasendlesslyrepetitive.
Imadefriendswithaneighborhoodkid.Westartedjackingeachotheroff.
Itwasmyfirstsexualcontact.Itwasshameful,exciting,loathsomeand
motherfuckingscary.
Wejackedeachotheroffathispadandatmypadandonapartmenthouse
rooftops.Wespread_Playboy_magazinesoutandlookedatthemwhilewelabored.
Weknewweweren'tfags.Ourmutualmasturbationlimitswereeasilyadheredto.
IknewIwasn'tahomo.Myfantasylifeprovedit.IsoughtouttheKinsey
Reportforvalidation.
DocKinseycalledyouthfulfagactivitycommonplace.Hefailedtoaddress
myrealfears:
Canmutualjackoffsturnyouintoafruit?Doesthemereindulgence
stigmatizeyouinrecognizableways?
Iwasahornylittleshitbird.Mutualjackoffswerebetterthanself
propelledjackoffs.MyfriendandIjackedeachotheroffseveraltimesaweek.
Iloveditandhatedit.Itwasdrivingmefuckingcrazy.
Iwasafraidmyfatherwouldcatchus.IwasafraidI'dstartemitting
fruitvibes.IwasafraidthatGodwouldturnmeintoafruitjustpunishment
forallmyyearsofstealing.
Myfearescalated.Ifeltpeopleboringintomymind.Iturneduptheheat
onmyheterosexualdaydreamsastrategytothwartthepeopletuningintomy
brainwaves.
IwasafraidI'dtalkinmysleepandalerttheoldmantomyfruit
potential.IdreamedthatIwasontrialforfruitness.Thosedreamswere
scarierthanmyworstBlackDahlianightmares.
Iquithangingoutwithmyfriend.Afewweekswentby.Myfriendcalled
meandaskedmetotakehisSundaymorningpaperroutehewantedtogotoLake
Arrowheadwithhisfamily.
Iagreed.IsleptlateSundaymorning,rodeovertohishouseanddumped
hisstackof_Heralds_inatrashcan.Myfriendbracedmeatschoolthenext
day.

106
Iacceptedhischallengetofight.Istipulatedasixroundboutwith
boxinggloves,refereeandjudges.Myfriendagreedtotheterms.
WescheduledthefightforthefollowingSunday.Ourwilltomayhemproved
weweren'tfruits.
Irecruitedaref,threejudgesandatimekeeper.EllieBeers'sfrontlawn
servedasaring.Afewspectatorsshowedup.Itwastheneighborhoodkidevent
oflatespring'62.
MyfriendandIworetwelveouncegloves.Wewerebothstickskinnyand
oversixfeettall.Wepossessednoboxingskillswhatsoever.Weheaved,
lurched,thrashed,flailedandpowderpuffpunchedtheshitoutofeachother
forsixthreeminuterounds.Weendedupdehydratedandfallingdowndizzyand
unabletoliftourarms.
Ilostviasplitdecision.Thefightoccurredaroundthetimeofthe
secondEmileGriffithBenny"Kid"Paretbout.GriffithbeatParetdead.
GriffithallegedlyhatedParet.ParetallegedlywentaroundcallingGriffitha
fruit.
IknewIwasn'tafruit.Thefightprovedit.Nobodywastappingintomy
brainwaves.Itwasastupidfuckingnotion.

Ilivedbynotionsstupidandotherwise.Isoakedupcrackpotideas
wholesale.Booksandmoviesfedmestorylinestorevisefromawarped
perspective.
Mymindwasaculturalsponge.Iwasdevoidofinterpretivepowersand
possessednogiftforabstraction.Itookinfictiveplots,historicalfactsand
generalminutiaeandbuiltacrazyworidviewfromoddbitsofdata.
Classicalmusicgotmybrainperkperkperking.IgotlostinBeethoven
andBrahms.Symphoniesandconcertoshitmelikecomplexnovels.Crescendosand
softpassagesformednarrativethroughlines.Alternatingfastandslow
movementssentmeintomentalfreefall.
Thenightlynewsgavemefacts.Iwovethemintoasweepingformand
contextualizedthemtosuitmymomentaryfancy.Iconnectednonsequiturevents
andanointedheroesonperversewhim.AliquorstoreheistmightplayintoNazis
picketingthefilm_Exodus_.AllmurderswereattributedtotheBlackDahlia
killercurrentlystalkingJill,KathyandDonna.Iunraveledthehiddenthreads
connectingseeminglydisparateoccurrences.IworkedoutofaHancockPark

107
mansion.Iwassurroundedbyflunkiessay,VicMorrowin_Portraitofa
Mobster_orthattallBritishguyin_Mr.Sardonicus_.
Ihijackedpopularcultureandfurnishedmyinnerworldwiththeclutter.
IspokemyownspecializedlanguageandviewedtheoutsideworldwithXray
eyeglasses.Isawcrimeeverywhere.
CRIMElinkedmyworldsinsideandoutside.Crimewasclandestinesexand
therandomdesecrationofwomen.Crimewasasbanalandrarefiedasayoung
boy'sbrainperkperkperking.
IwasacommittedantiCommunistandasomewhatmoretenuousracist.Jews
andNegroeswerepawnsintheworldwideCommieConspiracy.Ilivedbythelogic
ofsequesteredtruthandhiddenagendas.Myinnerworldwasobsessivelyrealized
andascurativeasitwasdebilitating.Itrenderedtheoutsideworldprosaic
andmademydailytransitinthatworldpassablybearable.
Theoldmanruledmyoutsideworld.Heruledpermissivelyandkeptmein
linewithoccasionaloutburstsofscorn.HethoughtIwasweak,lazy,slothful,
duplicitous,fancifulandpainfullyneurotic.HewasunhiptothefactthatI
washismirrorimage.
Ihadhisnumber.Hehadmine.Istartedshuttinghimout.Itwasthesame
extricationprocessIutilizedwithmymother.
Someneighborhoodkidsgotmynumberandletmeintotheirclique.They
wereoutcastswithgoodsocialskills.TheirnameswereLloyd,FritzandDaryl.
Lloydwasafatboyfromabrokenhome.HismotherwasaChristianwacko.
HewasasfoulmouthedasIwasandlovedbooksandmusicjustasmuch.Fritz
livedinHancockPark.HedugmoviesoundtracksandAynRandnovels.Darylwas
anasskicker,athleteandborderlineNaziofhalfJewishparentage.
Theyletmeintotheirclique.Ibecametheirsubaltern,courtjesterand
stooge.TheythoughtIwasabigtimelaughriot.Myraunchyhomelifeshocked
anddelightedthem.
WerodeourbikestomoviesinHollywood.Ialwayslaggedahundredyards
behindmySchwinnCorvettewasjustthatheavyandhardtopropel.Welistened
tomusicandspritzedonsex,politics,booksandourpreposterousideas.
Icouldn'tholdmyownintellectuallyMysenseofdiscoursewasinternally
directedandchanneledintonarrative.MyfriendsthoughtIwasn'tassmartas
theywere.Theyteasedmeandraggedmeandmademethebuttoftheirjokes.
Itooktheirshitandkeptcomingbackformore.Lloyd,FritzandDaryl
hadakeeninstinctforweaknessandwereskilledatmaleoneupmanship.Their
crueltyhurtbutnotenoughtomakemedroptheirfriendship.

108
Iwasresilient.Smallslightswouldmakemecryandundergointensegrief
fortenminutesmaximum.Emotionalthrashingsleftmywoundscauterizedand
readytobereopened.
Iwasacasestudyinteenageintransigence.Iheldanironclad,steel
buffed,pathologicallyderivedandempiricallyvalidholecard:theabilityto
withdrawandinhabitaworldofmyownmentalmaking.
Friendshipmeantminorindignities.Raucouslaughswiththeguysmeant
assumingasubservientrole.Thecostfeltnegligible.Iknewhowtoreapprofit
fromestrangement.
Ididn'tknowthatcostsaccrue.Ididn'tknowthatyoualwayspayfor
whatyousuppress.IgraduatedfromjuniorhighinJune'62.Iread,stole,
masturbatedandfantasizedmywaythroughthesummer.IenrolledatFairfaxHigh
SchoolinSeptember.
TheoldmaninsistedonFairfax.Itwas90odd%JewishandsaferthanLos
AngelesHighSchoolthejointIwassupposedtoattend.L.A.Highwasfullof
toughNegrokids.Theoldmanfiguredthey'dkillmethefirsttimeIopenedmy
mouth.AlanSueslivedafewblocksfromFairfax.TheoldmanborrowedAlan's
addressandploppedhisNazisondownintheheartoftheWestL.A.shtetl.
Itwasadislocatingculturalexperience.
JohnBurroughsJuniorHighfeltsafe.Fairfaxfeltdangerous.Lloyd,Fritz
andDarylwerematriculatingelsewhere.MyHancockParkacquaintanceswereoff
atprepschool.Iwasastrangerinastrangeflickingland.
FairfaxHighkidswereferociouslybrightandsophisticated.Theysmoked
cigarettesanddrovecars.IparkedmySchwinnCorvetteonthefirstdayof
schoolandgotroundlyrazzed.
Iknewthatmyactwouldn'tflyhere.Iretreatedandscopedouttheturf
longdistance.
Iattendedclassesandkeptmymouthshut.IditchedmyIvyLeaguethreads
andapedthesartorialstyleofFairfaxhipsters:tightslacks,alpacasweaters
andpointytoeboots.Themakeoverdidn'twork.Ilookedlikeafrightenedchild
cumloungesingermanqu.
FairfaxHighseducedme.FairfaxAvenueseducedme.Idugtheinsular
Yiddishvibe.Idugtheoldstersyakkingitupinawildassedguttural
language.Myreactionconfirmedtheoldman'stheory:"YouonlytalkthatNazi
shittogetattention."
Iworkedhardatschoolandtriedtoassimilate.Themethodologyeluded
me.Iknewhowtorile,provoke,actlikeabuffoonandgenerallymakea

109
spectacleofmyself.Theconceptofasimplesocialcontractbetweenequalswas
completelyforeigntome.
Istudied.Ireadshitloadsofcrimenovelsandwenttocrimemovies.I
fantasizedandtailedgirlshomefromschoolonmybike.Theassimilationbit
grewstale.Magnanimityateshit.IwastiredofbeingananonymousWaspin
Jewville,U.S.A.Icouldn'tstandbeingignored.
TheAmericanNaziPartyestablishedanoutpostinGlendale.TheAmerican
LegionandJewishWarVetswantedthemout.Irodemybicycletotheiroffice
andbought40dollars'worthofhategoodies.
IgotaNaziarmband,severalissuesof_Stormtrooper_magazine,arecord
called"ShipThoseNiggersBack"byOdisCochranandtheThreeBigots,afew
dozenracistbumperstickersandtwohundred"BoatTicketstoAfrica"agag
itementitlingallNegroestoaonewaytriptotheCongoonaleakybarge.I
wasdelightedwithmynewswag.Itwashilariousandcool.
Iworethearmbandaroundmypad.Ipaintedswastikasonthedog'swater
dish.Myfatherstartedcallingme"DerF?hrer"and"youNazicocksucker."He
gotaholdofaJewishbeanieandworeitaroundthepadtobugme.
IrodeuptoPoorRichard'sBookshopandpurchasedanassortmentoffar
rightwingtracts.ImailedthemtothegirlsIwasobsessedwithandstuckthem
inmailboxesalloverHancockPark.Lloyd,FritzandDarylbootedmeoutof
theirclique.Iwasjusttooweirdandpathetic.
Myfatherwaskneedeepinaworkslump.Wefellbehindontherentand
gotbootedoutofourapartment.Thelandlordsaidthepadwouldhavetobe
fumigated.Afiveyearaccumulationofdogeffluviahadrenderedtheplace
uninhabitable.
WemovedtoacheapercribafewblocksawayThedogwenttoworkonit.I
debutedmyNaziactatFairfaxHighSchool.
Classroomdeclarationsearnedmescornandquiteafewlaughs.Italkedup
myintentiontoestablishaFourthReichinSouthernCalifornia,deportall
jigaboostoAfricaandgeneticallyengineeranewmasterracewithmyownseed.
Iwasnotperceivedasathreat.IwasoneineffectualF?hrer.
Ikeptitup.Afewteacherscalledmyfatherandrattedmeoff.Theold
mantoldthemtoignoreme.
Spring'63markedmyblitzkrieg.Idisruptedclasses,passedouthate
tractsandsoldBoatTicketstoAfricafortencentsapop.AbigJewishkid
corneredmeintherotundaandkickedmyasssoundly.Igotonedecentshotin
andsprainedallthefingersinmyrighthand.

110
Thebeatingvalidatedmyactandleftmeundeterred.Iwouldnotbe
ignored.

Thesummerof'63passedinablur.Ireadcrimenovels,wenttocrime
movies,concoctedmentalcrimescenariosandstalkedKathyaroundHancockPark.
Istolebooks,food,modelairplanekitsand"HangTen"swimmingtrunkstosell
torichasssurfers.MyNazihardonabated.Itwasnofunwithoutacaptive
audience.
Mymotherwasfiveyearsdead.Irarelythoughtabouther.Hermurderhad
noplaceinmycrimepantheon.
IstillhadoccasionalBlackDahlianightmares.Istillobsessedonthe
Dahlia.Shewastheheartofmycrimeworld.Ididn'tknowthatshewasthe
redheadtransmogrifled.
SchoolreconvenedinSeptember.IwentbacktomyNaziroutine.Itplayed
toaboredaudience.
Thegapbetweenmyinnerworldandoutsideworldwasstretching.Iwanted
toditchschoolforeverandliveoutmyobsessionsfulltime.Formaleducation
wasworthless.Iwasdestinedtobecomeagreatnovelist.ThebooksIlovedwere
myrealcurriculum.
The_Fugitive_TVshowdebutedinSeptember.Igothookedonitfast.
Itwasmassmarketnoir.Adoctorwasrunningfromatrumpedupmurder
chargeandtheelectricchair.Hehitadifferenttowneveryweek.Thecoolest
womaninthetownfellinlovewithhim,unfailingly.Aprissypsychocopwas
chasingthedoctor.Authorityfigureswerecorruptandtwistedbytheirpower.
Theshowsizzledwithsexuallonging.Thefemalegueststarsgrabbedmygonads
anddidnotletgo.
Theywere30ishandmorehandsomethanpretty.Theyrespondedtomale
stimuluswithwarinessandhunger.Theshowreekedofrealsexjustaroundthe
corner.Thewomenweretroubledandcomplex.Theirdesirescarriedpsychic
weight.TVgavemeJeanEllroyeveryTuesdaynightat10:00.
Thefallof'63progressed.IcamehomefromschoolonNovember1stand
foundmyfathersittinginapoolofurineandfeces.Hewastwitchingand
weepingandbabblinganddrooling.Histautmusculaturehadgoneslackinthe
courseofaday.
Itwasahorrifyingsight.Istartedcryingandbabblingmyself.Theold
manjustlookedatme.Hiseyeswerehugeandwayoutoffocus.

111
Icleanedhimupandcalledhisdoctor.Anambulancearrived.Twomedics
hustledmyfatherouttotheVeteransAdministrationHospital.
Istayedhomeandcleaneduptheremainsofhismess.Adoctorcalledme
andtoldmemyfatherhadsufferedastroke.Hewasn'tgoingtodieandhemight
wellrecover.Hisleftarmwaspartiallyparalyzedandhisspeechwas
indecipherablefornow.
Iwasafraidhe'ddie.Iwasafraidhe'dliveandkillmewiththosebig
weteyes.
Hestartedtorecover.Hisspeechcapabilityimprovedwithindays.Hegot
somemovementbackinhisleftarm.
Ivisitedhimeveryday.Hisprognosiswasgoodbuthewasn'tthesame
man.
Heusedtobeavirilebullshitartist.Hebecameasoftchildinaweek's
time.Thetransformationrippedmyheartout.
Hehadtoreadkiddieprimerstogethistongueandpalateworkingin
sync.Hiseyessaid,"Loveme,I'mhelpless."
Itriedtolovehim.IliedaboutmyprogressinschoolandtoldhimI'd
supporthimwhenIscoredbigasawriter.Myliescheeredhimupthewayhis
liescheeredmeupyearsback.
Hisconditioncontinuedtoimprove.HecamehomeonNovember22ndtheday
JFKboughtit.Hewentbacktosmokingtwopacksaday.HewentbacktoAlka
Seltzer.Hetalkedhisoldraunchytalkwithjustaslightslurbuthisfucking
eyesgavehimaway.
Hewasterrifiedanddefenseless.Iwashisshieldagainstdeathanda
slowfadeinacharitynursinghome.Iwasallhehad.
TheoldmanwentonSocialSecurity.Wedownscaledourlifestyle
accordingly.Istolemostofourfoodandcookedmostofourhighsalt,high
cholesterolmeals.Iditchedschoolmostofthetimeandflunkedtheeleventh
grade.
Iknewmyfatherwasadeadman.Iwantedtocareforhimandseehimdead
simultaneously.Ididn'twanthimtosuffer.Iwantedtobealoneinmyall
pervasivefantasyworld.
Theoldmanwasnowstiflinglypossessive.Hewasconvincedthatmymere
presencecoulddivertstrokesandotheractsofGod.Ichafedathisdemands.I
ridiculedhisslurredspeech.IstayedoutlateridingaroundL.A.withno
destinationinmind.
Icouldn'tgetawayfromhiseyes.Icouldnotfuckingnegatetheirpower.

112
IgotbustedforshopliftinginMay'64.Afloorwalkercaughtmeboosting
sixpairsofswimmingtrunks.Hedetainedmeandhassledmeforhours.Hejabbed
meinthechestandmademesignaguiltwaiver.Hecutmelooseat10:00p.m.
waypastmyprescribedtimetobehome.
Irodetothepadandsawanambulanceinfrontofthebuilding.Myfather
wasstrappedintheback.Thedrivertoldmehejusthadamildheartattack.
Myfatherzappedmewithhiseyes.Theysaid,"Where_were_you?"
Herecoveredandcamehome.HewentbacktosmokingandsuckingdownAlka
Seltzer.Hewashellbenttodie.Iwashellbenttolivemyway.LifewastheLee
EliroyShow.Itplayedtounimpressedandvexedcrowdsinandoutofschool.
Iprovokedfightswithsmallerkids.Ibrokeintotheshedbehindthe
LarchmontSafewayandstole6odollars'worthofemptypopbottles.Imade
obscenephonecalls.Icalledinbombthreatstohighschoolsthroughoutthe
L.A.basin.Iburglarizedahotdogstand,stolesomefrozenmeatandtossedit
downasewerhole.Iwentonkleptomaniacalmissionsandsulked,skulkedand
nazifledmywaythroughasecondpassatgrade11.
Iturned17inMarch'65.Iwasnowafullgrown6'3".Mypantlegs
terminatedseveralinchesabovemyankles.Myshirtswerestainedwithbloodand
pusfromcysticacneexplosions.IwantedOUT.
Theoldmandeservedaquickouthimselfjustliketheredhead.
Iknewhe'dhangonanddieslow.IknewIdidn'twanttoseeit.
IthrewaNazitantruminEnglishclassandgotsuspendedfromschoolfor
aweek.Iwentbackanddiditagain.IgotexpelledfromFairfaxHighforgood.
Farawayplacesbeckoned.ParadiseloomedjustoutsideL.A.County.Itold
theoldmanIwantedtojointhearmy.Hegavemehispermissionandletme
enlist.

Thearmywasabigmistake.IknewitthemomentItooktheoath.
IcalledmyfatherfromtheinductioncenterandtoldhimIwasin.He
brokedownandsobbed.Alittlevoiceinmyheadsaid,"Youkilledhim."
Igotonaplanewithadozenotherenlistees.WeflewtoHouston,Texas,
andcaughtaconnectingflighttoFortPolk,Louisiana.
ItwasearlyMay.FortPolkwashot,humidandoverrunwithflyingand
crawlingbugs.Hardasssergeantsformedusintolinesandharanguedtheshit
outofus.
Iknewthatmyfreewheelinglifewasover.IwantedOUTimmediately.

113
Asergeantgotussquaredawayandsettledintoareceptioncenter
barracks.Iwantedtosay,"Ichangedmymindpleaseletmegohome."IknewI
couldn'ttakethehardworkanddisciplineupcoming.IknewIhadtogetOUT
Icalledhome.Theoldmanwasincoherent.Ipanickedandbuttonholedan
officer.Heheardmeout,checkedmeoutandwalkedmetotheinfirmary.
Adoctorexaminedme.Iwasfranticallyagitatedandintoaperformance
modealready.Iwasafraidformyfatherandafraidofthearmy.Iwas
calculatingadvantagesinthemiddleofapanicattack.
Thedoctorshotmeupwithahighpoweredtranquilizer.Iweavedbackto
mybarracksandpassedoutonmybunk.
Iwokeupaftereveningchow.Iwaswoozyandmyspeechwasslurred.A
notiontooktenuoushold.
AllIhadtodowascrankmyfearformyfather'ssafetyupafewnotches.
Istartedstutteringthenextmorning.Iwasconvincingfromthefirst
tangledsyllableon.IwasaMethodactortappingintorealliferesources.
Myplatoonsergeantboughttheact.Iwasastagehambutnotquitea
scenerychewer.Iwrotethesergeantanoteandexpressedgraveconcernformy
father.Thesergeantcalledhimandtoldme,"Hedon'tsoundgood."
Iwasassignedtoaunit:CompanyA,2ndBattalion,5thTrainingBrigade.
Iwastaggedasaprobablenutcasemyfirstdayinuniform.Thecompany
commanderheardmytorturedspeechandsaidIwasunfitforthisman'sarmy.
Realfearshapedmyperformance.Aninnatedramaticsensehonedit.I
couldhavesnapped_forreal_inahotsecond.Mylongtwitchybodywasagreat
actor'stool.
Ibeganbasictraining.Ienduredtwodaysofmarchingandgeneralarmy
jive.MyfellowtraineesshinedmeonIwasastutteringgeekfromMars.
Thecompanycommandercalledmeintohisoffice.HesaidtheRedCrosswas
flyingmehomefortwoweeks.Myfatherjusthadanotherstroke.

Theoldmanlookedsurprisinglygood.Hewassharingaroomwithanother
strokevictim.
Theguytoldmeallthenurseswereinaweofmydad'sjumbowhanger.They
giggledaboutitandscopeditoutwhilehewassleeping.
Ivisitedmyfathereverydayfortwoweeksrunning.ItoldhimIwas
cominghometotakecareofhim.Imeantit.The_real_outsideworldscaredme
backtolovinghim.

114
Myfurloughwasablast.Ifestoonedmyuniformwithwarsurplusinsignia
andboppedaroundL.A.likeIwasKingShit.Iworeparatrooper'swings,the
combatinfantrybadgeandfourrowsofcampaignribbons.Iwasthemostself
decoratedbuckprivateinmilitaryhistory.
IflewbacktoFortPolklateinMay.Iresumedmystutteringactandran
itbyanarmypsychiatrist.Herecommendedmeforimmediatedischarge.His
reportcitedmy"overdependenceonsupportivefigures,""poorperformancein
stressfulsituations"and"markedunsuitabilityformilitaryservice."
Mydischargewasapproved.Thepaperworkwouldtakeamonthtoprocess.
Ididit.Ifooledthemanddupedthemandmadethembelieveme.
TheRedCrosscalledafewdayslater.Myfatherjusthadanotherstroke.

Isawhimonelasttime.TheRedCrossgotmebackrightbeforehedied.
Hewasemaciated.Hehadtubesinhisnoseandhisarms.Hewasstuckfull
ofholesandsmearedwithreddisinfectant.

Iheldhisrighthandtothebedrailandtoldhimhe'dbefine.Hislast
discerniblewordswere,"Trytopickupeverywaitresswhoservesyou."
Anursehustledmeintoawaitingroom.Adoctorwalkedinafewminutes
laterandtoldmemyfatherwasdead.
ItwasJune4,1965.Heoutlivedmymotherbylessthansevenyears.
IwalkedovertoWilshireandcaughtabusbacktomymotel.Iforced
myselftocryjustlikeIdidwiththeredhead.

10

ThearmycutmelooseinJuly.Igotageneraldischarge"UnderHonorable
Conditions."Iwasfree,whiteand17.IwasdraftexemptjustasVietnam
startedtopercolate.
Myfellowtraineeswereheadedforadvancedinfantrytrainingandprobable
Vietnamduty.IdodgedtheirbulletwithMethodactoraplomb.Ispentmylast
monthatFortPolkwolfingdowncrimenovels.Istutteredandlurkedaroundthe
CompanyAmesshall.IscammedtheentireU.S.Army.
IflewbacktoL.A.andbeelinedtotheoldneighborhood.Ifoundaone
roompadatBeverlyandWilton.Thearmysentmehomewithfivehundreddollars.

115
Iforgedmyfather'snametohislastthreeSocialSecuritychecksandcashed
themataliquorstore.Mybankrollincreasedtoagrand.
AuntLeodapromisedtoshootmeaCnoteamonth.Shewarnedmethatmy
insurancemoneywouldn'tlastforever.ShesignedmeupforSocialSecurityand
VAbenefitssurvivingchildstipendsthatwouldterminateonmy18thbirthday.
Sheurgedmetogobacktoschool.Fulltimestudentscouldcollectthecoinup
toage21.
Shewasgladmyfatherwasdead.Itprobablyassuagedhergriefformy
mother.
Schoolwasforgeeksandspastics.Mymottowas"LiveFreeorDie."
Thedogwaskenneledup.Myoldapartmentwaslockedandboarded.The
landlordhadseizedmyfather'sbelongingsinlieuofbackrent.Mynewcribwas
great.Itfeaturedabathroom,tinykitchenetteand12'x8'livingroomwitha
Murphybed.IpaperedthewallswithrightwingbumperstickersandPlaymateof
theMonthfoldouts.
Istruttedaroundinmyuniformforaweek.Istoodovermyfather'sgrave
andflauntedmyarmygreensrepletewithunearnedregalia.Iboostedanew
wardrobefromSilverwoodsandDesmonds'.ItwaspureHancockPark:madras
shirts,crewnecksweaters,thinwalecordpants.
L.A.lookedbrightandbeautiful.IknewI'dpursuesomekindofswinging
fuckingdestinyrighthereinmyownhometown.
Istuckmyrollinthebankandlookedforwork.Igotajobpassingout
handbillsandquitfromboredomoneweeklater.IgotabusboyjobatL.A.'s
flagshipSizzlersteakhouseandgotfiredfordroppingshitloadsofdishes.I
gotakitchenjobataKentuckyFriedChickenjointandgotfiredforpickingmy
noseinfrontofcustomers.
Iranthroughthreejobsintwoweeks.Ishruggedmyfailuresoffand
optedforaworkfreesummer.
Lloyd,FritzandDarylrediscoveredme.Ihadapadofmyownnow.This
mademeaviableflunky.
Theyletmebackintotheirclique.AbrilliantkidnamedGeorgemadeusa
fivesome.FritzandGeorgewereUSCandCaltechbound.LloydandDarylwere
stuckwithanotheryearofhighschool.
ThecliquemetatmyplaceandGeorge'splace.George'sfather,Rudy,was
ahighwaypatrolmanandacertifiedrightwingcrackpot.Hegotdrunkeverynight
anddefamedliberalsandMartinLutherCoon.HedugmyBoatTicketstoAfrica
andtookafatherlyinterestinme.

116
Itwasgreattohavefriends.Iblewmythousanddollarrolltakingthem
outtosteakdinnersandmovies.WebombedaroundinFritz's'64Fairlane.
Bicyclejauntswerebehindus.
Istolemostofmyfood.IwasonanallsteakdietandfilchedTbones
andribeyesatnearbysupermarkets.TwoclerksjumpedmeoutsidetheLiquor&
FoodMartearlyinAugust.Theyheldmedown,pluckedasteakoutofmypants
andcalledthefuzz.
TheLAPDarrived.TwocopsdrovemetotheHollywoodStation,bookedme
forshopliftingandturnedmeovertoajuvenileofficer.Theguywantedto
contactmyparents.Itoldhimtheyweredead.Hesaidkidsweren'tallowedto
livealonepriortoageeighteen.
AcopdrovemedowntotheGeorgiaStreetJuvenileFacility.Icalled
LloydandtoldhimwhereIwas.Thecopprocessedmyarrestpapersanddumpedme
inadormitoryfilledwithhardcasedjuvies.
Iwasscared.Iwasthebiggestkidinthedormandrecognizablythemost
defenseless.Iwassevenmonthsshyoflegalage.IfiguredI'dbestuckhere
allthattime.
ToughNegroandMexicankidssizedmeup.Theyaskedmeaboutmy"beef"
andlaughedatmyanswers.Theytalkedgangstereseandridiculedmefornot
speakingtheirlanguage.
Istayedcalmuntillightsout.Darknessjumpstartedmyimagination.I
putmyselfthroughastringofjailhorrorsandcriedmyselftosleep.
Rudygotmeoutthenextday.Hecookedupadealtogetmesixmonths
probationand"emancipatedjuvenile"status.IcouldlivesolowithRudyasmy
informalguardian.
Itwasonesweetdeal.IneededaticketoutofjailandRudyneededan
audienceforhistirades.Lloyd,FritzandDarylheardhimoutreluctantlyI
soakeduphisshitwithabandon.
Rudywastightwithabunchofcrazycopideologues.Theypassedaround
mimeographedcopiesof"TheNigger's23rdPsalm"and"MartinLutherCoon's
WelfareHandbook."RudyandIyukkeditupforastringofconsecutivenights.
TheWartsriotinterruptedus.
L.A.wasburning.IwantedtokillalltheriotersandturnL.A.into
CinderCitymyself.Theriotthrilledme.Thiswascrimewritlargecrimeona
bigplotextrapolatablescale.

117
Rudywascalledtoduty.Lloyd,FritzandIskirtedtheperipheryofthe
riotzone.WecarriedBBpistols.Wemouthedracistjiveandcruisedsouthuntil
somecopsmadeusgohome.
Wediditagainthenextnight.Livehistorywasgroovy.Wewatchedthe
riotfromtheGriffithParktelescopesandsawstripsofLosAngelessizzling.
WedroveouttothevalleyandsawsomerednecksburnacrossinaChristmas
treelot.
Theriotfizzledout.Itreconflagratedinmyheadandruledmythoughts
forweeks.
Iranstoriesfromdiverseperspectives.Ibecamebothriotcopandriot
provocateur.Ilivedlivesfuckedoverbyhistory.
Ispreadmyempathyaround.Idistributedmoralshadingequitably.I
didn'tanalyzethecauseoftheriotorprophesyitsramifications.Mypublic
stancewas"Fucktheniggers."Myconcurrentnarrativefantasiesstressed
culpablewhitecops.
Ineverquestionedthecontradiction.Ididn'tknowthatstorytellingwas
myonlytruevoice.
Narrativewasmymorallanguage.Ididn'tknowitinthesummerof1965.

Rudydidn'tcarewhatIdid.Myprobationofficerignoredme.Icontinued
tostealanddodgework.
Icravedfreetime.Freetimemeanttimetodreamandcultivatemysense
ofpotentdestiny.Freetimemeanttimetofallpreytoimpulse.
ItwasahotdayinmidSeptember.Igotanurgetogetdrunk.
IwalkeddowntotheLiquor&FoodMartandstoleabottleofchampagne.I
tookitovertoRobertBurnsPark,poppedthetopandguzzledthewholething.
Iwentecstatic.Iwenthypereffusive.IcrashedagroupofHancockPark
girlsandtoldthemcrazylies.Iblackedoutandwokeuponmybeddrenchedin
vomit.
IknewI'dfoundsomething.
Thediscoverythrilledme.Istartedstealingboozeandexperimentingwith
it.
Heubleinpremixedcocktailsweregood.IdugsweetManhattansandtart
and.tangywhiskysours.Beerquenchedyourthirstbutlackedtheblastoff
potentialofhardliquor.Straightscotchwastoostrongitburnedgoingdown

118
andbroughtupbileinitswake.Iavoidedstraightbourbonandbourbon
highballs.Bourbonremindedmeoftheredhead.
Vodkaandfruitjuicewasgreat.Yougotafastpushoutofthegatewith
minimumgagaction.Gin,brandyandliqueursinduceddryheaves.
Idrankforstimulation.Boozesentmestratospheric.
Itjackedupmynarrativepowers.Itgavemythoughtsaphysical
dimension.
Boozemademetalktomyself.Boozemademespritzmyfantasiesaloud.
Boozemademeaddressscoresofimaginarywomen.
Boozealteredmyfantasyworldbutdidnotchangethebasicsubject
matter.Crimeremainedmydominantobsession.
Ihadabigcrimebacklogtoembellish.
TheWattsriotwasrecentandhot.TheMaDuncancasewasaslickgolden
oldie.IwalkedMatothegaschamberahundredfantasytimes.
DocFinchandCaroleTregoffwererottinginprison.IsavedCarolefrom
jailhousedykesandmadehermywoman.IsnuckintoChinoandsnuffedSpade
Cooley.EllaMaegothervengeanceatlast.IcommittedStephenNash'smurders
andpulledB&EswithDonaldKeithBashor.
Boozegavemeprimeverisimilitude.Detailsblippedoffmybrainpanin
vividnewcolors.Narrativetwistsemergedunexpectedly.
Boozegavemecrimehyperbolizedandrenderedmoresubtle.Itgavemethe
BlackDahliaonabroadhistoricalscale.
Idrankbymyselfandscreenedcrimeandcrimesexfantasiesforhours.I
drankwithLloydandgothimhookedontheDahlia.Wediscussedthecaseat
greatlength.MyoccasionalDahlianightmaresceasedaltogether.
Istolemostofmyliquorandfoundanadulttopurchasesomeforme
legallyHewasaNegrowinolivingunderafreewayembankment.Hecalledhimself
FlameO.Hesaidthecopsdubbedhimthatbecausehetendedtotorchhimself
whenhegotdrunk.
FlameOboughtmebottles.IpaidhiminshortdogjugsofThunderbird
wine.HetoldmeIwaswinobaitmyself.Ididn'tbelievehim.
LloydandFritzreintroducedmetoweed.Idugitferociously.Itaddeda
surrealedgetomyfantasiesandmadefoodarichsensualpleasure.Iknewit
wouldn'tturnmeintoajunkie.Thatwasstrictlya1958illusion.
1965fadedout.Itwasonemotherfuckerofayear.

119
Rudykissedmeoff.HefiguredoutIwasworthlessandnotasincere
rightwinger.Iturned18inMarch'66.Iwasnowastreetlegaladult.

Andanunemployedpettythiefabouttolosehisgovernmenthandout.
Iunkenneledthedogandbroughtherhome.Shewenttoworkonthefloors
immediately.Iponderedmyfuture.IconcludedthatIcouldn'tlivewithoutmy
survivor'sdole.
Ihadtogobacktoschooltokeepthedoughcoming.Lloydwasgoingtoa
freakoChristianhighschool.Thefreightwas$50amonth.Mydolecameto$130.
Icouldattendafewclassesandretainanetprofitof8obucksmonthly.
LloydandIdiscussedthematter.HetoldmeI'dhavetotakeaconvincing
diveforJesus.ImemorizedsomeBibleversesandwentintoseetheprincipal
ofCulterChristianAcademy.
Iputonagoodshow.Istruttedmynewfaithinhighhistrionicstyle.I
believedwhatIwassayingforthelengthoftimeIwassayingit.Ipossesseda
chameleonsoul.
IenrolledatCulterAcademy.Theplacewaspackedwithbornagainpsychos
anddopermalcontents.IattendedsecularclassesandBiblestudygroups.Itwas
braindeadeningrebopstraightdowntheline.IknewIcouldn'ttakethisshit
fivedaysaweek.
Iattendedschoolsporadically.TheCulterstaffcutmesomeslackIwas
atormentedbutsincereyoungChristian.Istuffedthemfortwomonths'tuition
anddroppedoutcompletely.Mybriefconversionnettedme$260.
Mygovernmentbenefitsstopped.MyincomedroppedtoaCnoteamonth.My
rentwas$6o.Icouldstretchtheremaining$4oifIstole_all_myfoodand
liquorandscroungeddopeoffmyfriends.
Ididit.Iextendedmyshopliftingrangeandhitmarketsandliquor
storeswaynorthandwaywest.Iwasboneskinny.Ijammedsteaksandbottles
undermypantsanddidnotdisplaytelltalebulges.Iworemyshirttailsout.I
boughtsmallitemstojustifymypresenceinstores.
Iwasapro.
Lloyd,FritzandDarylcouldscoredope.Icouldn't.Ihadanadultfree
padtheycouldkickbackin.Theysuppliedmewithgrassandpills.
Ididn'tlikeSeconalandNembutal.Theymadeyougoofyandnear
catatonic.LSDwasokaybuttheattendanttranscendentalmessageleftmecold.
LloydandFritzpoppedacidandwenttoseeepicslike_Spartacus_and_The
GreatestStoiyEverTold_.Iwentwiththemafewtimesandditchedthemovies

120
midwaythrough.SandalsandresurrectionSnoresville.Isatinthelobbyand
hallucinatedoncandycountergirls.
FritzknewsomeDr.Feelgoodswhodispensedamphetamines.Thestuffkept
himhyperfocusedduringlongstudysessions.USCwastoughgoing.Fritzsaid
theuppersgavehimanedge.
Hedumpedhisexcessstashonme.DexedrineandDexamyljackedmyfantasy
lifeupsixlevels.
Mynarrativeskillsexpandedsixfold.Speedinducedpalpitations
kineticizedthewholeprocess.
Speedhighswentthroughmybrainandlodgedinmyvirgingenitalia.
Speedwassex.Speedgavemysexfantasiesanewcoherentlogic.Speed
gaveme4oishredheadsandHancockParkgirls.Speedgavemeepicjackoff
sessions.
Ipoundedmypudfori2toi8hoursstraight.Itfeltso_gooooood_.I'd
lieonmybedwiththedogasleepbesideme.I'dslamthehamwithmyeyesshut
andthelightsout.
Amphetaminecomedownsterminatedmyfantasies.Thedopepassedthroughmy
systemandleftmedepressedandsleepdeprived.Idrankmyselfintoanether
worldthen.Boozeascendedwhilespeedreceded.Ialwayspassedoutgraspingfor
somewoman.

Fritzlosthisspeedconnection.Ilostminebydefault.Igotgnawingly
hungryforrealloveandsex.
Iwantedagirlfriend_and_unlimitedpoontang.Fritz'ssistersetmeup
withherfriendCathy.
CathywenttoMarlboroughanexclusiveHancockParkgirl'sschool.She
wasplainfeaturedandchubby.Wewenttosee_TheSoundofMusic_onourfirst
date.IliedandtoldCathythatIreallylikedthemovie.
Cathywassociallydenseandlovestarved.Ifounditappealing.She
disdainedformaldateactivities.Shecravedparkthecarmakeoutaction.
Whichmeanthuggingandkissingsanstongues.
We"madeout"severalweekendnightsrunning.Thenotongue/noskinpolicy
drovemeinsane.Ibeggedformorecontact.Cathyrefused.Ibeggedsomemore.
Cathythrewabigdiversionatme.
Sheplannedastringofgettogetherswithherschoolchums.Thediversion
gotmeinsidelooksatseveraljuicyHancockParkpads.

121
Ilikedtheplushfurnishings.Ilikedthebigrooms.Ilikedthewood
panelsandoilpaintings.Thiswasmyoldvoyeurprowlworldcloseupand
intimate.
CathyintroducedmetoherfriendAnne.Annewas6'1",blondand
strapping.Shenevergotdates.
IcalledAnneupandaskedherout.WewenttoamovieandneckedinFern
DellPark.Sheshotmesometongue.Itwasgooooood.
IcalledupCathyandbrokeourthingoff.Annecalledmeandtoldmeto
stayoutofherlife.IcalledFritz'ssisterHeidiandaskedherout.Shetold
metobuzzoff.IcalledHeidi'sfriendKayandaskedherout.Shetoldmeshe
wasacommittedChristianandonlywentoutwithsavedguys.
Iwantedmorelove.Iwantedsexwithnoschoolgirllimits.Iwantedto
seesomemoreHancockParkpads.
Fritzmaintainedalittleroomadjoininghisgarage.Hekepthisrecords
andstereoshitthere.Itwashishideout.Heneverlethisparentsorsister
in.Lloyd,DarylandIhadkeys.
Theroomwas20yardsfromthemainhouse.Thehousetantalizedme.Itwas
myfavoritesexfantasybackdrop.
Ibrokeinonenight.Itwaslate'66.
Fritzandhisfamilywereoutsomewhere.Igotdownonthegroundbeside
thekitchendoorandstuckmyleftarmthroughapetaccesshole.Itrippedthe
insidelatchandletmyselfintothehouse.
Iwalkedaround.Ikeptthelightsoffandprowledupstairsanddown.I
checkedthemedicinecabinetsfordopeandfilchedafewpainkillers.Ipoured
myselfadoublescotchandpoppedthepillsrightthere.IwashedtheglassI
usedandputitbackwhereIfoundit.
IwalkedthroughHeidi'sbedroom.Isavoredthesmellofherpillowsand
wentthroughherclosetanddrawers.Iburiedmyfaceinastackoflingerieand
stoleapairofwhitepanties.
Ileftthehousequietly.Ididn'twanttoblowashotatreentry.Iknew
I'dtouchedanothersecretworld.

Kayliveddirectlyacrossthestreet.Ibrokeintoherhouseafewnights
later.
IcalledthehousefromFritz'sbackroomandgotnoanswer.Iwalkedover
andcheckedentrypoints.

122
Ifoundanopenwindowoverlookingthedriveway.Itwascoveredbya
screensecuredwithbentnails.Ipriedtwobottomnailsloose,removedthe
screenandvaultedintothehouse.
Itwasstrangeturf.Iturnedafewlightsonforasecondtoacclimate
myself.
Therewasnoliquorcabinet.Therewasnogoodshitinthemedicine
chests.Ihittherefrigeratorandstuffedmyselfwithcoldcutsandfruit.I
exploredthehouseupstairsanddownandsavedKay'sbedroomforlast.
Ilookedthroughherschoolpapersandstretchedoutonherbed.I
examinedaclotheshamperstuffedwithblousesandskirts.Iopeneddresser
drawersandheldatablelampoverthemforlight.Istoleamatchingbraand
panties.
Ireplacedthewindowscreenandbentthenailsbacktoholditinplace.
Iwalkedhomeveryhigh.
Burglarywasvoyeurismmultipliedathousandtimes.

KathylivedinabigSpanishhouseat2ndandPlymouth.Shewasmy
longtimesecretlove.
Shewastallandslender.Shehaddarkbrownhair,browneyesand
freckles.Shewasintelligent,sweetnaturedandaltogethergracious.Iwas
afraidofherfornojustifiablereason.
Ibrokeintoherhouse.Itwasaverycoldnightinearly'67.
Icalledhernumberandgotnoanswer.Iwalkedovertothehouseandsaw
nolightsonandnocarsinthedrivewayIwalkedaroundtothebackandtried
toslidesomewindowsopen.Thethirdorfourthonewasunlatched.
Ipulledmyselfinside.Istumbledaroundthefirstfloorandturned
lightsonforasplitsecond.Ifoundaliquorsideboardandguzzledoutof
everybottleonit.Igotaslambangheavyboozerushandwalkedupstairs.
Icouldn'ttellwhosebedroomwaswhose.Ilaydownonallthebedsand
foundfemaleundergarmentsinanarmoireandchestofdrawers.Thesizingonthe
brasandpantiesconfusedme.IstoletwosetstomakesureIhadKathy's.
Ifoundsomeprescriptiondownersinamedicinechest.Istolethreeand
chasedthemwithaweirdassliqueur.Iwentoutthatbackwindow,weavedhome
andpassedoutonmybed.

123
Ikeptdoingit.Iwentatitwithuncharacteristicrestraint.
Iquitpoppingpillsatthescene.Ionlystolefetishisticbooty.Iwent
backtoHeidi's,Kay'sandKathy'shousesatoddintervalsandstayedinsideno
morethan15minutes.IabortedmymissionifIfoundmyentrypointssecured.
Thethrillwassexandotherworldsbrieflycaptured.Burglarygaveme
youngwomenandfamiliesbyextension.
Iburglarizedmywaythrough'67.IneverstrayedoutsideHancockPark.I
tappedthehomesofmydreamgirlsexclusively.
Heidi,KayandKathy.Missyat1standBeachwood.Juliethreedoorsdown
andacrossthestreetfromKathy.Joanneat2ndandIrving.
Secretworlds.

DarylmoveduptoPortlandinearly'68.FritztransferredtoUCLA.Lloyd
wasattendingL.A.CityCollege.HewasalmostasboozeanddopeaddledasI
was.
LloydpossessedtheballsthatIlacked.Hehadabentfortorturedwomen
hookedupwithabusivemen.Hetriedtorescuethemandgotintofightswith
dopedealersleazebags.Hehadabigheartandabigbrainandawickedly
nihilisticsenseofhumor.Helivedwithhisreligiousnutmotherandhersecond
husbandaproducemerchantwithacoupleoffruitstandsoutinthevalley.
LloydhadatasteforHollywoodlowlife.Heknewhowtotalktohoodlum
typesandhippies.ItaggedalongonafewofhisHollywoodexcursions.Imet
bikers,fruithustlersandGenetheShortQueena4'10"transvestite.I
stumbledaroundHollywood,tookweirddrugcombinationsandwokeupinparksand
Christmastreelots.
Thepeaceandloveerawasbooming.Lloydhadonefootinthatcultural
doorandonefootbackontheedgeofHancockPark.Hehadhisowndualworld
schemegoing.HeposturedandcoppeddopeinHollywoodandcamehometohis
crazymother.
Hollywoodscaredmeandvexedme.Hippieswerefaggotshitheads.They
loveddegeneratemusicandpreachedspeciousmetaphysics.Hollywoodwasapus
pocket.
Lloyddisagreed.Hetoldmetherealworldfrightenedme.HesaidIonly
knewafewsquaremiles.

124
Hewasright.Hedidn'tknowIsupplantedmyknowledgewiththingshe'd
neverknow.
Ikeptburglarizing.Iwentatitcravenlyandcautiously.Ikeptreading
crimenovelsandbrainscreeningcrimefantasies.Ikeptstealingandeatingan
allsteakdiet.IlivedoffaCnoteamonth.
Thedogdisappeared.IcamehomeandfoundmydooropenandMinnalong
gone.Isuspectedmydoghaterlandlord.
IsearchedforMinnaandputalostdogadinthe_L.A.Times_.Nothing
cameofit.Iblewtwomonths'rentmoneyondopeandgotlockedoutofmypad.
AuntLeodarefusedtoadvancemesomecoin.Ispentaweekcrashedoutin
Fritz'sbackroomandgotevictedbyhisfather.ImovedintoLloyd'sbedroom
andgotevictedbyhismother.
ImovedintoRobertBurnsPark.IstolesomeblanketsfromaGoodwillbox
andsleptinanivypatchforthreeweeks.Anocturnalsprinklingsystemdoused
meatirregularintervals.Ihadtogatherupmyblanketsandrunfordryspots.

Outdoorlivingateshit.IwenttotheCaliforniaStateEmploymentOffice
andgotsomejobreferrals.ASerboCroatianpsychichiredmeasahandbill
distributor.
HernamewasSisterRamona.ShepreyedonpoorblacksandMexicansand
spreadhermessageviamimeographedflyer.Shehealedthesickanddispensed
financialadvice.Poorpeopleflockedtoherdoor.Shesoakedthestupid
cocksuckersforalltheywereworth.
SisterRamonawasaracistandrightwingfanatic.Herhusbanddrovemeto
povertypocketsanddroppedmeoffwithnewspaperbagsfullofhandbills.Islid
themunderdoorsandstuffedtheminmailboxes.Littlekidsanddogsfollowedme
around.Teenagerslaughedatmeandflippedmethebird.
Thehusbandgavemetwobucksadaylunchmoney.IspentitonTBirdand
muscatel.FlameUwasright:Iturnedintoafullfledgedwino.
Iputarolltogetherandgotmypadback.IquitmySisterRamonajob.
Ahighschoolacquaintanceintroducedmetoawomanwhoneededaplaceto
stay.Shesaidshe'ddevirginizemeinexchangeforaroof.Ieagerlyaccepted
heroffer.
Shemovedin.Shedevirginizedmeunderduress.Ididn'tturnheronand
myacnescarredbackrepulsedher.Shefuckedmefourtimesandtoldmethatwas
allIwasgetting.Iwascrazyaboutherandletherstayanyway.

125
Shebewitchedme.Shedominatedmecompletely.Shestayedwithmefor
threemonthsandannouncedthatshewasalesbian.She'djustmetawomanand
wasmovinginwithher.
Iwasheartbroken.Iwentonalongvodkabenderandblewmyrentmoney.
Mylandlordevictedmeagain.
ImovedbackintoRobertBurnsParkandfoundapermanentdryspotbya
toolshed.Istartedtothinkthatoutdoorlivingwasn'tthatbad.Ihadasafe
spottosleep,andIcouldhangoutwithLloydandreadinpubliclibrariesall
day.IcouldshaveinpublicrestroomsandtakeoccasionalshowersatLloyd's
place.
Igotmyrationalestraightandproceededonthatcourse.Iswitchedmy
dietfromsteakstoluncheonmeatandhauntedbranchlibrariesalloverL.A.I
drankinlibrarymen'sroomsandwentthroughRossMacdonald'sentireoeuvremy
firstfewweeksonthestreet.IkeptachangeofclothesatLloyd'spadand
bathedthereoccasionally.
Itwasfall'68.ImetafreakattheHollywoodPublicLibrary.Hetoldme
aboutBenzedrexinhalers.
Theywereanoverthecounterdecongestantproductencasedinlittle
plastictubes.Thetubesheldawadofcottonsoakedinasubstancecalled
prophylhexedrine.Youweresupposedtostickthetubeinyournoseandtakea
fewsniffs.Youweren'tsupposedtoswallowthewadsandflyonrighteous
tenhourspeedhighs.
Benzedrexinhalerswerelegal.Theycost69cents.Youcouldbuythemor
boostthemalloverL.A.
ThefreaksaidIshouldstealafew.Idugtheidea.Icouldtapintoa
speedsourcewithoutdopeconnectionsoradoctor'sprescription.Istolethree
inhalersataSayOndrugstoreandhunkereddowntochasethemwithrootbeer.
Thewadsweretwoincheslongandofcigarettecircumference.Theywere
soakedinanevilsmellingambersolution.Igaggedonedownandfoughtareflex
toheaveitbackup.Itstayeddownandwenttoworkinsidehalfanhour.
Thehighwas_gooooood_.Itwasbrainpoppingandgroingrabbing.Itwas
justasgoodasapharmaceuticalupperhigh.
IwentbacktomyspotinRobertBurnsParkandjackedoffallnight.The
highlastedeightsolidhoursandleftmedingyandschizzy.TBirdtookthe
edgeoffandeasedmeintoafresheuphoria.
I'dfoundsomething.ItwassomethingIcouldhaveatwill.

126
Iwentatitwillfully.Istoleinhalersandfleweverythirdorfourth
dayforamonth.Ichuggeddowninhalersinlibrarymen'sroomsandbuzzedback
toBurnsParkwithmyheadscrapingthemoon.Thespeedcontinuumgavememy
mosttexturedcrimeandsexfantasies.Istoleaflashlightandsomeskinmags
andworkedthemintomyscene.
Outdoorlifewasgood.ItoldAuntLeodatosendmymonthlyCnotecareof
Lloyd.ShethoughtIwasbunkinginwithabuddy.Ididn'ttellherIwasnowa
perpetualcamper.
Iforgottofactorrainintomyoutdoorlifeequation.Somedrizzlessent
melookingforshelter.Ifoundadesertedhouseat8thandArdmoreandmoved
in.
Itwasatwostoryjobwithnointeriorlightsandnorunningwater.The
livingroomfeaturedamoldyfauxleathercouch.Thecouchwasgoodforsleeping
andsustainedjackoffaction.
Isettledintothehouse.Ikeptthefrontdoorunlockedandhidmystuff
inaclosetwhenIwentout.IfiguredIwasbeingdiscreet.Iwasmistaken.
ItwentdowninlateNovember.Fourcopskickedmydoorinandchargedme
withshotguns.
Theythrewmetothefloorandhandcuffedme.Theystuckthosebig12
gaugepumpsinmyface.Theythrewmeinacar,drovemetoWilshireStationand
bookedmeforburglary.

Mycellmatewasablackguypoppedforarmedrobbery.Heheldupaliquor
store,gotawaycleanandsawthathe'ddroppedhisAfrocombatthescene.He
wentbacktogetit.Theproprietorrecognizedhim.Thecopsbaggedhisass
rightthere.
Iwasscared.ThiswasworsethanGeorgiaStreetJuvie.Adetective
interviewedme.ItoldhimIwassleepinginthehousenotburglarizingit.He
believedmeandknockedthebeefdowntoplaintrespassing.Ajailermovedme
overtothemisdemeanorsideofthetank.
Myfearsubsidedabit.Mycellmatessaidtrespassingwaschickenshit
stuff.I'dprobablygetcutlooseatarraignment.
IspentSaturdayandSundayattheWilshireholdingtank.Theyfedustwo
TVdinnersandtwocupsofcoffeeaday.Iwasinwithabunchofdrunksand
wifebeaters.Weallliedaboutourcrimeexploitsandthewomenwe'dfucked.

127
ASheriff'sbushauledustocourtearlyMondaymorning.Itdroppedusoff
attheLincolnHeightsDivisionhomeofthefamousLincolnHeightsdrunktank.
Wewaitedtoseethejudgethere.Thetankwasfortyyardssquareandjam
packedwithmalelowlife.Deputieslobbedlunchsacksintothecrowd.Youhadto
fightforyourfood.Iwastallenoughtosnagmychowstraightoutoftheair.
Thedaystretched.Adozenwinossufferedalcoholicseizures.Wewent
beforethejudgetenorsoatatime.ThejudgewasawomannamedMaryWaters.
Theguysinthetanksaidshewasanastyoldcunt.
Istoodbeforeherandpledguilty.ShesaidIlookedlikeadraftdodger.
ItoldherIwasn't.Sheorderedmeheldwithoutbailpendingaprobation
workup.IwasduebackincourtonDecember23rd.
ItwasDecember2nd.Iwasheadedforthreeweeksinstir.Itampeddown
mycomposure.Adeputyhookedmeuptoa12manshacklechain.Anotherdeputy
herdedusouttoabigblack&whitebus.
ThebustookustotheMainCountyjail.Itwasahugefacilityamile
northeastofdowntownL.A.Theinductionprocesstook12hours.
Deputiesskinsearchedusandsprayeduswithdelousingsolution.We
tradedourstreetclothesforjaildenims.Wegotbloodtestedandinoculated
forvariousdiseases.Wespenthoursmovingfromonebarredpentoanother.I
gottomyactualcellat2:00or3:00a.m.
Itwasafourmancelloverpackednowtosix.Adeputytoldmetoslidemy
mattressundertheleftbottombunk.Iscooteddownthereandpassedoutfrom
completeexhaustion.
Iwokeupfor6:00a.m.chow.Adeputycalledoffsomenamesonan
intercommynameincluded.Wewerebeing"rolledup"totheHallofJustice
Jail.
Aninmatesaidthiswaseverydaystuff.Youprocessedinatthe"New"
Countyandgotrolledupelsewhere.TheHallofJusticeJailwasknownasthe
"Old"County.
Adeputyshackledmetosomeguys.Twodeputiesherdedusouttoavanand
droveustotheOldCounty.Weelevatoreduptoatankonthethirteenthfloor.
Mytierwaspackedtodoublecapacity.Adeputysaidthenewguyshadto
sleeponthecatwalk.Youhadtorollyourmattressupinthemorninganddrift
betweencellsuntillightsout.
Ihadtwentydaysofthiscoming.Aninnervoicehippedmetothebasic
gestalt.

128
Youarebigbutnottough.Youcommitcrimesbutarenota_real_
criminal.Watchhowyouact.Watchwhatyousay.Becareful,becalmandhold
yourbreathfortwentydays.
Ifedmyselfthatmessageinstinctively.Ididnotverbalizethethought.
Ididn'tknowthatmymerepresenceshouted:fool,chump,geek,ineffectualkid.
Ikeptmymouthshut.Iprogrammedmyselftobestoic.Itriednotto
betraymyfearovertly.Myfellowinmateslaughedattheplainsightofme.
MostofthemwerefelonsawaitingtrialinSuperiorCourt.Theyunderstood
anddisdainedmaleweakness.
Theylaughedatmytwitchywalkandshortenedmytwonamestothehated
"Leroy."Theycalledme"theNuttyProfessor."Theyneverputtheirhandsonme.
Theyconsideredmebeneaththatkindofcontempt.
Lloydvisitedme.HesaidhecalledmyauntandtoldherIwasinjail.My
insurancemoneywasrunningout.Theoldgirlwassettoadvanceme200scoots
anyway.LloydknewaflopIcouldgetfor8oamonththeVersaillesApartments
on6thandSt.Andrews.
Icountedoffmy20days.Aprobationofficercametoseeme.Hesaid
JudgeWaterswassettoreleaseme.Iwouldgetasuspendedsentenceandthree
years'formalprobation.Iwouldhavetogetajob.
IsaidI'dlookforworkpronto.IpromisedthatI'dwalkthestraightand
narrow.
Ikeptmymouthshutonthetierandlistened.IlearnedthatRomilarCF
coughsyrupgaveyouarighteoushighandthatstripsoftapealongwindowpanes
denotedalarmsystems.TheguyatCooper'sDonutsknewallthehotblack
hookers.YoucouldscoredopeatthreeNorm'sCoffeeShops.TheplaceatMelrose
andLaCienegawascalledFagNorm's.TheplaceatSunsetandVermontwascalled
NormalNorm's.TheplaceonthesouthsidewascalledNiggerNorm's.
MarijuanagrewwildincertainpartsofTrancasCanyon.MaDuncan'sson
wasnowahotcriminallawyer.DocFinchwasupforparolesoon.CaroleTregoff
turnedlezinthejoint.CarylChessmanwasapunkalltheguysatQuentin
hatedhim.ThatSusanHaywardflick_IWanttoLive_wasbullshit.Barbara
GrahamreallydidbeatMabelMonahantodeath.
Ilistenedandlearned.Ireadabeatupcopyof_AtlasShrugged_andcame
totheunsoundconclusionthatIwasasuperman.Istayedboozeanddopefree
andaddedtenpoundsofjailfoodmuscle.
MaryWatersreleasedmetwodaysbeforeChristmas.Iboostedsomeinhalers
onmywaybacktoBurnsPark.

129
IgotaoneroompadattheVersaillesandsignedupwithatempagency.
Theysentmeoutonsomemailroomjobs.Myprobationofficerfoundmyworklife
satisfactory.HelikedmyshorthairandIvyLeaguethreads.Hetoldmetoavoid
hippies.Theywereallstrungoutonmindalteringsubstances.
SowasI.
IworkedmytempgigsMondaytoFriday.Ikilledahalfpintofscotchfor
breakfastandchaseditwithListerinemouthwash.Cruisecontrolgotmethrough
tolunchandsomewineand/orweed.Igotdrunkeverynightandtookinhaler
tripsontheweekends.
RomilarwasagoodB&Edrug.Itmadecommonthingsseemsurrealandfull
ofhiddentruth.Iwentonarighteousburglaryrunbehindit.IhitKathy's
house,Kay'shouseandMissy'shouseandconcentratedonthemedicinechests.I
poppedeveryinvitingpillIsawontopofmycoughsyrup.Iblackedoutand
wokeuponmybedtwotimesoutofthree.
Ilikedappearingcleancutandcosmeticallywholesome.Everyfreakin'69
L.A.wasafuzzmagnet.Theyworelonghairandfruitcakeclothesandsentout
"BustMe"vibes.Ididn't.Iboppedaroundinmycoexistingworldswith
relativeimpunity.Iwasgoodatgivingpeoplewhattheywantedtosee.
Iturned21inMarch.Igaveupmypadandmovedtoacheaphotelin
Hollywood.IgotalongtermtempjobatKCOPTV
Iworkedinthemailroom.Peoplerespondedtoadsforshitlike_64
CountryHits_andsentfoldingmoneyandcoinsinthroughthemail.Theheftof
quartersanddimesgavethoseenvelopesaway.Istartedrakinginalotofextra
money.
Ispentitallonbooze,dopeandpizza.Imovedtoabetterplacea
bachelorpadat6thandCloverdale.Igothoppeduponsomewomenthereand
followedthemaroundtheneighborhood.
Myinsurancemoneyranout.Mymailroomtheftsmorethancoveredtheloss.
IgotinafenderbenderwiththecompanyvanandhadtoadmitIhadnodriver's
license.KCOPfiredme.Igotsomeshorttermtempgigsandlivedultracheap.I
gotdesperate.IbrokeintoMissy'shouseandbrokeacardinalrule.
Istoleallthemoneyinhermother'spurse.Therewasnogoingbackto
thatsweethouseat1standBeachwood.

130
Mypadprowlswerestartingtoscarememorethanthrillme.Ifeltthe
lawofchanceonmytail.I'dbrokenintoplacesmaybetwentytimestotal.My
jailstinttaughtmethingsthatfedmysenseofcaution.
Houseburglarywasfirstdegreeburglary.Itwasapenitentiaryoffense.I
knewIcouldhandlecountyjailtime.Prisontimewouldeatmeupwhole.
TheTateLaBiancasnuffsoccurredinAugust.Ifelttheripplesall
throughHancockPark.
InoticedsometapearoundKathy'swindows.Isawmoreprivatepatrolcars
outtrawling.Isawsecurityservicesignsonfrontdoors.
IstoppedB&E'ingcoldturkey.Ineverdiditagain.
Ispentthenextyearinfantasylimbo.Ihelddowntempgigsandajobat
apornographicbookstore.Hardcorepackagedsmutwasnowlegal.Unpainted
hippiegirlswerespreadoutnudeinfullcolormagazines.
Thegirlsdidn'tlookjadedordegraded.Theylookedliketheywereposing
forchucklesandsomebread.Theywereengagedinanuglypanderingbusiness.
Theybetrayedtheirawarenessofitwithlittlefrownsandglazedeyes.
TheyremindedmeoftheBlackDahliasansheavymakeupandnoirbaggage.
TheDahliachokedonmovielandillusions.Thesegirlsweredeludedonsomejunk
metaphysicalplane.
Theyboredstraightintomyheart.Iwasthepornobookstoreclerkoutto
savethemfrompornographyandtakehisrewardinsex.Ihoardedtheirpictures
thewayHarveyGlatmanhoardedpixofhisvictims.Igavemygirlsnamesand
prayedforthemeverynight.IsiccedtheDahliakilleronthemandsavedthem
ashisbladedescended.TheyspreadtheirlegsandtalkedtomewhenIflewon
Benzedrexinhalers.
Ididn'tfallforoneswithperfectshapesandpertfaces.Ilovedthe
smilesthatdidn'tquiteworkandthesadeyesthatcouldn'tlie.Mismatched
featuresandoddlyshapedbreastshitmehard.Iwaslookingforsexualand
psychologicalgravity.
Istolethatbookstoreblind.Iexaminedeverysexmagthatcameinand
rippedoutpicturesofthemostwrenchingwomen.Iworkedmidnightto8:00a.m.,
tappedthetillandwenttoabarthatscreenedbeaverflicksallday.Igot
drunkandlookedatmorehippiegirlsandIalwaysstudiedtheirfacesmore
thantheirbodies.
Mypornographicseasonpassedtooquickly.Thebookstorebossgothipto
mytheftsandfiredme.Iwentbacktotempwork,builtupasurplusrolland
wentonagargantuantwomonthbender.

131
Isockedinacaseofvodka,aloadofsteaksandaloadofinhalers.I
gorgedmyselfonfantasy,fantasysex,cholesterol,andtheworkofRaymond
Chandler,DashiellHammettandsomejunkcrimewriters.Istayedinsidefordays
running.Ilostandgainedandlostweightandworkedmyselfintoanearinsane
frenzy.
Istiffedmylandlordfortwomonths'rent.Hestartedbangingonmydoor
andtalkingeviction.Ididn'thaveenoughmoneytomuzzlehim.Ihadenoughto
secureacheaperpadforamonth.
IfoundaplacebytheParamountStudio.Itwasagenteeldivecalledthe
GreenGablesApartments.Asmallbachelorrentedfor60amonthverycheapfor
1970.
Lloydhelpedmemove.Ipackedmystuffintohiscarandpulledaclassic
latenightrentdodge.IgotsquaredawayattheGablesandlookedforwork.
Ididn'tfindany.Thelowskilljobmarketwassoft.Itookaseriesof
inhalertripsandstartedseeingandhearingthingsthatmightormightnotbe
real.
Thetenantnextdoorsmirkedatmewhenwepassedinthehall.Hebanged
onmywindowwhenIinhalertripped.HeknewwhatIwasdoing.Hedisapproved.
Hereadmylipsanddecipheredallmydirtysweetnothings.Hereadmythoughts
throughthewallthatseparatedus.
Hehatedmypornobooks.HeknewImurderedmymotherandkilledmyfather
withneglect.HethoughtIwasafreakandapervert.Hewantedtodestroyme.
Iflewandcrashed,flewandcrashed,flewandcrashed.Myparanoiaraged
inproportiontothedopeinmysystem.Iheardvoices.Sirensonthestreet
sentmehatemessages.Ijackedoffinthedarktodeceivethemannextdoor.
Heknewme.
Heputbugsinmyicebox.Hepoisonedmywine.Hehookedmyfantasiesup
tohisTVset.
Iboltedmidwaythroughaninhalertrip.
Ileftmyclothesandfuckbooksbehind.Iranoutoftheapartmentand
fastwalkedthreemilesnortheast.IsawaForRentsigninfrontofabuilding
atSunsetandMicheltorena.
Irentedaconvenienceroomfor$39amonth.Thebuildingwasfilthyand
reekedofspilledgarbage.
Myroomwashalfthesizeofasixmanjailcell.Imovedinwiththe
clothesonmybackandashortdogofTBird.

132
Ipoppedsomeinhalersthenextmorning.Newvoicesassailedme.The
tenantnextdoorstartedhissingthroughmyairvents.
Iwasafraidtoleavemybed.Iknewtheheatcoilsinmyelectricblanket
weremicrophones.Irippedthemout.Ipissedinthebedandtorethepillows
apart.Istuffedfoamrubberinmyearstomufflethevoices.
Iboltedthenextmorning.IheadedstraightforRobertBurnsPark.

Itwentbadfromthere.Itwentbadwithselfdestructivelogic.Itwent
badslowly.
TheVoicescameandwent.Inhalersletthemin.Liquorandenforced
sobrietystifledthem.Iunderstoodtheproblemintellectually.Rationalthought
desertedmethesecondIpoppedthosecottonwadsinmymouth.
Lloydcalledthevoices"amphetaminepsychoses."Icalledthema
conspiracy.PresidentRichardM.NixonknewImurderedmyparentsandordered
peopletostalkme.Theyhissedintomicrophoneswiredtomybrain.Iheardthe
Voices.Nobodyelsedid.
Icouldn'tstoptakinginhalers.IheardtheVoicesforfiveyears.
Ispentmostofthattimeoutside.Ilivedinparks,backyardsandempty
houses.Istole.Idrank.Ireadandfantasized.IwalkedalloverL.A.with
cottonstuffedinmyears.
Itwasafiveyeardailysprint.
I'dwakeupoutsidesomewhere.I'dstealliquorandlunchmeat.I'dreadin
libraries.I'dgointorestaurants,orderdrinksandmealsandditchoutonthe
check.I'dhitapartmenthouselaundryrooms,breakintowashersanddryersand
stealthecoinsinside.I'dtakeinhalersandnotchsomenicemomentsbeforethe
Voicesclaimedme.
I'dwalk.
WilshireBoulevardcutstraighttothebeach.I'dwalkitoutandbackin
thecourseofoneinhalertrip.Ihadtokeepmoving.Trafficnoisedeflected
theVoices.LackofmovementmadetheVoicescacophonous.
Iwalkedfiveyearsaway.Theywentbyinaslowmotionblur.Myfantasies
ranthroughthematfastforwardcounterpoint.Streetscenesservedasbackdrops
fortheVoicesandmyowninternaldialogue.
Ididn'tbabbleorbetraymystateofmindovertly.Ialwaysshavedand
woredarkcordstohideaccumulatedgrime.IstoleshirtsandsocksasIneeded

133
them.Idousedmyselfwithcolognetokillthestenchofoutdoorlife.I
showeredatLloyd'splaceoccasionally.
Lloydwasheadednowhereatanicesedaterate.Hewasdrinking,using
drugsandmakingstabsatcollege.Heflirtedwithdangerandlowlifeandkept
hismom'shouseasabackupoption.
Lloydwalkedmethroughsomebaddopewithdrawals.Hedisruptedmewith
littlejoltsofthetruth.TheLAPDdisruptedmeandforcefedmejailtime.
Theyhassledmeandarrestedme.Theypoppedmeforplaindrunk,drunk
driving,pettytheftandtrespassing.Theydetainedmeasasuspiciouslate
nightpedestrianandkickedmeoutofdesertedhousesandGoodwillbins.They
heldmeatvariousstationhousesandshotmetotheSheriff'sforanaggregate
totaloffourtoeightmonthscountytime.
Jailwasmyhealthretreat.Iabstainedfromboozeanddopeandatethree
squaremealsaday.Ididpushupsandworkedtrustydetailsandgotalittle
muscletonegoing.Ihungoutwithstupidwhiteguys,stupidblackguysand
stupidMexicanguysandswappedstupidstorieswiththem.Wehadallcommitted
daringcrimesandfuckedtheworld'smostglamorouswomen.Anoldblackwino
toldmehefuckedMarilynMonroe.Isaid,"NoshitIfuckedhertoo!"
IworkedthetrashandfreightdetailattheNewCountyJailandthe
libraryatWaysideHonorRancho.MyfavoritejailwasBiscailuzCenter.Theyfed
youbigmealsandletyoureadinthelatrinesafterlightsout.Jailwasnobig
fuckingtraumaticdeal.
Iknewhowtorideshortstretches.Jailcleanedoutmysystemandgaveme
somethingtoanticipate:myreleaseandmoreboozeanddopefantasies.
Crimefantasies.Sexfantasies.
Theredheadwas15yearsdeadandsomewherefaraway.Sheambushedmein
thesummerof1973.
Iwaslivinginadivehotel.Itookinhalertripsinacommunalbathtub
downthehallfrommyroom.Iranwarmwaterandhoggedthetubforhours.
Nobodycomplained.Mostofthetenantstookshowers.
Iwasinthetub.Iwasjackingofftoacavalcadeofolderwomen'sfaces.
Isawmymothernaked,foughttheimageandlost.
Ijerryriggedastorystraightoff.
Itwas'58.Mymotherdidn'tdieinElMonte.Shewasn'tadrunk.She
lovedmewomantoman.
Wemadelove.Ismelledherperfumeandcigarettebreath.Heramputated
nipplethrilledme.

134
IbrushedherhairoutofhereyesandtoldherIlovedher.Mytenderness
madehercry.
ItwasthemostimpassionedandlovingstoryI'deverperpetrated.Itleft
meashamedandhorrifiedofwhatIhadinsideme.
Itriedtolivethestoryagain.Mymindwouldn'tletme.Allthedopein
theworldcouldn'tbringtheredheadback.
Iabandonedheronemoretime.

Iblewmyrentmoneyandlostmyhotelroom.ImovedbacktoBurnsPark.
Itookinhalertripsandfoughtawarwithinmyself.Itriedtoconjureup
mymotheranddeviseawaytoletherstay.Mymindfailedme.Myconscience
shutthewholebusinessdown.
TheVoicesgotveryspecific.Theysaidyoufuckedyourmother_and_
killedher.
Ihadahugeprophylhexedrinetolerance.Ittooktentotwelvecottonwads
togetmeofftheground.Theshitwasflickingupmylungs.Iwokeupcongested
everymorning.
Idevelopedchestpains.Everybreathandheartbeatdoubledmeover.I
tookabustotheCountyHospital.AdoctorexaminedmeandtoldmeIhad
pneumonia.Headmittedmeandputmeonantibioticsforaweek.Theykilledmy
infectiondead.
Ileftthehospitalandwentbacktooutdoorlife,boozeandinhalers.I
gotpneumoniaagain.Igotitcured.IwentonayearlongTBirdandinhaler
runandendedupwiththeDTs.
LloydwaslivinginWestL.A.Icampedoutontheroofofhisbuilding.
Thefirsthallucinationshitmeinhisbathroom.
Amonsterjumpedoutofthetoilet.Ishutthelidandsawmoremonsters
seepthroughit.Spiderscrawledupmylegs.Littleblobshurledthemselvesat
myeyes.
Iranintothelivingroomandturnedthelightsout.Thelittleblobs
wentfluorescent.IraidedLloyd'sliquorstashanddrankmyselfsenseless.I
wokeupontheroofdeadscared.
IknewIhadtoquitdrinkingandtakinginhalers.Iknewthey'dkillme
inthefuckingnearfuture.IstoleashortdogandhitchhikedtotheCounty
Hospital.Ikilledmybottleonthefrontstepsandturnedmyselfin.

135
Adoctorprocessedmeintothedrunkward.Hesaidhe'drecommendmefor
theLongBeachStateHospitalprogram.Thirtydaystherewouldboilmecleanand
setmeuptolivesober.
Iwantedit.Itwasthatordieyoung.Iwas27yearsold.
Ispenttwodaysatthedrunkward.Theyzonkedmeoutontranquilizers
andsedatives.Ididn'tseeanymonstersorblobs.Iwantedtoguzzleboozeas
muchasIwantedtokickit.Itriedtosleeparoundtheclock.
LongBeachsaidthey'dtakeme.Iwasslatedtogodowntherewiththree
guysontheward.Theywereolddrunkswithyearsontherehabcircuit.They
wereprofessionalalcoholicrecidivists.Wewentdowninahospitalvan.Iliked
thelookoftheplace.
Menandwomenbunkedinseparatedorms.Thecafeterialookedlikea
restaurant.Therecroomslookedlikesomethingoutofsummercamp.
TheprogramfeaturedAAmeetingsandgrouptherapy."Rap"sessionswere
notmandatory.Thepatientsworekhakisandnumberedwristbandslikethe
trustiesintheL.A.CountyJailsystem.
Antabusewasmandatory.Eagleeyednursesmadethepatientstakeitevery
day.Yougotdeathlyillifyoudrankontopofit.Antabusewasascaretactic.
Istartedtofeelbetter.IrationalizedtheDTsawayasafreaknon
sequitur.Iwasdormedupwithdrunksfromallwalksoflife.Themenscaredme.
Thewomenturnedmeon.IstartedtothinkIcouldbeatboozeanddopeonmyown
terms.
Theprogramcommenced.IdaydreamedintheAAmeetingsandranmymouth
duringgrouptherapy.Iinventedsexualexploitsanddirectedmytalestothe
womenintheroom.Ithitmeaweekorsoin:You'rejusthereforthreehots
andacot.
Iwentalongwiththeprogram.Iatelikeapigandputontenpounds.I
spentallmysparetimereadingcrimenovels.
Iwascoughingalot.Astaffnursebracedmeaboutit.ItoldherI'dhad
arecentstringoflungailments.
Shehadadoctorcheckmeout.Heshotmeupwithamusclerelaxantand
stuckatubewithapenlightattacheddownmythroat.Hepeereddownascope
deviceandwiggledthelittlebeamaroundmylungs.Hesaidhedidn'tsee
anythingwrong.
Mycoughpersisted.IenduredtheprogramandwonderedwhatI'ddoforan
encore.Allmyoptionsscaredme.

136
IcouldfindacrummyjobandstaycleanwithAntabuse.Icouldstayoff
boozeandinhalersanduseotherdrugs.Icouldsmokeweed.Weedgoosedyour
appetite.Icouldputonsomeweightandbuildmuscle.Womenwoulddigmethen.
Weedwasmytickettoahealthy,normallife.
Ididn'treallybelieveit.
Inhalersweresex.Boozewasmyfantasycore.Weedwasstrictlyfor
gigglesandhotdateswithdoughnutsandpizza.
Icompletedtheprogram.IstayedonAntabuseandmovedbacktoLloyd's
roofwiththirtythreedayssober.
Mycoughwasgettingworse.Mynerveswereshotandmyattentionspan
toppedoutatthreeseconds.Isleptfortenhourstintsortossedallnight.
Mybodywasn'tmine.
Therooflandingwasmyrefuge.Ihadaniceperchbythefiredoor.It
wentallthewaybadrightthere.
ItwasmidJune.Igotupfromanapandthought,"Ineedsome
cigarettes."Mymindwentdeadthen.Icouldn'trecallorretrievethatone
simplethought.
Mybrainhitblankwalls.Icouldn'tsaythethoughtorvisualizeitor
comeupwithwordstoexpressit.Ispentsomethinglikeanhourtryingtoform
thatonesimplethought.
Icouldn'tsaymyownname.Icouldn'tthinkmyownname.Icouldn'tform
thatonesimplethoughtoranythoughts.Mymindwasdead.Mybraincircuitshad
disconnected.Iwasbraindeadinsane.
Iscreamed.Iputmyhandsovermyears,shutmyeyesandscreamedmyself
hoarse.Ikeptfightingforthatonesimplethought.
Lloydranuptothelanding.Irecognizedhim.Icouldn'tcomeupwithhis
nameormynameorthatsimplethoughtfromanhourago.
Lloydcarriedmedownstairsandcalledanambulance.Paramedicsarrived
andstrappedmetoagurney.
TheydrovemetotheCountyHospitalandleftmeinacrowdedhallway.I
startedhearingvoices.Nurseswalkedbyandyelledatmetelepathically.I
coughedandbuckedagainstmyrestraints,SomebodystuckaneedleinmyarmI
wokeupstrappedtoacot.Iwasaloneinaprivatehospitalroom.
Mywristswererawandbloody.Mostofmyteethfeltloose.Myjawhurt
andmyknucklesstungfromlittleabrasions.Iwaswearingahospitalsmock.I'd
pissedalloverit.

137
Ireachedforthatonesimplethoughtandcaughtitonthefirstbounce.I
rememberedmyniggerpimpname:LeeEarleEllroy.
Itallcameback.Irecalledeverydetail.Istartedcrying.Iprayedand
beggedGodtoletmekeepmymind.
Anursecameintotheroom.Sheundidmyrestraintsandwalkedmetoa
shower.Istayedunderthewateruntilitturnedcold,Anothernursedressedmy
cutsandabrasions.AdoctortoldmeI'dhavetostayhereamonth.Ihadan
abscessonmyleftlungthesizeofabigman'sfist.Ineededthirtydaysof
intravenousantibiotics.
Iaskedhimwhatwentwrongwithmymind.Hesaiditwasprobably"post
alcoholbrainsyndrome."Soberdrunkswentthroughitsometimes.HesaidIwas
lucky.Somepeoplewentcrazyforgood.
Mylungconditionmightormightnotbecontagious.Theywereisolatingme
tobesure.Theyhookedmeuptoadripgizmoandstartedpumpingmefullof
antibiotics.Theyfedmetranquilizerstolulldownmyfear.
Thetrankskeptmewoozy.Itriedtosleepalldayeveryday.Normal
wakingconsciousnessscaredme.Ikeptimaginingpermanentbrainmalfunctions.
Thosefewinsanehourssummarizedmylife.Thehorrorrenderedeverything
thatwentbeforeitirrelevant.
Ireprisedthehorrorallmywakinghours.Icouldn'tletitgo.Iwasn't
tellingmyselfacautionarytaleorgloatingovermysurvival.Iwassimply
replayingthemomentsmyentirelifehadworkedtoward.
Thehorrorstayedwithme.Nurseswokemeoutofblissfulsleeptofuck
withmydripgadget.Icouldn'trunmymindinlongprescribedfantasypatterns.
Thehorrorwouldn'tletme.
Iimaginedpermanentinsanity.Ipunishedmyselfwithmynowsplendidly
functioningbrain.
Thefeargotunbearable.Icheckedoutofthehospitalovermydoctor's
protestsandcaughtabustoLloyd'splace.Istoleapintofgin,guzzledit
andpassedoutonhisfloor.Lloydcalledtheparamedicsagain.
Anotherambulancearrived.Theparamedicswokemeoutofmystuporandled
medowntoit.Theydrovemestraightbacktothehospital.Iwasreadmittedand
placedinafourmanroomonthelungward.
Anursehookedmeuptoanotherdripgadget.Shegavemeabigbottleto
spitsputumin.
IwasafraidI'dforgetmyname.Iwroteitonthewallbehindmybedasa
reminder.Iwrote"Iwillnotgoinsane"besideit.

138
11

Ispentamonthhookeduptoaneedle.Arespirationtherapistbeatonmy
backeveryday.Itloosenedbigglobsofsputum.Ispattheminthejarbymy
bed.
Theabscesswent.Myfearstayed.
Mymindwasfunctioningnormally.Iplayedmemorygamestotestfireit.I
memorizedmagazineadsandslogansonmilkcartons.Iwasbuildingmindmuscle
tofightpotentialinsanity.
Iwentinsaneonce.Itcouldhappenagain.
Icouldn'tletthefeargo.Ifedonitalldayeveryday.Ididn't
analyzewhyIdrovemyselftothepointofbrainmalfunction.Iaddressedthe
problemasaphysicalphenomenon.
Mybrainfeltlikeanexternalappendage.Mylifelongplaythingwasinno
wayindigenoustome.Itwasaspecimeninabottle.Iwasadoctorpokingit
withastick.
Iknewthatbooze,drugsandmytenuousabstentionfromthemcausedmy
brainburnout.Myrationalsidetoldmethat.Mysecondaryresponsederived
straightfromguilt.Godpunishedmeformentallyflickingmymother.
Ibelievedit.Myfantasywasjustthattransgressiveandworthyofdivine
intervention.Itorturedmyselfwiththeconcept.Iexhumedthemidwestern
Protestantethicmymothertriedtooutrunanduseditforselfflagellation.
Mynewmentalkickwasmentalselfpreservation.Ididmentaltricksto
keepmymindlimber.Itfedmyfearmorethanitbuttressedmyconfidence.
Mylungabscesshealedcompletely.Icheckedoutofthehospitalandcuta
dealwithGod.
ItoldhimIwouldn'tdrinkorpopinhalers.ItoldhimIwouldn'tsteal.
AllIwantedwasmymindbackforkeeps.

Thedealjelled.
IwentbacktoLloyd'sroof.Ididn'tdrinkorpopinhalersorsteal.God
keptmymindinsoundworkingorder.
Thefearstayed.

139
Iknewitcouldhappenagain.Iunderstoodthepreposterousaspectofall
divinecontracts.Boozeandinhalerresiduecouldlurkinmycells.Mybrain
wirescouldsputteranddisconnectwithoutwarning.Mybraincouldblowtomorrow
orintheyear2000.

Fearkeptmesober.Feartaughtmenomorallessons.Mydaysranlongand
sweatyandanxious.Isoldmyplasmaataskidrowbloodbankandlivedofften
dollarsaweek.Ihauntedlibrariesandreadcrimenovels.Imemorizedwhole
passagestokeepmymindrunningstrong.
AguyinLloyd'sbuildingworkedasagolfcaddy.Hetoldmeitwasgood
taxfreemoney.Youcouldworkornotworkasyoupleased.HillcrestCountry
Clubwashighclass.Thememberstossedyousomegoodcoin.
TheguybroughtmetoHillcrest.IknewIjustgotlucky.
ItwasaprestigiousJewishclubsouthofCenturyCity.Thegolfcourse
washillyanddeepgreen.Thecaddiescongregatedina"caddyshack."They
drank,playedcardsandtoldobscenestories.Drunks,dopersandcompulsive
gamblersruledtheshack.IknewI'dfitin.
Caddyjobswerecalled"loops."Caddieswerealsocalled"loopers."Iknew
jackshitaboutgolf.ThecaddymastertoldmeI'dlearn.
Istartedoutpackingonebagonly.Istumbledthroughmyfirstdozen
loopsandmovedtotwobagduty.Thebagsweren'tthatheavy.Eighteenholesof
golfranfourhours.Thestandardtwobagfeewas20dollars.Itwasgood1975
money.
IworkedHillcrestsixdaysaweek.Imadegooddailypayandgotmyselfa
roomattheWestwoodHotel.TheplacewasequidistanttoHillcrestandtheBel
Air,BrentwoodandLosAngelescountryclubs.Loopersrentedmostoftherooms.
Theplacewasacaddyshackadjunct.
Loopingtookovermylife.Theritualsdeflectedmyfearandeaseditinto
afadeout.
Ilovedthegolfcourse.Itwasaperfectlyselfcontainedgreenworld.
Caddyworkwasmentallyundemanding.Iletmymindwanderandearnedaliving
simultaneously.
Themilieustimulatedme.IinventedbackstoriesforHillcrestmembers
whileIwalkedbesidethem,andrangagriffsonlowlifeloopers.Theculture
clashofwealthyJewsandcaddieswithonefootinthegutterwasaconstant

140
laughriot.Imadefriendswithasmartyoungcaddygoingtocollegeparttime.
WediscussedtheHillcrestmembershipandthecaddyexperienceendlessly.
Ispenttimewithadiversebunchofpeople.Ilistenedtothemand
learnedhowtotalktothem.Hillcrestfeltlikesomekindofwaystationen
routetotherealworld.
Peopletoldmestories.Itookamasterclassincountryclublore.I
heardtalesofselfmademenwhoclawedtheirwayoutoftheshtetlandtalesof
richdrunkswhosuccumbedtocaddylife.Thegolfcoursewasapicaresque
education.
Mostofthelooperssmokedweed.Weeddidn'tscaremelikeboozeand
inhalersdid.IkissedofffoursobermonthswithsomeThaiStick.
Itwas_goooood_.ItwasthebestshitI'deversmoked.Istartedbuying
itandsmokingitalldayeveryday.
Ifigureditwouldn'tfuckupmylungsorshutdownmybrain.Itwouldn't
sparkincestuousfantasiesandpissGodoff.Itwasthemanageableand
controllabledrugofthe1970s.SoIrationalized.
Ismokedweedforayearandahalf.Itwas_goooood_butnotgreat.It
wasliketryingtoreachthemooninaVolkswagen.
Ididn'tdrinkortakeinhalers.Isuckeddownmarijuanaandlivedasa
moresubtlefulltimefantasist.
Itookmyfantasiesoutdoors.ItookthemtoHillcrestandothergolf
coursesatnight.IhoppedthefenceatL.A.CountryClubandfantasywalkedthe
northcourseforhours.
IplayedwithmyHillcrestcastofcharactersandworkedthemintoacrime
story.Iworkedinanalcoholichero.HehailedfromthesadedgeofHancock
Park.HenursedalifelongobsessionwiththeBlackDahliacase.
IworkedintheClubMeccatorchandclassicalmusic.IworkedintheDTs.
Myherowantedtofindawomanandlovehertodeath.
My18yearfantasybacklogtelescopedintothisonestory.Ibegantosee
thatitwasanovel.
IgotfiredfromHillcrest.Amember'ssonmouthedofftomeinfrontofa
goodlookingwoman.Ideckedhiminfullviewoftheputtinggreen.Asecurity
guardescortedmeoffthepremises.
Iwasbombedonweed.Weedhitmeunpredictably.
IgotacaddygigatBelAirCountryClub.Themembersandloopersthere
werejustasseductiveastheHillcrestcrew.Thegolfcoursewasevenmore
beautiful.

141
IstayedbombedatBelAir.Iboughtatapeplayerformyroomandspent
hoursjackeduponweedandtheGermanRomanticcomposers.Iroamedgolfcourses
atnightandwrestiedwiththatoneemergingstory.
LloydmovedintotheWestwoodHotel.Hewasoffofboozeandharddopeand
onmarijuanamaintenancehimself.Hewasflirtingwiththenotionof_real_
sobriety.ItoldhimIwasn'tinterested.
Ilied.
Iwasalmost30.Iwantedtodothings.Iwasn'tstealing.Iwasn't
lustingformymother.IhadmybrainbackonpermanentloanfromGodorother
cosmicsources.Ididnothearvoices.IwasnotasfuckedupasIusedtobe.
AndIwasnotacivilizedhumanbeing.
Marijuanamaintenancefilledmeoutphysically.Iatealot,luggedgolf
bagsandcrankedhundredsofdailypushups.Iwasbig,strongandhulking.I
hadbeadybrowneyesandworebeadenhancingwirerimmedglasses.Iwasstoned
allthetime.Ilookedlikeacrazymanconsumedbyinteriormonologue.
Strangersfoundmedisturbing.
Womenfoundmescary.Itriedtopickafewwomenupinbookstoresand
frightenedtheshitoutofthem.IknewIcameoffdesperateandsocially
unkempt.Myhygienewasmarkedlysubstandard.
Iwashungry.Iwantedloveandsex.Iwantedtogivemymentalstoriesto
theworld.
IknewIcouldn'thavethosethingsinmycurrentcondition.Ihadto
renounceallformsofdope.Icouldn'tdrink.Icouldn'tsteal.Icouldn'tlie.
Ihadtobealockeddown,uptight,puckerassedmotherfucker.Ihadtorepudiate
myoldlife.Ihadtobuildanewlifefromthesheerdesiccatedforceofmyold
one.
Ilikedtheconcept.Itappealedtomyextremistnature.Ilikedtheself
immolationaspect.Ilikedtheairoftotalapostasy.
Idancedwiththeconceptforweeks.Itblitzedmystorytellingdriveand
souredmytastefordope.Iwantedtochangemywholelife.
LloydcleanedupinAA.Hetoldmetotalabstinencewasbetterthanbooze
anddopeatitsbest.Ibelievedhim.Hewasalwayssmarterandstrongerand
moreresourcefulthanme.
Ifollowedhislead.Isaid"Fuckit"andshruggedoffmyoldlife.

142
AAwaswild.Thelate'70sscenewascraaaaaazy.Itwasredemptionandsex
andGodandbigstupidpratfalls.Itwasmysentimentaleducationandroadback
totheworld.
Imetalotofpeoplewho'dlivedmylifewiththeirownvariations.I
heardstoriesthattoppedmineforsheerhorror.Imadefriends.Ilearnedmoral
preceptsanddevelopedaplainlyexpressedfaithinGodthatwasnomorecomplex
andjustasheartfeltasakidinSundayschool's.
Myinitialentryhurt.AAmeetingstaxedme.Thepeopletalkedambiguous
juju.IonlystuckaroundtoholdhandswithwomenduringtheLord'sPrayer.
Thewomenmagnetizedmeandkeptmecomingback.Ireturned"onedayata
time"forsomehandholding.Lustandmyapostolicwillkeptmesober.
AAdidasubtlejobonme.Theliteraturecritiquedalcoholismanddrug
addictionbrilliantly.IsawthatIcarriedonestrainofacommonplague.My
storywasbanalinthatcontext.Onlyafewincidentaldetailsmademeunique.
ThecritiquegaveAAprinciplesastrongmoralkick.Ifoundthemwholly
credibleandtrustedintheirefficacy.
Theprincipleswonmeover.Thepeoplemademecapitulate.
Igottightwithsomeguys.Iunclenchedaroundwomenandcutmyegoloose
atAAlecterns.Ibecameanaccomplishedpublicspeakerfast.Myself
destructiveexhibitionismturnedaroundfullcircle.
WestsideAAswunghard.Thedemographicmakeupwasyoung,whiteandhorny.
Boozeanddopewereout.Sexwasin.TheWestsidemandatewasStaysober,trust
Godandfuck.
Peoplewentto"HotTubFever"aftermeetings.Aguythrewsoberwife
swappingparties.MenandwomenmetatmeetingsandgotmarriedinVegastwo
hourslater.Nudepoolpartiesreigned.Womenhitonmenblatantly.Annie"Wild
Thing"B.flashedherbreastsatKenny'sDeliaftereveryThursdaynightOhio
Streetmeeting.
Igotlaid.Iwentthroughone,twoandthreenightstandsandwrenching
stabsathardlinemonogamy.Iletdetoxingsmackaddictscrashonmyfloor
whileIboogiedtolatedatesatHotTubFever.Imade300aweekatthegolf
courseandspentmostofitonwomen.Ipickedupjunkieprostitutes,tookthem
toAAmeetingsandfedthemtheBlackDahliastorytoscarethemoutofhooking.
Itwasafrenetic,oftenjoyousprofligacy.
Ilivedoutmostofmydopefueledsexdreamssober.Therealworld
eclipsedmyfantasyworld.MyonepersistentfantasywasthatstoryIknewwasa
novel.

143
Ithauntedme.Itinvadedmythoughtsatstrangetimes.Ididn'tknowifI
hadthestonestowriteit.Iwasenjoyingaseasonofcomfort.Ididn'tknow
thatIwasrunningfromoldthings.
Mymotherwas20yearsdead.Myfatherwasdead13.Idreamedabouthim.I
neverdreamedabouther.
Mynewlifewaslongonfervorandshortonretrospection.IknewI
abandonedmyfatherandhastenedhisdeathandpaidthedebtoffinincrements.
Mymotherwassomethingelse.
Iknewheronlyinshameandloathing.Iplunderedherinafeverdream
anddeniedmyownmessageofyearning.Iwasafraidtoresurrectherandlove
herbodyandsoul.
Iwrotemynovelandsoldit.ItwasallaboutL.A.crimeandme.Iwas
afraidtostalktheredheadandgivehersecretsup.Ihadn'tmetthemanwho'd
bringherhometome.

III

STONER

_Youwereaghost.Ifoundyouinshadowsandreachedouttoyouin
terribleways.Youdidn'tcensureme.Youwithstoodmyassaultsandletme
punishmyself_.
_Youmademe.Youformedme.Yougavemeaghostlypresencetobrutalize.
Ineverwonderedhowyouhauntedotherpeople.Ineverquestionedmysole
ownershipofyourspirit_.
_Iwouldn'tsharemyclaim.Iremadeyouperverselyandsealedyouoff
whereotherscouldn'ttouchyou.Ididn'tknowthatsimpleselfishnessrendered
allmyclaimsinvalid_.
_Youliveoutsideofme.Youliveintheburiedthoughtsofstrangers.You
livethroughyourwilltohideanddissemble.Youlivethroughyourwillto
eludeme_.

144
_Iamdeterminedtofindyou.IknowIcan'tdoitalone_.

12

Hisghostswereallwomen.Theyranthroughhisdreamsinterchangeably.
ThedecompoffRoute126.ThewaitressintheMarina.Theteenagerstunned
mutebyrapeandbluntforcetrauma.
Dreamlogicdistortedthedetails.Victimsmovedbetweencrimescenesand
displayedconflictingsignsofdeath.Theycametolifesometimes.Theylooked
olderoryoungerorjustliketheydidwhentheyfell.
DaisieMaewassodomizedlikeBunny.Karentookthesapshotsthatknocked
Tracytoherknees.Thesapwashomemade.Thekillersstuffedballbearingsinto
alengthofgardenhoseandtapedtheendsshut.
Theinstantresurrectionswereunnerving.Thewomenweresupposedtostay
dead.Murderbroughtthemtohim.Hislovebeganthemomenttheydied.

Hewasdreamingalot.Hewasgivingupthechaseandgoingthroughsome
kindofearlywithdrawal.Itwastimetogetout.Hegaveitallhehad.He
wantedoutunequivocally.
Hewasleavingdebtsunpaid.Karenwouldbesendinghimreminders.He
failedherbecausetheconnectionsweren'tthereandothermurdersscatteredhis
obligations.Hewasavictimofconfusionandchancejustasshewas.
He'dtrytopayheroffwiththelovehestillcarried.

HisnamewasBillStoner.Hewas53yearsoldandahomicidedetective
withtheLosAngelesCountySheriff'sDepartment.Hewasmarriedandhadtwenty
eightyearoldtwinsons.
ItwaslateMarch'94.HewasleavingthejobinmidApril.He'dserved32
yearsandworkedHomicideforthepast14.Hewasretiringasasergeantwith25
yearsingrade.Hispensionwouldsustainhimnicely.
Hewasleavingthejobintact.Hewasn'tadrunkandhewasn'tobesefrom
liquorandjunkfood.Hestayedwiththesamewomanfor30plusyearsandrode
outtheroughtimeswithher.Hedidn'tgothebifurcatedroutesomanycops

145
did.Hewasn'tjugglingafamilyandaseriesofgirlfriendsinthenewgender
integratedlawenforcementcommunity.
Hedidn'thidebehindthejoborrevelinadarkworldview.Heknewthat
isolationspawnedresentmentandselfpity.Policeworkwasinherently
ambiguous.Copsdevelopedsimplecodestoinsuretheirmoralgrounding.The
codesreducedcomplexissuestokickassepigrams.Everyepigramboileddownto
this:Copsknowthingsthatotherpeopledon't.Everyepigramobfuscatedasmuch
asitenlightened.
Homicidetaughthimthat.Helearneditgradually.Hesawslamdunkcases
throughtosuccessfuladjudicationanddidnotunderstandwhythemurders
occurred.Hecametodistrustsimpleanswersandsolutionsandexultedinthe
fewviableonesthathefound.Helearnedtoreservejudgment,shuthisegodown
andmakepeoplecometohim.Itwasaninquisitor'sstance.Itgavehimsome
distanceonhimself.Ithelpedhimtonedownhisgeneraltemperamentandreinin
someshittyoffthejobbehavior.
Thefirst17yearsofhismarriagewereabrushwar.HefoughtAnn.She
foughthim.Itstayedverbaloutofluckandacollectivesenseofboundary.
Theywereequallyvolubleandprofaneandthusevenlymatched.Theirdemands
wereequallyselfish.Theybroughtequalreservesoflovetothewar.
Hegrewupasahomicidedetective.Anngrewupasaregisterednurse.She
enteredhercareerlate.Theirmarriagesurvivedbecausetheybothgrewupin
thedeathbusiness.
Annretiredearly.Shehadhighbloodpressureandbadallergies.Their
badyearsputsomebadmileageonher.
Andhim.
Hewasexhausted.HundredsofmurdersandtheroughstretchwithAnnmade
foronebigload.Hewantedtodropthewholething.
Heknewhowtoletthingsgo.Thedeathbusinesstaughthimthat.He
wantedtobeafulltimehusbandandfather.HewantedtoseeAnnandtheboys
upcloseandpermanent.
BobwasrunninganIkeastore.Hewasmarriedtoasolidwomanandhada
babydaughter.Bobtoedtheline.BillJuniorwasmoreproblematic.Hewas
liftingweights,goingtocollegeandworkingasabouncer.Hehadasonwith
hisJapanesegirlfriend.BillJuniorwasabrilliantkidandaninveterate
flickhead.
Helovedhisgrandchildrentodeath.Lifewasakickinthehead.

146
HehadanicehouseinOrangeCounty.Hehadhishealthandmoneysocked
away.Hehadagoodmarriageandaseparatedialoguewithdeadwomen.Itwashis
owntakeonthe_Laura_Syndrome.
Homicidedetectiveslovedthemovie_Laura_.Acopgetsobsessedwitha
murdervictimandfindsoutshe'sstillalive.She'sbeautifulandmysterious.
Shefallsinlovewiththecop.
Mosthomicidecopswereromantics.Theyblastedthroughlivesdevastated
bymurderanddispensedcomfortandcounsel.Theynursedentirefamilies.They
metthesistersandfemalefriendsoftheirvictimsandsuccumbedtosexual
tensionhotwiredtobereavement.Theyblewtheirmarriagesoffbehind
situationaldrama.
Hewasn'tthatcrazyorhookedontheatrics.Theflipsideof_Laura_was
_DoubleIndemnity_:Amanmeetsawomanandflusheshislifedownthetoilet.
Bothscenarioswereequallyfatuous.
Deadwomenfireduphisimagination.Hehonoredthemwithtenderthoughts.
Hedidn'tletthemrunhislife.
Hewassettoretiresoon.Thingswererunningthroughhisheadfastand
bright.
HehadtodriveouttotheBureau.Amanwasmeetinghimat9:00.His
motherwasmurdered30someyearsback.Themanwantedtoseeherfile.

TheJanuaryearthquakewreckedtheHallofJustice.Sheriff'sHomicide
movedtotheCityofCommerce.Itwasanhour'sshotnorthofOrangeCounty.
Hetookthe405tothe710.Freewayrunswerehalfofanygivenhomicide
job.Freewayrunsexhaustedhim.
L.A.Countywaslarge,topographicallydiverseandtraversableonlyby
freeway.Freewaysstreamlinedbodydisposalproblems.Killerscouldzipto
remotecanyonsanddumptheirvictimsfast.Freewaysandfreewayembankments
werefourstardropzones.Heratedfreewaysbytheirbodydumppastandbody
dumppotential.EverystretchofL.A.freewaymarkedadumpsiteortherouteto
acrimescene.Everyonandofframpledhimtosomemurder.
Bodiestendedtostackupintheworstpartsofthecounty.Heknewevery
mileoffreewaytoandfromeveryskunktownwithaSheriff'sHomicidecontract.
Themileageaccruedandweighedhiswearyassdown.Hewantedtogetoffthe
DropZoneExpresswayforever.

147
OrangeCountytodowntownL.A.wasahundredmilesroundtrip.Helivedin
OrangeCountybecauseitwasn'tL.A.Countyandonebigmapofpastandpresent
murder.MostofOrangeCountywaswhiteandmonolithicallysquare.Hefitin
superficially.Copswerehellionsmasqueradingassquares.HelikedtheOrange
Countyvibe.Peoplegotoutragedovershithesaweveryday.OrangeCountymade
himfeelslightlydisingenuous.CopsflockedtoplaceslikeOrangeCountyto
livetheillusionofbettertimespastandpretendtheyweresomebodyelse.A
lotofthemcarriedreactionarybaggage.Hedumpedhisalongtimeago.
Helivedwherehedidtokeephistwoworldsseparate.Thefreewaywas
justasymbolandasymptom.He'dalwaysberunningbackandforthonewayor
another.

Sheriff'sHomicidewasworkingoutofacourtyardindustrialcomplex.They
weresqueezedinbetweentoolmakingandcomputerchipfirms.Thesetupwas
temporary.Theyweresupposedtomovetopermanentdigssoon.
TheHallofJusticeoozedstyle.Thisplacedidn'tlookremotelycoplike.
Theexteriorwasplainwhitestucco.Theinteriorwasplainwhitedrywall.The
mainroomfeaturedahundreddeskspushedtogether.Theplacelookedlikea
phonesalesfront.
TheUnsolvedUnitwaswalledoffseparately.Astoreroomlinedwith
shelvesadjoinedit.Theshelveswerestuffedwithunsolvedhomicidefiles.
EachfilewasmarkedwiththeletterZandasixdigitnumber.Stoner
foundZ483362andcarrieditbacktohisdesk.
HespentsevenyearsatUnsolved.Theunithadasimplemandate:CheckZ
filesforworkableleadsandassessnewinformationcominginonunsolved
murders.Thejobwaspublicrelationsandanthropologicalstudy.
Unsolvedcopsrarelysolvedmurders.Theyfieldedphonetips,perused
filesandgothookedonoldkillings.Theyranchecksonoldsuspectsandtalked
toolddetectives.Unsolvedentailedalotofdeskwork.Oldermenrotatedin
beforetheyretired.
Stonerwasorderedinyoung.CaptainGrimmhadaspecialjobforhim.
Grimmthoughtthe_CottonClub_murderwasworkable.HetoldStonertoworkit
fulltime.
Thejobtookfouryears.Itwasahighprofile,careerdefiningglorycase.
Itkickedhisass.Itputalotoffreewaymilesonhim.

148
StonerlookedthroughtheZfilehepulled.Theautopsyphotowas
gruesome.TheArroyoHighshotswerealmostasugly.He'dpreparethemanfirst.
Copscruisedbyhisdeskandraggedhimabouthisretirement.Hispartner,
BillMcComas,justhadaquadruplebypass.Theguyswantedaprogressreport.
Macwastenuouslyokay.Hewassettoretirenextmonthlessthanintact.
Stonerkickedhischairbackanddaydreamed.Hewasstillseeingthings
fastandbright.

HewasaCaliforniaboy.HispeoplesplitFresnoandboppedtoL.A.County
duringthewar.Hisparentsfoughtlikecougars.Itpissedhimoffandscared
hissisters.
HegrewupinSouthGate.Itwasflat,hotandpostwarstucco.
TransplantedOkiesreigned.Theylikedhotrodsandbarnmusic.Theyworked
industrialjobsandsnaggedboomeconomypaychecks.TheoldSouthGatespawned
bluecollarsquares.ThenewSouthGatespawneddopefiends.
Hegrewuphookedongirlsandsportsandnursedavaguesenseof
adventure.HisfatherwasaforemanattheProtoToolplant.Itwaslotsofwork
formarginalpayandzeroadventure.HetriedProtoToolhimself.Itwasboring
andhardonthebody.Hetriedjuniorcollegeandponderedateachingcareer.
Thenotiondidn'treallysendhim.
Hissistersmarriedcops.HehadonebrotherinlawontheSouthGatePD
andoneontheHighwayPatrol.Theytoldhimenticingstories.Theyarns
dovetailedwithsomeothernotionshe'dbeenkickingaround.
Hewantedadventure.Hewantedtohelppeople.Hetooktheentrancetest
fortheLosAngelesCountySheriff'sDepartmentthedayafterhistwentyfirst
birthday.
Hepassedit.Hepassedthephysicalandthebackgroundcheck.Hewas
assignedtotheSheriff'sAcademyclassofDecember'61.
TheDepartmentwasshorthanded.HewaspreassignedtotheHallofJustice
Jail.Hemetsomecelebratedkillersstraightoff.
HemetJohnDeptula.CrazyJohnburglarizedabowlingalleyandwokeupa
liveinhandymannamedRogerAlanMosser.DeptulabeatMossertodeathand
cartedhisbodyouttotheAngelesNationalForest.HedecapitatedMosserand
stuckhisheaddownacampgroundportatoilet.WardHallinenclearedthecase
forSheriff'sHomicide.

149
HemetSamLoCigno.LoCignopoppedJack"TheEnforcer"Whalen.Itwasa
contracthit.ItoccurredatRondelli'sRestaurantinDecember'59.Thehitwas
botchedsixwaysfromSunday.
Histierfeatureddragqueensandbadassarmedrobbers.Helistenedto
themandlearnedthings.HeenteredtheAcademyanddevouredafourmonthcourse
incriminaljustice.HemetagoodlookingblondenamedAnnSchumacher.Shewas
workingattheAutoneticsplantinDowney.Theymadeplanstogooutonhis
graduationnight.
HegraduatedtheAcademyinApril'62.HetookAnntotheCrescendoonthe
swingingSunsetStrip.Annlookedgood.Helookedgood.Hewaspackinga.38
snubnose.Hewastwentyoneyearsoldandunassailablycool.
Hewantedtoworkaprowlcarbeat.TheSheriff'swererunningpatrol
unitsoutoffourteenstations.Hewantedfulltimeaction.
Hegotjailduty.
TheyassignedhimtotheWaysideHonorRancho.Itwassixtyfivemiles
fromhispad.Thejobinitiatedhislonganduglyrelationshipwithfreeways.
Waysideknockedsomeyouthoutofhim.Waysidewasagoodcourseinpre
breakdownAmericanjustice.
WaysidehousedinmatessentencedtocountytimeandHallofJusticeJail
overflowheadedtothejoint.Whites,NegroesandMexicanshatedeachotherbut
refrainedfromracialwarfare.Waysidewasanefficientcoginastill
operationalsystem.Thesystemworkedbecausecriminalnumberswerefarshortof
stratosphericandmostcriminalsdidnotemployviolence.Heroinwasthebigbad
drugoftheera.Heroinwasawellcontaineddopeepidemic.Heroinmadeyoupull
B&Esandpimpyourgirlfriendtosupportyourhabit.Heroinmadeyounodout.
Heroindidnotmakeyoufreakoutandchopupyourgirlfriendlikecrackwould
20yearslater.Thesystemworkedbecausefelonsandmisdemeanantspleadguilty
mostofthetimeanddidnotfilenuisanceappealsroutinely.Thesystemworked
becauseprebreakdownjailtimewasdoable.Criminalswereprepsychologized.
Theyacceptedauthority.Theyknewtheywerelowlifescumbecausetheysawiton
TVandreaditinthepapers.Theywerelockedintoariggedgame.Authority
usuallywon.Theytookpleasureinpicayunetriumphsandreveledinthegame's
machinations.Thegamewasinsiderism.Insiderismandfatalismwerehip.Ifyou
stayedshyofthegaschamber,theworstyou'dgetwaspenitentiarytime.Pre
breakdownjointtimewasdoable.Youcoulddrinkprunoandfucksissiesinthe
ass.ThesystemworkedbecauseAmericawasyettobuckraceriotsand
assassinationsandenvironmentalbullshitandgenderconfusionanddrug

150
proliferationandgunmaniaandreligiouspsychoseslinkedtoamediaimplosion
andanemergingcultofvictimhooda25yeartransitofdivisivebadjujuthat
resultedinastultifyingmassskepticism.
Hebecameacopatjusttherighttime.Hecouldcleavetosimplenotions
withaclearconscience.Hecouldkickasswithlegalimpunity.Hecould
postponeaspectsofhiscopeducationandcomeofageasahomicidedetective.
Heboughtthewholeillusionbackin1962.Heknewthesystemworked.Jail
dutywasdoable.Hegotatwistedkickoutoftheinmates.Theyplayedtheir
rolesaccordingtothescriptofthetime.Thejailersdid,too.
HemarriedAnninDecember'62.HetransferredtoNorwalkStationayear
later.Hespenthisfirstanniversaryoutinapatrolcar.Annwashurtand
pissed.
Theystartedfighting.Annwantedallofhistime.Hewantedallofher
timepreciselysyncedtohisschedule.TheL.A.CountySheriff'sdemandedmost
ofhistime.Somethinghadtogive.
Theyfought.Hismarriageturnedintohisparents'marriagewiththe
volumeupandlotsof"Fuckyou"s.Annhadthisabandonmentcomplex.Hermother
leftherandshackedupwithanarmedrobber.TheguytookMomwithhimona
crosscountryheistspree.Annhadthisovertlyscrewedupchildhood.
Theyfought.Theyreconciled.Theyfought.Heresistedscadsofcopchaser
womenouttothrowhimsometrim.TheLASDhoveredashispotentialdivorceco
respondent.
Helovedpatrolwork.Helovedtheflowofunexpectedeventsandthedaily
mixofnewpeopleintrouble.Norwalkwasa"gentlemen'sstation."The
populationwaswhiteandthepacewasslow.Thecountydingfarmwasonhis
beat.Thedingswanderedoffandpulledamusingstuntsstarknaked.TheNor
walkdeputiesranadingtaxiservice.Theywerealwaysrunningsomedingback
tothefarm.
HeenjoyedhisNorwalktourofduty.Thesystemworkedandcrimewas
containable.Someoftheolderguyssawhardtimescoming.TheMirandadecision
wasflickingthingsup.Thebalanceofpowerhadshiftedfromcopstocriminal
suspects.Youcouldn'tlogconfessionswithsweatboxtricksandphonebook
shotstothekidneys.
Hedidn'tholdwiththosetactics.Hedidn'tpackblackleathersapgloves
with16ouncepalmweights.Hewasn'taviolentguy.Hetriedtoreasonwith
unrulytypesandonlyfoughtwhenhehadto.

151
Heflippedhispatrolcarinmidpursuitandalmostdiedonthespot.He
tangledwithateenagegluesnifferandtooksomeheavyweightlumps.He
respondedtoanaccidentcallandswoopeddownatwovehiclepileup.Amanwas
deadinhistruck.Hisheadsmashedintotheradiodialsandkickedthevolume
wayup.Youcouldhearthesong"Charade"forblocksaround.
Norwalkgavehimsomewildmoments.Theywerebushleaguecomparedto
WattsinAugust'65.
Annwaseightmonthspregnant.TheyweredrivingnorthontheLongBeach
Freeway.Theirviewwashighandexpansive.Theysawadozenfiresblazing.
HepulledoffthefreewayandcalledNorwalkStation.Thewatchcommander
toldhimtosuitupandreporttoHarveyAluminum.Harveywasdeepinalabor
managementconflict.TheLASDhadacommandpostsetuptherealready.
HedroppedAnnoffandblastedovertoHarvey.Theparkinglotwasjammed
withblack&whitesanddeputiesinfullriotgear.Thecommandpostwas
dispatchingfourmanunits.Hegrabbeda12gaugeshotgunandthreetemporary
partners.
Thedealwas12hourshifts.Thedealwasgobustlootersandfirebugs.
ThedealwasscourWattsandWillowbrooktheflashpointofallthisnigger
voodoo.
Hewentintoitinbroaddaylight.Theheatwassomewhereupinthe90S.
Thefiresaddedsomeheat.Hisriotgearaddedsomemore.SouthL.A.wasall
heatandfrenzy.
Looterswereguttingliquorstores.Looterswereguzzlingbrandnamestuff
rightthere.Looterswerepushingshoppingcartsdownthestreet.Thecartswere
chockfullofboozeandTVsets.
Gunshotspoppedcontinuously.Youcouldn'ttellwhowasshootingwho.The
NationalGuardwasoutinforce.Theylookedyounganddumbandscaredandplain
triggerhappy.
Youcouldn'tpatrollogically.Toomuchcameatyoutoofast.Youhadto
snaglootersatrandom.Youhadtoworkbywhimandthestimulusofthemoment.
Youcouldn'tgaugethedirectionofgunshots.Youcouldn'ttrusttheguardsmen
nottosprayroundsandkillyouwithricochets.
Itwasuncontainabledisorder.Itgrewindirectproportiontotheir
attemptstocontrolit.Adeputywaspushingacrowdback.Alootergrabbedhis
shotgun.Itdischargedandblewhispartner'sbrainsout.

152
Itwentonandon.Theactiondispersedandreconstellatedunexpectedly.
Heworkedthreewholedaysofit.Heshaggeddozensoflootersandlostweight
fromheatexposureandadrenalineoverload.
Theactiontappedoutfromsomekindofmassexhaustion.Maybetheheat
woretheriotersdown.Theymadetheirstatement.Theybrighteneduptheir
shittylives.Theygorgedthemselveswithcheapbootyandconvincedthemselves
they'dgainedmorethantheylost.
Thecopslosttheircollectivecherry.
Somedeniedit.Theyattributedtheriottoaspecificseriesof
criminallyspawnedevents.Theirlogicofcauseandeffectwentnodeeper.
Alotofcopswentintodefaultmode.Unrulyniggerswereunrulyniggers.
Theirinbredcriminaltendenciesshouldnowbesuppressedevenmorerigorously.
Heknewbetter.Theriottaughthimthatsuppressionwasfutile.Youdon't
burndownyourownworldfornogoodreason.Youcouldn'tshutpeopledownor
keeppeopleout.Themoreyoutried,themorechaoswouldsupersedeorder.The
revelationthrilledhimandscaredhim.
Thetwinswerebornamonthaftertheriot.Hismarriageransmoothfora
while.Hestudiedforthesergeant'sexamandworkedNorwalkPatrol.Hepondered
thelessonsofWatts.
Helivedintwoworlds.Hisfamilyworldwasuncontrollable.Thelessons
ofWattsfailedhimathome.Heknewhowtohandlecriminals.Hecouldn'thandle
thevolatilewomanheloved.
Thenoveltyofkidsworeoff.Theystartedfightingagain.Theyfoughtin
frontoftheboysandfeltbadaboutit.
HemadesergeantinDecember'68andtransferredtoFirestoneStation.
Firestonewashighdensity,highcrime,allblack.Thepacewasfrantic.He
learnedtoworkattriplehisNorwalkrate.
Heworkedasapatrolsupervisor.HeranfromCode3calltoCode3call
everyshift.Firestonewasdopeandarmedrobberyandbrutaldomesticcalls.
Firestonewasariotzonebackin'65.Thefolkstherehadtheirownpostriot
revelationsgoing.Firestonewassidewalkcrapgamesandguns.Firestonewasthe
childwhoclimbedintothedryerandgotburnedandspuntodeath.Firestonewas
deceleratedchaos.Firestonecouldblowfast.
Hespentfouryearsthere.Hefinishedhispatroltourandwentonthe
stationdetectivesquad.Hedidsomecommunityrelationswork.Anythingthat
bridgedthecopciviliangapwasgoodforbusiness.TheLAPDhadflickedcop

153
civilianrelationstoanalltimefaretheewell.Hedidn'twanttheSheriff's
tofollowtheirlead.
Hetransferredtotheautotheftdetail.Hedevelopedsounddetective
skillsandreveledinthespecificnatureofthework.Theftcrimeswerecut
anddried.Theyboileddowntoviolatedownership.Theywereisolatedproblems
thatendedwiththeapprehensionofspecificallyguiltyparties.Hedidn'thave
topopharmlesskidsformarijuana.Hedidn'thavetorefereedomesticdisputes
anddispensemaritaladvicelikeheknewwhathewastalkingabout.
Detectiveworkwashiscalling.Hehadthesocialskillsandthe
temperamentforit.Patrolworkwasabreathlesssprintwithnofixedfinish
line.Detectiveworkwassedatelypacedbycomparison.Hepluggedintosuspects
oneononeandcooptedtheirknowledge.Hemoveddeeperintothecopcriminal
matrix.
HecametoFirestoneasapoliceman.Heleftasadetective.Hewentto
InternalAffairsDivisionandhoundedothercops.
Copswhostolemoney.Copswholeanedtoohardontheirnightsticks.Cops
whouseddope.Copswhojackedoffatpornomovies.Copswhogaveblowjobsto
inmatesincountyholdingtanks.Copswhowererattedoffforimaginedoffenses
outofpurespite.
IAwasbrutal.Themoralturfwashazilydefined.Hedidnotenjoy
hasslingfellowcops.Hesoughtouttheliteraltruthpertainingtotheir
situationsandstressedmitigatingfactors.Hefeltempathyforsomevery
twistedmen.Heknewhowthejobunderminedfamilycontracts.Afairportionof
thecopsheknewwerefunctioningalcoholics.Theywerenobetterorworsethan
copsaccusedofsmokingdope.
Hehadahandleonhisownshortcomings.Heusedthemtoillustratethe
bigbottomline._You_don'tstealorusedopeorengageinperverted
activities._You_don'texploityourcopstatusforillegalgain._You_haveto
imposethoserestrictionsonthecopsyouinvestigate.
Itwasamorallyvalidline.Itwasanegodrivensimplification.
Hismarriagewasdeadstalled.Hewantedout.Annwantedout.Theykept
waitingfortheotheronetogetupsomegutsandendit.Theyboughtahouse
andsunktheirhooksineachotherdeeper.Hefoughtapersistenturgetochase
women.
HeleftIAin'73.HewenttotheLakewoodStationsquadandworkedauto
theftandautoburgfortwoyears.HewenttoMetroin'75.

154
Metroworkedcountywide.Heranafivemansurveillanceteamalloverthe
countymap.L.A.Countyexpandedforhim.Hesawcrimeboominginpoverty
pocketswherepeoplehadjustenoughcoinfordrugsandcheappads.The
landscapestherewereflatandpolluted.Thepeoplelivedinoperational
squalor.Theymovedbetweensmoggytownslikeratsinamaze.Freewaysspunthem
aroundincircles.Drugswereaclosedcircuitofbriefecstasyanddespair.
Burglaryandrobberyweredrugadjunctcrimes.Murderwasacommonbyproductof
druguseandillegaldrugtrafficking.Drugenforcementwasafutileclosed
circuit.Drugusewasaninsaneandentirelyunderstandablereactiontolifein
bumfuckL.A.County.Helearnedthesethingsdrivingelevatedfreeways.
HeworkedMajorFraudsin'78andmovedtoVOITin'79.VOITstoodfor
ViolentOffenderImpactTeam.Itwasasmallunitmandatedtoapprehendserial
armedrobbers.ThejobcrossedovertoHomicide.
Anngotacalling.Sheobeyeditoninstinct.Sheenterednursingschool
andexcelledatthework.Herstabatindependenceresurrectedtheirmarriage.
Herespectedherprofession.Herespectedherpursuitofacareeratage
forty.Helikedthewayhercallingmeshedwithhisnewcalling.
HewantedtoworkSheriff'sHomicide.Hewantedtoinvestigatemurders.He
wanteditwithapassionatesenseofcornmitment.
Hecalledinsomefavorsandgotit.Itbroughthimtothebodyoffthe
roadsideandthebodyintheMarina.Itbroughthimtothegirlstunnedmuteby
rapeandbluntforcetrauma.
Hisghosts.

13

Helearnedsomethingsaboutmurderearlyon.Helearnedthatmenkilled
withlessprovocationthanwomen.Menkilledbecausetheyweredrunk,stonedand
pissedoff.Menkilledformoney.Menkilledbecauseothermenmadethemfeel
likesissies.
Menkilledtoimpressothermen.Menkilledsotheycouldtalkaboutit.
Menkilledbecausetheywereweakandlazy.Murdersatedtheirlustofthe
momentandnarroweddowntheiroptionstoacomprehensiblefew.
Menkilledwomenforcapitulation.Thebitchwouldn'tgivethemheador
givethemhermoney.Thebitchovercookedthesteak.Thebitchthrewafitwhen

155
theytradedherfoodstampsfordope.Thebitchdidn'tlikethempawingher12
yearolddaughter.
Mendidnotkillwomenbecausetheyweresystematicallyabusedbythe
femalegender.Womenkilledmenbecausemenflickedthemoverjustthat
rigorouslyandpersistently.
Heconsideredtherulebinding.Hedidn'twanttheruletobetrue.He
didn'twanttoseewomenasawholeraceofvictims.
Theissueoffreewillperplexedhim.Manyfemalemurdervictimsput
themselvesinharm'swayandpassivelycosignedtheirdeathwarrants.Hedidn't
wanttoconcedethepoint.Hehadagenderwidecrushonwomen.Itwasbigand
randomandessentiallyidealistic.Itkepthimfaithfulwhenhismarriage
strayedbad.
Hisfirstvictimwasfemale.
BillyFarringtonbrokehiminatSheriff'sHomicide.Billywasablack
fashionplate.Billyworecustomsuitstocrimescenesrepletewithstiffs
purgingstomachgasandfeces.Billytaughthimtoreadcrimescenesveryslowly
anddeliberately.
Billywasandneartheendofhislawenforcementcareer.Billyhadabig
blockofvacationtimeaccrued.BillylethimworktheDaisieMaecasesolo.
ItwasabodydumpupinNewhall.Amanspottedaburningbundleand
extinguishedtheflames.HecalledtheNewhallSheriff'sStation.Thewatch
commandercalledSheriff'sHomicide.
Stonerrolledout.Hesealedoffthecrimesceneandexaminedthebody.
Thevictimwasfullyclothed.Shewaswhiteandelderly.Herfacewas
contorted.Shelookedalmostmongoloid.
ShewaswrappedinaU.S.flagandsomebabyblankets.Thebundlewas
cinchedwithelectricalcord.Theblanketsweresoakedingasolineorasimilar
noxiousaccelerant.Shelookedlikeshetooksomebludgeonshotstothehead.
Stonerwalkedthearea.Hesawnofootprints,notiretracksandno
discardedbludgeontools.Theareawashillyandbrushcovered.Thekiller
probablycarriedthebodyupfromanearbyaccessroad.
Acoroner'steamarrived.Theywentthroughthevictim'sscorched
clothing.
Theyfoundnoidentification.Stonerfoundagoldchainnecklace.It
lookedlikeapeacesignorsomekindofweirdasssymbol.
Stonerbaggedit.Thecoroner'steamremovedthebody.

156
StonerdrovetotheHallofJusticeandcheckedrecentmissingpersons
reports.NothingmatchedhisJaneDoe.Heputoutateletype.Itstressedthe
victim'snecklaceandsaidshemightbementallyretarded.Hecalledthe
InformationBureauandtoldthemtoputoutthewordonJane.
Channel7NewsranaTVspotthatnight.Stonergotacallafewminutes
later.
Amansaidhemadethenecklace.ThependantwasanAAsymbol.Hesoldthe
necklacesatAAmeetingsinLongBeach.
Stonerdrewapictureofthenecklaceandwroteupthefactsonhiscase
beneathit.HeaddedhisnameandnumberatSheriff'sHomicide.Hemimeographed
ahundredcopiesanddistributedthemateveryAAmeetingintheLongBeach
area.

AmannamedNeilSilberschlogsawtheflyersandcalledhim.Hesaidthe
victimsoundedlikeanoldAAgirl.ShewasknownasDaisieMae.Shewasrunning
withayoungguynamedRonaldBacon.SilberschloglivednearBacon.Baconwas
drivingDaisieMae's'64Impala.DaisieMaewasnowherearound.Silberschlog
thoughtthedealwashinky.
StonerdrovetoLongBeachandmettheinformant.SilberschlogID'da
morguephotoofthevictim.Hesaidshewasn'tretarded.Shewasjustacrusty
olddrunk.
DaisieMaelivednearby.SilberschlogwalkedStonerdowntoherpad.
Itwasadive.AnolddrunknamedOneEyedBettywascrashedoutinthe
frontroom.BettysaidshesawDaisieMae'scarinfrontofRonnieBacon's
place.RonniehadDaisieMae'swatch.Hechangedthestrapandgaveittohis16
yearoldgirlfriend.Ronniejustgotpoppedforburglarizingadrugstore.Hewas
intheMainL.A.CountyJail.
StonerdrovetothejailandinterviewedRonaldBacon.Hewas25yearsold
andstonewhitetrash.HesaidhewenttoAAforfriendship.HeknewDaisie
Maebuthesuredidn'tkillher.
StonerdrovebacktoLongBeach.HesearchedBacon'spadandfoundan
emptygascan.AneighborsaidBaconsoldhimabloodsoakedcouch.
StonertalkedtoOneEyedBettyagain.SherecountedDaisieMae'slastday
onearth.
DaisieMaejustgotherwelfarecheck.ShewantedtobuyaTVset.One
EyedBettyandRonaldBaconwantedtohelpherspendhermoney.Theydroveher
aroundlookingforcheapTVs.

157
TheywereinDaisieMae'scar.BaconmadeDaisieMaecashherwelfare
check.OneEyedBettywenthome.BaconandDaisieMaedroveoffalone.
StonerrequestedawarrantonRonaldBacon.AdeputyDAheardhimoutand
filedhomicidecharges.Baconwasheldtoanswerforonecountofmurderone.
AwomancalledStonerattheBureau.Shetoldhimherdaughterusedto
dateRonaldBacon.Baconwroteherdaughteraverysuspiciousletter.
Thetonewassniveling.Baconsaidhejuststolesomemoneyandwas"here
inthecarwithher."Hebeatanoldwomantodeath.Hestartedgrubbingfor
sympathybeforehetorchedherbody.
AhandwritingexpertexaminedtheletterandconfirmedthatRonaldBacon
wroteit.Baconwastried,convictedandsentencedtolifeinprisonwithano
parolestipulation.Stonersolvedhisfirstmurder.Helearnedthatmenkilled
womenandrantootherwomeninselfpity.

ANorwalkmanshothiswife.Heaimedaboveherheadandcaughtherright
betweentheeyes.Themanwasjustlettingoffsteam.Hestashedhismarijuana
plantsbeforehereportedtheincident.Stonerpoppedhimformurdertwo.He
learnedthatmenkilledwomenoutofboredom.
Ablackwomanshotandkilledherhusband.ShebuzzedLennoxStationand
placedananonymousprowlercallafterthefact.Thedispatchersentacarby
herbuilding.Thedeputiesdidn'tseeanyprowler.ThewomancalledLennox
Stationback.Shetoldthedispatchersheshotherhusbandbymistake.Hecame
inthewindowunexpectedly.Shethoughthewasaprowler.Shedidn'tknowthat
allincomingstationcallsweretaperecorded.
ThedispatchercalledSheriff'sHomicideandexplainedthesituation.
Stonerrolledtothecrimesceneandconfrontedthewoman.Sheadmittedthatshe
shotherhusbandbeforeshemadethefirstcall.Shesaidhe'dbeenbeatingher
up.Sheshowedoffherbruisestoproveit.Stonerarrestedherandranher
husband'snamebytheLennoxdetectivesquad.Theguysweregladsheoffedthe
fucker.Theyweregettingreadytopophimforastringofrobberies.
Stonertalkedtothewoman'sneighbors.Theysaidtheheistmanbeathis
wifeupregularly.Helazedaroundthecribwhilesheworked.Hespenthermoney
onliquoranddope.
Thewomanremainedincustody.StonerwenttotheDAandtalked
mitigation.TheDAagreedtopleabargainherbeefdown.

158
Thewomangotprobation.ShecalledStonerandthankedhimforhis
kindness.Helearnedthatwomenkilledmenwhenthatlastblowtothehead
tippedthemjustabitoffcenter.

Homicidewasalearnasyougoproposition.TheDoraBoldtjobwasabig
education.
HecaughtitwithBillyFarrington.Billysplitonanothervacationand
lethimruncrazywithit.Thejobwasatwoweektornado.
DoraandHenryBoldtlivedinLennoxDivision.Theywerewhiteholdoutsin
ablackneighborhood.Theywerefrailandalmost8oyearsold.
Theirsonfoundthem.
Dorawasdeadinthelivingroomhallway.Apillowcasewaswrappedaround
herhead.Itwassoakedwithbloodandbrainfluids.
Henrywasaliveinthebedroom.Somebodybeathimandkickedhim
unconscious.
Thehousehadbeenransacked.Thephonelineswerecut.Thesonrannext
doorandcalled911.
Patrolunitsarrived.Anambulancearrived.HenryBoldtregained
consciousness.Adeputyaskedhimtoholduponefingerifthekillerorkillers
werewhiteandtwofingersiftheywereblack.Henryhelduptwofingers.The
ambulancetookhimaway.
StonerandFarringtonarrived.Alabcrewshowedup.Everybodythoughtthe
samething.
Itwastwoguys.Theybeattheoldladytodeath.Theydiditwiththeir
fists,theirfeetandflashlights.
Thelabguysdustedforprints.Theyfoundglovemarksalloverthehouse.
Stonerfoundahalfeatenpieceofcheeseonthekitchenfloor.Aphotoman
steppedonitanddestroyedtheteethmarks.
StonertalkedtoDoraBoldt'sfamily.Theyinventoriedthehouseand
helpedhimcompilealistofstolenitems.Theygavehimserialnumbersfora
missingcrockpotandTVset.
BillyFarringtonwentonvacation.StonerwenttotheLennoxdetective
squad,theInglewoodPDsquadandtheLAPD'sWestL.A.Bureau.Hetalkedtoa
dozenburglarycops.HetalkedtosomeguysatLAPDHomicide.Hetoldthemabout
hiscase.Theydescribed40similarB&Eswiththreemurdersattached.

159
Thevictimswereoldwhitewomen.Theywerebeatentodeath.The
perpetratorsalwayscutthephonelinesandatefoodoutoftheicebox.They
bludgeonedtheirvictims.Theyransackedtheirhousesandstoletheircars30%
ofthetime.Allthevictimswereelderlywhites.Allthecarswereabandoned
withinasmallradiusoutinWestL.A.Allthebeatingsweresavage.Onewoman
lostaneye.Theperpetratorsweregoingouteverythirdorfourthnight.
Stonercategorizedthecrimesandwroteupadetailedreport.Heputout
anurgentcountywidebulletin.HewentbacktotheLennox,InglewoodandWest
L.A.squadsandlaidouthisinformation.Everybodythoughtthesamething:They
hadtogoproactiveimmediately.
TheBeverlyHillsPDcalledStoner.Theysawhisbulletin.Theyhadtwo
suspectsforhim.
TheirnameswereJeffreyLangfordandRoyBennyWimberly.Theyweremale
blacksintheirmid2os.TheBHPDgotthemfortwoburglaries.Theywere
sentencedtothreeyearsstatetime.Theymightbeoutofprisonnow.
StonercalledtheStateParoleBureauandtheStateDMV.Helearnedthat
WimberlyandLangfordwereparoledamonthbeforetheburglariesstarted.
LangfordlivedinWestL.A.nearthespotwherethestolencarswere
abandoned.
StonercalledinaMetroteamandputthemundersurveillance.Wimberly
andLangfordcruisedinLangford'sjeepthreedaysrunning.Theycruisedbytwo
housesinWestLA.andahouseinBeverlyHills.Oldwhitepeoplelivedinthe
houses.
StonercalledintheLAPD.AburglarycopnamedVarnerputsurveillance
teamsonthetwoWestL.A.houses.StonercalledintheBHPD.Theyputateamon
thehouseintheirjurisdictionandmovedtheoldpeopleout.
Varnercoveredtwohouses.HemovedthepeopleoutofHouse#1.Thepeople
inHouse#2refusedtoleave.Varnerboardedupthelivingroomandplantedtwo
copswithshotgunsthere.Thepeopleagreedtohideoutunder24hourguard.
WimberlyandLangfordstartedcruisingHouse#2exclusively.
Stonerknewthey'dhitsoon.Hesetupahelicopterandtwostreet
surveillanceteamsanddistributedwalkietalkies.Langford'shousewascovered.
House#2wascovered.Thechopperwassettotailthesuspectsfromasafe
distance.StonersetupacommandpostatLennoxStation.Hewasdirectlylinked
toHouse#2andallmobileunits.
ThesuspectsleftLangford'shouseat1:00a.m.,7/3/81.

160
TheydrovetothealleybehindHouse#2.Thechopperpinneddownevery
movetheymade.
Theyparkedtheirjeep.TheywalkedtoHouse#2andjumpedthebackfence.
Theycuttheoutsidephonewires.Theystartedpryingatthebackbedroom
windows.
Thewindowswereboardedshut.Theoldfolksdiditasanadded
precaution.Theyforgottotellthecops.
WimberlyandLangfordkeptprying.ThewalkietalkielinesinsideHouse#2
wentdead.Stonercontactedhismobileunits.Theywereparkedablockfrom
House#2.
WimberlyandLangfordkeptprying.Theykeptmakingbigfuckingnoise.
Theywereboldandstupid.TheBigPictureeludedthem.
Afirecrackerwentoffsomewheredowntheblock.Themobileunitsthought
itwasashot.TheyhittheirlightsandsirensandswoopeddownonWimberlyand
Langford.
WimberlyandLangfordran.Themobileunitsclosedthealleyoffand
apprehendedthem.
StonerinterviewedthematLennoxStation.Theywouldn'tcopouttothe
burglariesormurders.StonertoldthemHenryBoldtdied.Theydidn'treact.
Stonertoldthemhemadethemforfivemurderstotal.Theyplayedthewhole
interrogationsullen.
BillyFarringtongotbackfromvacation.HehelpedStonerinterviewthe
suspects.LangfordcalledBillyanigger.Stonergotbetweenthemandkept
thingsfromescalating.
WimberlyandLangfordrefusedtocopout.Stonersearchedtheirhouses.
Cargotruckshauledoffstolenmerchandise.Stonerexecutedasearchwarranton
Wimberly'sparents'house.Herecoveredlawnmowers,beautysuppliesandagold
platedmirror.HefoundDoraBoldt'scrockpot.Therewerenofingerprintsonit.
Thenumberonthebottomwasnotaserialnumber.Thecrockpothadno
evidentiaryvalue.
ThestolenmerchandisewasstoredatParkerCenter.Victimsidentifiedit.
WimberlyandLangfordwereindictedon18countsoffirstdegreeburglary.No
verifiableitemsstolenfromtheBoldthouseorthehousesoftheothermurdered
womenwererecovered.Stonercouldn'tfilemurderchargesonWimberlyand
Langford.Hewantedtokilltheflickingphotomanwhosquashedthatpieceof
cheese.

161
WimberlyandLangfordweretriedandconvicted.Langfordgot17years.
Wimberlygot20to25.Langfordgotparoledearly.TheFedspoppedhimwithtwo
kilosofcocaine.Langfordgotlifewithnoparolestipulated.
Stonerwentformultiplehomicidesandsettledforburglaryone.The
WimberlyLangfordjoblefthimpentupandafraidforhisparents.Wimberlyand
Langfordgrewupmiddleclass.Theywerenotabusedathome.Stonerlearnedthat
menkilledwomenforlawnmowersandcrockpots.

Amankidnappeda60yearoldwoman.Hetriedtoforcehertogetcashat
someATMs.Thewomankeptpunchinginthewrongcodenumbers.Themangot
frustratedandshothertodeath.
Hedumpedherinachurchparkinglot.Hestolehercreditcardsand
boughtapairofsizejoKinneyboots.TheRiversideCountySheriff'schasedhim
downonanoldparolewarrant.Heheardtheknockonthedoor.Hehidoutinbed
underneathhis3oopoundgirlfriend.
TheRiversidecopspoppedhimtwodayslater.Hetoldthemhehadthe
goodsonanL.A.Countymurder.Abikertoldhimhewhackedanoldbroadand
dumpedherbehindachurch.Hecouldfindthebikerforthemiftheylethim
out.
TheRiversidecopscalledStonerandrelayedtheman'sstory.Stonerasked
themifthemanwaswearingsizeioKinneyboots.Thecopssaidhewas.Stoner
saidhe'dberightoverwithamurderwarrant.
Themanconfessed.Sheriff'sRobberymadehimforsomeholdups.His
girlfriendwashisdriver.Themanrefusedtosnitchheroff.Menkilledwomen
andgotgooeyoverwomeninaheartbeat.
ACambodianmanmovedtoHawaiianGardens.Hehadtwokidsfromaprevious
marriage.Hisfirstwifediedinthewar.Hehadtwokidswithhisnewwife.
TheywerehardworkingCambodianAmericans.
Themanlearnedhiswifewascheatingonhim.Hestabbedtheirtwokidsto
deathandstabbedhimselftodeath.Stonerlearnedthatmenkilledwomenby
proxy.
Anangeldustaddictwentprowlinginhisbathrobe.Hebrokeintoa
trailerandstabbedanoldmanintheeyes.Deputiesfollowedbloodspotsback
tohispad.Thekidwastryingtoflushhisbathrobedownthetoilet.Hesaidhe
didn'tknowwhyhewentoutprowling.
Stonerfiguredhewaslookingforawoman.

162
KarenReillywasabodydump.Aguygotaflattireonthe126freewayand
sawhishubcapflyoffintoafield.Helookedforit.Hesmelledsomethingdead
andalmosttrippedoverKaren.
Shewasbadlydecomposedandchewedupbyanimals.Crittersgotherhyoid
bone.Therewasnowaytodeterminestrangulation.Therewasnowaytorun
serologyortoxicologytests.Therewasnowaytoattributecauseofdeath.
StonerandFarringtonworkedthecrimescene.Thetemperaturewaspushing
threedigits.Theyfoundsomejewelryonthebodyandtaggedit.
Stonercheckedmissingpersonsreports.HefoundatwoweekoldLAPDcase
andcontactedtheassigneddetectives.Theytoldhimhisdecompsoundedlike
theirgirl.TheypickedupthejewelryfoundonthebodyandshowedittoKaren
Reilly'sparents.HerparentsID'dit.
Twoprivatedetectiveswereworkingthecasealready.Karen'sparents
hiredthemafewdaysafterKarendisappeared.TheymetwithStonerand
Farringtonandgavethemaprogressreport.
KarenReillywas19.Shelikedliquorandunsavoryyoungdudes.Shelived
withherparentsinupscalePorterRanch.
Shesignedupatatempagency.ShemetayoungmaleLatinnamedJohn
Soto.Sotoworkedattheagency.Helivedwithhiscommonlawwifeandkidand
hisbrotherAugieandAugie's16yearoldgirlfriend.KarenwasfuckingJohn
Soto.Herparentsdisapproved.
Karenwashomerightbeforeshevanished.Shewasdrinkingjellybeanswith
agirlfriend.Shegotzorched.SherantedagainstJohnSotoandhis"wife."She
saidtheywerecrummyparents.Shesaidshewantedtorescuetheirkid.
Karenleftthehousealone.Hermomanddadneversawheragain.
TheSotobrothersfurnishedtherestofthestory.
Karenwalkedtoamaindragandstartedhitchhiking.Twoguyspickedher
up.Thedriveraskedherforherphonenumber.Karengaveittohim.Theguys
droppedheroutsidetheSotobrothers'building.
TheSotoguysletherin.KarenverballyattackedJohn'scommonlawwife
andranoutoftheapartment.Thewifechasedher.Theytradedinsultsonthe
sidewalkat2:00inthemorning.JohnSotorandown.Hemadehiswifego
upstairs.AugieSotoandhisgirlfriendwalkedoutsideandtalkedtoKaren.
KarensaidshewasgoingtohitchhikehomeorhitchtoLosBanosLake.

163
Augieandhisgirlfriendwalkedupstairs.Johngavethemthekeystohis
carandtoldthemtogofindKaren.Itwas2:30a.m.
Augieandhisgirlfriendcruisedaround.Theydidn'tspotKaren.They
droveovertothelocal7Eleven.Theybullshittedwithaclerkthere.They
stayeduntildawn.TheyneversawKarenagain.
Karen'sparentscalledtheSotosrepeatedly.JohnSototoldthemthesame
storyhetoldthedetectives.Karen'sbrotherkickedtheSotos'doorinand
slappedJohnandAugiearound.Theystucktothestorytheytoldthedetectives.
TheReillyfamilythoughttheSotobrotherskilledKaren.Thedetectives
disagreed.TheyfiguredKarenwenthitchhikingandmetsomefuckheadfreak.
StonerinterviewedKarenReilly'sparentsandbrother.Theycondemnedthe
Sotoboys.StonerinterviewedJohnandAugieandtheirwomen.Theyallstuckto
theirstory.Stonerinterviewedthe7Elevenclerk.HedisputedAugie'saccount
oftheirlatenightbullshitsession.
Augiesaidtheydroppedinaround3:00a.m.Theclerksaidtheyshowedup
at5:00.StonerwentbacktoJohnandAugieandaskedthemtotakepolygraph
tests.Thebrothersagreed.
Johnpassedhistest.Augie'stestcamebackinconclusive.John'swifeand
Augie'sgirlfriendrefusedtobetested.
KarenReilly'smothercalledStoner.ShesaidKaren'shighschoolboyfriend
triedtokidnapherdaughterafewmonthsago.HegrabbedKarenatthehouseand
forcedherintohiscar.Karen'smotherinterceded.Theboydroveaway.
Stonerinterviewedtheexboyfriend.Hesaidhewasstillinlovewith
Karen.Hedidn'twantherhangingoutwithlowrentbeaners.HeforcedKaren
intohiscartotalksomesensetoher.Thekidagreedtotakeapolygraphtest.
Hismotherintervenedandrefusedtoallowit.
Stonerwentbacktothe7Eleven.HefoundouttheclerkmovedtoVegas
andgotsnuffedinadrugcontretemps.
Otherhomicidesoccurred.Theydemandedfastattention.TheKarenReilly
casewasrifewithunindictablesuspects.Therewasnoconclusivecauseof
death.
SaytheSotoboysbeatthepolygraph.Saytheoldboyfriendkilledher.
Sayamanpickedheruphitching.TheysharesomebaddopeandKarenODs.The
manstripsthebodyanddumpsit.ApervertpicksKarenup.Herapesherinhis
carandoffshertocoverarapebust.Aserialkillerwasoutstranglingfemale
hitchhikers.SayheranintoKaren.
Stonerworkedhisfreshcases.HeworkedtheReillycaseinhisdreams.

164
HesawKarenaliveandKarenshriveledredblackfromheatand
decomposition.Hesawthewaysshemighthavedied.Healwayswokeuptryingto
pinpointthemomentshecrossedthatline.
The7ElevenguysawherflickingJohnSotointhebackseatofhiscar.
Thecarwasbouncingonitsrockerbeamsrightthereintheparkinglot.John's
wifecaughttheshowandcreatedabigruckus.
KareninvitedAugieSotoouttoLosBanosLake.Augieshowedupwithsome
buddies.Karen'sauntandunclewouldn'tletthemintheircabin.Karencamped
outwithherMexicanfriends.
Karenwasdrinkingtoomuch.Karenlovedtoshockherfriendsandher
uptightparents.Karenwaslivingoutapredictablyrebelliouspattern.
Sheleftherhousedrunk.She'djustannouncedhernewcareergoaltoa
drunkengirlfriend.Shewantedtobeahooker.Sheleftherhousetorousesome
unfitparentsandrescuetheirneglectedchild.
Shewasconfusedandstupidlyguileless.Shewas19.Shecouldhavepulled
outofhertailspinaseasilyasshecrossedthatline.
Stonercouldn'tlethergo.
Stupidrebelliousgirlshadlimitedoptions.Lifefavoredstupid
rebelliousboys.Stupidrebelliousgirlsrepulsedandtitillated.Theiractwas
aimedatthisbigworldouttoignorethem.Sometimesthewrongmancaughttheir
actinatooperfectincarnation.
Stonerlearnedthatmenkilledwomenbecausetheworldignoredand
condonedit.

Heworkeddozensofhomicides.Hemaintainedasalutarysolverate.He
spenttimewithhisvictims'families.Heneglectedhisownfamily.Hissons
grewupfast.Hespenthalftheirbirthdaysatcrimescenes.TheLosAngeles
Countymurderratekeptescalating.Hehackedathispaperworkbacklogandsat
installedfreewaytraffic.Hepickedupfreshmurdersandjuggledoldmurders
andwentonsuicideandindustrialaccidentcalls.Hesolvednineteenoutof
twentyonecasesinonecalendaryear.Heworkedwithgoodpartnersanddidhalf
thework.Heworkedwithbadpartnersanddidallthework.Somecasesjazzed
him.Somecasesboredhim.Heworkedamillionmomkillspopandpopkillsmom
murders.HeworkedtwomillionMexicanbarkillingswhereall40eyewitnesses
wereinthebathroomandclaimedtheydidn'tseenothing.Somecasesgothim
musingonsomewildfuckingtopics.Somecasesputhimtosleeplikeabigmeal

165
andabadmovie.Hechasedleadsonthe"NightStalker"case.Hesolvedthe
"MiniManson"caseandtookdownsomefiendskillingfaghustlers.Murders
accumulated.ItsenthimintoMurderCommitmentExhaustion.Hewentonvacation
andsufferedMurderCommitmentWithdrawal.Heworkedallhiscaseswiththesame
commitmentanddiscriminatedinhisheadandheart.Courtdatesaccumulated.
Theycircumscribedawidearrayofmurders.Somewererecent.Somewereold.He
juggledawidearrayoffactsandrarelyflickeduponthewitnessstand.
HespenteightyearsontheDropZoneExpressway.Hehadnodesireto
exit.Hisonedreamwassimpleandaltogethersilly.
Hewantedtolimithismurderstoameaningfulfew.

Hegothisdream.HegotitbecauseBobGrimmgotthiswildbuguphis
ass.Grimmwantedtoclearthe_CottonClub_case.HemovedStonerintothe
UnsolvedUnitearlyin'87.
Stonerprotestedthetransfer.Unsolvedwasanoldman'sjob.Hewasonly
fortysix.Hewantedtoworkfreshcases.Grimmtoldhimtoshutupanddoashe
wastold.
The_CottonClub_jobwasfamous.Thevictimwasashowbizsleazebag
namedRoyRadin.Hewaskilledin'83.Hisdeathpurportedlyderivedfromdope
intrigueandHollywoodflimflam.Itallconnectedtoashittyflickcalled_The
CottonClub_.
GrimmtoldStonerhe'dbeworkingwithCharlieGuenther.Itwasgoodnews.
Guentherwasthemanwho_really_broketheCharlesMansoncase.Heworkedthe
GaryHinmanjobforSheriff'sHomicideandbustedtwofreaksnamedMaryBrunner
andBobbyBeausoleil.Theywrote"Pig"and"PoliticalPiggy"onHinman'swalls
aftertheykilledhim.SimilarsloganswerescrawledattheTateLaBiancacrime
scenes.GuentherwenttotheLAPDandlaidouttheHinmanmurder.Brunnerand
BeausoleilwereincustodyduringtheTateLaBiancatimeframe.Guenthertoldthe
LAPDtocheckouttheirpalsattheSpahnMovieRanch.TheLAPDignored
Guenther'sadvice.TheysolvedTateLaBiancabyflukeluckseveralmonthslater.
Guentherwasonvacationnow.GrimmtoldStonertogetacclimatedat
Unsolvedandstudytheinitial_CottonClub_file.Stonerbrowsedoldfilesto
gettheUnsolvedgestalt.SomethingledhimtoPhyllis(Bunny)KrauchDOD
7/12/71.
Thecasewassemifamous.Areporterranitbyhimyearsback.TheBunny
KrauchjobcausedhavocatSheriff'sHomicide.

166
BunnyWestgrewuprichinPasadena.ShemarriedamannamedRobertKrauch
inthelate'50sandhadfourkidsbyhim.Krauchwasareporterforthe_L.A.
Herald_.Hisfatherwasabigcheesewiththepaper.
BunnyKrauchwasbeautiful.Shewaskindheartedandpathologically
cheerful.RobertKrauchwaspossessiveandilltempered.EverybodylikedBunny.
NobodylikedRobert.
TheKrauchesmovedtoPlayadelReyintheearly'6os.Theyboughta
beautifulbeachfronthome.Robertdevelopedabadreputation.Peopleconsidered
himeccentric.HerodehisbicyclearoundPlayadelReyandputouthostile
vibes.
MarinadelReywasthenewhipenclave.ItwasjustamilenorthofPlaya.
Itfeaturedboatslipsandyachtsandlotsofgroovybarsandrestaurants.
CharlieBrown'sopenedupin'68.Itwasafreewheelingbarandsteakhouse
withaswingingclientele.Thewaitresseswereallstonefoxes.Theyworelowcut
topsandshortdresses.ThemanagerdugtheL.A.Lakers.Hesuckeduptothe
playersandgothisgirlsdateswiththem.CharlieBrown'sbecameabigsports
hangout.
BunnyKrauchgotawaitressjobthere.Sheworkedthelateshiftandquit
aroundmidnight.Shestartedlivingaseparatelifeamileawayfromherfamily.
CharlieBrown'sswunghard.Thewaitresseswerealwaysdodgingpasses.
BunnyKrauchgotpawedandgropedeverynight.
ThisDonguywastheKingoftheGropers.Heworkedasabugexterminator.
Hewasunattractiveandwellintohis'50s.Thewaitressesloathedhim.He
becameBunnyKrauch'slover.Nobodycouldfigurethemout.
Donwas20yearsolderthanBunny.Donwasdisgusting.Donwasaflagrant
asspincherandadrunk.
Theaffairwentonforthreeyears.DonandBunnymetatamotelon
AdmiraltyWay.TheymetatCharlieBrown'sandotherrestaurantsintheMarina.
Theywerenotdiscreet.Bunny'sfriendsknewthescore.RobertKrauchdidnot.
Robertgotavasectomy.Bunnysaidshewantedtostayonthepill.The
pillregulatedherperiod.
Robertdidnotgetthepicture.
Bunnydiedinhercar.ItwasparkedinaculdesacnearCharlieBrown's.
Somebodystrangledher.TheytiedtwoCharlieBrown'snapkinsaroundherneck
andpulled.Somebodyrapedherandsodomizedher.Herdresswaspushedupand
herblousewasrippedopen.SheleftCharlieBrown'satmidnightanddiedsoon
after.ShediedinherCharlieBrown'soutfit.

167
Aprivatepatrolguardfoundher.Sheriff'sHomicidetookover.
Donhadanalibi.RobertKrauchsaidhewasasleepathomewhenthemurder
occurred.Awitnesssawamanonabikenearthecrimescene.RobertKrauchsaid
itwasn'thim.RobertKrauchsaidhedidn'tknowhiswifewascheatingonhim.
Thepatrolguardwasaredhotsuspect.Awomansaidthemanandhis
cousinrapedandsodomizedhertwoyearsago.Itwasherwordagainsttheirs.
Thecopsbelievedthem.Thematterwentnofurther.
Detectivesleanedontheguard.Hedeniedtheearliersexbeefanddenied
killingBunnyKrauch.Hetookapolygraphtestandpassedit.
Ahalfdozendetectiveswereassignedtothecase.Dozensmore
volunteered.ThecasebecametherageofSheriff'sHomicide.Itfeatureda
beautifulvictimandarockingmilieu.Itwas_Laura_updatedtoapromiscuous
era.BunnyKrauchbewitchedalltheguys.Theywantedtofindherkillerand
fuckhimovergood.TheywantedtomeetalltheCharlieBrown'sgirls.They
wantedtoshakeuptheMarina.
Theyhittheareahard.TheyturnedCharlieBrown'supsidedownand
hassledeverycreepwhoeverpawedBunnyKrauch.TheyinterviewedtheL.A.
LakersandBunny'swaitresspals.Theyleanedontitpinchersandregisteredsex
offenders.TheychasedBunny'sghost.
Somedranktoomuch.Somefellinlove.Somegotrighteouslylaid.Afew
tookthebigplungebehindsexandmurderandflushedtheirfamilylivesdown
theshitterforwomentheyjustmet.
BunnyKrauchputahexonSheriff'sHomicide.Stonerlovedherforit.He
wassorrysomeotherwomengothurt.Heknewhowtokeepthingsstraight.He
knewhowtokeephisthingwithwomensealedupinsidehim.
HefellhardforBunny.Hewishedtheguyswhotookthebigplungeknew
howtolovelikehedid.

HeclickedwithCharlieGuenther.Theybothlikedtoworkfulltilt.
Theyreadthe_CottonClub_fileindividuallyandtogether.Theytalkedto
thesurvivinginvestigatorandgottheirfactsstraight.
ItstartedasanLAPDmissingpersonscase.RoyRadin'sassistantreported
Radinmissing.RadinwasstayingatahotelapartmentcomplexinWestHollywood.
Hewalkedoutthedooron5/13/83.Hegotintoalimowithafemalecokedealer
namedLaneyJacobs.RadinandJacobswerepissedoffateachother.Jacobs
thoughtRadingotoneofherminionstostealsomedopeandmoneyfromher.

168
RadinandJacobswerehookedupwithahasbeenproducernamedRobertEvans.
Theywerehagglingoverthe_CottonClub_filmproject.Itwasacrimonious
bullshit.
RadinandJacobsweremeetingtohashouttheirdisputes.Theywere
supposedtodineatLaScalainBeverlyHills.Radinfearedfoulplay.Hetold
hispalDemondWilsontotailLaney'slimo.Wilsonwasahasbeenactor.Heused
tostarinthe_SanfordandSon_TVshow.
RadinsplitwithLaney.Wilsonblewhistail.Radindroppedofftheface
oftheearth.
TheLAPDcouldn'tfindLaneyJacobs.BobEvansdidn'tknowwhereRoyRadin
was.TheLAPDhadRadinpeggedasaflybynightcokehead.Theyfiguredhe'd
turnupsoonerorlater.Theydroppedtheirinvestigation.
Radinturnedupdeadfiveweekslater.Abeekeeperfoundhisbodyin
CaswellCanyonupnearGorman.Itwasbadlydecomped.Twentytwocalibershell
fragmentswerescatteredallaroundit.SomebodystuckdynamiteinRadin'smouth
postmortem.Theexplosionfailedtoobliteratehisteeth.ForensictechsID'd
thebodyfromdentalcharts.
GormanwasinL.A.County.CarlosAvilaandWillyAhncaughtthecasefor
Sheriff'sHomicide.
TheystudiedtheLAPDmissingpersonsfile.TheytaggedLaneyJacobsasa
majorcokedealer.Theylearnedthatshewastightwithastrongarmmannamed
BillMentzer.TheylocatedJacobsinAspen,Colorado.Theydecidednottojerk
herchainjustyet.Theycouldn'tlocateMentzer.
Monthspassed.WillyAhngotsick.Helearnedhehadapotentiallyfatal
braintumor.HeworkedtheRadincaseanyway.CarlosAvilacheckedtheLAPD
computerandlearnedthatBillMentzerwassuspectedofarecentcontracthit.
ThevictimwasnamedJuneMincher.Shewasanugly,200poundblackwoman.
Mostpeoplethoughtshewasadragqueenoraman.Shewasaprostitute,phone
sexentrepreneurandshakedownartist.
Shewashasslingawealthyfamily.Thegrandsonwasoneofhertricks.The
familyhiredaprivateeyenamedMikePascaltoteachheralesson.Pascal
farmedthejobouttoBillMentzer.MentzerpistolwhippedJuneMincheranda
trickshewasfuckingatherpad.Mincherkeptbuggingthefamily.Shewasshot
todeathon5/3/84.Mentzerwastheirnumberonesuspect.Theyhadjackshitfor
proof.

169
Avilacouldn'tfindMentzer.Monthswentby.Avilaworkedfreshmurders
andcamebacktotheRadincasewhenhisworkloadthinnedout.WillyAhnwasnow
gravelyill.
AnLAPDnarcnamedFreddyMcKnightshothismouthofftoaguyintheDA's
Office.McKnightsaidhehadtheinsidescoopontheRoyRadinjob.Hewasgoing
tobustabigSheriff'scasehimself.
TheDA'smancalledBobGrimm.GrimmcalledhistopcontactatLAPDand
toldhimtosqueezeMcKnight.Thesqueezeworked.McKnighttoldGrimmandAvila
hisstory.
McKnighthadasnitchnamedMarkFogel.HepoppedFogelwithabigloadof
LaneyJacobs'coke.Fogelranalimoservice.BillMentzerandaguynamedBob
Lowedroveforhimparttime.FogelsaidthatMentzerandLowewereinonthe
Radinsnuff.FogeljustcluedMcKnighttoabigcokedeal.MentzerandLowewere
bringingtwokilosintotheL.A.airport.ItwasLaneyJacobs'dope.McKnight
wassettobustMentzerandLowerightthereatLAX.
Avilajoinedthearrestteam.Thebustwentdownsmoothly.Theytooktwo
kilosoffMentzerandLowe.MentzerandLowerefusedtodiscusstheRadinsnuff.
Theybailedoutofcustodyfast.
MentzerandLowesharedanapartmentintheValley.Avilagotawarrant
andsearchedit.HefoundasnapshotofMentzerandtwounknownmeninthe
desert.ItlookedlikethespotwhereRoyRadin'sbodywasfound.Avilafound
somecarregistrationpapers.LaneyJacobsgaveBobLoweaCadillactheveryday
RoyRadindisappeared.
AvilarevisitedtheRadincrimescene.Thephotowasshotrightthere.
Avilaranthephotobyhiswitnesses.NobodyknewthetwomenwithMentzer.
WillyAhndied.MentzerandLowebeatthedoperaponasearchandseizure
glitch.AvilabracedtheDA.TheDAreadhisRadincasesummaryanddeclinedto
file.Hesaidthecasewasweak.
Avilacaughtsomefreshmurders.HerantheRadincasebytheDA'sOffice
everysooften.Nobodywantedtofile.Twoyearsandsomemonthspassed.

Stonerknewtheycouldbreakit.Theyhadtomaketherightpeopletalk.
Itwasallthere.
Radinvanishedinalimo.MentzerandLowedrovelimosparttime.Mentzer
workedforLaneyJacobs.LaneyhatedRoyRadin.Mentzerwasanamateurhitman.

170
Stonerwantedtomove.Guentherwantedhimtostudyanothercasefirst.
TheTracyLeaStewartjobwasGuenther'sb?tenoir.Heknewthekillers.He
wantedtopopthemainguybeforeheretired.HewantedtogetStonerhookedon
Tracy.
Stonerreadthefile.Hegothookedinstantly.
TracyStewartwas18.Shelivedwithherparentsandkidbrotherin
Carson.Shewasquietandshyandeasilyfrightened.
Shedisappeared8/9/81.ShemetaboynamedBobatRedondoBeachthatday.
Bobwasabout21.Hewasnicelooking.HeaskedTracyout.Tracytoldhimtocall
her.
Bobcalledat6:00p.m.Hesuggestedadriveandafewgamesofpoolata
nicebowlingalley.Tracysaidsure.Bobsaidhe'dberightover.Tracytoldher
mothershewasgoingoutonadate.Hermothertoldhertocallhomeatleast
once.
BobpickedTracyup.Tracycalledhermotheronehourlater.Shecalled
fromabowlingalleyinPalosVerdes.Shesaidshe'dbehomebymidnightor1:00
a.m.
Shedidn'tcomehome.Herparentswaitedup.TheycalledtheCarson
Sheriff'sStationinthemorning.
Adeputywentbythebowlingalley.Hetalkedtosomepeopleondutylast
night.TheyrecalledTracyandBob.Theydidn'tknowwhoBobwas.
ThecasewasbouncedtoSheriff'sMissingPersons.SergeantCissyKienest
talkedtoTracy'sfriendsanddozensofbeachhabitus.NobodyknewBob.Nobody
sawTracyorBobthenightof8/9/81.
Tracy'sparentsdistributedflyersandrannewspaperads.Tracyremained
missing.Thecaselaydormantforfouryears.
AmannamedRobbieBeckettassaultedhisgirlfriendin1985.Hewas
arrestedinAspen,Colorado.HewassentencedtotwoyearsintheColoradoState
Penitentiary.SergeantGaryWhitehandledthecasefortheAspenPD.
WhiteandBecketthadacordialrelationship.RobbietoldWhitehewanted
tobuysometimeoffhissentence.HeknewaboutamurderinL.A.Thedatewas
August'81.Thevictimwasagirlhepickedup.Herfirstnameormiddlename
wasLee.Heforgotherlastname.
Whitesaidhecouldn'tpromiseanydeals.Robbielaidouthisstory
anyway.
HisfatherwasnamedBobBeckettSr.Heusedtolivewithhimin
TorrancedownbyRedondoBeachandPalosVerdes.Hisfatherwasanartist.He

171
ranarinkydinkartschoolandmadeextracashasastrongarmenforcer.He
collectedmoneyforsomemobconnectedguysinSanPedro.Hisfatherwas6'4",
270.Hisfatherknewkarate.HisfatherwasintheSocietyforCreative
Anachronismsthisgroupwherepeopleactedoutthisweirdmedievalshit.His
fatherhungoutwithafaggyguynamedPaulSerio.PaulSeriowasabigshotin
thatweirdsociety.Hisfatherwas45yearsoldnow.Hisfatherwasabaaadson
ofabitch.
HisfatherhadagirlfriendnamedSharonHatch.Shebrokeofftheir
relationshipinMay'81.BobBeckettSr.wentcrazy.HestalkedSharonand
threatenedher.HetoldRobbietoroundupsomebikerstogangrapeher.
Robbielovedandfearedhisdad.Robbiehatedtoseehimhurtandangry.
HeroundedupsomeguystorapeSharon.Hecalleditoffatthelastmoment.
RobbielikedSharon.Hedidn'twanttohurther.Hefiguredhisdadwould
outgrowthiswholevengeancething.
BobBeckettSr.stayedhurtandangry.HedroppedhisSharonfixationand
developedanewone.HetoldRobbietofindhimayounggirl.Hecouldroughup
thegirlandgetbackatSharonthatway.
Robbiestalledhim.Hefiguredhisfatherwouldoutgrowtheyounggirl
fixation.BobBeckettSr.persisted.Robbiegavein.
HemetthatgirlLeeatthebeach.Hegothernumber.Hecalledherand
askedherout.Hetookhertoabowlingalleyandshotsomepoolwithher.They
neckedanddranksomebeer.Hetoldherhehadtostopsomeplacebeforehetook
herhome.
Thegirlsaidokay.Robbietookhertohisfather'sapartment.Thelights
wereoff.BobBeckettSr.waswaitinginthebedroom.Robbieleftthegirlin
thelivingroomandwalkedin.Hisfathersaid,"Didyoubringmesomething?"
Robbiedeliveredthegirl.
BobBeckettSr.pawedherandrapedher.Robbiegotblinddrunkinthe
livingroom.BobBeckettSr.spenttwoorthreehoursalonewiththegirl.
Hetoldherhe'ddriveherhome.Hetoldhertotakeashowerfirst.He
lockedherinthebathroom.HetoldRobbietheyhadtokillher.
Robbiedidn'twanttokillher.BobBeckettSr.grabbedahomemadesapand
insisted.Robbiegavein.
BobBeckettSr.unlockedthebathroomandtoldthegirltogetdressed.
Shedidit.RobbieandBobBeckettSr.walkedherdowntotheirvan.Itwas2:00
or2:30a.m.

172
Robbieswungthesap.Itcaughtonatreebranch.Theblowstunnedthe
girlandrippedherface.Robbiecouldn'tdredgeupthegutstohitheragain.
BobBeckettSr.hitherandthrewherinthebackofthevan.Hegotin
andpinnedherdownwithhisknees.Hestrangledherbarehandedandwrappeda
plasticgarbagebagoverherhead.
Theydrovethebodysouthonthe405freeway.Theytooksomeweirdroads
outtotheboonies.Theydumpedthegirlinsomebushesnearafence.
Theydrovehomeandsweatedoutexposure.Thepapersransomemissinggirl
stories.BobBeckettSr.toldRobbietogutthevan.Robbiereplacedthe
panelingandboughtanewsetoftires.Nocopscamearound.Robbiefigured
coyotesatethebody.
Robbielivedscaredforawhile.Hemovedoutofhisfather'sapartment
andmovedinwithhismother.BobBeckettSr.gavethevantoRobbie'sbrother
David.Timedraggedby.BobBeckettSr.marriedawomannamedCathy.Cathyhad
twodaughters.BobBeckettSr.startedmolestingher12yearold.
Robbietoldafewfriendswhathappened.Theythoughthewasbullshitting.
Robbiewasaboozerandabrawlerandasometimefruithustler.Hisfriends
didn'tfeaturehimasamurdervictimprocurer.
BobBeckettSr.movedtoAspen.Hegotajobwithhisoldkaratebuddy
PaulHamway.RobbiemovedtoAspenandsettledinnearhisfather.
GaryWhiteboughtmostofthestory.Robbiethrewinalittleteaser.He
saidhisfatherdidacontracthitinFlorida.Heknewthedetailsbutrefused
todivulgethem.
GaryWhitecalledSheriff'sHomicide.HeranRobbie'sstorybyCharlie
Guenther.
GuentherconsultedtheMissingPersonsUnit.CissyKienestsaid"Lee"
mightbeTracyLeaStewart.GuenthersentaTracyStewartphototoAspen.Gary
Whiteplaceditinwithadozenshotsofotheryoungwomen.Heshowedthemto
RobbieBeckett.RobbiepointedtoTracy.
WhitecalledCharlieGuentherandtoldhimhehitpaydirt.Guentherand
CissyKienestflewtoAspen.
BobBeckettSr.visitedRobbieinprison.Robbietoldhimhesnitchedhim
offforthedeadgirl.BobBeckettSr.convincedhimtoretracthisstory.He
laidonthreatsandrecriminationsandstressedplainoldfathersonloyalty.
Robbiekowtowedtohisdadlikehealwaysdid.

173
CharlieGuentherandCissyKienesttriedtointerviewRobbie.Robbie
pissedbackwards.HesaidthestoryhetoldWhitewasbulishit.Hewouldn't
issueaformalstatementconfirmingit.Hewouldn'ttestifyagainsthisfather.
Robbiewouldn'tbudge.Theycouldn'tarresthimorBobBeckettSr.without
aswornstatementandsomekindofformalarrangementwiththeL.A.DA'sOffice.
WhitelaidasidetriponGuenther.DaddyBeckett'sstepdaughterjust
accusedhimoffondlingher.Shetoldasocialservicescounselor.Itwasn'ta
criminalmatteryet.
GuentherdecidedtofuckwithBobBeckettSr.Hefoundhimandgoosedhim
withhisstepdaughter'sstory.Beckettflexedhismusclesandstayedfrosty.
Guentherwantedtorumble.BobBeckettSr.probablysensedit.
Thatwas18monthsago.
StonerreadtheStewartfileahalfdozentimes.Thecasewasasworkable
asthe_CottonClub_job.TheyknewwhokilledTracy.TheyknewwhokilledRoy
Radin.Theycouldn'tdoafuckingthingaboutitrightnow.
CharliegothimhookedonTracyStewart.BobGrimmgothimhookedon_The
CottonClub_.Hehadabrilliantpartner.Twocasesconstitutedamanageable
few.
Theyhadtomakesomepeopletalk.

Theyknewexwivesweregoodtalkers.TheyknewBillMentzerhadanex
wifenamedDeedeeMentzerSantangelo.HerfatherwasaheavyweightTeamster.
Theycontactedhim.TheytoldhimtheywerecheckingoutDeedee'slowlifeex.
TheoldmanhatedMentzer.HecalledDeedeeandtoldhertocooperate.
StonerandGuenthermetwithher.SheexaminedthephotothatCarlosAvila
found.SheID'dthetwomenstandingwithMentzer.
OnemanwasnamedAlexMarti.HewasfromArgentina.Hewasascary,
violentguy.Deedeesawhimprovokeacoupleoffights.Shewasafraidofhim.
TheothermanwasanexcopnamedBillRider.Heusedtobetightwith
LarryFlynt,thepornoking.HewasmarriedtoFlynt'ssister.Heusedtobe
Flynt'ssecurityboss.RiderwasbackinOhionow.Hewasengagedinlitigation
againstFlynt.
StonergotRider'snumberandcalledhim.HetoldRiderheneededtoknow
theexactspotwherethatphotowastaken.Itpertainedtoanactivehomicide
investigation.Ridersaidhe'dthinkaboutitandcallStonerback.

174
Hecalledbackthenextday.Hewaspissed.He'dtalkedtoDeedeeMentzer
Santangelo.HeknewthecopswereafterBillMentzer.Stonershouldhaveleveled
withhim.
Stoneractedapologetic.Ridersaidhe'dflyoutiftheSheriff's
Departmentpaidforhisairfareandlodging.BobGrimmokayedtheexpenditure.
RiderflewoutandtalkedtoStonerandGuenther.Hedroppedlittletidbitson
theMincherkillingandtheRadinjobstraightoff.
HetookStonerandGuentherouttoCaswellCanyon.HesaidMentzerand
MartibraggedabouttheRadinhit.BobLowedidthejobwiththem.Martiwasa
psychopunkwithNazitendencies.HewassellingdopeoutofapadinBeverly
Hillsnow.
Ridershothismouthoffandstartedactingregretful.Hesaidhewas
afraidofMentzerandMarti.Hehadafamily.MentzerandMartiknewit.Stoner
saidhecouldsupplyprotection.StonertoldRiderthecatch.
RiderhadtomakeMentzerandLowetalk.Theyhadtotalkinaclosedin,
buggablevenue.Ridersaidhe'dgohomeandthinkaboutit.
GaryWhitecalledCharlieGuentherandbrokesomegoodnews.
RobbieBeckettgotoutofprison.Hegotpoppedforanotherassaultand
waslookingatasoliddime.RobbiecalledWhite.Robbiesaidhe'dmakeaformal
signedstatement.Robbiemadethatstatement.RobbiegaveupDaddyBeckettfor
TracyStewartandalotmore.

RobbieBeckettwassuicidallytalkative.Helaidhimselfoutashis
father'sfulltimeslaveandonetimemurderaccomplice.Thebestdealhecould
getforhandingupBobBeckettSr.wasmurdertwoand20tolife.Hissecond
assaultconvictionwouldhavecosthimfiveyearsnet.Robbietorchedhiswhole
lifetoflickDaddyBeckett.
Robbieputhisstoryinwriting.HetackedonthestoryofBobBeckettSr.
andtheSusanHamwayhit.
BobBeckettSr.workedforPaulHamway.SusanHamwaywasPaul'sestranged
wife.PaulandSusanwerefightingadivorcewar.SusanwaslivinginFort
Lauderdale,Florida.Shehadcustodyoftheir18montholddaughter.
PaulhatedSusan.HeaskedBobBeckettSr.ifheknewanyprofessional
killers.BobBeckettSr.saidhe'dsetitupfor$10,000.
PaulHamwaytoldhimtodoit.Headdedonestipulation.Somebodyshould
callhimafterthehit.He'dconcoctawaytorescuehisbabydaughterthen.

175
BobBeckettSr.calledPaulSerioandarrangedarendezvousinMiami.
Serioflewout.BobBeckettSr.methim.Hebroughtaknife,agunandadildo.
TheyrentedacaranddrovetoSusanHamway'shouse.
Theyknockedonthedoor.Susanopenedup.Sherecognizedherhusband's
friendBobBeckettSr.
Susanletthemenin.Herbabywasasleepinthebedroom.
BobBeckettSr.hitherintheheadwithhisgun.PaulSeriostrangledher
withatelephonecord.BobBeckettSr.stabbedherinthebackwithakitchen
knife.Seriohelpedhimremoveherclothesandpulldownherpanties.They
couldn'tgetupthenervetostickthedildoinhervagina.
Thebabysleptthroughthemurder.PaulSerioandBobBeckettSr.leftthe
houseinbroaddaylight.
TheydrovetoacausewaynearMiamiBeach.Theytossedtheirweaponsin.
BobBeckettSr.calledPaulHamwayandtoldhimhisexwasdead.Hesaidhemade
itlooklikearandomsexkilling.
HamwaywassupposedtocalloneofSusan'sneighborsandexpressconcern
forSusan'swhereabouts.Theneighborwouldfindthebody.Theneighborwould
givehimanalibiandrescuehisdaughter.
SerioflewbacktoL.A.BobBeckettSr.flewbacktoAspen.Nobodyrescued
thebaby.
Thebabystarvedtodeath.Shepulledbigtuftsofherhairoutbeforeshe
expired.TheFortLauderdalePDinvestigatedtheHamwaymurder.Theyhungthe
raponaretardedmanwholivednearby.
HisnamewasJohnPurvis.Hewastried,convictedandsentencedtolifein
prison.Hissentencecarriedastrictnoparoleclause.
StonerandGuentherflewtoAspen.RobbieBeckett'slawyerwouldn'tlet
theminterviewRobbie.HewantedawrittendealwiththeL.A.DAfirst.Stoner
calledDeputyDADaleDavidson.DavidsoncontactedRobbie'slawyerandoffered
himmurdertwoifRobbietestifiedagainstBobBeckettSr.Thelawyeraccepted
thedeal.HetoldRobbienottowaiveextraditionjustyet.Hetoldhimtogeta
goodL.A.lawyer.Robbiesaidhe'dsittightandawaitinstructions.
StonerandGuentherflewtoMiami.TheylookedforLaneyJacobsandcame
upempty.TheydrovetoFortLauderdaleandresearchedtheSusanHamwaycase.
Theprosecutorwasajudgenow.HeadmittedthecaseagainstJohnPurvis
wasshaky.StonerandGuenthertoldhimRobbieBeckett'sstory.Thejudgesaid
he'dlookintoit.StonerandGuentherflewbacktoL.A.

176
AFortLauderdaledetectivecalledStoner.Hegavehimsomedetailsonthe
Hamwayinvestigation.Stonercaughtthegist:Thecopswheedledabogus
confessionoutofamentallydeficientsuspect.
StonerrandownRobbieBeckett'sversion.Thedetectiveactedshocked.He
saidhe'dtalktoRobbieafterhetestifiedagainsthisfather.
StonerandGuenthertalkedtoDaddyBeckett'sexwifeanddaughterDebbie.
TheexsaidDaddywasbuggingDavidBeckett.Hewantedhimtodumpthatvanhe
gavehim.ShesaidDavidrefused.
DebbieBeckettwasdyingofATDS.Shesaidherfatherusedtomolesther.
ShesaidhebeatupDavidandRobbieregularly.Shesaidheruledbyterror.
Thevanwascrucial.StonerandGuentherfoundDavidBeckettandsweet
talkedhim.Hisfathertoldhimtoburnthevan.Davidsaidno.Stonerand
Guentherimpoundedthevan.Alabteamwentthroughit.Theyfoundnohair,
bloodorfibersattributabletoTracyLeaStewart.
StonerandGuentherinterviewedMarkFogel.HefingeredLaneyJacobsasa
majorcokedealerandplayeddumbontheRoyRadinmurder.StonerandGuenther
drovetoTaft,California.TheytoldTracyStewart'sparentsthattheirdaughter
wasdead.
Theytookithard.Theywanteddetails.StonerandGuenthersuppliedthem.
Mrs.StewartsaidsherenewedTracy'sdriver'slicenseeveryyear.Stonersaid
they'dtrytorecoverherbody.
Boththeircaseswereinlimbo.TheRadinreinvestigationwasalmosta
yearold.TheywerewaitingforBillRidertohelpthementraptheirsuspects.
TheywerewaitingforRobbieBecketttowaiveextradition.
StonerandGuentherlocatedLaneyJacobs.Shewasmarriedtoadopedealer
namedLarryGreenberger.TheywerelivinginOkeechobee,Florida.Stonerand
GuentherdecidedtoletLaneysit.
Theylocatedastringofherdopeassociates.Mostofthepeopletalked.
TheysaidLaneywasvain,shallow,greedy,ruthlessandconniving.Shewas
FloridaPanhandletrash.Shewascheapambitionpersonified.Shestartedoutas
adopelawyer'ssecretary.Shemetdopedealers,flickedthemandlearnedthe
trade.Shewasaplasticsurgeryfreak.She'dhadherfaceandmostofherbody
alteredtostrictspecifications.
ShebuzzedaroundinStoner'shead.ShejoinedBunnyKrauchandTracy
Stewart.
Bunnytriedtolivetwolivesamileapart.Hertyranthusbanddroveher
towardanunknownkiller.Tracywasthequintessentialfemalemurdervictim.She

177
waskilledforsexandquickdisposability.Laneywaslowerthansnakeshit.She
killedamanformoneyandatwosecondmoviecredit.
RobbieBeckettwaivedextradition.GaryWhiteflewhimouttoL.A.Stoner
andGuenthermettheplane.TheytoldRobbietheywantedtofindTracy'sbody.
RobbiestudiedmapsofRiversideandSanDiegoCounties.Hepinpointedafew
locations.
StonerandGuentherdrovehimaroundfor14hours.Robbiecheckedout
variouslandscapesandsaidhecouldn'tbesure.Theydidn'tspotanyshredded
clothesorhumanremains.StonerandGuentherdroveRobbietotheMainCounty
Jailandprocessedhimin.
Robbietalkedtohispublicdefender.ThePDconferredwithDaleDavidson.
Theycutaformaldeal.StonerandGuentherwerefreetobustBobBeckettSr.
GaryWhiteranapublicutilitiescheckandfoundhim.Hewaslivingin
Tustinwithhisnewwife.TustinwasOrangeCounty.StonercalledtheTustinPD
andarrangedforthreebackuppatrolunits.
Thebustwasanonevent.
StonerandCarlosAvilaknockedonthedoor.TheyaskedFrauBeckettwhere
BobBeckettSr.was.BobBeckettSr.walkedoutandplacedhishandsinhandcuff
position.
StonerandAviladrovehimtotheMainCountyJail.CharlieGuentherwas
ecstatic.Hewassettoretiresoon.TheynailedDaddyBeckettonthehome
stretch.
TheStewartcasewasclosed.The_CottonClub_casewasinlimbo.The
reinvestigationwas14monthsold.
BillRidercalledStoner.HesaidhewaslivinginSanPedro.Hewantedto
helpSheriff'sHomicide.HewantedtospendtimewithStonerandGuenthertosee
ifhecouldtrustthem.
Theprocesstookthreemonths.StonerandGuenthermetRidertwodozen
times.RiderfedthemtidbitsonMentzerandMarti.Itwasgoodbackground
stuff.Itwasn'tcrucialinformation.
RidersaidhehadthegunthatkilledJuneMincher.HelentittoMentzer
andgotitbackafewdayslater.Hedidnotknowitwouldserveasamurder
weapon.
HeletStonerandGuentherborrowthegun.Theytookittothecrimelab
andhadittestfired.TheycomparedtheroundstotheroundsfromtheMincher
killing.Theymatchedperfectly.

178
CharlieGuentherretired.CarlosAvilareplacedhim.StonerandAvilawent
toBobGrimmandexplainedtheRiderdeal.
Riderwasa"securityconsultant."Hehadtoearnaliving.Hehadtostay
outofsighttoavoidreprisalsfromMentzerandAlexMarti.Riderwasessential
tothecase.Hedeservedamonthlypaycheck.
GrimmtalkedtoSheriffBlock.Blockokayed$3,000amonth.Ridertookthe
money.Heagreedtoformallysnitchoffthe_CottonClub_killers.Thenextstep
wasentrapment.
RidercalledBobLoweinMaryland.Hewasworkingabartendergigthere.
RiderdroppedsomeobfuscationonLowe.HesaidhewascomingtoWashingtonto
doasurveillancejob.Heneededabackupman.Lowesaidhe'dlovetohelp.
Stoner,AvilaandRiderflewtoMaryland.TheMarylandStatePolicebugged
Rider'scarandhotelroom.RidercalledLowetosetupthesurveillancejob.
LowesaidhewasbusyandrecommendedhispalBobDeremer.StonerandAvilahit
theroof.RidersaidtheyshouldtapeDeremeranyway.HeusedtobunkwithBill
Mentzer.Theyweretightthroughoutthe_CottonClub_/JuneMinchertimeframe.
Deremermightspillsomegoodshit.
RiderfakedtwosurveillancejobswithDeremer.TheStatePolicetapedone
carandonehotelroomsurveillance.DeremersaidMentzerdidtheRadinhit.Bob
Lowewaspartoftheteam.Hegotpaid17grandandaCadillac.
DeremersaidhedroveMentzeraroundaftertheMincherhit.Riderasked
himhowmuchMentzerpaidhim.Deremersaidthreemonths'freerent.
RiderbracedBobLoweatabar.Hewaswearingafullbodywire.Lowesaid
hedroveforMentzertwice.HesawMentzerclipthefatniggerwoman.Theyshot
Radinwith.22hollowpoints.Exploded.22Slookedlikeshotgunpellets.They
tossedthegunsinalakenearMiami3,000milesfromCaswellCanyon.
StonerandAvilaflewbacktoL.A.Theyhadtoletthingssitforawhile.
Theycouldn'tbulldozeRiderthroughafastbugstring.Hehadtoconnectwith
theirsuspectsatarelaxedandbelievablepace.
Monthsdraggedby.JohnPurviswasstillinprison.RobbieBeckettand
DaddyBeckettwereengagedinpretrialmotions.TheFortLauderdalecopswere
waitingforRobbietotestify.ConvincingtestimonywouldexonerateJohnPurvis.
TheycouldgoafterDaddyBeckettandPaulSeriothen.Theycouldnailthemfor
SusanHamway.
RobbieBeckettandDaddyBeckettwerehousedindifferentjails.Theymet
duringabotchedcourttransfer.DaddytalkedtoRobbie.Heconvincedhimto
retracthisswornstatement.RobbiecalledDaleDavidsonandtoldhimthedeal

179
wasoff.Hewouldn'ttestifyagainsthisfather.DavidsontoldRobbiehe'dbe
triedformurderone.Robbiesaidhedidn'tcare.
TheDA'SOfficelosttheircaseagainstBobBeckettSr.Theyreleasedhim
fromcustody.
StonerandAvilatalkedtotwodozenpeopleclosetoMentzerandJacobs.
TheystayedawayfromMentzerandJacobsdeliberately.
Theyconductedtheirinterviews.Theyputthe_CottonClub_storytogether
fromthegroundup.
RoyRadin'sfatherproducedschlockstageshows.Hediedyoung.Roytook
overhisoperationatage17.Hegotrichworkinghisowncrassvariationofthe
business.
Heputonpoliceandcivicbenefitshows.Theyfeaturedwashedupstars
likeMiltonBerleandJoeyBishop.Charitybenefitswereregulatedbystrict
statelaws.Radinbrokethoselaws.Hetookegregiouslylargepercentagefees
andembezzledmoneyearmarkedforcharity.
Radinweighed300pounds.Radinwasacocaineaddict.Radinthrewwild
partiesathisLongIslandestate.Radinalmostgotinbigtroublecirca'78.
AnactressnamedMelonieHallerstumbledawayfromaRadinsoiree.Shewas
halfnudeandbombedoutofhergourd.ShetoldthecopsthatRadinandsome
otherfreaksgangrapedher.Thecopsinvestigated.TheypoppedRadinonagun
possessioncharge.Radinpaidafineandstoppedthrowingwildparties.Hegot
anitchtocrashthemoviebizandmovedwestin'82.
HemetLaneyJacobsataparty.Hestartedbuyingcokefromher.Laney
usedalimocompanypartiallyownedbyBobEvans.Shefavoredadrivernamed
GaryKeys.KeystoldLaneythatEvanswaslookingformoney.Hewantedtomakea
movieabouttheCottonClubtheHarlemnightspotpopularinthe'3os.Laney
toldKeysshehadmoneytoinvestintherightmovieproject.
LaneyworkedforacokemagnatenamedMilanBellachaises.Hesentherout
toL.A.todistributehisWestCoastsupply.Herdoperunnerwasarednecknamed
TallyRogers.Theywereselling30kilosamonth.Theyweremakinga
halfmilliondollarmonthlyprofit.
Laneywasacocaineaddict.Shewantedtobeamovieproducer.GaryKeys
toldBobEvansshehadmoneytoburn.
LaneyandBobgottogether.Theystartedpartyingandfucking.Laney
rentedanapartmentinBeverlyHillsandturneditintoanorgypad.
Evanstoldher_TheCottonClub_wasbigbudgetstuff.Heneeded50
milliondollarsminimum.LaneysaidsheknewaguynamedRoyRadin.Hehadlots

180
ofmoneyandwantedtobreakintomovies.Evanstoldhertosetupameeting.
Laneysetitupfast.
Radintumbled.HetoldEvanshe'dsellhishouseandtapintosomefilthy
richinvestors.EvanspromisedLaneya$50,000finder'sfee.
RadincontactedabankerfrienddowninPuertoRico.Thebankerwasclose
totheterritorialgovernor.Hegotthegovernorhotforthe_CottonClub_deal.
Hehithimupfor50milliondollarsingovernmentmoney.Thegovernorsaidhe'd
popfor35only.Radinacceptedhisterms.HeflewtoNewYorktodiscussthe
dealwithBobEvans.
TheymetatEvans'apartment.Laneyshowedup.ShetoldRadinshewas
getting%ofthe_CottonClub_profitsforputtingthedealtogether.Radin
objectedtoherpercentage.EvanssidedwithLaney.Radinthrewatantrumand
stormedout.
LaneyflewbacktoL.A.Shegotintoanotherruckusstraightoff.
TallyRogerswantedmoremoney.Hewasdrivingdopeupanddownthecoast
andmakingrelativechumpchange.Laneyrefusedtouphiswages.
Tally'swife,BettyLou,showedup.SheflewinfromTennessee
unannounced.LaneyshowedhersomeL.A.hotspots.TallyconvincedLaneytotake
hertoVegas.
LaneyandBettyLousplit.TallyraidedLaney'sgarage.Hestole12kilos
and$250,000incash.
ThemaidcalledLaney.ShesaidshesawTallypokingaroundinhergarage.
TallycalledBettyLouandtoldhertodisappear.BettyLoucaughtacabtothe
Vegasairport.
LaneyflewbacktoL.A.ShecalledMilanBellachaises.Hetoldhertoget
thedopeandmoneyback.
LaneyknewthisguyBillMentzer.He'dallegedlydoanythingformoney.
LaneycalledMentzerandhiredhimtofindTallyRogers.
MentzerroundedupAlexMartiandBobLowe.TheyflewtoMemphisand
kidnappedTally'sbestfriend.HeshowedthemTally'sknownhaunts.Theydidn't
spotTally.TheyreleasedhisfriendandflewtoMiami.TheydiscussedtheTally
problemwithMilanBellachaises.Nobodycameupwithanythingconstructive.
MentzercalledMikePascal.HegavehimthenamesofLaney'stightfriends
andtoldhimtochecktheirtollcallrecords.TheymightgetaleadonTally
thatway.
PascalcalledMentzerbacktwodayslater.HeknewMentzerwantedresults.
HeknewLaneyhatedRoyRadin.HeknewRadinpartiedwithTallyRogers.

181
PascalliedtoMentzer.HesaidTallycalledRadinrightafterhestole
themoneyanddope.RadinwascallingtheBahamasalot.Tallywasprobably
hidingoutthere.
MentzerflewbacktoL.A.LaneywasinL.A.MilanBellachaisestoldherto
obeyMentzer'sorders.RadinwasinL.A.Laneycalledhim.Sheaccusedhimof
stealingherdopeandmoney.Shesaidhewastryingtoflickheroutofher
_CottonClub_percentage.
Radindeniedthetheft.Hesaidhedidn'tknowwhereTallyRogerswas.He
wastellingthetruth.
MentzertoldLaneyhisplan.
SheluresRadinintoalimousine.BobLoweisdriving.ShetellsLoweto
stopforcigarettes.Acaristailingthem.MentzerandMartijumpoutandjump
inthelimo.Laneygetslost.TheboystakeRadinsomewhereandtorturetheshit
outofhim.Hetalkswhenthepaingetsbad.
The_CottonClub_storywasridiculousandpetty.Thekillerswereclowns.
Thevictimwasagreedypieceofshit.Thesupportingplayerswereparasitic
slime.
StonerkeptreachingforBunnyKrauchandTracyStewart.

MentzerandMartiwereinL.A.LowewasinMaryland.Laneywasin
Okeechobee,Florida,withLarryGreenberger.StonerandAvilaturnedupthe
heat.
BillRidercalledMentzerandtoldhimhewasinL.A.Heinvitedhimover
totheHolidayInn.Rider'sroomwasbugged.StonerandAvilawerestationed
nextdoor.
RidertalkeduphislawsuitagainstLarryFlynt.Mentzertalkedupthe
Radinsnatch.
Threeblack&whitespulledupbehindthelimo.Mentzerthoughttheywere
cooked.MartistuckhisguninRadin'scrotch.MentzerstuckhisguninRadin's
mouth.Theblack&whitesspedpastthemha,ha,ha!
Mentzerseguedtoothertopics.StonerandAvilaneededmoreincriminating
talk.TheyhadtobugRiderandMentzeragain.
Theydecidedtostageadopebuy.TheycalledinSheriff'sNarcoand
workedoutaplan.

182
TheywireduparoomattheLongBeachHolidayInn.RidercalledMentzer.
Hesaidhewasmakingadopebuyandneededabodyguard.HeofferedMentzer
$200.Mentzertookthejob.
Theystagedthebuyinaparkinglotnearthehotel.Theyusedrealdope.
Sheriff'sdeputiesportrayedcokedealers.RiderbroughtMentzeruptohisroom
afterthebuy.StonerandAvilawerehookeduptoheadphonesnextdoor.
Mentzerranhismouthnonstop.
HehadaloadofgunsandC4explosivestashedinapublicstorage
locker.TheyshotRoyRadinwithsoftpoint.225.Thestupidcopsthoughthe
wasshotgunned.
C4waspurecombustion.Publicstoragewasapublichealthhazard.Stoner
wantedtheshitcontained.HegaveRideranoldsafeandtoldhimtocall
Mentzer.RidercalledMentzerandofferedhimthesafe.Mentzeracceptedthe
gift.RiderandMentzerhauledthesafetothestorageshackandputtheguns
andC4init.Riderwaswearingabodywire.
MentzersaidLarryGreenbergerwasdead.Heshothimselfaccidentally.It
happenedinOkeechobee.Mentzerthoughtthedealwassuspicious.
StonercalledtheOkeechobeecops.Theythoughtthedealwassuspicious.
LaneyJacobswashidingoutbehindlegalcounsel.Stonerknewsheshot
Greenberger.
TheOkeechobeecopscalledStonerback.TheytoldhimLaneyJacobswas
running.Stonerstartedtrackingherbyhercreditcardreceipts.
Itwastimetohithard.
StonerwenttoDeputyDistrictAttorneyDavidConn.Hetoldhimtheentire
story.HeplayedtheRiderLoweandRiderMentzertapes.Conngavehimthegreen
light.
Chargeswerefiled.Warrantsweresecured.Stonercookedupaplanwith
theOkeechobeecops.
Theysaidthey'dhelphimpindownLaneyJacobs.They'dcallherlawyer
andsetupameetandpromisenottobustherforLarryGreenberger'sdeath.
They'dsaytheyjustwantedtoquestionher.They'dquestionherandbustheron
aCaliforniawarrantabstract.They'dholdherfortheL.A.CountySheriff's.
Itwasagreatfuckingplan.
Stonersetupacommandpost.ItwasmidwaybetweenMarti'shouseand
Mentzer'sapartment.StonersetuptwoSWATteamstohitthem.
CarlosAvilaflewtoMarylandtoarrestBobLowe.BobDeremerwasona
longhaultruckjob.Nobodyknewwherehewas.

183
10/2/88.
TheOkeechobeecopsarrestLaneyJacobs.TheSWATteamshitMentzerand
Martisimultaneously.
Theycuttheirphonelinesandpatchincallsonaclosedcircuit.They
tellMentzerandMartitolookoutthewindowandseeallthecopswithguns.
MentzerandMartilookouttheirwindowsandwalkoutsidewiththeirhandsup.
Searchteamsaredeployed.Dopeandbombsniffingdogsgowiththem.They
ripthroughMarti'shouseandMentzer'sapartment.
CarlosAvilabustsBobLowe.LocalcopssnagBobDeremerinLafayette,
Indiana.
Deremerwaivesextradition.He'stransportedtoL.A.andarraignedon
accessorycharges.LaneyJacobsandBobLowefightextradition.Theyremainin
custodybackeast.
CarlosAvilaisexhausted.BillStonerisexhausted.He'sstillhookedon
TracyLeaStewart.HestillhasabighardonforBobBeckettSr.

LaneyJacobswaivedextraditionatChristmas.ShewastransportedtoLos
AngelesandheldattheSybilBrandInstituteforWomen.RobbieBeckettwentto
trialinFebruary'89.
Thetriallastedaweek.Thejurywasoutonehour.Robbiewasfound
guiltyandsentencedtolifeinprison.DaddyBeckettwasscotfree.JohnPurvis
wasstillinprison.TheFortLauderdalecopsgaveupontheHamwaycase.
FuckJohnPurvis.Hewasalreadyconvicted.TheyhadnocaseagainstDaddy
Beckett,PaulSerioandPaulHamway.TheyneededRobbieBeckett.Robbiewould
notbetrayhisfather.
Ittookthreeyearstoadjudicatethe_CottonClub_case.Prelims,motion
hearingsandthejuryselectionprocessateupmonths.Thetriallastedfourteen
months.Thepenaltyphasedraggedon.CarlosAvilaretired.BillStonerworked
fortheprosecutionteamfulltime.Heflewaroundthecountry.Heintervieweda
hundredwitnesses.Heloggedinthousandsofairplanemilesandthousandsof
freewaymiles.The_CottonClub_caseconsumedfourandahalfyearsofhis
life.

184
Thejurycamebackon7/22/91.Mentzer,Marti,LoweandJacobswerefound
guilty.Theyallgotlifewithnoshotatparole.Stonerstilldidn'tknow
exactlywhytheykilledRoyRadin.
Mentzersaidtheirtortureplanswentscrewy.MartigoadedRadininthe
limo.MartikeptcallinghimafatJew.Martishothimthemomenttheyhit
CaswellCanyon.
Martitoldadifferentstory.SodidLowe.Stonerwaswaypastcaring.
AFortLauderdalecopcalledStonerinJanuary'93.HesaidJohnPurvis's
motherjusthiredalawyer.ThelawyerwasgoingonsomenighttimeTVshow.He
intendedtostartabigruckus.TheFortLauderdalePDwasreopeningtheHamway
case.
Stonerwishedhimwell.TheFortLauderdalecopsreopenedthecaseand
mishandleditagain.
TheymisidentifiedPaulSerio.TheyconfusedDaddyBeckett'spalwitha
Vegashitmanofthesamename.TheyfiguredtheVegasguyandPaulHamwayset
theSusanhitup.TheyofferedDaddyBeckettfullimmunityifhetestified
againstthem.DaddyBeckettacceptedthedealandtestifiedbeforeaFlorida
grandjury.ThegrandjuryhandeddownindictmentsagainstPaulHamwayandPaul
Serio.DaddyBecketttoldthecopsthathisPaulwasnotaVegashitman.His
PaulwasaschoolteachercurrentlylivinginTexas.
JohnPurviswasreleasedfromprison.TheFortLauderdalecopspoppedthe
realPaulSerio.SeriocontradictedDaddyBeckett'saccountoftheHamwaysnuff
andlaidalltheguiltonDaddy.Serio'saccountwasworthless.DaddyBeckett
wasexemptfromprosecution.
JohnPurvisjoinedhismotherandlawyeronthePhilDonahueshow.Donahue
screenedsomelivelyfootage.ItwasDaddyBeckett'stapedconfessiontothe
FortLauderdalecops.
There'sDaddyBeckett.He'sshowingthecopshowhestrangledSueHamway.
There'sDaddyBeckettexemptfromprosecution.DaddywalkedontheStewart
caper.DaddybreezedonSueHamwayandherbaby.
RobbieBeckettsawtheshowinFolsomPrison.HesawDaddyBeckettstage
theHamwaysnuffwithtruebrio.HesawDaddy'seyes.Heknewhewasreliving
themomenthekilledTracy.
RobbiecalledBillStonerandtoldhimhewantedtotalk.StonerandDale
DavidsonflewuptoFolsom.Robbiegavethemaformalstatementandagreedto
testifyagainsthisfather.Hetoldthemhewouldn'tpissbackwardsthistime.
StonerandDavidsonbelievedhim.

185
Davidsondrewupawarrant.ItchargedRobertWayneBeckettwiththe
murderofTracyLeaStewart.StonerlocatedDaddyBeckettinLasVegas.He
calledinaVegasPDfugitiveteamandarrestedhiminhisfrontyard.
Daddywantedtocutadeal.Stonertoldhimtogetflicked.Daddysawa
judge.Thejudgesaidnobail.TheL.A.courtswerebrutallybacklogged.The
cocksuckerwouldn'tgettotrialbefore1995.Stonerwasdaydreamingalot.He
wasseeingthingsfastandbright.Hewasspendinglotsoftimewithhisdead
women.
Hewasexhausted.Hewasretiringnextmonth.Afunnylittlethoughtkept
runningthroughhishead.
Hewasn'tsurehecouldgiveupthechasecompletely.

IV

GENEVAHILLIKER

_You'repoisedtorun.You'vegottimeandstealthonyourside.Time
favorsrunners.Theirtracksdisappear.Youcan'ttellhowtheyhidbeforethey
vanished_.
_Youdon'twantmetoknow.Yoursecretlifewasdesignedtoshutcertain
menout.Youranfrommenandtomenandcutyourselfdowntonothing.You
possessedrunner'sguileandworerunner'scamouflage.Yourrunner'spassion
killedyou_.
_Youcan'trunfromme.Iranfromyoufortoolong.ThisiswhereI
forcearunner'sconfrontation_.
_It'sourtimenow_.

14

186
IflewouttoL.A.toseemymother'smurderfile.Mymotiveswere
ambiguousatbest.
ItwasMarch'94.JeanEliroywas35yearsandmonthsdead.Iwas46years
old.
IwaslivinginhighlineConnecticut.IhadabighouseliketheonesI
usedtobreakinto.IflewoutadayearlyandgotasuiteattheMondrian
Hotel.Iwantedtohitthefilewithaclearheadandacoldheart.
Itstartedsixweeksback.MyfriendFrankGirardotcalledme.Hesaidhe
waswritingapieceonoldSanGabrielValleymurders.Thepiecewouldbe
publishedintheSanGabrielValley_Tribune_andthePasadena_StarNews_.It
wouldspotlightfiveunsolvedkillingsmymother'sincluded.Itwouldspotlight
theL.A.Sheriff'sUnsolvedUnit.
Frankwouldviewmymother'sfile.Hewouldreadthereportsandseethe
crimescenephotos.HewouldseeJeanElIroydead.
Ithitmeimmediately.Ithitmehardandfastandontwodistinctlevels.
Ihadtoseethefile.Ihadtowriteabouttheexperienceandpublishthe
pieceinamajormagazine.Itwouldstiruppublicityformynextnovel.
Icalledmyeditorat_GQ_andpitchedhim.Hejumpedontheideaand
talkedtohisboss.Thebossgreenlightedme.IcalledFrankGirardotandasked
himtobracehismenatSheriff'sUnsolved.FrankcontactedSergeantBill
McComasandSergeantBillStoner.TheysaidIcouldviewthefile.
Imadetravelarrangements.ThebigL.A.earthquakehitanddivertedme
forweeks.TheHallofJusticewascondemned.Sheriff'sHomicidemovedout.
Theirfileswerestuckintransit.Thedelaygavemesometimetodancewiththe
redhead.
Iknewitwastimetoconfronther.Anoldphotographtoldmewhy.
Mywifefoundthepictureinanewspaperarchive.Sheboughtaduplicate
copyandframedit.I'mstandingatGeorgeKrycki'sworkbench.It's6/22/58.
Youcan'tdiscernmystateofmind.Imightbebored.Imightbe
catatonic.I'mnotgivinganythingup.
It'smylifeatgroundzero.I'mtoostunnedorrelievedorlostin
calculationtoevincesignsofsimplegrief.
Thatpicturewas36yearsold.Itdefinedmymotherasabodyonaroad
andafountofliteraryinspiration.Icouldn'tseparatetheherfromtheme.

187
Iliketoholeupinhotelsuites.Iliketoturnoffthelightsandcrank
theAC.Iliketemperaturecontrolledandcontainedenvironments.Iliketosit
inthedarkandletmymindrace.IwassettomeetBillStonerthenext
morning.Iorderedaroomservicedinnerandabigpotofcoffee.Iturnedout
thelightsandlettheredheadtakemeplaces.
Iknewthingsaboutus.Isensedotherthings.Herdeathcorruptedmy
imaginationandgavemeexploitablegifts.Shetaughtmeselfsufficiencyby
negativeexample.Ipossessedaselfpreservingstreakattheheightofmyself
destruction.Mymothergavemethegiftandthecurseofobsession.Itbeganas
curiosityinlieuofchildishgrief.Itflourishedasaquestfordarkknowledge
andmutatedintoahorriblethirstforsexualandmentalstimulation.Obsessive
drivesalmostkilledme.Aragetoturnmyobsessionsintosomethinggoodand
usefulsavedme.Ioutlivedthecurse.Thegiftassumeditsfinalformin
language.
Shehotwiredmetosexanddeath.Shewasthefirstwomanonmypathto
thebrilliantandcourageouswomanImarried.Shegavemeanenduringpuzzleto
ponderandlearnfrom.Shegavemethetimeandplaceofherdeathto
extrapolateoff.ShewasthehushedcenterofthefictionalworldI'dcreated
andthejoyfulworldIlivedinandtodateIhadacknowledgedherinan
altogetherperfunctorymanner.
Iwrotemysecondnovel_Clandestine_in'8o.Itwasmyfirst
confrontationalswipeatJeanEliroy.Iportrayedherasatortureddrunkwitha
hyperbolicallytorturedpastinhicktownWisconsin.Igaveheranineyearold
sonandanevilexhusbandwhophysicallyresembledmyfather.Ithrewin
autobiographicaldetailsandsetthebulkofthebookintheearly'5osto
spotlightaRedScaresubplot._Clandestine_superficiallyaddressedJean
Ellroy.Itwas_all_abouthersonatage32.Theherowasanambitiousyoung
cop.Hewasouttoflickwomenandascendatallcosts.Iwasanambitiousyoung
writer.Iwashottoascend.
Ascensionmeanttwothings.Ihadtowriteagreatcrimenovel.Ihadto
attackthecentralstoryofmylife.
Isetouttodothat.Iimplementedmyconsciousresolveinanunconscious
fashion._Clandestine_wasricherandmorecomplexthanmyfirstbook.The
motherandsonwerevividlyetched.Theyfailedonlybyreallifecomparison.
TheywerenotmymotherandI.Theyweresurrogatefictions.Iwantedtoget
themoutofthewayandmoveon.IthoughtIcouldpaintmymotherwithcold
detailsandbanishherthatway.IthoughtIcoulddumpafewboyhoodsecrets

188
andsignmyselfoff.JeanEllroywasnotmypreferredmurdervictim.Elizabeth
Shortwas.IdumpedtheredheadfortheDahliaagain.
Iwasn'treadyforElizabethyet.Iwantedtoaddressherasaseasoned
novelist.Iwantedtoextendmydialoguewithwomenfirst.
IsplitL.A.in'81.Itwastoofamiliarandtooeasy.AAwastooeasy.I
wantedtoditchallthepeoplehookedontherapyand12stepreligion.IknewI
couldstaysoberanywhere.IwantedtoblastoutofL.A.andlimitmyL.A.
intaketothefictionalL.A.inmyhead._Brown'sRequiem_wascomingoutin
October._Clandestine_wassettobepublishedsometimein'82.Ihadathird
bookfinished.Iwantedtostartoverinasexynewlocale.
ImovedtoEastchester,NewYork20milesnorthoftheApple.Igota
basementapartmentandacaddygigatWykagylCountryClub.IwasIthoughtI
wasextremelyhotshit.IwantedtoprovemyselfinNewYork.Iwantedtoget
heavywiththeDahliaandfindthetranscendentalreallifewomanIknewI'd
neverfindinL.A.
NewYorkwaspurecrystalmeth.Itmeshedwithmydualworldlifestyle.I
wroteinmypadandluggedgolfbagsforamaintenancebankroll.Manhattanwasa
heartbeataway.Manhattanwasfullofprovocativewomen.
Mymalefriendsdisdainedmytasteinwomen.Moviestarsandfashion
modelsleftmebored.Idugcareerwomeninbusinessattire.Idugthatone
skirtseamabouttopopfrom15extrapounds.Idugsterncharacter.Idug
radicalandnonprogrammaticworldviews.Idisdaineddilettantes,wannabes,
incompetents,rock&rollers,therapyfreaks,weirdoideologuesandallwomen
whodidnotexemplifyasaneversionofthemidwesternProtestant/profligate
balanceIinheritedfromJeanEliroy.Idughandsomewomenmorethanwomenother
mendeemedbeautiful.Idugpunctualityandpassionandconsideredthetwoequal
virtues.Iwasamoralisticandjudgmentalzealotoperatingonatimelost/life
regaineddynamic.Iexpectedmywomentotoethehardworklineandsubmitto
thecharismaticforceIthoughtIpossessedandflickmecomatoseandmakeme
submittotheircharismaandmoralrectitudeonanequitablebasis.
That'swhatIwanted.It'snotwhatIgot.Mystandardswereslightly
unreasonable.IrevisedthemeverytimeImetawomanIwantedtosleepwith.
IremadethosewomenintheimageofJeanEllroysansbooze,promiscuity
andmurder.Iwasatornadosweepingthroughtheirlives.Itooksexandheard
theirstories.Itoldthemmystory.Itriedtomakeastringofbriefandmore
extendedcouplingswork.InevertriedashardasthewomenIwaswith.

189
Ilearnedthingsintheprocess.Ineverdownscaledmyromantic
expectations.Iwasachickenshitcutandrunguyandaheartbreakerwitha
convincinglysoftfacade.Itooktheaxtomostofmyaffairs.Idugitwhen
womengotmynumberandgrabbedtheaxfirst.Ineveraxedmyromantic
expectations.Inevertookasoftlineonlove.IfeltbadaboutthewomenI
fuckedover.Iwentatwomenlessferociouslyovertime.Ilearnedtodisguise
myhunger.Thathungerwentstraightintomybooks.Theygotmoreandmore
obsessive.
Iwasburningalifelongtorchwiththreeflames.
Mymother.TheDahlia.ThewomanIknewGodwouldgiveme.

Iwrotefournovelsinfouryears.IkeptmyEastchesterandManhattan
worldsseparate.Igotbetterandbetter.Iattractedacultfollowingandbuilt
upafourstarreviewscrapbook.Mywritingwagesimproved.Iretiredmycaddy
cleats.Ilockedmyselfupforayearandwrote_TheBlackDahlia_.
Theyearflewby.Ilivedwithonedeadwomanandadozenbadmen.Betty
Shortruledme.Ibuilthercharacterfromdiversestrainsofmaledesireand
triedtoportraythemaleworldthatsanctionedherdeath.Iwrotethelastpage
andwept.Idedicatedthebooktomymother.IknewIcouldlinkJeanandBetty
andstrike24karatgold.Ifinancedmyownbooktour.Itookthelinkpublic.I
made_TheBlackDahlia_anationalbestseller.
ItoldtheJeanEllroyDahliastorytendozentimes.Ireducedittosound
bitesandvulgarizeditinthenameofaccessibility.Iwentatitwithprecise
dispassion.Iportrayedmyselfasamanformedbytwomurderedwomenandaman
whonowlivedonaplaneabovesuchmatters.Mymediaperformanceswere
commandingatfirstglanceandglibuponreappraisal.Theyexploitedmymother's
desecrationandallowedmetocuthermemorydowntomanageableproportions.
_TheBlackDahlia_wasmybreakthroughbook.Itwaspureobsessivepassion
andahometownelegy.Iwantedtostayinthe'40sand'5os.Iwantedtowrite
biggernovels.Ifeltthecallofbadmendoingbadthingsinthenameof
authority.Iwantedtopissonthenoblelonermythandexaltshitbirdcopsout
tofuckthedisenfranchised.IwantedtocanonizethesecretL.A.Ifirst
glimpsedthedaytheredheaddied.
_TheBlackDahlia_wasbehindme.Mytourclosedouta28yeartransit.I
knewIhadtosurpassthatbook.IknewthatIcouldreturntoL.A.inthe'50s
andrewritethatoldnightmaretomyownspecifications.Itwasmyfirst

190
separateworld.IknewIcouldextractitssecretsandcontextualizethem.I
couldclaimthetimeandplace.Icouldcloseoutthatnightmareandwillmyself
tofindanewone.
Iwrotethreesequelsto_TheBlackDahlia_andcalledthecollectivework
"TheL.A.Quartet."Mycriticalreputationandpublicprofilesnowballed.Imet
awoman,marriedheranddivorcedherwithinthreeyears.Irarelythoughtabout
mymother.
IclosedoutL.A.inthe'50sandtradeduptoAmericainJackKennedy's
era.Thejumpgoosedmygeographicandthematicscopeandpushedmehalfway
thoughawildnewnovel.L.A.inthe'5oswasbehindme.JeanEllroywasn't.I
metawoman.Shepushedmetowardmymother.
Thewoman'snamewasHelenKnode.Shewroteforaleftyragcalledthe
_L.A.Weekly_.Wemet.Wecoupled.Wewed.Itwasextravagantlove.Itwastwo
wayrecognitionrunningat6,oooRPM.
Weflourished.Itgotbetterandbetter.Helenwashyperbrilliant.Helen
washighrectitudeandprofanelaughter.Ourimaginationsmeldedandcollided.
Helenwasobsessedwiththewholeperplexingmanwomanquestion.She
dissecteditandsatirizeditanddeandreconstructedit.Sheplayeditfor
laughsandlampoonedmymelodramatictakeonthesubject.
Shezoomedinonmymother.Shecalledher"Geneva."Weconcocted
scenariosfeaturingmymotherandsomecelebratedmenofherera.Welaughedour
tailsoff.WeputGenevainbedwithPorfirioRubirosaandcritiquedmisogynist
America.GenevaturnedRockHudsonstraight.GenevapussywhippedJFKandturned
himmonogamous.WeriffedonGenevaandmydad'smonolithicwhanger.Wewondered
whythefuckIdidn'tmarryaredhairedwoman.
Helenfoundthatpicture.Helenurgedmetostudyit.Shewasmymother's
advocateandagentprovocateur.
Sheknewme.Shequotedadeadplaywrightandcalledmeabulletwith
nothingbutafuture.Sheunderstoodmylackofselfpity.SheknewwhyI
despisedeverythingthatmightrestrictmyforwardmomentum.Sheknewthat
bulletshavenoconscience.Theyspeedpastthingsandmisstheirmarksasoften
astheyhitthem.
Shewantedmetoknowmymother.Shewantedmetofindoutwhoshewasand
whyshedied.

15

191
IparkedoutsidetheHomicideBureau.Idranksomecoffeeinmycarand
stalledalittle.Ithoughtaboutthecrimescenephotos.
I'dseeherdead.I'dseeherforthefirsttimesinceIsawheralive.I
keptnopicturesofher.AllIhadwerementalportraitsofherclothedand
nude.
Shewastall.Iwastall.Ihadherfeaturesandmyfather'scoloring.I
wasgoinggrayandbald.Shediedwithafullheadofbrilliantredhair.
Iwalkedupandrangthebell.Aspeakerabovethedoorcrackled.Iasked
forSergeantStoner.
Thedoorclickedopen.BillStonerwalkedupandintroducedhimself.
Heranabout6'and18o.Hehadthinbrownhairandabigmustache.He
waswearingadarksuitandastripedshirtandtieensemble.
WeshookhandsandwalkedbacktoUnsolved.Stonerflashedacopyofmy
book_WhiteJazz_.Heaskedmewhyallthecopswereextortionistsandperverts.
Isaidgoodcopsmadeforbadfiction.Hepointedtothedustjacketphoto.My
bullterrierwassprawledacrossmylap.
Hesaidthedoglookedlikeableachedpig.IsaidhisnamewasBarko.He
wasasmartmotherfucker.Imissedhim.Myexwifegotcustody.
Stonerlaughed.Wesatdownatadjoiningdesks.Hepassedmeabrown
accordionfolder.
Hesaidthecrimesceneshotsweregraphic.HeaskedmeifIwantedtosee
them.
Isaidyes.
Wewerealoneintheoffice.Westartedtalking.
IsaidIdidsomecountytimeinthe'6osand'70s.Wediscussedthe
meritsanddrawbacksofBiscailuzCenterandWaysideHonorRancho.IsaidI
lovedthestuffedbellpeppersonthecountylunchmenu.Stonersaidheatethem
whenheworkedWayside.
Hehadasoftinquisitor'svoice.Helacedhismonologueswithbrief
pauses.Heneverinterrupted.Heheldsteadyeyecontact.
Heknewhowtodrawpeopleout.Heknewhowtoextractintimacies.Ifelt
himleadingme.Ididn'tresist.Iknewhe'dnailedmyexhibitionistside.
Iwasstalling.Thebrownfolderscaredme.IknewStonerwasleadingme
uptoit.
Wetalked.WetradedL.A.crimetales.Stoner'sperceptionsweresharply
lucidanddevoidofcommonlyheldpoliceideology.HecalledtheLAPDaracist

192
institutionandspunstorieswithavividsenseofdramaandtheme.Hesaid
"fuck"asroutinelyasIdidandusedprofanelanguagetopeakeffect.He
describedtheBeckettcaseandtookmestraightintoTracyStewart'sterror.
Wetalkedfortwohours.Westoppedalmostoncue.
Stonerlefttheroom.Iquitstalling.
Thefilecontainedenvelopesandteletypesheetsandoddnotesscrawledon
oddslipsofpaper.ItcontainedaSheriff'sHomicide"BlueBook."Thebookran
fiftypages.Itcontainedtypedreportsinchronologicalorder.
Thedeadbodyreport.Thecoroner'sreport.Reportsonexonerated
suspects.Threeinterviewstranscribedverbatim.
TheBlueBookwasflimsyandmusty.Twonamesweretypedonthecover.I
didn'trecognizethem.SergeantsJohnG.LawtonandWardE.Hallinen.
Themenwhoaskedmewhomymotherwasflicking.Oneofthemboughtmea
candybaramillionyearsago.
Thefilewasbadlymaintained.Itwasbulgingwithloosenoteslips
droppedinandforgotten.Thesloppylookoffendedmeandhitmeassymbolic.
Thiswasmymother'slostsoul.
Iimposedorderonit.Iformedalineofneatpaperstacks.Iputthe
envelopemarked"CrimeScenePicts."offtooneside.Iskimmedthefirstsetof
BlueBookreportsandnotedodddetails.
MyElMonteaddresswas756Maple.Twowitnessessawmymotheratthe
DesertInnbar.Thenamestunnedme.Thepaperssaidshewenttoalocal
cocktaillounge.Theynevergotmorespecific.
Iskimmedafewreports.ADesertInnwitnesscalledmymother'smale
companionaMexican.Thefactsurprisedme.JeanEllroywasrightwingand
obsessedwithappearances.Icouldn'tseeheroutinpublicwithacholo.
Iskimmedthebacksectionandsawtwohandwrittenletters.Twowomen
snitchedofftheirexhusbands.TheywrotetoJohnLawtonanddetailedtheir
rationales.
Woman#1wrotein1968.ShesaidherexworkedwithJeanatthePackard
Bellplant.HehadaffairswithJeanandtwootherPackardBellwomen.Heacted
suspiciousafterthekilling.Woman#1askedhimwherehewasthatnight.Hehit
herandtoldhertoshutup.
Woman#2wrotein1970.ShesaidherexhadagrudgeagainstJeanEllroy.
Jeanrefusedtoprocessaninjuryclaimhesubmitted.Itsenthim"offthedeep
end."Woman#2includedapostscript:Herextorchedafurniturestore.They
repossessedadinettesetheboughtandsenthim"offthedeepend"again.

193
Bothlettersreadvindictive.JohnLawtonattachedamemosliptoletter
#2.Itsaidbothtipswerecheckedoutandjudgedinvalid.
Izigzaggedthroughthebook.Icaughtlittleblipsofdata.
HarveyGlatmanwasquestionedandclearedasasuspect.Irememberedthe
dayhewenttothegaschamber.ADesertInnwitnessdisputedtheMexicanbit.
Shesaidtheguywiththeblondeandtheredheadwasa"SwarthyWhiteMan."My
motherworkedatAirtekDynamicsfrom9/56on.Ithoughtshewasstillat
PackardBellthen.Theautopsyreportnotedsemeninmymother'svagina.There
wasnomentionofinternalbruisingorvaginalabrasions.Therewasno
speculationonrapeversusconsensualsex.Mymotherwasmenstruating.The
autopsysurgeonfoundatamponinhervagina.
Factshitmerapidfire.IknewIhadtocontainthebarrage.Igotoutmy
penandnotebookandflippedtothetranscribedstatements.Thefirstoneblew
meoutthefuckingdoor.
LavonneChambershoppedcarsatStan'sDriveInfiveblocksfromthe
DesertInn.SheservedmymotherandhermalecompaniontwicethatSaturday
nightandSundaymorning.
ShesaidthemanwasGreekorItalian.Hewasdrivingatwotone'55or
'56Olds.Hebroughtmymotherinaround10:20p.m.Theyateinthecar.They
talked.Theyleftandreturnedat2:15a.m.
Themanwasquietandsullen.Mymotherwas"quitehigh."She"chatted
gaily."Thetopofherdresswasdownandonebreastwashalfexposed.She
looked"slightlydisheveled."Theman"actedboredwithher."
Itwashotnewinformation.Itblewmyoldtheorytohell.
IthoughtmymotherleftthebarwiththeSwarthyManandtheBlonde.They
triedtoforceherintoathreeway.Sheresisted.Itwentwaybad.
Hewas"bored."Shewas"disheveled."Heprobablyflickedherandwanted
todumpher.Shewantedmoreofhistime.
IusedtofrequenttheStan'sDriveInacrossfromHollywoodHigh.The
carhopsworeredandgoldoutfits.The"KrazyDog"wasgreat.Theburgersand
friedchickenwerefamous.
Ireadthestatementthreetimes.Iwrotedownthekeyfacts.Ibraced
myselfandopenedthefirstenvelope.
Itcontainedthreesnapshots.IsawEdandLeodaWagner,circa1950.Isaw
myfatheratage45or46.Thephotosweremarked"Vic'ssist.&husb."and
"Vic'sexhusb."Myfatherlookedfitandhandsome.
Thethirdphotowasmarked"Vic.,August'57."

194
Shewaswearingawhitedress.Irememberedit.Shewasholdingadrink
andacigarette.Herhairwasupthewayshealwaysworeit.Peoplewere
frolickingbehindher.Itlookedlikeacompanypicnic.
Shelookedbad.Herfacewashaggardandpuffy.Shelookedolderthan42
yearsand4months.Shelookedlikeadrunkputtingupalosingfront.The
picturewasinimicaltothepictureIheldinmymind.
Thatpicturewasallwishfulfillment.Ifreezeframedmymotherata
lusty40.Thelinesonherfacedisplayedstrengthnotdissipation.That
picturewasallburiedyearning.Isuccumbedtothatpictureandmadeloveto
herthosefewpreciousfantasytimes.

Iopenedthesecondenvelope.IsawtwoIdentiKitportraitsofthe
SwarthyMan.Portrait#1showedaskinnyJoeBlow.Portrait#2showedasadist
withsimilarfeatures.
Iopenedthethirdenvelope.Itcontained32malemugshots.Themenwere
registeredsexoffenders.SomewerewhiteandsomewereLatin.Theyall
resembledtheIdentiKitportraits.
Theywerequestionedandcleared.Theyallhadthatflashbulbblindsleazy
pervertlook.Theyworeneckboardsfromprevioussexrousts.Theboardslisted
theirarrestdatesandvariouspenalcodenumbers.Thedatescovered'39to'57.
Thenumberscoveredrapeandsexmayhemandahalfdozenpassiveoffenses.Most
ofthemenwereunkempt.Afewofthemwerewincingliketheyjustgothitwith
aphonebook.Theircollectivevibewasrepellent.Theylookedlikeavenereal
smearoracomestainonashithousewall.
Iopenedthelastenvelope.IsawmymotherdeadatArroyoHighSchool.
Hercheekswerebloated.Herfeatureshadthickened.Shelookedlikea
sickwomansleeping.
Isawthesashcordandstockingcinchedaroundherneck.Isawtheinsect
bitesonherarms.Isawthedressshehadon.Irememberedit.Ilookedatthe
black&whitephotosandrememberedthatthedresswaslightanddarkblue.
Thedresswasbelowthekneelength.Someonepulleditaboveherhips.I
sawherpubichair.Ilookedawayfastandmadeitablur.
Thelastpicturewasanautopsyshot.Mymotherwasproneonamorgue
slab.Herheadwasproppeduponablackrubberblock.

195
Isawherdeformednippleandthedrybloodonherlips.Isawasutured
abdominalincision.Theyprobablycutheropenatthecrimescene.Theyprobably
tookaliverreadingbeforesheturneddeadcold.
Iexaminedallthecrimescenepictures.Imemorizeddetails.Ifelt
perfectlycalm.IputeverythingbackinthefolderandhandedittoStoner.
Hewalkedmeouttomycar.Weshookhandsandsaidgoodbye.Stonerwas
subdued.HeknewIwassomeplacefaroff.

Iwenttobedearlythatnight.Iwokeupwaybeforedawn.Isawthe
picturesbeforeIopenedmyeyes.
Ifeltalittlegearclickinplace.Itwaslikesaying"Oh"to
acknowledgeabigrevelation.
Nowyouknow.
Youthoughtyouknew.Youwerewrong.Nowyouknowforreal.Nowyougo
wheresheleadsyou.
TheywentbacktoStan'sDriveIn.Itwas2:15a.m.Hewasbored.They
justhadsex.Hewantedtoditchthisdesperatewomanandgetonwithhislife.
ThecombustionoccurredbecauseshewantedMORE.Moresexormoremale
attention.Thepromiseofanexttimewithflowersandaritziervenue.
Itrustedmynewtheory.Itmademefeelthisbigwaveofloveformy
mother.
Iwasherson.IwashookedonMOREasbadasshewas.Genderbiasandmy
timefavoredme.Igottodrinkandfuckwithasanctionsheneverdreamedof.
Luckandacoward'scircumspectionsavedme.Isawtheroadshewentdown.She
forcefedmethesurvivor'sinstinctsheneverdevelopedherself.Herpainwas
greaterthanmine.Itdefinedthegapbetweenus.

IwentbacktoConnecticutandwrotemypiecefor_GQ_.Itwasn't
cathartic.Itdidn'tclickthatlittlegearoff.Shewasalwaysrighttherewith
me.
Itwasaclumsyembraceandareunion.Itwasarecklesspass.Itwasa
blinddatethatHelenandBillStonersetmeupon.
Nowyougowheresheleadsyou.
Theconceptconfusedme.Ipledgedmydevotiononblindfaith.

196
16

Shepointedmetowardhersecrets.Herleadwasatauntandadare.She
challengedmetodiscoverhowshelivedanddied.
Idecidedtoexpandmy_GQ_piece50foldandturnitintoabook.My
publisherboughttheidea.BillStonerretiredinApril.Icontactedhimand
madehimanoffer.IsaidIwantedtoreinvestigatemymother'shomicide.I'd
payhimapercentageofmybookadvanceandcoverallexpenses.Wewouldteamup
andattempttofindtheSwarthyMandeadoralive.Iknewwewerebucking
stratosphericodds.Ididn'tcare.Theredheadwasmyprimarytarget.
Stonersaidyes.
The_GQ_piecewaspublishedinAugust.Itemphasizedmymotherandmeand
oursharedlustforMORE.Iturnedinmynovelandrentedanapartmentin
NewportBeach,California.Stonersaidourjobcouldrunayearormore.
IflewoutonLaborDay.Thepeopleonmyflightweretalking0.J.
Simpsonnonstop.
Thecasewasthreemonthsold.Itwasthepremierwomankillingofall
timealready.TheBlackDahliacasewasbigandquintessentiallyL.A.The
Simpsoncaseeclipseditfast.Itwashuge.Itwasepicperformanceart.Itwas
adisingenuouslystagedmultimediacircusbasedontheshakypremiseofa
botchedhackandrunjob.EverybodyknewOj.didit.Punditsriffedoffthat
consensusandwentnutslookingforhiddentruthandempiricalprecedents.Media
hackshitthetruthharder.Theysawthe0j.jobasacrassmicrocosm.Itwas
cocaineandtitjobs.Itwashealthclubnarcissismandthetwowaybondageof
fivefiguremonthlyalimonypayments.Thebottomlevelaudiencedefinedthe
crime.TheywantedOj.'smeretriciouslifestyle.Theycouldn'thaveit.They
settledforaskankymoralityplaythattoldthemthatlifestylewasvenal.O.J.
andtheSwarthyMan.NicoleandGeneva.
Mymotherwasaveryprivatewoman.Iwasashowboatandaseasoned
opportunist.Ialwayscravedattention.Myinstinctssaidsheneverdid.I
wantedtogivehertotheworld.Youcouldcallmeamemoryrapistandpointto
mypreviousexploitstoproveit.
You'dberight.You'dbewrong.I'dcopapleabehindmynewfoundpassion.
Shewasdead.Shewasinsensate.Itwasridiculoustowonderifshe'd
understandornot.Ihadacrassshowandtellside.Shewastheheartofmy
story.

197
Theissuetroubledme.Irespectedherprivacyandwassettingoutto
destroyit.Isawonlyonewayout.
Ihadtosubmittoherspirit.IfIhurther,I'dfeelhercensure.

Stonermetmeattheairport.WedrovestraighttoArroyoHighSchool.
Itwasmysecondvisit.Afilmcrewshotmehereonce.Ibreezedthrough
theinterview.Ihadn'tseenthepictures.Icouldn'tpointtotheexactspot
andplacemymotherthere.
Stonerparkednearthespot.Itwashotandhumid.Heturnedontheair
conditioningandrolledupthewindows.
Hesaidwehadtotalkaboutmymother.Wehadtotalktruthfullyand
bluntly.ItoldhimIcouldhandleit.Hesaidhewantedtoreconstructthe
crimethewayhethoughtithappened.
Imentionedmynewtheory.Stonersaidhedidn'tbuyit.
HesaidtheSwarthyManwantedsomepussy.Jeanwasmenstruatingand
refusedtogiveitup.Theywereneckingandfondling.TheSwarthyManwanted
more.Jeanwantedtocoolhimdown.Shesaid,Let'sgobacktoStan'sDriveIn.
TheydrovebacktoStan's.LavonneChambersservedthemagain.Jeanwas
halfdrunkandlighthearted.TheSwarthyManwashornyandpissedoffather.He
knewthissecludedroadbyArroyoHighSchool.
Theyfinishedtheirsnack.TheSwarthyMansuggestedadrive.Jeansaid
okay.TheSwarthyMandroveherstraighthereanddemandedsomecunt.
Jeansaidno.Averbalfightensued.TheSwarthyManhitJeaninthehead
fiveorsixtimes.Heusedhisfistsorasmallmetaltoolhehadinthecar.
Jeanwentunconscious.TheSwarthyManrapedher.Lubricationexplained
theabsenceofvaginalabrasions.Theyneckedandfondledawhileback.Jeangot
turnedon.Shewasstillwet.TheSwarthyManmadeasmoothpenetration.The
rapeitselfwasclumsyandfrenzied.Thecoronerfoundatamponattherear
ofJean'svagina.TheSwarthyMan'spenisjammeditdownthere.
Jeanremainedunconscious.TheSwarthyMangothisrocksoffandpanicked.
Hewasstuckinhiscarwithanunconsciouswoman.ShecouldIDhimandnailhim
onarapecharge.Hedecidedtokillher.
Hehadasashcordinhiscar.HewrappeditaroundJean'sneckand
strangledher.Thecordbroke.HepulledoffJean'sleftstockingandstrangled
herwithit.Hehauledherbodyoutofthecaranddumpeditintheivy.Hegot
outoftheareafast.

198
Ishutmyeyesandreplayedthewholereconstruction.Iransomegraphic
closeups.
Istartedshaking.Stonerturnedtheairconditioningoff.

17

Myapartmentcamefurnished.Thechairsandcouchweredippedinsynthetic
stainrepellent.Therentalagencysuppliedbeddingandcookingutensils.The
previoustenantleftmesomebugsprayandOldSpicecologne.
Therentalfolksinstalledatelephone.Ihookedupanansweringmachine.
Thepadwaslowclassbymycurrentstandards.Thelivingroomandbedroomwere
small.Thewallswereblankwhite.Irentedtheplaceonamonthtomonthopen
endlease.Icouldcutoutatamoment'snotice.
Imovedin.IstartedmissingHelenfast.
Theplacelookedlikeagoodobsessionchamber.Itwastightlycontained
andcavelike.Icouldclosethecurtains.Icouldturnoffthelightsandchase
theredheadindarkness.IcouldbuyaCDplayerandsomemusic.Icouldlisten
toRachmaninoffandProkofievandspinoffthatpointwherelyricalflightsgo
discordant.
Bill'shousewastwentyminutesaway.Billcarriedareservebadgeanda
gunpermit.HewasworkingfortheDA'sOfficeonanadhocbasis.Theywere
buildingtheircaseagainstBobBeckettSr.BillhadcarteblancheatSheriff's
Homicide.Hehadaccesstoallthefilesandcommunicationsequipment.Our
investigationwassanctionedbySheriff'sHomicide.Billwouldshareinformation
withtheUnsolvedcrew.HehadtheJeanEllroyfileoutonpermanentloan.He
saidwehadtostudyeveryscrapofpaperinit.
Iboughtalargecorkboardandnailedittomylivingroomwall.I
borrowedsomefilephotosandmadeacollage.
ItackeduptwoshotsofmymotherinAugust'57.Itackeduptheevil
portraitoftheSwarthyMan.IwroteaquestionmarkonaPostitnoteand
placeditabovethethreepictures.Iselectedfivepervertmugshotsandplaced
thembelowthespread.
Mydeskfacedthedisplay.Icouldlookupandseemymothermovinginto
hertailspin.Icouldseethefinalresult.Icouldblitzmymemoryofher
youngerandsofter.

199
Billcalledme.HesaidIshouldmeethimattheSheriff'sAcademy.He
wantedtoshowmesomeevidence.
Idroveoutandmethimintheparkinglot.Billsaidhehadsomefresh
news.
SergeantJackLawtondiedin1990.WardHallinenwasstillaliveand
livingdowninSanDiegoCounty.Hewas83now.Billtalkedtohim.Hedidn't
recalltheEllroycaseatall.Billexplainedoursituation.Hallinengot
excitedandtoldhimtobringthefiledown.Somethinginitmightsparkhis
memory.
Wewalkedtotheevidencewarehouse.Asmallofficeadjoinedit.Three
clerkswerestandingaround.Theyweredeepintotopicalbullshit.Awhiteguy
saidOj.didit.Twoblackguysdisagreed.Billflashedhisbadgeandsignedan
evidenceform.
Aclerktookusbacktothewarehouse.Itwaswickedhotandroughlythe
sizeoftwofootballfieldsplacedsideways.Itwaslinedwithheavydutysteel
shelving.
Theceilingwas30feethigh.Theshelvesranallthewayup.Isaw20or
30rowspackedwithplasticbundles.
Billdriftedoff.Istoodbyadesknearthedoor.Theclerkbroughtmea
bundle.ItwasmarkedZ483362.
Itwastransparentplastic.Isawfoursmallplasticbagsinside.Iopened
theouterbagandplacedthesmallerbagsonthedesk.
Thesmallestbagcontainedminutedustandfibersamples.Ataglisted
theirorigin:"1955Oldsmobile/MMT879/6/26/58."Thesecondbagheldthree
smallenvelopes.Theyweresealed.Theyweremarkedwithmymother'snameandZ
filenumber.Thecontentswerelistedseparatelybelow:
"Vic'sfingernails(sample)."
"Vic'shair(sample)."
"Vic'spubichair(sample)."
Ididn'topenthem.Iopenedthethirdbagandsawthedressandbrassiere
mymotherworetoherdeath.
Thedresswaslightanddarkblue.Thebrassierewaswhitewithalace
bodice.Iheldthemandputthemtomyface.
Icouldn'tsmellher.Icouldn'tfeelherbodyinthem.Iwantedto.I
wantedtorecognizeherscentandtouchhercontours.

200
Iranthedressovermyface.Theheatwasmakingmesweat.Igotthe
liningalittlebitwet.
Iputthedressandbrassieredown.Iopenedthefourthbag.Isawthe
cordandnylonstocking.
Theyweretwisteduptogether.Isawthepointwherethecordfrayedand
snappedaroundmymother'sneck.Thetwonooseswereintact.Theyformedperfect
circlesnomorethanthreeinchesacross.Mymother'sthroatwasconstrictedto
justthatdimension.Shewasasphyxiatedwithjustthatmuchforce.
Iheldtheligatures.Ilookedatthemandturnedthemaroundinmyhands.
Iheldthestockingtomyfaceandtriedtosmellmymother.

18

IdroveouttoElMontethatnight.Itwassoaringlyhotandhumid.
TheSanGabrielValleyalwaysranhot.Mymotherdiedinanearlysummer
heatwave.Itwasjustthathotnow.
Ifollowedanoldhominginstinct.Ikeptmywindowsdownandlethotair
inthecar.IpassedtheElMontePoliceStation.Itwasrightthereinits1958
location.Thebuildinglookeddifferent.Itmighthavehadafacelift.Mycar
feltlikeafuckingtimemachine.
IturnednorthonPeckRoad.Irememberedalongwalkbackfromamovie.I
satthrough_TheTenCommandments_.Igothomeandfoundmymotherblitzedto
thegills.
IturnedwestatPeckandBryant.Isawa7Elevenstoreonthesouthwest
corner.ThecustomerswereLatin.ThecountermanwasAsian.WhiteElMontewas
longgone.IturnedonMapleandparkedacrossthestreetfrommyoldhouse.
Itwasmythirdvisitin36years.Mediapeopleaccompaniedmethefirst
twotimes.Iwasglibonbothoccasions.Ipointedoutanachronismsandriffed
onwhatsubsequenttenantsdidtotheproperty.Thiswasmyfirstnighttime
visit.Darknesscoveredthealterationsandreturnedthehousetomeasitwas
then.IrememberedthenightIwatchedarainstormfrommymother'sbedroom
window.Istretchedoutonherbedandturnedthelightsofftoseethecolors
better.Mymotherwasoutsomewhere.Shecaughtmeinherbedroomoncebefore
andreprimandedme.Isnuckaroundherbedroomandcheckedoutherlingerie
drawereverytimeshesplitfortheevening.

201
IswungbacktoPeckRoadanddrovedowntoMedinaCourt.Itwas
exponentiallymorerundownthanitwasin'58.Isawfoursidewalkdopebuysin
thecourseofthreeblocks.MymotherdrovemedownMedinaCourtafewweeks
beforeshedied.Iwasalazylittleboy.Shewantedtoshowmemyfutureasan
AngloSaxonwetback.
ElMontewasashittownnow.ElMontewasashittownin1958.Itwasa
genteelshittownindigenoustoitsera.Dopewasclandestine.Gunswerescarce.
ElMontewasrunningat10%ofitscurrentpopulationand1/30thofitscurrent
crimerate.
JeanEllroywasafreakElMontevictim.ElMonteappealedtoherhonky
tonkside.Shethoughtshefoundagoodplacetohide.Itmethersafety
standards.Itincludedaweekendplayground.She'dseethedangerheretoday.
She'dstayaway.Shebroughtherowndangerherein1958.
Shesoughtthisplaceout.Shemadeitherseparateworld.Itwas14miles
frommyfictionalandrealL.A.
ElMontescaredme.Itwasthebridgebetweenmyseparaterealand
fictionalworlds.Itwasaperfectlycircumscribedzoneoflossandfullblown
randomhorror.
Idroveto11721Valley.TheDesertInnwasnowValenzuela'sRestaurant.
Itwasawhiteadobebuildingwithaterracottaroof.
Iparkedintheback.MymotherparkedherBuickinthesamespotthat
night.
Iwalkedintotherestaurant.Thelayoutshockedme.
ItwasnarrowandLshaped.Aservicecounterfacedthedoor.Itlooked
exactlylikethefantasyimageI'dheldfor36years.
Thebooths.Thelowceiling.ThebaseoftheLofftomyright.Everything
matchedmyoldmentalprint.
Maybeshebroughtmehere.MaybeIsawapicture.MaybeIjustwalkedinto
aweirdpsychicmatrix.
Istoodinthedoorwayandlookedaround.Allthewaitressesandcustomers
wereLatin.Igothalfadozenwhothefuckareyoulooks.
Iwalkedbacktomycar.IdroveupValleytoGarvey.Icruisedthe
parkinglotonthenortheastcorner.
Stan'sDriveInwasherethen.Anabandonedcoffeeshopwasherenow.
Stan'swassixblocksfromtheDesertInn.TheDesertInnwasamileandahalf
from756Maple.756MaplewasamileandahalffromArroyoHighSchool.
Itwasalltightandlocal.

202
IdrovetoArroyoHigh.Theskywashazyblack.Icouldn'tseethe
mountainstwomilesnorthofme.
IparkedonKing'sRow.Ihitmyhighbeamsandframedthecrimescene.
IassumedtheSwarthyMan'sperspective.ItransposedmylustforMORE
intohislusttoflickmymother.Iputallmyragetosurmountmypastintohis
ragetodestroymymother'sresistance.Inailedhisdeterminationandtheblood
inhiseyes.Ifellshortonhiswilltoinflictpaininpursuitofpleasure.
Irememberedasadincident.Ithappenedin'71or'72.
Itwas2:00or3:00a.m.IwascomingoffinhalersinRobertBurnsPark.I
thoughtIheardawomanscream.
Iwasn'tquitesure.Iwasjackeduponamphetamine.Iwashearingthe
Voices.
Thescreamscaredme.Iknewitcamefromtheapartmentsonthewestside
ofthepark.Iwantedtorunawayandhide.Iwantedtosavethewoman.I
hesitatedandrantowardthesound.
Iscaledtheparkfence.Imadealotofnoise.
Ilookedintoabrightbedroomwindow.Isawawomanputtingonarobe.
Shelookedinmydirection.Sheturnedthelightoffandscreamed.Thescream
didn'tsoundlikethescreamIthoughtIheard.Ijumpedbackintotheparkand
ranoffdownBeverlyBoulevard.TheVoicesfollowedme.Theytoldmetofindthe
womanandassureherIintendednoharm.Ifiguredoutthatthefirstscream
wasn'tascream.Itwasawomanmakinglove.
Igotdrunkthenextmorning.TheVoicessubsided.Ineverapologizedto
thewoman.
Theincidentspookedme.Iscaredthatwoman.Iknewshe'dnever
understandmygoodintentions.

IdrovebacktoNewportBeach.Icheckedmymachineandcaughtamessage
fromBillStoner.
Hesaidhehadurgentnews.Hesaidtocallhimregardlessofthetime.
Icalledhim.BillsaidhefoundanoldUnsolvedfilethatblewhis
fuckingmind.
Thedatewas1/23/59.ThevictimwasnamedElspeth"Bobbie"Long.Shewas
beaten.Shewasstrangledwithanylonstocking.ShewasdumpedonaroadinLa
PuentefourmilesfromElMonte.TheLongcaseandtheEliroycasewere
pointbypointtwins.

203
19

Anightowlcalleditin.TheSanDimasdeskloggeditat2:35a.m.
Theguysaidhewasoutcoonhunting.HesawabodybytheroadatDon
Julianand8th.HisnamewasRayBlasingame.HelivedandworkedinElMonte.He
wascallingfromthegasstationatValleyand3rd.
Thedeskmanbuzzedapatrolunit.DeputyBillFreeseandDeputyJimHarris
rolledtoValleyand3rd.TheyfollowedRayBlasingametothedumpsite.Hewas
drivingaFordpickupwithfourcoondogsintheback.
Thesitewassecluded.Theroadwaspavedwithcrushedrock.Adirt
shoulderandabarbedwirefenceranbehindit.Theroadledtoawaterpump
station.
Itwascold.Itwasdark.ThePuenteHillswereduesouth.Valley
Boulevardwasonehalfmilenorth.
Thewomanwaslaidoutfaceup.Shewasstretchedflatonthedirtbetween
theroadandthefence.Shewaswearingacharcoalgrayandblacksweater,a
blackskirtandopentoedblackshoes.Aredovercoatcoveredherlegs.Ahorse
andjockeypinwasattachedtotheleftshoulder.Ablackplasticpursewas
proppedupbythefence.
Shewaswhite.Shewasmediumsized.Shehadshortblondhair.Shewas45
to50yearsold.
Herfacewasbruised.Anylonstockingwaslashedaroundherneck.
HarrisradioedtheSanDimasStation.ThedeskmancalledSheriff's
Homicide.LieutenantCharlesMcGowan,SergeantHarryAndreandSergeantClaude
Everleyrolledout.Apatrollieutenantandaprintdeputyarrivedtwominutes
later.
AndresawtheJeanEllroycrimescene.HetoldEverleythatthisone
lookedsimilar.TheEllroykillertossedthevictim'scoatacrossherlegs.This
guydidthesamething.
Amorguecararrived.Aphotocararrived.Acoroner'sassistantchecked
outthebody.Aphotodeputylitthecrimesceneandshotit.
Themorguemannotedsignsofearlyrigormortis.Thevictim'sheadand
neckwerestiff.Everleypulledupheroutergarmentsandexaminedher
underclothes.Shewaswearingaredslip,aredbraandaredpantiegirdle.Her
legswerebare.

204
Andreemptiedthepurse.Hefoundapairofglasses,$1.32,apackof
Camelcigarettes,ahairbrush,apairoflightbluewoolorwoolcottonblend
gloves,atinofaspirin,aplastickeyfob,aballpointpen,apocketmirror
andabrownleatherwalletwithawhiteandsilverhorseembossedonthefront.
Thewalletcontainedsnapshotsofthevictim,abusticketstub,aclippingfrom
ahorseracingscratchsheetandidentificationcardsforElspethEvelynLong
andBobbieLong.ThecardslistedaddressesinNewOrleans,MiamiandPhoenix,
Arizona.Thecardslistedthevictim'sDOBas7/10/06and7/10/13.Aninsurance
IDcardlistedanL.A.address:2231West52ndStreet.Thecardwasdated2/18/5
7.
Themorguecrewremovedthebody.AndrecalledSheriff'sHomicide.Hetold
thedeskmantosendsomeguysouttothevictim'saddress.Everleygothis
flashlightandsearchedthearea.Hedidn'tspotanytiretracksordiscarded
weaponry.
RayBlasingamewenthome.Thephotomantooksomemoreshots.Thesuncame
up.AndreandEverleywalkedtheroadinfulldaylight.
Theydidn'tseeanythingnew.

Thevictimlivedinasmallapartmenthouse.Herplacewasatthebottom
floorrear.WardHallinen,RayHopkinsonandNedLovretovichtossedit.
Theywokethemanagerupandbadgedhim.Heletthemintotheapartment
andwentbacktobed.Theytossedbothrooms.Theyfoundaboxofnylon
stockingsandastackofsilverdollarsandhalfdollars.Theyfoundastackof
newspaperarticlesonhorseracing.Theyfoundacamerawiththedialsetat
exposure#6.Theyfoundanaddressbook.Theyfoundapayrollcheckfor$37.00.
Itwasdated1/21/59.ItwasissuedbyBill'sCafe1554WestFlorenceAvenue.
Theyfoundsomehorseracingprogramsandscratchsheetsandlettersfroma
horseracetipster.
Theapartmentwasclean.Thevictim'sbelongingswereneatlyarranged.The
stockingstotaleduptoevenpairs.
Theygrabbedthecameraandtheaddressbook.Theywokethemanagerupand
toldhimtokeeptheplacelocked.Hesaidtheyshouldtalktoawomannamed
LiolaTaylor.Shelivednextdoor.HehardlyknewBobbieLonghimself.Liola
knewherbetter.
TheyfoundLiolaTaylorandquestionedher.ShesaidBobbieLonglived
nextdoorforfouryearsorso.SheworkedatarestaurantonFlorence.Sheknew

205
lotsofmen.Shewasn'tloose.Shelikedmalecompanionship.Shewasgoingout
witharichguy.Shesaidshewasafterhismoney.Shenevermentionedhisname.
Shenevermentionedherownfamily.
Hallinen,HopkinsonandLovretovichdrovetoBill'sCafe.Theytalkedto
thebossWilliamShostal.HesaidBobbieLongwasagoodwaitress.Shewas
friendly.Shelovedhorseracing.ShehungoutwithawaitressnamedBetty
Nolan.
ShostalgavethecopsBetty'saddress.Theydrovetoherhouseand
questionedher.
ShesaidshesawBobbieatworkonTuesday.Thatwasthreedaysago.
BobbiesaidshewasgoingtothetrackonThursday.Thatwasyesterday.Bobbie
knewaguynamedRoger.BobbieknewaguywhoworkedattheChallengeCreamery.
Bettysaidshedidn'tknowtheirlastnames.Bettysaidshedidn'tknowany
"richguy."AmanbroughtBobbietoworktwoweeksago.Hehadslickedbackhair
andamustache.Hewasdrivingawhiteandturquoisecar.Bettysaidshedidn't
knowhisname.Sheneversawhimbeforeorsince.Shesaidtheyshouldcontact
FredMezawaythecookatBill'sCafe.FreddroppedoffBobbie'spaycheck
WednesdayorThursday.
HallinencalledBillShostalandgotMezaway'saddress.Shostalsaidhe'd
probablybehomenow.Hallinen,HopkinsonandLovretovichdrovetotheaddress
andquestionedMezaway.
HesaidheplannedtodropoffBobbie'scheckearlyWednesdaynight.He
gotinvolvedinacardgameandpostponedtheerrand.Hedroppedthecheckoff
Thursdaymorning.Bobbiescoldedhim.Shesaidhehadnobusinessplayingcards.
MezawaysaidBobbiedatedaround.Hecouldn'tsupplyanynames.Sheoweda
bookie$300.Hedidn'tknowthebookie'sname.Hedidn'tknowany"richguy"or
anyguynamedRogeroranyguywithslickedbackhairoranyguywhoworkedat
theChallengeCreamery.
ThecopsdrovebacktoBobbieLong'sapartment.TheywentthroughBobbie's
addressbookandstartedcallingherfriends.Theygotastringofnoanswers.
TheyreachedawomannamedFredaFayCallis.FredaFaysaidshesawBobbieon
Tuesday.TheygottogetherandpickeduptheirfriendJudySennett.Theyran
Bobbiebyherdoctor'soffice.Bobbiewashavingbadheadaches.Shebumpedher
headonanicedteadispenseratwork.ThedoctorXrayedBobbie'sheadandtook
abloodsample.
ThegirlsdroveouttoRosemead.TheydroppedJudyoffathersoninlaw's
place.FredaFaydroveBobbiebacktoL.A.anddroppedheratherapartment.

206
Bobbiecalledheryesterdaymorning.Shesaid,Let'sgototheraces.FredaFay
saidshewasbrokeanddeclinedtheinvitation.
FredaFaysaidBobbiewasaracetrackfanatic.Shetookthebusoutto
SantaAnitahabitually.Sometimesshe'dmeetstrangersandgetrideshome.
Bobbiewasfriendly.Shewasn'tmancrazy.Shelikedmenwithmoney.FredaFay
didn'tknowany"richguy"oranyguynamedRoger.Shedidn'tknowBobbie's
bookie.Shedidn'tknowanyguywithslickedbackhairoranyguywhoworkedat
theChallengeCreamery.
Thecopsmadesomemorecalls.TheyreachedBobbie'sfriendEthlyn
Manlove.ShesaidBobbienevermentionedanyfamily.Bobbietoldhershewas
marriedalongtimeago.ShegotmarriedinNewOrleansanddivorcedinMiami.
EthlynManlovesaidBobbiedatedaround.Shecouldn'tsupplyanynames.She
didn'tknowany"richguy."Shedidn'tknowBobbie'sbookie.Shedidn'tknowany
guywithslickedbackhairoranyguywhoworkedattheChallengeCreamery.The
nameRogertweakedher.RogermightbethismarriedguyBobbiepalledaround
with.
Itwas2:00p.m.TheLongsnuffmadetheafternoonpapers.Amanwalked
intotheLAPD's77thStreetStation.HesaidhisnamewasWarrenWilliam
W/heelock.PeoplecalledhimRoger.HereadabouttheBobbieLongmurder.He
knewBobbie.Hethoughtthecopsmightwanttotalktohim.
ThedesksergeantcalledSheriff'sHomicide.Thewatchcommandercalled
BobbieLong'sapartmentandtalkedtoRayHopkinson.Hopkinsoncalled77th
StreetandtalkedtoWarrenWilliamWheelock.
WheelocksaidhemetBobbieatHollywoodParkRacetrackinMay'58.He
saidhewentbyherapartmentWednesdaymorningtwodaysago.HeinvitedBobbie
downtoSanDiego.Hewasgoingdowntherewithhiswife.Bobbiebrushedhim
off.ShesaidshewantedtogotothetrackonThursday.Wheelockandhiswife
wentdowntoDago.Theyvisitedhisbrotherinlaw.Theywenttothejaialai
gamesdowninT.J.Hehadaticketforgame#7datedlastnight.
Wheelocksaidhedidn'tknowBobbie'sbookie.Hedidn'tknowany"rich
guy"oranyguywithslickedbackhairoranyguywhoworkedattheChallenge
Creamery.Hopkinsonthankedhimandsaidhe'dbeintouch.
Hallinen,HopkinsonandLovretovichdrovetotheHallofJustice.They
checkedthebusticketinBobbieLong'spurse.LovretovichcalledtheL.A.
TransitAuthority.Heexplainedhissituationandreadoffthenumbersonthe
ticket.Hiscontactdidsomecheckingandcalledback.Hesaidtheticketwas
issuedyesterday1/22/59.Itwaspurchasedat6thandMainindowntownL.A.

207
Theirstubwastheunusedportion.SomebodytookanMlinebustoSantaAnita
Racetrackanddidnottakethebushome.
Hallinenwalkeddowntothemorgue.DeputyCoronerDonH.Millsranthe
autopsybyhim.
BobbieLongdiedofacuteasphyxiation.Shetooksomebadshotstothe
head.Herskullwasfracturedinfourplaces.Onefracturewoundwascrescent
shaped.Thekillermighthavehitherwithacrescentwrench.Hersixthcervical
vertebrawasfracturedandseparated.Shehadpartiallydigestedbeans,riceand
cornmealinherstomach.Shehadsemeninhervagina.Herexternalgenitalia
werenotbruisedorabraded.Herbloodalcoholregisteredat0%.Shediedcold
sober.

Ateletypewentoutthatnight.
BROADCASTNO.76 1/23/59 FILENO.Z52482O
MURDERINFORMATIONWANTED EMERGENCY

FOUNDATAPPROX2:30AM1/23/59VICTIMBOBBIE
LONGFWA45505/5V2,135LBS.,BLUEEYES,SHORT
DISHWATERBLONDHAIR.DRESSEDINCHARCOALAND
BLACKBLOUSE,BLACKFELTSKIRT,BRIGHTREDFULL
LENGTHCOATWITHCOSTUMEJEWELRYHORSEPINNED
ONLEFTSHOULDER.VICTIM'SPANTIEGIRDLE,BRA,
ANDSLIPWEREALSOBRIGHTRED.WOREOPENTOE
BLACKSHOESANDCARRIEDBLACKPURSE.VICTIMWAS
FOUNDLYINGONBACKBESIDEADIRTACCESSROAD
NEARAPUMPHOUSEOFFDONJULIANROADAND8TH
AVE.,LAPUENTEAREA,FULLYCLOTHED,STRANGLED
WITHANYLONSTOCKING.HADALSOBEENBEATENON
THEHEADWITHANINSTRUMENTLEAVINGCRESCENT
SHAPEDMARKS.HADHADINTERCOURSEORHADBEEN
RAPED.ATTENDEDRACESATSANTAANITAON1/22/59.
PURSECONTAINEDGLASSESANDCAMELCIGARETTES,
PLUSUSUALFEMININEEFFECTS.SUSPECT'SCARMAY
HAVEBLOODSTAINS.PLEASECHECKYOURFIELD
INTERROGATIONCARDSFORTHEAFTERNOONAND

208
EVENINGUPTO12:00MIDNIGHTOF1/22/59.
ATTN/TEMPLESTATION
ATTN/SANDIMASSTATION
ATTN/SANGABRIELVALLEYPOLICEDEPTS.
ATTN/SANGABRIELVALLEYAREACHP
REFERMCGOWAN,ANDRE,EVERLEYHQDBHOMICIDE
DETAIL
FILEZ52482O

PETERJ.PITCHESS,SHERIFFDCSNDG600PM

WardHallinenmetHarryAndreandClaudeEverleyattheBureau.They
discussedtheLongcase14hoursin.TheyallthoughtitresembledtheJean
Eliroyjob.
JeanEllroywasprobablyraped.BobbieLongmostlikelyengagedinsex
willingly.Herundergarmentswereproperlyinplace.Thatfactimplied
consensualsex.
Bothwomensustainedheadwounds.Thebodydumplocationsweresixmiles
apart.SantaAnitawastwomilesnorthofArroyoHighSchool.Bothvictimswere
divorcees.Thecrimesceneslookedalmostidentical.TheEllroykillerdropped
thevictim'scoatonherlegs.TheLongkillerdidthesamething.BobbieLong
wasblond.JeanEllroywasseenwithablondwoman.JeanEliroyatechiliat
Stan'sDriveIn.BobbieLongateMexicanfood.Thetimelagbetweenhomicides
wassevenmonthsandoneday.
TheEliroykillerusedasashcordandanylonstocking.TheLongkiller
usedastockingonly.Nylonstockingswerecommonstrangulationtools.TheMO
mightlinkthetwomurders.TheMOmightnot.

AndreandEverleycalledeverypolicedepartmentintheSanGabriel
Valley.Theylaidouttheircase.Theyaskedpatrolsupervisorstocheckfield
interrogationcardsandtrafficreports.BobbieLongwasoutwithamanlast
night.Theywerelookingforpossiblesightings.

209
TheyremovedanIDphotofromBobbieLong'swallet.Theycanvassedthe
restaurantsandbarsnearthedumpsite.TheyhitsomejointsalongValley
Boulevard.TheytriedtheFrenchBasque,Tina'sCafe,theBlueRoom,theCaves
Cafe,Charley'sCafeandtheSilverDollarCafe.Theycameupempty.
TheyhittheCanyonInn.Theyheardaguytalkinguptheircasewaytoo
loud.Theybracedhim.Theguywasdrunk.Hewastryingtoimpresssomewomen.
AndreandEverleycalleditquitsandwenthome.WardHallinendropped
BobbieLong'scameraoffatthecrimelabandtoldatechmantodevelopthe
film.NedLovretovichworkedlateattheBureau.Hekeptcallingthenamesin
BobbieLong'saddressbook.
HetalkedtoEdithBoromeo.ShesaidsheknewBobbie20someyears.They
waitressedtogetherinNewOrleans.Bobbiewasmarriedtoalaundrytruck
driver.HeusedtobeatBobbieup.Shedidn'trememberhisname.Shedidn'tknow
Bobbie'sbookieorany"richguy"oranyguywithslickedbackhairoranyguy
whoworkedattheChallengeCreamery.
HetalkedtoMabelBrown.ShesaidsheusedtowaitresswithBobbie.
Bobbiewasveryoutspokenandrude.ShewenttothetrackwithBobbiequitea
fewtimes.Bobbieblewallhermoneyonbetsandneverchippedinforgas.
Bobbieacceptedridesfromstrangemenallthetime.Shedidn'tknowBobbie's
bookie.Shedidn'tknowany"richguy."Shedidn'tknowanyguywithslicked
backhair.Shedidn'tknowanyguywhoworkedattheChallengeCreamery.
HetalkedtoBillKimbrough.Theguysaidheownedagrocerystorenear
BobbieLong'sapartment.HesawBobbieatthebusstopyesterday.Shewasalone.
Shesaidshewasgoingtothetrack.
LovretovichdrovebacktoBobbieLong'sapartment.Hetosseditagain.He
foundtwoliquorbottlesstashedbelowthekitchensink.

TheLongjobwasonedayold.Everybodythoughtthesamething.
Bobbiemetsomefreakatthetrack.Hecookedhersomechowathispador
tookhertoarestaurant.Hefuckedherathispadorfuckedheratamotelor
rapedheratthecrimesceneandforcedhertoputherundiesbackon.Theyhad
tocanvassSantaAnita.Theyhadtohitalltherestaurantsandmotelsinthe
SanGabrielValley.
AndreandEverleydroveouttothetrack.Theycontactedtheconcessions
bossandshowedhimtheirBobbieLongsnapshot.Theguysaidshelooked
familiar.HesawagirllikethatonThursday.Shewaskissingamanwiththin

210
blondhairandabigbulbousnose.Shewaswearingsomekindofdarkoutfit.She
wasn'twearingacoat.Therewerefivecheckroomsatthetrack.Maybeshe
checkedhercoat.
SantaAnitawasbigandspreadout.TheconcessionsguyshowedAndreand
Everleyaround.Theyhitallthecheckrooms,bars,bettingwindowsandlunch
counters.TheyflashedBobbieLong'spicture.Adozenpeoplesaidshelooked
familiar.
AndrecalledtheBureau.BlackieMcGowansaidtheygotanearlymorning
tip.
SomebodyfoundanylonstockinginasuitatBedonCleanersinRosemead.
Thestockingguyreadthemorningpaper.HeknewBobbieLonggotchoked.He
figuredtheoddstockinghadtobesomewhere.HecalledtheTempleCityStation.
ApatrolunitpickedupthestockingandrushedittotheSheriff'sCrimeLab.A
technicianexamineditandcomparedittothestockingthatchokedBobbieLong.
Thestockingsdidnotmatch.
AndreandEverleydrovetotheBureau.Theycalledintheirsketchman,
JackMoffett.TheytoldhimtodrawapictureofBobbieLonginhersnazzyred
andblackensemble.Theytoldhimtodrawitinfullcolorandgetsomeglossy
printsmadeup.
Moffettwenttowork.AndrecalledMetroandrequestedtwodeputies.The
dutysergeantsentBillVickersandFrankGodfreyover.Theycanvassedbarsand
restaurantsontheJeanEllroyjob.AndretoldthemtoblankettheSanGabriel
Valley.HitalltherestaurantsservingMexicanfoodandhitallthemotels.
LookforcouplescheckinginThursdaynight.Gettheircarlicensenumbersand
contacttheDMV.Getcompleteregistrationstats.Contacttheregisteredvehicle
ownersandfindoutwhotheyshackedupwith.Motelclerkswererequiredto
writedownlicensenumberswhentheirguestscheckedin.Getthatinformation
andfollowitup.
VickersandGodfreyrolledout.WardHallinenrolledouttoElMonte.He
foundMargieTrawick.HeshowedheraphotographofElspeth"Bobbie"Long.
Margiesaidno.Shewasn'tthewomanshesawwithJeanEllroy.
ClaudeEverleycalledthecrimelab.Hetoldatechniciantophotograph
BobbieLong'sclothingandmakeupsomecolorglossies.Themansaidhe'd
developedthefilminBobbieLong'scamera.Hegotsixshotstotal.Theyshowed
BobbiealoneandBobbiewithafewotherwomen.Oneshotshowedawomananda
twotone'56Olds.

211
EverleytoldAndre.AndresaidtheEllroysuspectdroveatwotoneOlds.
Everleycalledthelabguyback.Hetoldhimtoroutethecarphototothe
InformationBureau.TheycouldplantitintheL.A.papers.TheymightIDthe
carthatway.
Andrelikedthecarbit.HefiguredthesameguychokedBobbieandthat
redheadednurse.

VickersandGodfreycanvassedmotelsandrestaurants.AndreandEverley
canvassedthetrackallweekend.NedLovretovichcalledthepeopleinBobbie
Long'saddressbook.Theyallsaidthesamething.
Bobbielovedhorseracing.Bobbiewasfrugal.Bobbiedisdainedallforms
ofsex.Bobbiewasmarriedtwotofourtimes.Nobodyknewwhen,whereorwhoto.
Nobodyknewherbookie.Nobodyknewthe"richguy"ortheguywithslickedback
hairortheguywhoworkedattheChallengeCreamery.
BlackieMcGowanassignedfourmoredetectives.Hetoldthemtocanvass
fulltime.TheSanGabrielValleywaslargeandfulloffuckpadmotels.
AtipcameinonMonday1/26/59.ThetipsterranahaymilloutinLa
Puente.
Hefingeredatruckdriver.Theguywasshootinghismouthoff.Hesaidhe
screwedagirlat8thandDonJulian.Hesaidhescrewedher_goooood_.He
screwedherearlyFridaymorning.
ThetruckdriverwasMexican.HelivedupinBeaumont.
HarryAndrecalledtheBeaumontPDandtoldthemtobringthemanin.They
didit.AndreandEverleydroveuptoBeaumontandgrilledhim.
Hesaidhescrewedthegirlearly_Thursday_morning.HernamewasSally
Ann.HemetheratTina'sCafeonSimpsonandValley.Hewenttoherpadbefore
hescrewedher.Itwason8thAvenue.Hesawthename"Vasquez"onthemailbox.
Themanstucktohisstory.HesaidhispalPetecouldverifyit.Pete
livedinLaPuente.
AndreandEverleydrovetoLaPuente.TheytalkedtoPete.Theyfoundthe
housewiththe"Vasquez"mailbox.TheytalkedtoSallyAnn.Theyclearedthe
Mexican.
AtipcameinonTuesdayI/27/59.AmannamedjessDornansnitchedoff
hisneighborSamCarnes.
Samwasactingweirdlately.Samwasaracetrackfool.Samdefacedhiscar
upholsterytwodaysago.Maybehewashackingoutsomebloodstains.

212
AndrequestionedSamCarnes.SamhadanalibiforlastThursdaynight.
VickersandGodfreycanvassed.AndreandHallinencanvassed.SergeantJim
WahlkeandDeputyCalBublitzcanvassed.SergeantDickHumphreysandDeputyBob
Grovercanvassed.TheyhittheElGordoRestaurant,Panchito'sRestaurant,the
ElPocheRestaurant,theCasaDelReyRestaurant,Morrow'sRestaurant,theTic
TocRestaurant,theCountyKitchen,theUtterHut,Stan'sDriveIn,Rich'sCafe,
theHorseshoeClub,theLuckyX,Belan'sRestaurant,theSpic&SpanMotel,the
RoseGardenMotel,theEndoftheTrailMotel,theFairMotel,theElPortal
Motel,the901Motel,theElmwoodMotel,theValleyMotel,theShadyNook
Cabins,the9331Motel,theSantaAnitaMotel,theFlamingoMotel,theDerby
Motel,theBradsonMotel,theElSorrentoMotel,theDuarteMotel,theFilly
Motel,theAmbassadorMotel,theWalnutAutoCourt,theWelcomeMotel,the
WonderlandMotel,theSunkistMotel,theBrightSpotMotel,theHomeMotel,the
SunViewMotel,theMeccaMotel,theElBartoMotel,theScenicMotel,theLa
BonitaMotel,theSunliteMotel,theElMonteMotel,theTroyMotel,theEl
CampoMotel,theGarveyMotel,theVictoryMotel,theRanchoDescansoMotel,the
RainbowMotel,theMountainViewMotel,theWalnutLaneMotel,theCovinaMotel,
theLaSiestaMotel,theStanMarrMotelandtheHialeahMotel.
Theygothazyinformationandnoinformation.Theychecked130car
registrations.Theyhitmarriedcouplesandonenightcouplesandadulterous
couplesandprostituteandcustomercouples.Theycouldn'tlocatesomepeople.
Theyranupasubstantialcallandclearlist.Theycameupdeadshortonhard
suspects.
AtipcameinonWednesday1/28/59.AwomannamedViolaRamseysnitched
offherhusband.
HisnamewasJamesOrvilleRamsey.HeabandonedMrs.Ramseylastmonth.He
calledherMondaynight.Hesaid,"Ifyouwanttoputmeonthegoddamnspot,
yourassisgoingtolaynexttothatwaitressinthePuenteHills.Ifyour
friendsmissyouforthreeorfourdays,tellthemtheywillfindyourass
layinginthesandnexttohers."
JamesOrvilleRamseywas33yearsold.Hewasafrycook.Mrs.Ramseysaid
hehatedwaitresses.Hethoughttheywerecheapandnogood.Helikedhorse
racingandMexicanfood.Hewasadrunk.HeservedtimeforburglaryandGTA.He
likedolderwomen.HethreatenedtokillMrs.Ramseyand"spitinherblood."He
drovea'54Chevytwodoor.HislastknownplaceofemploymentwastheFive
PointsBowlingAlleyinElMonte.Hewasshackedupwitha19yearoldgirl

213
namedJoanBaker.ShewaitressedatHappy'sCafe.Mrs.Ramseywaitressedat
Jack'sBarinMontereyPark.
ClaudeEverleyquestionedJamesOrvilleRamsey.Thetipwasvindictive
bulishit.
TheL.A.papersranthecarphotoonThursdayI/29/59.Theyranasidebar
piecerequestinginformationandlistedtheSheriff'sHomicidephonenumber.The
Longcasewassixdaysold.Itwasgoingabsolutelynowhere.
AndreandEverleycanvassedthetrackagain.Acoffeecountergirlsaidshe
sawBobbieLonglastweek.Shepushedtothefrontofherline.Shewasquite
rude.
Anothercoffeegirltoldthesamestory.Bobbiepushedtothefrontofher
line.Shewasrude.Sherefusedtowaitinlinelikeeverybodyelse.
AcashiersaidhesawBobbielastweek.Shecashedaticketathiswindow.
She"actedrummy."
AsecurityguardsaidhesawBobbielastThursday.Shewasalone.
AbartendersaidheservedBobbielastweek.Shewas"halfdrunk."
AbusdriversaidhesawawomanresemblingBobbieLonglastweek.Shegot
intoa'53FordwithtwomaleNegroes.Thecarwaspowderblue.Thepassenger
doorsqueaked.

Thelabguysdidsomegoodwork.TheyhungBobbieLong'scoat,blouseand
skirtonpegsandshottheminfullcolor.WardHallinenpickeduptwodozen
printsanddroveouttotheSanGabrielValley.HeleftcopiesattheTemple
CitySheriff'sStation,theSanDimasSheriff'sStationandtheBaldwinPark,
ArcadiaandElMontePDs.Hetalkedtofivedetectivesquadlieutenants.He
askedthemtorunseparatecanvasseswithintheirjurisdictions.Theysaid
they'dtrytosqueezetheworkin.
EthlynManlovecameintotheBureauThursdayafternoon.RayHopkinson
interviewedher.Astenographertranscribedherstatement.
ShesaidBobbieLongliedaboutherage.ShesaidBobbiewasmarried
twice.BobbiemarriedaguyinNewOrleansandaguyinAbilene,Kansas.She
didn'tknowtheirnames.Bobbiehadtwobrothersandasister.Shedidn'tknow
theirnames.ShesaidBobbiehadnoneedforloveorsex.Bobbielovedmoney.
Bobbiewas"verymercenary."

214
HopkinsonaskedMissManloveifBobbiewouldtradesexformoney.Shesaid
shewould.Shesaidaseacaptain"kept"BobbieduringWorldWarII.Hepaidfor
herclothesandapartment.Hesenther$250amonth.
MissManlovesaidBobbiewoulddemand_good_money.She'dwant$25or$5o
athrow.Maybesheputoutforsomeguy.Maybehestiffedher.Bobbiethrewa
fit.Theguykilledhertoshutherupandkeephismoney.
Hopkinsonsaiditwaspossible.

AwomancalledSheriff'sHomicideonFriday1/30/59.Sheidentified
herselfasMrs.K.FLawterandsaidshesawthepictureinthepapers.The
womanwasherformertenantGertrudeHoven.Gertrudeusedtoliveinabuilding
sheowned.
WardHallinencalledMrs.Lawter.ShesaidGertrudeHovenlivedinSan
Francisconow.ThepicturewastakenoutsideherbuildingintheCrenshaw
District.TheOldsmobilebelongedtoMrs.HenryS.Nevala.Shestilllivedin
thebuilding.
HallmencalledMrs.Nevala.Shesaidsherememberedtheincident.Bobbie
Longtookthepicture.Itwascheekybehavior.Bobbieshouldhaveasked
permissionfirst.
TheydiscussedBobbieLong.Mrs.NevalasaidBobbieusedtobetwitha
bookienamedEddieVince.Eddieworkedoutofarestaurantat54thandCrenshaw.
Hediedinacarwrecklastyear.Anotherguytookoverhisbusiness.
TheLongcasewasoneweekold.Itwasalllooseendsandmisinformation.

Theyclearedallthemotelguys.Theycheckedreportsonchokemurders
goingbackfiveyearsandcameupempty.Theyhauledinsomeofthesexfiends
fromtheEllroycaseandleanedonthemagain.Theyleanedon22brandnew
registeredsexoffenders.Theycameupdeadempty.
Othermurdersoccurred.TheBobbieLongcrewdispersed.Theyworkedfresh
casesandsnaggedoccasionalBobbieLongtips.
TheygotatipandidentifiedtheChallengeCreameryguy.HisnamewasTom
Moore.HewasworkingattheChallengeCreamerythenightBobbiegotchoked.
Theygotatipon2/14/59.TwoEastL.A.deputiespoppedaclownnamed
WalterEldonBosch.Hewasholedupinamotelroom.Hewasjackingoffand
makingdirtyphonecalls.Theycheckedhimoutandclearedhimasasuspect.

215
Theygotatipon2/17/59.NorwalkPatrolpoppedaguynamedEugeneThomas
Friese.Twodeputiescaughthimdraggingawomanintoanalley.Hehadarape
jacketdatingbackto1951.HetookapolygraphtestontheBobbieLongcase.
Theexaminercalledtheresult"inconclusive."
Theygotatipon3/29/59.TheTempleCitysquadcalleditin.Awoman
namedEvelynLouiseHagginsaidamannamedWilliamCliffordEpperlykidnapped
her,rapedherandperformedsexperversionsonher.HarryAndreinterviewed
EvelynLouiseHaggin.ShesaidEpperlychokedherunconscious.Herneckwas
unmarked.ShesaidshehadsexwithEpperlytwoorthreetimesbeforeheraped
her.AndretalkedtoEpperly.Epperlysaidhejustservedayearcountytime.He
wasincustodyfrom2/20/58to2/8/59.Andreconfirmedthedatesandcleared
Epperly.
TheyfoundEddieVince'spartnerandclearedhim.TheytracedBobbieLong
backtoNewOrleansandMiamiandgotnoconcreteanswers.TheLongcase
sputteredoutandwentinactive.
Theygotatipon3/15/60.Twocreepskidnappedateenagegirl.They
forcedherintotheirtruckanddroveherouttotheboonies.Theyrapedher,
wentdownonherandforcedhertoblowthem.Theyreleasedher.Shetoldher
parentswhathappened.TheycalledtheSanDimasStation.Thegirltalkedtotwo
squaddetectives.Shedescribedherassailants.Oneoftheguyssoundedlikea
localjerknamedRobertEltonVanGaasbeck.ThedetectivestookthegirlbyVan
Gaasbeck'spad.SheidentifiedVanGaasbeckandhis'59Fordpickup.Van
GaasbecksnitchedoffhispalMaxGaylordStout.
HarryAndregrilledVanGaasbeckandStoutproforma.Heclearedthemon
BobbieLongandJeanEllroy.
Theygotatipon6/29/60.AmaleMexicantriedtorapeawomanata
trailerparkinAzusa.Thevictim'snamewasClarissePearlHeggesvold.
ThemaleMexicanenteredhertrailerandpulledheroutside.Hedragged
herbehindthetrailerandpulledoffherdressandslip.Hestated,"I'mgoing
togetsome."Thevictimstartedyelling.HerneighborSueSepchenkoranover.
ShestartedhittingthemaleMexicanwithabroomhandle.ThemaleMexican
releasedClarissePearlHeggesvoldandrantowardSueSepchenko.ClarissePearl
Heggesvoldpickedupseveralfourbysixmasonryblocksandthrewthematthe
maleMexican'scararedandwhiteBuicktwodoor,licensenumberMAG78o.She
brokethewindshieldandtwosidewindows.ThemaleMexicanrantohiscarand
escaped.SueSepchenkocalledtheSanDimasSheriff'sStation.Shereportedthe

216
incidentandthesuspect'slicensenumber.Patroldeputiestracedthenumberand
arrestedthevehicle'sowner:CharlesAcostaLinares,AKARex.
AlSholundhandledthetip.HegrilledLinaresandclearedhimfast.
Linareswasfatandovertlypsychotic.
Theygotatipon7/27/60.AguynamedRaymondToddLentzbrokeintoa
houseinLaPuentestarknude.HesawDonnaMaeHazletonandRichardLambert
Oleartsasleeponthelivingroomcouch.DonnaMaeandRichardwokeup.Lentz
ranoutside.RichardcalledtheSanDimasStation.PatroldeputiesfoundLentz
andarrestedhim.Lentzsaidhe'dbeendrinkingwithDonnaMae'sexhusband.He
knewDonnaMaewasahotdivorcee.Hethoughthecouldwalkintothehouseand
havesexwithher.Hisownwifewaspregnantandcouldnotgivehim
satisfaction.
ClaudeEverleyinterviewedLentz.Heclearedhiminrecordtime.

AwomanwasstrangledinBaldwinParkinMay'62.Thecasewentunsolved.
Itwasamanualstrangulation.Itlookedlikeaquickiechokeandrunjob.It
didn'tlookliketheJeanEllroyandBobbieLongmurders.
Anattemptrapeoccurredon7/29/62.ThevictimwasnamedMargaretJane
Teisted.TherapeowasnamedJimBossBennett.TheyconnectedattheTorchBar
inGlendora.
BennettandMissTelsteddranksomebeertogether.BennettinvitedMiss
TeistedtohispadinLaPuente.Theydroveoverinhercar.Theyhadabeerin
thekitchen.BennettmaneuveredMissTelstedintothebedroomandthrewherdown
onthebed.Hestated,"Comeonnow,youknowwhatIwant.You'vebeenmarried."
MissTelstedsaid,"Iamnotatramp."Bennettsluggedherinthechestandtore
offherCapripants,blouseandunderpants.Hedisrobedhimselfandexposedhis
privateparts.Hesaidhewantedintercourse.HethrewMissTelsteddownonthe
floor.Heforcedherlegsapartandachievedaminorpenetration.MissTelsted
struggled.Bennettbangedherheadonthefloor.Hefailedtoachieveacomplete
penetration.
MissTelstedranintoabackbedroomandsawamanasleeponthebed.She
rantothekitchen.Bennettstoppedher.Shesaidshe'dsubmittosexifhelet
hergetdressedandmovehercar.Shesaidherexhusbandmightbeoutlurking.
Shewantedtocoverhertracks.
Bennettsaidokay.MissTelstedputherclothesonandwalkedoutside.
Bennettfollowedher.MissTelstedjumpedinhercar.Bennetttriedtograbher.

217
Hisdogranoutofthehouseandgrowledathim.Bennettbackedoff.Thedog
jumpedintothecarandsatdownbesideMissTeisted.MissTelsteddrovetothe
WestCovinaPoliceStationandreportedtheincident.Shetookthedoghomewith
her.
TheWestCovinacopscalledtheSanDimasSheriff'sandrelayedthe
complaint.TwodetectivespoppedJimBossBennett.TheybroughthimtotheSan
DimasStationandgrilledhim.HedisputedMissTelsted'sstory.Hesaidhe
neverreallygotinsideher.Thedetectivesbookedhim.Thedetectiveschecked
himoutrealgood.TheythoughthelookedlikeanoldIdentiKitportrait.They
calledSheriff'sHomicideandgavehimupasamurdersuspect.
WardHallinendroveouttotheSanDimasStation.Hestoodbehindaone
waymirrorandobservedJimBossBennett.Bennettlookedlikethesuspectinthe
JeanEllroymurder.HeranBennettthroughtheDMVandCII.
Hegottwofastreplies.
Bennetthadnoregisteredvehicles.Bennetthadatwopagerapsheet.
Hewas44.HewasborninNorman,Oklahoma.Hehadassaultconvictions
datingbackto1942.Hegotpoppedfordrunkdrivingon3/16/57and7/7/57.
ThesecondbustoccurredinnearbyBaldwinPark.
Bennettwasdrivinga'47Merc.Healmostplowedsixpedestriansoutside
theJubileeBallroom.Apatrolunitchasedhim.Heranhiscaruponadirt
embankment.Hestoppedthecar,stumbledoutofitandalmostfelltothe
ground.Twodeputiesgrabbedhim.Heresistedarrestandwasforcibly
restrained.
Bennettgotpoppedforbatteryon2/22/58.ThebustoccurredattheVFW
HallinnearbyBaldwinPark.
BennettwasdancingwithawomannamedLolaReinhardt.Hestartedyelling
atMissReinhardtfornoapparentreason.Hetoldherhewantedtoleavenow.
MissReinhardtrefusedtoleave.Bennettdraggedheroutsideandshovedherinto
hiscar.
Heslappedherandyelledather.Hesaid,"I'llkillyouoryou'llkill
me."AmannamedLesterKendallapproachedthecar.Bennettwrappedanarm
aroundMissReinhardt'sneckandtriedtochokeher.KendallgrabbedBennett.
MissReinhardtbrokefree.SomeonecalledtheTempleCitySheriff's.Apatrol
unitarrived.AdeputyarrestedJimBossBennett.
Hallinenranapublicutilitiescheck.Heturnedupsixprioraddresses
forJimBossBennett.

218
HelivedinBaldwinPark,ElMonteandLaPuente.Hisemploymentrecord
showedbiggapsbetweenjobs.HeworkedatHallfield'sCeramics.Heworkedat
UnitedElectrodynamics.Hewasalaborerandatractordriverandanelectrical
assembler.HewasmarriedtoawomannamedJessieStewartBennett.Theylived
togetheronandoff.
HallineninterviewedBennett.HenevermentionedBobbieLongorJean
Ellroy.HebroughtuptheVFWcaper.BennettcontradictedLolaReinhardt's
statement.HesaidacrazyguysmashedhiscarwithaCokebottle.Anotherguy
smashedthewindshieldwithhisfist.Bennett'sstorymadenosense.
Hallinendecidedtorunafivemanlineup.
HecalledMargieTrawickandtoldhertostandby.HelocatedLavonne
ChambersinReno,Nevada.Shewasdealingcardsinacasino.Sheagreedtofly
in.HallinentoldhertheSheriff'sDepartmentwouldcoverallherexpenses.
HefoundfourcountyinmateswhoresembledtheIdentiKitportrait.They
agreedtostandinalineup.
Lavonneflewin.HallinenpickedherupanddrovehertotheTempleCity
Station.MargieTrawickarrived.
Fivemenwerestandinginaninterviewroom.JimBossBennettwasstanding
inthe#2position.
MargieandLavonnestoodbehindaonewayglasswall.Theyobservedthe
fivemenseparately.
Margiesaid,"Number2istheimageofhim.FacelookslikethefaceIsaw
thatnight.Hairlooksliketheman's,andhishairlineandfacelooksalittle
thinner.Helooksfamiliar,likethemanIsawthatnight."
LavonnepointedtoMan#2.Shesaid,"Tome,thatisthemanIsawwith
theredheadedwoman."
HallinentalkedtoLavonneandMargieindividually.Heaskedthemifthey
wereabsolutelysure.Theyhedgedandequivocatedandhemmedandhawedandsaid
notabsolutely.
Hallinenthankedthemfortheircandor.Bennettwasagood
suspect/longshothybrid.HelookedliketheIdentiKitportrait.Hedidnotlook
GreekorItalianorinanywayLatin.Helookedlikeskinnywhitetrash.
Theycouldn'tholdhimanylonger.Theycouldn'tfileamurderchargeon
him.Theattemptrapecasewasflimsy.Thecomplainantwasabarfly.Theyhadto
cutJimBossBennettloose.
Theyreleasedhim.Hallinenstilltaggedhimasaviablesuspect.

219
HetalkedtoBennett'swifeandhisknownassociates.TheysaidJimwas
badbutnotawful.HenevertoldthemJimwasasexmurdersuspect.
Hehadnoproof.HehadtwoshakyIDs.HeranBennettinonanassault
charge.Hewantedtosweathimandleanonhim.
Bennettbailedout.Hallinendecidedtodropthewholething.Nuisance
tacticsbackfiredroutinely.Harassmentwasharassment.Hardcoresuspects
deservedit.Bennettmissedthatmark.LavonneandMargieweresolid.Lavonne
andMargieweren'tquitesure.
Itwas9/1/62.TheLongcasestoodinactive.TheEllroycasewasfour
years,twomonthsandtendaysold.

20

TheBobbieLongdigressionstunnedme.Ispentfourdaysalonewiththe
file.
Iputthreecrimescenephotosuponmycorkboard.Iplacedashotof
BobbieLongalivebesideashotofmymother.ItackedupaJimBossBennettmug
shot.IcenteredthecollagearoundthreeshotsofJeanEllroydead.
Theeffectwasmorebluntthanshocking.Iwantedtounderminemymother's
victimhoodandobjectifyherdeath.There'sthebloodonherlips.There'sher
pubichair.There'sthecordandstockingonherneck.
Istaredatthecorkboard.Iboughtanotherboardandplacedthetwo
together.ItackedupalltheLongandEllroycrimesceneshotsincontrasting
order.Imemorizedthepointsofresemblanceandthepointsofdeparture.
TwoligaturesonJean.OneligatureonBobbie.Thepursebythebarbed
wirefence.Theivythicketandthedirtroadbythewaterpumpstation.Thetwo
overcoatsidenticallydiscarded.
Mymotherlookedherageandthensome.BobbieLonglookedyoungerthan
hers.JimBossBennettlookedtoocountrifiedtobetheSwarthyMan.
IstudiedtheLongfile.IstudiedtheEllroyfile.IreadtheLongand
EllroyBlueBooksandallthereportsandnoteslipsinbothfolders.Istared
atmywalldisplay.Iwantedtodeeroticizemymotherandgetusedtoseeingher
dead.Iputthetwocasestogetherandbuiltchronologiesandnarrativelines
fromoddbitsofdata.
Mymotherleftthehousebetween8:00and8:30.ShewasseenattheManger
Bar"between8:00and9:00."Shewasalone.TheMangerBarwasneartheDesert

220
InnandStan'sDriveIn.MymotherandtheSwarthyManarrivedatStan'ssome
timeafter10:00.LavonneChambersservedthem.TheyleftStan's.Theyarrived
attheDesertInnsometimeafter10:30.TheBlondeWomanarrivedwiththem.
MichaelWhittakercrashedtheparty.MargieTrawickobservedthegroup.Sheleft
theDesertInnat11:3o.Mymother,theSwarthyMan,theBlondeandMike
Whittakerwerestillseatedtogether.Mymother,theSwarthyManandtheBlonde
leftaroundmidnight.AwaitressnamedMyrtleMawbysawmymotherandthe
SwarthyManattheDesertInnaround2:00a.m.Theyleft.TheyarrivedatStan's
DriveInaround2:15.LavonneChambersservedthemagain.Theydroveoffaround
2:40.Mymother'sbodywasdiscoveredat10:10a.m.Hercarwasfoundbehindthe
DesertInn.
Thatwasallwitnessverifiedgospel.Thechronologicalgapsformed
theoreticalvacuums.TheBobbieLongchronologywassimple.BobbiewenttoSanta
AnitaRacetrack.HerbodywasfoundinLaPuenteeightmilessoutheast.
Shemetamanatthetrack.Hefedher,fuckedherandkilledher.Itwas
nonwitnessverifiedgospel.Ibelievedit.Stonerbelievedit.Wecouldn't
proveit.Thecopsoperatedonthatpremisebackin'59.Itwasindisputable
today.Mymother'slastnightalivedefiedstrictinterpretation.
Sheleftthehouseinhercar.ShewasattheMangerBaralone.Shemet
theSwarthyMansomewhere.Shedroppedhercaroffsomewhereandgotintohis
car.LavonneChambersservedtheminhiscar.TheyleftStan'sDriveIn.They
wenttotheDesertInn.TheypickeduptheBlondeenroute.Theywentbackto
Stan'sinhiscar.HercarwasfoundbehindtheDesertInn.
ShecouldhavemettheSwarthyManathispad.Shecouldhavemethimata
cocktaillounge.Shecouldhavelefthercarateitherlocation.Theywentto
Stan'sinhiscar.Shecouldhavepickeduphercarrightafter.Hecouldhave
pickeduptheBlonde.ShecouldhavepickeduptheBlonde.Theycouldhavemet
theBlondeoutsidetheDesertInn.TheypartiedattheDesertInn.Theyleft
together.Theycouldhavegonesomewhereasagroup.TheBlondecouldhavegone
offalone.MymotherandtheSwarthyMancouldhavekissedandfondledinhis
carorhercarbehindtheDesertInn.Theycouldhavegonetohispad.They
couldhavekissedandfondledintheDesertInnparkinglotbeforethat2:00
a.m.nightcap.Shecouldhaveturnedoffthesexinhiscarorhercar.She
couldhaveshuthimdownathispad.TheycouldhavegonetotheBlonde'spad.
Shecouldhaveshuthimdownthere.TheywentbacktotheDesertInn.Theycould
havegonebackfromtheBlonde'splaceortheSwarthyMan'splaceoranother
cocktailloungeoranydarkstreetintheSanGabrielValley.Mymothercould

221
havelefthercarattheBlonde'splaceortheSwarthyMan'splace.Shecould
haveleftitateitherlocationduringanyoneofthereconstructivetimegaps
intheevening.TheSwarthyMancouldhaveretrievedthecarafterhekilled
her.HecouldhavedumpeditintheDesertInnparkinglotat3:00or4:00.The
Blondecouldhavedumpedit.Theycouldhaverunatwocarconvoy.Theycould
havesplitthesceneintheBlonde'scarortheSwarthyMan'scar.
It's2:40a.m.MymotherandtheSwarthyMansplitStan'sDriveIn.Her
carisparkedbehindtheDesertInnorparkedsomewhereelse.He'sboredand
sullen.She'shalfdrunkandchatty.TheygotohisplaceortheBlonde'splace
orArroyoHighSchoolor_someplace_.Sheshutshimdownagainorsaysthewrong
thingorlooksathimthewrongwayorenrageshimwithabarelyperceptible
gesture.
Maybeit'srape.Maybeit'ssexbyconsent.MaybeStoner'sreconstruction
wasvalid.MaybemyMOREtheoryhitsomefactualchords.Maybemymotherbalked
atathreewayatsomepointintheevening.MaybetheSwarthyMandecidedto
coercesomesoloaction.MaybeLavonneChambersandMargieTrawickgottheir
timeswrongandfuckedupthemeanstoestablishanykindofaccuratetimeline.
MaybeMyrtleMawbygothertimewrong.MaybemymotherandtheSwarthyManleft
theDesertInnwiththeBlondeanddidnotreturnforthat2:00a.m.nightcap.
Youhadakillerandavictim.Youhadanunidentifiedwoman.Youhadthree
femalewitnessesandadrunkenmalewitness.Youhadasevenhourtimespanand
ageographicallylocalizedseriesofprosaiceventsthatresultedinmurder.You
couldextrapolateofftheestablishedfactsandinterpretthepreludeinan
infinitenumberofways.
ShemighthavemettheSwarthyManandtheBlondethatnight.Shemight
havemetthemonsomeprevioushonkytonkjaunt.Shemighthavemetthem
separately.TheBlondemighthavesetherupwiththeSwarthyMan.TheBlonde
mightbeanoldfriend.TheBlondemighthaveurgedhertomoveouttoElMonte.
TheSwarthyManmightbeanoldloverbackformore.
HemightbeaformerPackardBellorAirtekemployee.Hemightbeanold
barroomflamepassingthrough.HemighthavekilledBobbieLongsevenmonths
afterhekilledmymother.
Therewasnotelephoneat756Maple.Thecopscouldn'tcheckmymother's
tollcalls.ShemighthavecalledtheBlondeortheSwarthyManthateveningor
sometimeinthefourmonthsshelivedinElMonte.EverycalloutsideElMonte
properwouldregisteronherphonebills.TheBlondemighthavelivedinBaldwin
ParkorWestCovina.TheSwarthyManmighthavelivedinTempleCity.Thecops

222
neverfoundmymother'spurse.Thecopsdidn'tfindanaddressbookat756
Maple.Itwasprobablyinmymother'spurse.Shecarriedherpursethatnight.
TheSwarthyMangotridofthepurse.Hisnamemighthavebeenintheaddress
book.TheBlonde'snamemighthavebeeninit.
Itwas1958.Mostpeoplehadtelephones.Mymotherdidn't.Shewashiding
outinElMonte.
Istudiedmymother'sfile.IstudiedtheLongfile.Ipickedupstrange
factsandawrenchingomission.
Mymotherleftanunfinisheddrinkinthekitchen.MaybetheBlondecalled
herupandsuggestedsomefun.Maybeourcrampedlittlehouseclosedinonher
andforcedhertobolt.BobbieLongmighthavebeenaclosetjuicer.Acopfound
twobottlesinherkitchen.Ialwaysthoughtmymotherfoughtthemanwhokilled
her.Ialwaysthoughtthecopsfoundbloodyskinunderhernails.Theautopsy
reportstatednothingofthekind.Itwasmyheroicembellishment.Icastmy
motherasaredheadedtigressandcarriedtheimagefor36years.
JeanandBobbie.BobbieandJean.
Twomurdervictims.Nearidenticalcrimescenesafewmilesapart.A
strongconsensusatSheriff'sHomicide.
Theguysthoughtonemankilledbothwomen.
Stonerleanedthatway.Ileanedthatwaywithonereservation.Ididnot
seetheSwarthyManasaserialkiller.
Iforcedmyselftostandbackfromthejudgment.Iknewmygroundsfor
rejectionwerepartiallyaesthetic.Serialkillersboredmeandvexedme.They
wereareallifestatisticalrarityandamediaplague.Novels,filmsandTV
showscelebratedthemasmonstersandexploitedtheirpotentialtosparksimple
suspenseplots.Serialkillerswereselfcontainedevilunits.Theywereperfect
foilsforclichdcopsontheedge.Mostofthemsufferedhorrificchildhood
trauma.Thedetailsmadeforgoodpoppsychdramaandgavethemacertain
victimizedpanache.Serialkillerswerehoppedupeyeballfuckersandravaged
innerchildren.Theywerescaryinthemomentandasdismissibleasanemptybox
ofpopcorn.Theirhyperbolicdrivessuckedinreadersandviewersanddistanced
themwithintheirownghoulishrapture.Serialkillerswereveryunprosaic.They
werehip,slickandcool.TheytalkedwildNietzscheanrebop.Theyweresexier
thantheonetwistedfuckwhokilledtwowomenoutoflustandpanicand
perfectlyappliedpressureonatwotimeonlytrigger.

223
Icashedinonserialkillersmyself.Iconsciouslyrejectedthemthree
novelsback.Theyweregoodbackgroundfodder.Theyweresillyliteraryshit
fromanyotherstandpoint.Ididn'tthinkaserialkillerkilledmymotherand
BobbieLong.Iwasn'tsurethesamemanoffedbothwomen.TheSwarthyManwas
outinpublicwiththeBlondeandmymother.Hisrageseemedtoescalateasthe
nightworeon.HeknewArroyoHighSchool.HeprobablylivedintheSanGabriel
Valley.Calculatingpsychopathsdon'tshitwheretheyeat.
TheBlondeknewtheSwarthyMan.Sheknewhekilledmymother.Heprobably
coercedherintosilence.BobbieLongwasnottheBlonde.BobbieLongwasjusta
lowrentvictimwaitingtohappen.
Shewascheapandavaricious.Shewaswillful.Shehadabadhistorywith
menandreveledinherpettytriumphsoverthemalegender.Shehadabad
fuckingmouth.
MaybeshemettheSwarthyManatthetrack.Hekilledthatgoddamnnurse
lastyearandhiswigwasstillabitloose.HetookBobbiesomeplacefor
dinner.Heluredherbacktohiscribandpromotedsomepussy.Bobbiedemanded
payment.Hebalked.Hiswigblewalltheway.
Maybehelearnedfromtheredhead.Maybesheflippedhisswitch
irrevocably.Maybeshedrovehimoutoftheclosetandshowedhimthatrapeand
consensualsexwereincompletewithoutstrangulation.Maybehebecameaserial
killer.
MaybeJeanandBobbieflippedhisswitchthesameway.Maybehekilled
thosetwowomenandcrawledbackintosomepsychicblackhole.Stocking
strangulationwasacommonMO.TheSwarthyManchokedmymotherwithasashcord
andastocking.BobbieLongwaskilledwithasingleligature.
Maybetheywerekilledbytwodifferentmen.
Isteppedbackfromtheissue.Stonerwarnedmenottolockintoanygiven
theoryorhypotheticalreconstruction.
Ispentfourdaysalonewiththefiles.Ilockedmyselfupandfocusedon
thereportsandnoteslipsandthepicturesonmycorkboards.Stonerhad
duplicatecopiesoftheLongandEliroyBlueBooks.Wecalledeachotherthree
orfourtimesadayanddiscussedpointsofevidenceandgeneralcaselogic.We
agreedthatJimBossBennettwasnottheSwarthyMan.Hewastooboozeaddled
andrecognizablyfuckeduptoseducewomenoverthecourseofalongeveningor
dayatthetrack.JimBossBennettwasastonejuicehead.Hechasedovertly
alcoholicwomen.Hefoundtheminrockbottomvenues.TheDesertInnwasupscale
byhisstandards.HewenttobeerandwinebarsthatservedEastsideOldTap

224
LagerandTBirdontherocks.Stonersaidhewasprobablyalongtimedate
raper.Hedidn'tpenetrateMargaretTelsted.Heprobablypenetratedadozen
otherwomen.Heprobablyblewafewrapesfromalcoholicimpotenceandpoor
strategicplanning.Mymotherlikedcheapmen.Shepossessedegalitarian
standards.JimBossBennettwastooraggedyassedandpatheticforher.Shedug
muskymalelowlife.JimBossBennettranlowonmuskandhighonbodyodor.He
wasn'thertype.
Wediscussedthetwowomenwhosnitchedofftheirexhusbands.Woman#1was
namedMarianPoirier.HerpussyhoundexwasnamedAlbert.Heallegedlyhad
affairswithJeanEllroyandtwootherwomenatPackardBellElectronics.
Mrs.Poirieradmittedthatshehadnoevidence.Shesaidherhusbandknew
twoothermurderedwomen.Shesaiditwas"toomuchofacoincidence."She
didn'tnamethedeadwomen.JackLawtonwroteheraletterandaskedhertoname
them.Mrs.PoirierwrotebackandignoredLawton'squestion.Stonerwrotethe
womanoff.Hesaidshesoundedlikeaborderlinefruitcake.

Woman#2wasnamedShirleyAnnMiller.HerexwasnamedWillLenard
Miller.WillallegedlykilledJeanEllroy.Willallegedlybabbled,"Ishouldn't
havekilledher!"inhissleeponenight.Willallegedlypaintedhistwotone
Buickafewdaysafterthesnuff.Willallegedlytorchedafurniturewarehouse
in1968.
IfoundastackofnotesonWillLenardMiller.Mostofthemweredated
1970.IsawCharlieGuenther'snameahalfdozentimes.

GuentherwasStoner'soldpartner.Billsaidhewaslivingupnear
Sacramento.HesaidweshouldflyupandruntheMillerstuffbyhim.
WediscussedBobbieLongandmymother.Wetriedtoplumbathroughline
toconnecttheminlife.
Theyworkedafewmilesfromeachother.Theyfledbadmarriages.They
weresecretiveandselfsufficient.Theywereremoteandsuperficiallyoutgoing.
Mymotherwasadrunk.Bobbiegambledcompulsively.Gamblingboredmy
mother.SexleftBobbiecold.
Theynevermetinlife.Allourthroughlinesreadlikespeculative
fiction.

225
IspentsometimewithBobbie.Iturnedoffthelivingroomlightsand
stretchedoutonthecouchwithpicturesofherandmymother.Iwasclosetoa
wallswitch.IcouldthinkinthedarkandtapthelightstolookatBobbieand
Jean.
IresentedBobbie.Ididn'twanthertodistractmefrommymother.Iheld
mymother'spicturetokeepBobbieinherplace.Bobbiewasatangentialvictim.
Bobbiestormstothefrontofthecoffeeline.Bobbiegamblesherselfinto
debtandragsafriendforplayingcards.Gamblingwasachickenshitobsession.
Thebigthrillwastheriskofselfannihilationandtheshotattranscendence
throughmoney.Sexobsessionwaslovesixtimesorsixthousandtimesremoved.
Bothcompulsionsmortified.Bothcompulsionsdestroyed.Gamblingwasalways
aboutselfabnegationandmoney.Sexwasastupidglandulardispositionand
sometimestheroutetobigbadlove.
JeanandBobbieweresadandlonely.JeanandBobbiewereuponthesame
highledge.Youcouldsiftthroughallthedisparatebitsofdataintheirfiles
andsaythattheywerethesamewoman.
Ididn'tbelieveit.Bobbiewaslookingtoscore.Jeanwaslookingtohide
andgetoutofherselfandmaybegiveherselfupforsomethingweirdornewor
better.
BobbieLongwasnotourrealfocus.Shewasapossibleorprobablerelated
murdervictimandapossibleorprobableleadontheSwarthyMan'sdeteriorating
psyche.TherewerenoLongcaseeyewitnesses.Bobbie'sfriendsweremid5oish
in1959andwereprobablyalldeadnow.TheSwarthyManwasprobablydead.He
wasprobablyahardlivingbarhabitu.Heprobablysmoked.Heprobablydrank
whiskyorpuregrainspirits.Hemighthavebelliedupfromcancerin1982.He
mightbehookeduptoanoxygenmaskinscenicLaPuente.
IsatinthedarkandheldthetwoIdentiKitportraits.Iturnedonthe
lightsandlookedatthemonceinawhile.IviolatedStoner'sruleand
reconstructedtheSwarthyMan.
Billsawhimasasmoothtalkingsalesman.Isawhimasaslickblue
collarguy.Hedidoddjobsforextramoney.Heworkedweekendgigsoutofhis
beatup'55or'56Olds.Hecarriedatoolboxinthebackseat.Itcontaineda
lengthofsashcord.
Hewas38or39.Helikedwomenolderthanhim.Theyknewthescoreonone
handandfellforcheapromanceontheother.Hehatedthemasmuchasheliked
them.Heneveraskedhimselfwhythiswasso.

226
Hemetwomeninbarsandnightclubs.Hebeatafewwomenupoverthe
years.Theysaidthingsordidthingsthatgotunderhisskin.Hetookafew
womenthehardway.Hecameonscaryandconvincedthemtogiveitupbeforehe
tookitbyforce.Hewasfastidious.Hewascautious.Hecouldturnonthe
charm.
HelivedintheSanGabrielValley.Helikedthenightspots.Helikedthe
constructionboomscopeoftheplace.Hedaydreamedalot.Hethoughtabout
hurtingwomen.Heneveraskedhimselfwhyhewasthinkingsuchflatoutcrazy
shit.
HekilledthatnurseinJune'58.TheBlondekepthermouthshut.Helived
scaredforsixweeks,sixmonthsorayear.Hisfearfizzledout.Hechased
womenandfuckedwomenandbeatupwomenonceinabluemoon.
Heaged.Hissexdriveabated.Hequitchasing,fuckingandbeatingup
women.Hethoughtaboutthatnursehekilledwaybackwhen.Hefeltnoremorse.
Heneverkilledanotherwoman.Hewasn'taragingpsycho.Thingsneverspunout
ofcontrolliketheydidthatnightwiththenurse.
Or:
HepickedupBobbieLongatSantaAnita.Thenursewassevenmonthsdead.
Hepickedupafewwomeninthemeantime.Hedidn'thurtthem.Hefiguredthe
nursewassomefreakaccident.

HescrewedBobbieLong.Shesaidsomethingordidsomething.Hethrottled
heranddumpedherbody.Helivedscaredforalongflickingtime.Hewasafraid
ofthecopsandthegaschamberandafraidofhimself.Helivedwiththefear.
Hegrewoldwithit.Heneverkilledanotherwoman.
IcalledStonerandpitchedmyreconstructions.Hefoundthefirstone
plausibleanddismissedthesecondone.Hesaidyoudon'tkilltwowomenand
juststopthere.Idisagreed.ItoldBillhewasundulytiedtocopempiricism.
IsaidtheSanGabrielValleywasthisdeusexmachina.Thepeoplewhoflocked
thereflockedthereforunconsciousreasonsthatsupersededtheconscious
applicationoflogicandmadeanythingpossible.Theregiondefinedthecrime.
Theregionwasthecrime.Youhadtwosexkillingsandoneortwosexkillers
eschewingstandardsexkillerbehavior.Theregionexplaineditall.The
unconsciousSanGabrielValleymigrationexplainedeveryabsurdandmurderous
actthatwentdownthere.Ourjobwastopinpointthreepeoplewithinthat
migration.

227
Billlistenedtomypitchandgotspecific.Hesaidweneededtocombmy
mother'sfileandstartlookingforoldwitnesses.WehadtorunDMVchecksand
criminalrecordschecks.Wehadtoevaluatethe1958investigation.Wehadto
tracemymother'sstepsfromhercradletohergrave.Homicidejobsveeredoff
inweirddirectionsmostofthetime.Wehadtostayontopofourinformation
andalwaysstandreadytojump.
IsaidIwasreadynow.
Billtoldmetoturnoffthelightsandgobacktowork.

21

WardHallinenwas83.Isawhimandrememberedhimimmediately.
HegavemeacandybarattheElMonteStation.Healwayssattotheleft
ofhispartner.Myfatheradmiredhissuits.
Hisblueeyestookmeback.Irememberedhiseyesandnothingelseabout
him.Hewasfrailnow.Hisskinwascoveredwithredandpinklesions.Hewas46
or47in1958.
Hemetusoutsidehishouse.Itwasafauxranchjobenclosedbyshade
trees.Anicestretchoflandadjoinedit.Isawabarnandtwohorsesgrazing.
Stonerintroducedme.Weshookhands.Isaidsomethinglike,"Howareyou,
Mr.Hallinen?"Mymemorywasrunningatwarpspeed.Iwantedtoignitehis
memory.Stonersaidhemightbesenile.HemightnotremembertheJeanEllroy
case.
Wewalkedinsideandsatdowninthekitchen.Stonerplacedourfileona
freechair.IlookedatHallinen.Helookedatme.Imentionedthecandybar
moment.Hesaidhedidn'trecallit.
Heapologizedforhisbadmemory.Stonermadeacrackabouthisown
advancedageandfailingfaculties.Hallinenaskedhimhowoldhewas.Bill
said,"Fiftyfour."Hallinenlaughedandslappedhisknees.
StonermentionedsomeoldSheriff'sHomicidemen.HallinensaidJack
Lawton,HarryAndreandClaudeEverleyweredead.BlackieMcGowanwasdead.
CaptainEtzelandRayHopkinsonweredead.NedLovretovichwasstillupand
about.Heretiredalongtimeagohimself.Hewasn'tsureofthedate.Hedid
someprivatesecurityworkandstartedbreedingracehorses.He'dnotchedalot
ofpensiontime.He'dmilkedL.A.Countyforanicepieceofchange.

228
Stonerlaughed.Ilaughed.Hallinen'swifewalkedin.StonerandIstood
up.FrancesTraegerHallinentoldustositdown.
Shelookedfitandalert.ShewasoldSheriffTraeger'sdaughter.Shesat
downandtossedoutsomenames.
Stonertossedoutsomenames.Hallinentossedoutafew.Thenamessparked
littlestories.Itookalittlecopnostalgiatour.
Irecognizedafewnames.AhundreddeputiesdroppednotesintheEllroy
andLongfiles.ItriedtopictureJimWahikeandBlackieMcGowan.
FrancesHallinenbroughtuptheFinchTregoffcase.IsaidIfollowedit
asayoungster.WardHallinensaiditwashisbiggestcaseever.Imentioneda
fewdetails.Hedidn'trecallthem.
FrancesHallinenexcusedherselfandwalkedoutside.Billopenedupthe
file.IpointedtothehorsesoutsideandseguedtotheBobbieLongcaseand
SantaAnita.Hallinenshuthiseyes.Isawhimfightingtobringitallback.He
saidherememberedgoingouttothetrack.Hecouldn'tdredgeupanythingmore
specific.
BillshowedhimtheArroyoHighphotos.Iranaconcurrentcrimescene
narration.Hallinenstaredatthepictures.Hescreweduphisfaceandfought.
Hesaidhe_thought_herememberedthecase.Hesaidhe_thought_hehadavery
goodsuspect.
ImentionedJimBossBennettandthe'62lineup.Billgotoutastackof
JimBossBennettmugshots.Hallinensaidhedidn'trecallthelineup.Hestared
atthemugshotsforagoodthreeminutes.
Hisfacecontorted.Heheldthepicturesandclampedonehanddownonthe
kitchentable.Hedughisfeetintothefloor.Hewasfightinghisincapacity
fullbore.
Hesmiledandsaidhecouldn'tplacetheman.BillhandedhimtheEllroy
BlueBookandaskedhimtoflipthroughthereports.
Hallinenreadthedeadbodyreportandtheautopsyreport.Hereadthe
transcribedwitnessstatements.Hereadslowly.Hesaidherememberedafew
othercasesheworkedwithJackLawton.Hesaidthestenographer'snamewas
familiar.HesaidherememberedtheoldElMontepolicechief.
Hestaredatthecrimescenephotos.Hesaidheknewhewasthere.Hegave
mealookthatsaid,That'syourmotherhowcanyoulookatthesepictures?
Billaskedhimifhekepthisoldcasenotebooks.Hallinensaidhetossed
themoutafewyearsago.Hesaidhewassorry.Hewantedtohelp.Hismind
wouldn'tlethim.

229
IgaveBillthecutoffsign.Wepackedupthefileandsaidourgoodbyes.
Hallinenapologizedagain.Ilaidoutatimegetsusallrap.Itsounded
patronizing.
Hallinensaidhewassorryhedidn'tnailthebastard.Isaidhewasup
againstaverycunningvictim.Ithankedhimforhishardworkandkindness.

BillandIdrovebacktoOrangeCounty.Wediscussedourfutureplansall
theway.Billsaidwe'dbefightingafailedmemoryonslaught.We'dbetalking
topeoplewhoweremiddleagedin1958.We'dbesiftingthroughmemorygapsand
chronologicallyskewedrecollections.Oldpeopleconcoctedthingsunconsciously.
Theywantedtopleaseandimpress.Theywantedtoprovetheirmentalsolvency.
ImentionedHallinen'snotebooks.Billsaidourfilewasshorton
supplementalreports.HallinenandLawtonworkedthecaseallsummer.They
probablyfilledupsixnotebooks.Wehadtoreconstructtheirinitial
investigation.TheycouldhaveinterviewedtheSwarthyManandneversnappedto
himasasuspect.IaskedBillifJackLawtonwasmarried.Billsaidhewas.Two
ofhissonsworkedasdeputiesforawhile.Jackusedtoworkwithhisold
partnerBillyFarrington.BillywouldknowifJack'swifewasstillalive.He
couldcontactherandseeifshekeptJack'snotebooks.
Icalledthenotebooksalongshot.Billagreed.Isaiditallcameback
totheBlonde.SheknewtheSwarthyMan.SheknewhekilledJeanEllroy.She
nevercameforward.Shewasafraidofreprisalsorshehadsomethingtohide.I
saidsheprobablyshothermouthoffanyway.Shetoldpeoplewhathappened.She
braggedaboutherclosenesstomurderorphrasedthestoryasacautionary
lesson.Timepassed.Herfearabated.Shetoldpeople.Twopeopleorsixpeople
oradozenpeopleknewthestoryorelementsofthestory.
Billsaidwehadtotakeourcasepublic.IsaidtheBlondetoldpeople
whotoldpeoplewhotoldpeople.BillsaidIwastheflickingpublicity
scroungersupreme.Isaidweshouldinstallatollfreetiplineatmypad.Bill
saidhe'dcallthephonecompanyandsetitup.
WediscussedtheLongcase.BillsaidwehadtocalltheCoroner'sOffice
andseeiftheykeptthesemensamplestheytookfromBobbieLongandmymother.
HeknewalabthatranDNAtestsfor$2,000.Theycouldconclusivelydetermine
ifBobbieLongandmymotherhadsexwiththesameman.

230
IaskedBilltoprioritizetheLongcase.Hesaiditratedlow.Arandom
pickupkilledBobbieLong.Mymotherprobably_knew_theBlondeandtheSwarthy
Man.Sheprobablyknewatleastoneofthem_before_thatnight.
ImentionedtheSwarthyMan'scarandtheIBMpunchcardsinthefile.It
lookedlikethecopsonlycheckedcarregistrationsfortheSanGabrielValley.
LavonneChamberspinpointedaor'56Olds.Ifiguredthecopswouldcheck
registrationsforthewholefuckingstate.Billsaidthepunchcardrunwas
confusing.Homicidejobswerefullofweirdinconsistencies.
IsaiditallcamebacktotheBlonde.Billsaid,"Cherchezlafemme."

WeflewuptoSacramentothenextmorning.Weflewupbehindsomebad
news.
BillcalledtheCoroner'sOffice.Theysaidtheytossedoursemenslides.
Theytossedoutoldevidenceroutinely.Theyneededspacetostorenewevidence.
WerentedacaranddrovetoCharlieGuenther'shouse.Billcalled
Guentherlastnightandtoldhimwewerecoming.Heaskedhimsomepreliminary
questions.Guenthersaidthecasewasvaguelyfamiliar.Hesaidthefilemight
revivehismemory.
Webroughtthefile.Ibrought50potentialquestions.
Guentherwasfriendly.Hecameacross65goingon40.Helookedgood.He
hadgraywhitehairandblueeyeslikeWardHallinen.HerananO.J.Simpson
hateriffinplaceofstandardhellos.Hejumpedtoourcasefast.
Billranthekeypointsbyhim.Guenthersaidheremembereditnow.Hegot
calledinwithhispartnerDuaneRasure.Somewomansnitchedoffherexhusband.
Theycheckedtheguyout.Theydidn'tconfirmorrefutehisguilt.
Wesatdownatacoffeetable.IemptiedtheWillLenardMillerenvelope.
ItcontainedthreephotographsofWillLenardMiller;reportsfromtheOrange
CountySheriff'sDepartment;copiesofWillLenardMiller's1957,1958and1959
incometaxreturns;incometaxwithholdingstatementsfrom1957,1958and1959;
afinancecompanybilldated5/17/65;anOrangeCountySheriff'sDepartmentto
ElMontePDteletypedated9/4/70;ahouseescrowagreementsignedbyWilland
ShirleyMillerdated1/9/57;aninvestigatorychecklistinCharlieGuenther's
handwriting;anotesheetdetailingWillLenardMiller'scriminalrecordwith
twobadcheckchargesin'67and'69andacreditcardforgeryin'70;a
lawyer'sletterdated11/3/64detailingallegedinjuriesthatWillLenard
MillersufferedwhileworkingattheC.K.AdamsMachineShopon3/26/62;an

231
OrangeCountyMunicipalCourtProbationOrderdated11/22/67;andapolygraph
reportonWillLenardMillerdated9/15/70.
Welookedatthepaperwork.Weputtheincometaxformsaside.Welooked
atthepicturesofWillLenardMiller.
Hewasdarkhairedandheavyset.Hehadbluntfacialcharacteristics.He
didnotlookliketheSwarthyMan.
Guentherexaminedhischecklist.Hesaidthenotationspertainedto
standardprocedure.Healwaysdidthesamethingwhenhepickedupoldcases.
Nothingjukedhismemory.Thelistwasjustapersonalreminder.
Wereadthelawyer'sletter.ItitemizedWillLenardMiller'sworkplace
grievances.
Millertookaspillandfuckeduphisleftknee.Hestartedhavingdizzy
spellsandblackouts.Hefelldownandfuckeduphishead.Hisphysicalinjuries
fuckeduphispsychologicalbalance.
ImentionedaBlueBookreport.ShirleyMillersaidmymotherrefusedto
processaninjuryclaimherhusbandsubmitted.Shesaiditsenthim"offthe
deepend."
GuenthersaidMillerwasagoddamncrybaby.Billsaidhesuredidn'tlook
Latin.
Wecheckedouttheprobationorder.WillLenardMillerbouncedafew
checks.Hegota$25fineandtwoyearsprobation.Hehadtomakerestitution.
Hehadtoseeafinancialcounselor.Hehadtogetpermissiontomakepurchases
above$50.
Weallagreed.
WillLenardMillerwasonesorrysackofshit.
Wecheckedhistaxstatements.Theyconfirmedourappraisal.
WillLenardMillerwentthroughjobsquick.Heworkedatninedifferent
machineshopsinthreecalendaryears.
WereadtheOrangeCountySheriff'sreports.Weputthebasicstoryin
perspective.
ItwaslateAugust'70.TheOrangeCountycopswentlookingforWill
LenardMiller.Theywantedtopophimonaprobationwarrant.DeputyJ.A.
SidebothamtalkedtoShirleyAnnMiller.ShesaidshebrokeupwithWillLenard
Milleroneyearago.Shesaidheburneddownafurniturewarehousein1968.She
saidhemurderedanursenamedJeanHillikerin1958.
JeanworkedatAirtekDynamics.SheusedtodateWillLenardMiller.She
rejectedamedicalclaimthatWillLenardMillersubmitted.ThisenragedWill

232
LenardMiller.JeanHillikerwasmurderedtwoweekslater.ShirleyMillerread
aboutit.WillLenardMillerlookedlikeapictureofthesuspect.Thepapers
saidthesuspectdroveaBuick.WillLenardMillerdrovea'52or'53Buick.He
painteditafewdaysafterthemurder.TheMcMahonFurnitureCompany
repossessedsomefurniturethatWillLenardMillerbought.Somebodytorched
theirwarehouseafewweekslater.ShirleyMillerreadaboutit.Sheshowedthe
articletoWillLenardMiller.WillLenardMillersaid,"Ididit."WillLenard
Millerwasmentallyillanda"psycho."
SidebothamcalledtheElMontePD.TheytoldhimJeanHillikerwasJean
HillikerEliroy.TheL.A.Sheriff'shandledthecase.TheElMontePDassisted.
SidebothamarrestedWillLenardMiller.Hebookedhimontheprobation
warrantandlockedhimdownintheOrangeCountyJail.TheElMontePDcontacted
Sheriff'sHomicide.DeputyCharlieGuentherandSergeantDuaneRasureweretold
toreopentheJeanEllroycase.
GuentherandRasureinterviewedShirleyAnnMiller.Shetoldthemthesame
storyshetoldDeputySidebotham.GuentherandRasureinterviewedseveralAirtek
people.TheElMontePDassignedtwocopstoassistthem.SergeantMarvMartin
andDetectiveD.A.NessinterviewedmoreAirtekpeople.GuentherandRasureand
MartinandNessinterviewedWillLenardMiller.WillLenardMillersaidhedid
notkillJeanHilliker.WillLenardMillertookapolygraphtestandpassedit.
Guenthersaiditwasallcomingback.HerememberedWillLenardMiller.
TheygrilledhimattheOrangeCountyJail.Hewaspoppingpillsforsomekind
ofheartcondition.Helookedlikeshit.TheywantedtotakehimuptoL.A.for
hispolygraphtest.TheDArefusedtoreleasehim.Guenthersaidhedidn'ttrust
theOrangeCountypolygrapher.Hesaidhethoughtthetestcameback
inconclusive.
Wecheckedthepolygraphtranscript.

RE:_WILLLENARDMILLER_
Allegation: InvolvementinDeathofJEANELLROYDuringJune,1958,ElMonte.

Subject: PolygraphExaminationofWILLLENARDMILLER

By: FREDERICKC.MARTIN,PolygraphExaminerDistrictAttorney'sOffice

_September15,1970_

233
DuringpretestinterviewafterdiscussingwithMILLERthecircumstances
surroundingthedemiseofJEANELLROY,andaftershowinghimapicture
consistingoffourmalesandfourfemalesgroupedaroundatable,hestatedhe
didnotrecognizeanyofthepersonsinthepictureespeciallythatofELLROY.
Inadditionhestatedhehadneverpersonallymetorseenherinhislife.He
statedhewasfamiliarwithheronlybecausehiswifeworkedattheplantwhere
ELLROYwasanurse,andthatELLROYwoulddispensemedicationtohiswife.He
statedinconversationsbetweenhimandhiswifehebecameawareofthis,as
wellasobservinghernameonthemedicationbottle.
Aseriesofphysicalandpsychologicaltestpatternswasconductedon
MILLER,anditwasdeterminedfromtheseteststhatMILLERwasacapablesubject
forexamination.
Thefollowingrelevantquestions,andverbalanswersthereto,were
utilizedduringtheexamination:
1. DidyouevermeetinpersonanyofthefemalesinthepictureIhave
shownyou?ANSWER:No.
2. DidyoukillJEANELLROYduringJune,1958?
ANSWER: No.
3. DidyoudisposeofJEANELLROY'sbodyinafieldinElMonteduring
June,1958?ANSWER:No.
4. DidyoushootJEANELLROYtodeath?ANSWER:No.Therewereno
reactionsindicativeofdeceptionshowntoanyoftheaboverelevantquestions.
QuestionNo.4isacontrolquestionnosuchactoccurringoralleged.
FREDERICKC.MARTIN,PolygraphExaminerDistrictAttorney'sOffice

pc
Dictated91670

Billsaiditlookedlikeanincompletetest.GuenthersaidMillerwas
neverahardsuspect.IsaidShirleyMillergotherfactswrong.
SheworkedatAirtek.WillLenarddidn't.Therewerenotaxstatements
fromAirtek.MymotherdroveaBuick.TheSwarthyMandidn't.Miller'spaintjob
meantnothing.
Billsaidhe'dcallDuaneRasureandthetwoElMontecops.Theymight
havemoreinformation.GuenthersaidwehadtofindtheBlonde.Wewerestone
fuckedwithouther.

234
WeflewbacktoOrangeCounty.Billcalledmethenextmorning.
Hesaidhe'dtalkedtoRasureandtheElMontecops.Rasurerememberedthe
case.HesaidhetalkedtofourorfiveAirtekemployees.ThepeoplesaidWill
LenardMillerworkedatAirtekforreal.Theycouldn'tconnecthimtoJean
Ellroyinanycontext.RasurecalledtheMillerdealawashout.
MaryMartinrememberedthecase.HesaidhediscusseditwithWard
Hallinenbackinthat'70timeframe.WardcameouttotheElMonteStation.
TheytalkedaboutWillLenardMiller.HallinendidnotknowthatMillerexisted.
Martinthrewoutonebomb.HesaidhethoughtWillLenardMillerhunghimselfin
hiscellrightaftertheyquestionedhim.D.A.NesssaidMarvhaditallwrong.
HesaidMillerhadaheartattackanddiedinhiscell.
Thesuiciderumorshockedme.Billsaidhedidn'tbelieveit.Somebody
wouldhavedroppedanoteinmymother'sfile.HesaidhejustcalledLouie
DanoffattheBureau.Louiesaidhe'dcalltheOrangeCountySheriff's.Police
agencieskeptfilesontheirincustodydeaths.
IcalledWillLenardMilleranintergalacticlongshot.BillsaidIwas
beingoptimistic.HesaidweshouldgototheBureauandrunsomewitnesses.

Ibroughtalist.Billshowedmethreecomputerterminals.
OnefedintotheCaliforniaStateDepartmentofJustice.Itsupplied
personalstatistics,aliasesandCIInumbersindicatingcriminalrecords.One
fedintotheCaliforniaStateDMVItsupplieddrivingrecords,personal
statistics,previousaddressesandyoursubject'scurrentaddress.The"reverse
book"computerstoredstatisticsfromeightwesternstates.Youfedinyour
subject'sname.Yougotanaddressandphonenumberback.
ImetLouieDanoffandJohnYarbrough.TheywereworkingtheUnsolved
Unit.DanoffsaidWillLenardMillerdidnotkillhimselfintheOrangeCounty
Jail.HejusttalkedtohisOrangeCountycontact.Themancheckedaroundand
saidnogo.BillaskedYarbroughtotraceLavonneChambers.Shewas29in1958.
ShewasemployedbyaNevadacasinoin1962.
Icheckedmywitnesslist.
Mr.andMrs.GeorgeKrycki,MargieTrawick,JimBossBennett,Michael
Whittaker,ShirleyMiller,WillLenardMiller,PeterTubiolo.MargieTrawick's

235
DOBwas6/14/22.JimBossBennett'sDOBwas12/17/17.MichaelWhittakerwas24
in1958.Iknewtheagestatswouldnarrowdownoursearch.
BillrantheKryckisfirst.HegotnohitontheDMVandStateDOJ.Hegot
areversebookhit.GeorgeandAnnaMayKryckilivedinKanab,Utah.The
computerprintedouttheiraddressandphonenumber.
BillranJimBossBennett.HegotaStateDOJhit.Theprintoutstated
thatJimBossBennett'sCIIrecordwaspurged.BillsaidJimBossBennettwas
probablydead.TheDOJwipeddeadpeopleoutoftheirmaincomputer.Hewanted
toconfirmBennett'sdeath.HesaidheknewaguywhocouldcheckSocial
Securityrecords.
WeranPeterTubiolo.WegotaDMVhit.Tubiolowas72now.Helivedin
Covina.
WeranShirleyMiller.WegotaDMVhit.Heraddressmatchedanaddressin
theWillLenardMillerfile.Anasteriskandtheword"deceased"wereprinted
belowit.
WeranWillLenardMiller.WegotaDOJhitandapurgelisting.Billsaid
thefuckerwasdead.
WeranMargieTrawick.Wegotthreenegativehits.Irememberedthat
Margiewasmarriedanddivorcedorwidowed.HermaidennamewasPhillips.Bill
ranMargiePhillipsandourestablishedDOB.HegotnoDM\/andDOJhits.The
reversebooksuppliedalongprintout.MargiePhillipswasacommonname.
WeranMichaelWhittaker.WegotaDMVhitandaDOJhitforaMichaelJohn
Whittaker.Wegota1986addressinSanFrancisco.TheDOJprintoutlistedaCII
numberanda1/1/34dateofbirth.
IopenedupmybriefcaseandcheckedtheEllroyBlueBook.Whittaker's
middlenamewasJohn.
BillwrotedowntheCIInumberandgaveittoaclerk.Shesaidshe'd
orderacopyofWhittaker'srapsheetandhiscurrentaddressstatistics.
JohnYarbroughwalkedup.HehandedBillamemoslip.Hesaidhecalleda
guyontheVegasPD.TheguycalledaguyontheNevadaGamingCommission.They
foundLavonneChambers'casinoemploymentrecord.TheycalledtheNevadaState
DMVandgotthewholeballofwax.
LavonneChamberswasnowLavonneParga.Shejustrenewedherdriver's
license.ShelivedinReno,Nevada.

22

236
BillwantedtohitLavonneChambersclean.Hedidn'twanttocalland
requestaninterview.Hewantedtohitherbeforeshehadtimetothinkand
formulateanswers.
WeflewtoReno.WegottworoomsataBestWestern.Thedeskclerkgave
usamap.WerentedacaranddrovetoLavonneChambers'lastknownaddress.
ItwasoutsideRenoproper.Theareawassemiruralandsemirundown.
Everybodyhadatruckorafourwheeldrivecamper.Thevehicleslookedgood.
Thehouseslookedbad.
WeknockedonLavonneChambers'door.Amanopenedup.Billbadgedhimand
explainedoursituation.ThemansaidLavonnewashismother.Shewasatthe
WashoeCountyMedicalCenter.Shehadthesebadasthmaattacks.
Themanrememberedthemurder.Hewasjustatoddlerthen.Hesaidhe'd
callhismotherandprepareher.
Hegaveusdirectionstothehospital.Wegotthereinsidetenminutes.A
nursewalkedustoLavonneChambers'room.
Shewassittingupinbed.Shehadanoxygentubeinhernose.Shedidn't
looksick.Shelookedtoughandsturdy.
Shelookedastonished.
BillandIintroducedourselves.Billstatedhispoliceaffiliation.I
saidIwasJeanEllroy'sson.LavonneChambersstaredatme.Ishaved36years
offofherandputherinaredandgoldStan'sDriveInoutfit.Ifeltalittle
shaky.Itookachairuninvited.
Billsatdownbesideme.Thebedwasafewfeetinfrontofus.Igotout
anotepadandpen.Lavonnesaidmymotherwasbeautiful.Hervoicewasstrong.
Shedidn'tgasporwheeze.
Ithankedher.Shesaidshefeltsodarnguilty.Carhopsweresupposedto
jotdownlicenseplatenumbers.Theprocedurehelpedthecopsapprehendcheck
dodgers.Sheneverwrotedownthatplatenumber.Mymotherandthemanlooked
respectable.Sheneverregrettedanythingoneiotaasmuch.
Iaskedherhowwellsherememberedthatevening.Shesaidsheremembered
itgood.Sheusedtoreplayhermemorieslikeabrokenrecord.Shewantedtobe
suresherememberedeverything.
Billaskedhersomebackgroundquestions.Iknewhewastestingher.Her
answersjibedwiththebackgrounddetailsinthefile.
Billsaid,Let'sgoback.Lavonnesaidokay.Shedescribedmymotherand
theSwarthyManforstarters.Shesaidmymotherhadredhair.Shesaidshe

237
servedmymotherandtheSwarthyMantwice.Shecouldn'tputtheirvisitsin
chronologicalperspective.Thecopsthoughtthekillerwaslocal.Shekept
glancingaroundeverynightsheworkedatthedrivein.Shekepthereyespeeled
foryears.
BillmentionedtheBobbieLongmurder.Lavonnesaidshedidn'tknowit.I
saidthesamemanmighthavekilledBobbieLong.Lavonneaskedmewhenshewas
killed.Isaid1/23/59.Lavonnesaidshetalkedtothecopsallthatsummer.
TheyfelloutoftouchwaybeforeJanuary.
Billmentionedthe'62lineup.Lavonne'smemoriesclashedwithestablished
BlueBookfacts.Shesaiditwasaonemanlineup.Shesaidshewastheonly
witness.SheconfirmedherbasicBlueBookstatement.Shewasn'tsuretheman
shesawthatdaywasthemanwithmymother.
BillshowedhertwoJimBossBennettmugshots.Shecouldn'tplaceJim
Bossinanycontext.IshowedherthetwoIdentiKitportraits.Sheplacedthem
immediately.
Billsaid,Let'sgoback.Lavonnesaidokay.Sheranusthroughthatnight
again.Iinterposedspatialquestions.Iwantedtoknowexactlywhereshewas
standingeverytimeshesawtheSwarthyMan.Lavonnesaidcustomersflashed
theirlightstosignalforthecheck.Isawcarsanddartinghighbeamsand
Lavonneslingingtraysandtwosecondprofileblipsofamanabouttokilla
woman.
ImentionedtheSwarthyMan'scar.Billcutmeoff.HeaskedLavonnehow
wellsheknewcarsbackthen.Mostcarhopsknewallthemakesandmodels.Did
sheknowcarsthatwell?
Lavonnesaidshewasbadatcars.Shewasnogoodatdistinguishing
differentmakesandmodels.IsawwhereBillwasgoing.IaskedLavonnehowshe
identifiedtheSwarthyMan'scar.
Lavonnesaidsheheardanewsbroadcast.Thedeadwomansoundedlikethat
redheadsheservedSaturdaynight.Shestewedaboutit.Shetriedtoremember
thecartheredheadwasin.Shetalkedtoherboss.Hepointedoutdifferent
cars.Shenarroweddownthecarthatway.
IlookedatBill.Hegavemethecutoffsign.HehandedLavonneacopyof
theJeanEliroyBlueBookandaskedhertoreadthroughherstatement.Hesaid
we'dbebacklatertodiscussit.
Lavonnesaidweshouldcomebackafterdinner.Shetoldustoavoidthe
casinos.Youjustcan'tbeatthehouseodds.

238
WeatedinneratasteakhouseintheRenoHilton.Wediscussedthecar
issueatlength.
IsaidLavonne'scarIDmightbecontaminated.Herbossmighthave
confusedher.HerBlueBookstatementwasemphatic.TheSwarthyManwasdriving
aor'56Olds.MaybeLavonnetaggedthewrongcar.MaybetheIDwasfaultyfrom
thegate.MaybeHallinenandLawtongothiptothefact.Maybethatexplained
thelowpunchcardcountinthefile.
Billsaiditwaspossible.Witnessesconvincedthemselvesthatcertain
thingsweretrueandstucktotheirstatementshellorhighwater.Iaskedhim
ifwecouldcheckoldcarregistrationrecords.Hesaidno.Theinformation
wasn'tcomputerized.Thehandfiledrecordsweredestroyedalongtimeago.
Wefinishedourdinnerandwalkedthroughthecasino.Igotawildurgeto
shootcraps.
Billexplainedthebetstomake.Thecombinationsconfusedme.Isaid
"Fuckit"andputahundreddollarsonthepassline.
Theshootermadefourstraightpasses.Iwon$1,600.
Igavethecroupierahundreddollarsandcashedintherestofmychips.
BillsaidIshouldchangemynametoBobbieLongJr.

Lavonnewaitedupforus.Shesaidshereadheroldstatement.Itdidn't
sparkanyfreshrecollections.
Ithankedherforherdiligencethenandnow.Shesaidmymotherreally
wasverybeautiful.

TheRenotriptaughtmesomethings.Ilearnedhowtotalkinasoft
register.Ilearnedhowtoreininaggressivebodylanguage.
Stonerwasmyteacher.IknewIwasshapingmydetectivepersonatohis
exactspecifications.Heknewhowtosubordinatehisegoandmakepeopletell
himthings.Iwantedtodevelopthatskill.Iwantedtodevelopitfast.I
wantedoldpeopletotellmethingsbeforetheydiedorwentsenile.
Areporterfromthe_L.A.Weekly_calledme.Shewantedtodoastoryon
thenewinvestigation.Iaskedherifshe'dincludeatollfreetiplinenumber.
Shesaidshewould.

239
Bill'sSocialSecuritycontactreported.HesaidJimBossBennettdiedof
naturalcausesin1979.BillyFarringtonreported.HesaidJackLawton'swidow
wasstillalive.ShepromisedtocheckhergarageforJack'soldnotebooksand
callifshefoundthem.TheclerkattheBureaucalledBill.Shesaidshe
receivedMichaelWhittaker'srapsheet.Thesheetrantenpages.Sherandown
thedetails.
Theywerepatheticandhorrific.Whittakerwas6oyearsoldnow.Hewasa
hophead,ahypeanda30yearjunkie.HedancedwithmymotherattheDesert
Inn.
ImetBillattheBureau.WediscussedWhittaker.
BillsaidhewasprobablyupinFriscoorinjailsomewhere.Isaidhe
mightbedeadfromMDSorgeneralattrition.Billtoldtheclerktorunapublic
utilitiescheck.HewantedtopinWhittakerdown.Wehadtofindhim.Wehadto
findMargieTrawick.
Igotoutourreversebookprintout.IsaidIcouldcallallourMargie
Phillipsnumbers.Billsaidweshouldrunanemploymentcheckfirst.
Ihadthenameandaddressmemorized.MargieTrawickworkedatTubesales
2211TubewayAvenue.BillcheckedaThomasGuide.Theaddresswasfiveminutes
away.
Wedroveover.Theplacewasabigwarehouseandofficebuildingcombined.
Wefoundthepersonnelboss.Wetalkedtoher.Shecheckedherfiles.Shesaid
MargieTrawickworkedherefrom'56to'71.Shesaidallpersonnelfileswere
strictlyconfidential.
Wepersisted.ThewomansighedandwrotedownBill'shomenumber.Shesaid
she'dcallsomeoldemployeesandaskthemaboutMargie.
BillandIdrovebacktotheBureau.WecheckedtheEllroyBlueBookand
foundthreemorenamestorun.
RoyDunnandAlManganiellotwoDesertInnbartenders.RuthSchienlethe
Airtekpersonneldirector.
WeranthenamesthroughtheDMVcomputer.WegotfourRoyDunns,noRuth
SchienlesandanAlManganielloinCovina.WeranthenamesthroughtheDOJ
computer.Wegotthreenegativehits.WeranRuthSchienlethroughthereverse
bookandgotapossiblehitinWashingtonState.
BillcalledAlManganiello.Hegotanextendeddialtone.IcalledRuth
Schienle.Awomanansweredthephone.
Shewas28yearsoldandunmarried.ShehadnorelativesnamedRuth
Schienle.

240
BillandIdrovebacktoOrangeCounty.Wesplitupfortheday.Itook
thefile.Iwantedtoknoweverywordinit.Iwantedtoforgeconnectionsthat
nobodyelseeversaw.
Billcalledmethatnight.HesaidMargieTrawickdiedin1972.Shehad
terminalcancer.Shewassittinginachairatabeautyshopandcollapsedfrom
abrainhemorrhage.

WetrackedMichaelWhittakerdowninSanFrancisco.Wetracedhimtoa
diveintheMissionDistrict.Billcalledhim.Hesaidhewantedtodiscussthe
Ellroymurder.W/hittakersaid,"AllIdidwasdancewithher!"
Wetookacabtohishotel.Whittakerwasn'tthere.Thedeskclerksaidhe
boogiedoutwithhiswifeafewminutesago.Wewaitedinthelobby.Dopersand
hookersboppedthrough.Theygaveusweirdlooks.Theysataroundand
bullshitted.Weheardadozenriffson0.J.Simpson.Theconsensuswassplit
twoways:Oj.wasframedandOj.offedthebitchjustifiably.
Wewaited.Wesawaruckusattheprojectsacrossthestreet.Ablackkid
raninandsprayedtheplaygroundwithsomekindofassaultweapon.
Nobodygothurt.Thekidranoff.Helookedlikeadelightedchildtrying
outanewtoy.Thecopscameandpokedaround.

Thedeskclerksaidstufflikethathappenedeveryday.Sometimesthe
littlehumpsshoteachother.
Wewaitedforsixhours.Wewalkeddowntoadoughnutshopandgotsome
coffee.Wewalkedback.ThedeskclerksaidMikeandhiswifejustsnuck
upstairs.
Wewalkedupandknockedonthedoor.Iwaspissedoffanddeadtired.
Whittakerletusin.
Hewasbonyandpotbellied.Heworehishairinabikerponytail.He
didn'tlookscary.Helookedweak.HelookedlikeafreakwhocametoSan
Franciscotoscoredopeandgrowoldonwelfare.
Theroomwas9'x12'tops.Thefloorwascoveredwithpillvialsand
paperbackcrimenovels.Whittaker'swifeweighedabout300pounds.Shewas
sprawledonanarrowdaybed.Theroomsmelled.Isawbugsontheflooranda
lineofantsaroundthebaseboard.Billpointedtothebooksandsaid,"Maybe
you'vegotsomefanshere."

241
Ilaughed.Whittakerstretchedoutonthebed.Themattresssaggedandhit
thefloor.
Therewerenochairs.Therewasnobathroom.Thesinksmelledlikea
urinal.
BillandIstoodbythedoor.Abreezeblewdowntheoutsidehallway.
Whittakerandhiswifecameonobsequious.Theystartedtojustifytheirlife
andthepillbottlesoutinplainsight.Icutthemoff.Iwantedtogettothat
nightandhearWhittaker'sversion.Hisformalstatementmadenosense.Iwanted
totakeahotknifetohisbrain.
BillknewIwasgettingimpatient.Hegavemealetmetalksign.Imoved
backandstoodinthedoorway.BilllaidoutalittleI'mnotheretojudge
you/you'reinnotroublerap.HesuckedWhittakerandhiswiferightin.
Billtalked.Whittakertalked.HiswifelistenedandlookedatBill.I
listenedandlookedatWhittaker.
Herandownhis44arrests.Hedidtimeforeverydopechargeinthe
fuckingpenalcode.
BilltookhimbacktoJune'58.BillwalkedhimtotheDesertInnthat
night.W/hittakersaidhewenttherewitha"fatHawaiianguywhoknewkarate."
ThefatHawaiianguy"beatafewguysup."Itwaspurebullshit.Hedidn't
remembertheBlondeortheSwarthyMan.Hedidn'trememberthevictimsogood.
Herandownhisdrunkarrestlaterthatnight.Hesaidthecopsquestionedhim
thenightafterthemurderandagaintwodaysorsolater.Hewasonmethadone
now.Methadonefuckedwithhismind.Heonlywenttothatokiebaronce.He
neverwentback.Theplaceputahexonhim.HehadapalnamedSpudthen.He
knewtheseguystheSullivanbrothers.TheycamefromhishometownMcKeesport,
Pennsylvania.Hisownbrotherdiedofcirrhosis.HehadtwosistersnamedRuthie
andJoanneIgaveBillthecutoffsign.HenoddedandgaveWhittakeralet's
slowdownnowgesture.
Whittakerstoppedtalking.Billsaidwehadtogettotheairport.He
pointedtomeandsaidIwasthedeadwoman'sson.Whittakeroohedandaahed.
Hiswifedidabiggeewhiznumber.Ithawedoutalittleandslippedthema
hundreddollars.Itwascraptablemoney.

BillyFarringtonreported.HesaidDorothyLawtoncouldn'tfindJack's
notebooks.Hesaidhe'dcontactJack'ssonsandseeiftheyhadthem.

242
Igota1800linehookeduptomyregularphoneline.Ichangedthe
messageonmyansweringmachine.Itwent,"Ifyouhaveinformationonthemurder
ofGenevaHillikerEllroyonJune22,1958,pleaseleaveamessageatthetone."
Ihadtwophonenumbersandoneansweringmachine.Everyincomingcallergotthe
murdermessage.
Aproducerfromthe_DayOne_showcalledme.Hesaidhereadmy_GQ_
piece.Hetalkedtosomepeopleat_GQ_andheardaboutthenewinvestigation.
Hewantedtofilmasegmentaboutit.ItwouldrunonprimetimenetworkTV.
Isaidyes.Iaskedhimifhe'drunourtipnumber.Hesaidyes.
Istartedtogetalittlequeasy.Theredheadwassteppingoutonabig
newpublicscale.Shelivedincompartmentalizedsecrecyandshunnedallpublic
displays.PublicitywasourmostdirectroutetotheBlonde.Ihadtojustifymy
publicdisplaysthatway.
BillandIspentfourdayswiththe_L.A.Weekly_reporter.Wespenta
weekwiththe_DayOne_crew.WetookthemtoArroyoHighandValenzuela's
RestaurantandtheoldstonecottageonMaple.WeatealotofbadMexicanfood.
ThefolksatValenzuela'swonderedwhothehellwewereandwhywewerealways
herewithcamerapeopleandthatoldfileandallthosegoryblack&white
pictures.Theydidn'tspeakEnglish.Wedidn'tspeakSpanish.Wetipped
extravagantlyandmadeValenzuela'sourElMonteHQ.BillandIcalledtheplace
theDesertInn.Thatwasitsrighteousname.Istartedtolovetheplace.That
firstnighttimevisitscaredme.Mysubsequentvisitshitmesweetandsoft.My
motherdancedonthisspot.Iwasdancingwithhernow.Thedancewasallabout
reconciliation.
Wemetthemanwhoownedmyoldhouse.HisnamewasGenoGuevara.He
boughtthehousein'77.Apreachersoldittohim.TheKryckiswerelonggone
already.
Genolovedthemediapeople.Heletthemtromparoundhisyardandtake
pictures.Ispentsometimeinsidethehouse.Theinteriorwasalteredand
enlarged.Ishutmyeyesandtoredownthealterations.Istoodinmybedroom
andmymother'sbedroomthewaytheywerethen.Ifelther.Ismelledher.I
smelledEarlyTimesbourbon.Thebathroomwasintactfrom1958.Isawhernude.
Isawherrunatowelbetweenherlegs.
ArroyoHighbecameapublicstagingground.The_DayOne_crewshotBill
andmethere.The_L.A.Weekly_photographershotherowncrimescenepix.
Schoolkidsbuzzedaround.Theywantedtoknowthewholestory.Theylaughedand
triedtosqueezeinfrontofthecameras.WehitArroyoHighfiveorsixtimes

243
inthecourseoftwomediaweeks.Thevisitsfeltlikeviolationsand
vulgarizations.Ididn'twanttheplacetoloseitspower.Ididn'twanttoturn
King'sRowintoacommonaccessroadandaneverydaystoponthepublicitytrack
ofmylife.
ElMontewasbecomingbenignlyfamiliar.Themetamorphosiswaspredictable
andaltogetherdisturbing.IwantedElMontetostayelliptical.Iwanteditto
hidefrommeandteachmehowshehid.Iwantedtoreclaimmyoldfearandlearn
fromit.IwantedtostrandmyselfinthefewsquaremilesofElMonte.Iwanted
tobuildamanhuntinginstinctfromthatisolation.
BillandIfinishedourfirstmediarun.WefoundPeterTubiolo,RoyDunn
andEllisOutlaw'sdaughterJana.TheyranusbacktoElMontein1958.
Tubiolowas72now.Hewasexactlyhalfhiscurrentagethen.He
rememberedme.Herememberedmymother.Hewasheavysetandfriendlythenand
now.Icouldhavepickedhimoutofa50manlineup.He'dagedinanabsolutely
recognizablefashion.
Hewaswarm.Hewasgracious.Hesaidheneverwentoutwithmymother.He
neverknewhowthecopsgotthatcrazyidea.
Itoldthem.Itwastrue.Isawhimpickmymotherupinhisblueand
whiteNash.ImentionedtheNash.Tubiolosaidhelovedthatcar.Ididn't
disputehisclaimaboutmymother.Thecopsclearedhimthen.Hisappearanceand
hisguilelessmannerclearedhimnow.Hewasawidower.Hewaschildless.He
lookedprosperousandseemedhappy.HeleftAnneLeGoreSchoolin'59.Hebecame
abigwheelintheL.A.Countysystem.Helivedagoodlife.Heprobablyhad
somegoodyearsleft.
HesaidheneverwenttotheDesertInnorStan'sDriveIn.HesaidIwas
ahighstrungkid.HesaidtheMexicankidsfromMedinaCourthadadodgeback
then.Theyditchedtheirshoesandcametoschoolbarefoot.Kidshadtowear
shoestoschool.Itwasaheavyweightrule.Tubiolosentbarefootkidshomeall
thetime.MyfriendsReyesandDannyworkedthatdodge.Ismokedareeferwith
them.Itwascraaaaazy,daddyo.Isaw_TheTenCommandments_withthem.I
laughedatallthesacredhooha.ReyesandDannymademeshutup.Theywere
Catholic.MymotherhatedCatholics.ShesaidtheytooktheirordersfromRome.
TheSwarthyManwasaLatintypeCaucasian.HewasprobablyCatholic.Allmy
mentalcircuitsreturnedtothatnight.RoyDunnandJanaOutlawtookusbackto
theDesertInn.
Weinterviewedthemathome.DunnlivedinDuarte.JanaOutlawlivedinEl
Monte.TheywereSanGabrielValleylifers.

244
Dunnrememberedthemurder.Janadidn't.Shewasnineyearsoldthen.Dunn
usedtodrinkwithHarryAndre.HarrydrankatthePlayroomBar.Dunnworkedat
thePlayroomandtheDesertInn.EllisOutlawpaidgoodwages.Ellischokedto
deathonapieceoffoodin1969.Hewashalfdeadfromboozealready.Myrtle
Mawbywasdead.Ellis'wifewasdead.TheDesertInnenjoyedatenyearrun.The
jointfuckingrocked.SpadeCooleyplayedthereyearsbeforehebeathiswife
todeath.Ellisbroughtincoloredentertainers.JoeLigginsandsomeInkSpot
clonesplayedtheDesertInn.TheDesertInnwasabookiefront.Ellisrancard
gamesandservedliquorafterhours.Hookersworkedthebar.Thefoodwasgood.
EllisfedtheElMontecopsatasizablediscount.HesoldtheDesertInntoa
guynamedDougSchoenberger.DougrenameditThePlace.Heletgamblingand
bookmakingandprostitutionflourish.DougwastightwithanexElMontecop
namedKeithTedrow.KeithsawtheJeanEliroycrimescene.Hespreadastupid
rumoraboutJeanEllroy'sbody.Hesaidthekillerbitonenippleoff.Keith
quittheElMontePD.HejoinedtheBaldwinParkPD.Hegotmurderedin'71.He
wasparkedinhiscar.Awomanshothim.Shepledinsanityandbeattherap.It
lookedlikeKeithwastryingtoshakeherdownforaheadjob.DougSchoenberger
soldThePlaceandmovedtoArizona.Hegotmurderedinthemid'8os.Thecrime
wentunsolved.Doug'ssonwasthe#1suspect.
RoyandJanaknewtheDesertInn.Theyhadtheplacedowncold.Theyfell
shortonhardinformation.
Weneedednames.
WeneededthenamesofoldDesertInnregularsandSanGabrielValley
cocktailloungetrawlers.Wehadtofindoutwhotheyknewin1958.Wehadto
establisharangeoffriendshipsandacquaintanceships.Wehadtofindnamesto
matchthephysicalcharacteristicsoftheBlondeandtheSwarthyMan.Wehadto
createaneverwideningconcentriccircleofnames.Wehadtofindtwonamesin
abigplaceandafarawaytime.
RoyandJanagaveusthreenames:
AnoldDesertInnwaitressnowemployedatalocalMooseLodge.Anold
Stan'scarhop.AnoldDesertInnbartender.
Wefoundthewaitressandthecarhop.Theydidn'tknowshitabouttheJean
Eliroycaseandcouldn'tsupplyanynames.RoyandJanagottheirtimeand
venueswrong.ThecarhopworkedatSimon'sDriveIn.ThewaitressworkedatThe
Place,nottheDesertInn.Sheknewamuchyoungercrowd.
BillandIdiscussedtheDesertInn.Weplaceditinthecontextoflate
June'58.

245
EllisOutlawwasabouttoserveadrunkdrivingsentence.Hecateredto
localyokelsandillegalofftrackbettors.Hecateredtolocalhoodsand
satellitepeoplewithshittohidefromthecops.MargieTrawicksawtheBlonde
andtheSwarthyManonetimeonly.MyrtleMawbysawthemonetimeonly.Margie
workedparttime.Myrtleworkedparttime.TheSwarthyManwasprobablyalocal
guy.TheDesertInnwasthelocalspot.TheSwarthyMancouldhavepassed
throughbeforethatnightandlefthisimageinahundredmemorybanks.Hallinen
andLawtoncampedoutattheDesertInnallsummer.Theytookdownnamesand
leftthemintheirpersonalnotebooks.Certainpeoplecouldhaveliedtothem.
Certainpeoplecouldhaveknown.TheBlondecouldhaveowedEllisOutlawmoney.
TheSwarthyMancouldhavetoldcertainpeoplethatthenursewasagoddamn
cocktease.Certainpeoplecouldhavefiguredthecunthaditcoming.Certain
peoplecouldhaveliedtothecops.
BillandIagreed.
Ourcrimeplayedoutwithinnarrowboundaries.TheBlondeandtheSwarthy
Mangotluckyandfellthroughthecracks.
Wehadtouncovertwonamesandlinkthemtoarunnerinhiding.

23

Kanab,Utah,wasjustabovetheArizonaborder.Themaindragwasthree
blockslong.Thelocalmenworecowboybootsandnylonparkas.Itwas20degrees
coolerthanSouthernCalifornia.
ThedrivetookusthroughLasVegasandsomesweethillcountry.Wegot
tworoomsataBestWesternandcrashedoutearly.WeweresettoseeGeorgeand
AnnaMayKryckiinthemorning.
BillcalledMrs.Kryckitwodaysinadvance.Ilistenedinonabedroom
extension.Mrs.Kryckiwasshrillin1958.Shesoundedjustasshrilltoday.My
fatherusedtogoofonherjerkyhandgestures.
Shecouldn'tbelievethecopswererehashingsuchanancientcase.She
referredtomeas"LeroyEliroy."ShesaidIwasaspasticatedboy.Herhusband
triedtoteachLeroyEliroyhowtopushabroom.LeroyEliroyjustcouldn't
learn.
Mrs.Kryckiagreedtobeinterviewed.Billsaidhe'ddriveupwithhis
partner.Hedidn'tsayhispartnerwasLeroyEliroy.

246
Billraggedmefortwodaysstraight.HecalledmeLeroy.Hekeptsaying,
"Where'syourbroom?"Mrs.KryckitoldthecopsthatJeanEliroyneverdrank.I
camehomeonenightandfoundmymotherandMrs.Kryckitanked.
TheKryckis'houseinKanablookedliketheirhouseinElMonte.Itwas
smallandplainandwelltended.Mr.Kryckiwassweepingoutthedriveway.I
rememberedhisposturemorethanhisface.Billsaidhehadagreatbroom
technique.
Wegotoutofthecar.Mr.Kryckidroppedhisbroomandintroduced
himself.Mrs.Kryckiwalkedout.She'dagedasrecognizablyasPeterTubiolo.
Shelookedstrongandhealthy.Shewalkeduptousandinvadedourcollective
bodyspace.Sheransomemileaminutegreetingsandagitatedgestureslikethe
onesmyfathersatirized.
Shewalkedusinside.Mr.Kryckistayedoutsidewithhisbroom.Wesat
downinthelivingroom.Thefurniturewasgarishlyupholsteredandmismatched.
Plaids,stripes,geometricdesignsandpaisleysworkedagainsteachother.The
overalleffectwasagitation.
Billstatedhisnameanddisplayedhisbadge.Istatedmyname.Iwaiteda
beatandsaidIwasJeanEllroy'sson.
Mrs.Kryckiransomegesturesandsatonherhands.ShesaidIgotsobig.
ShesaidIwasthemostspasticatedboysheeversaw.Icouldn'tevenpusha
broom.Godknowsherhusbandtriedtoteachme.Isaidbroomworkwasnevermy
forte.Mrs.Kryckididn'tlaugh.
BillsaidwewantedtotalkaboutJeanEllroyandherdeath.HetoldMrs.
Kryckitobeabsolutelycandid.
Mrs.Kryckistartedtalking.Billflashedmealethertalksign.
ShesaidtheMexicaninfluxdroveherandGeorgeoutofElMonte.The
MexicansdestroyedtheSanGabrielValley.Herson,Gaylord,waslivingin
Fontananow.Hewas49.Hehadfourdaughters.Jeanhadredhair.Shecooked
popcornandateitwithaspoon.Jeanansweredanewspaperadandrentedtheir
littlebackhouse.Jeansaid,"Ithinkthisplacewillbesafe."Shethought
JeanwashidinginElMonte.
Mrs.Kryckistoppedtalking.Billaskedhertoexplainherlastremark.
Mrs.KryckisaidJeanwasculturedandrefined.ShewasoverqualifiedforEl
Monte.Iaskedherwhyshethoughtthat.Mrs.KryckisaidJeanreadcondensed
bookspublishedbytheReader'sDigest.ShestoodoutinElMonte.Shedidn't
belongthere.ShecametoElMonteforsomemysteriousreason.

247
BillaskedherwhatJeantalkedabout.Mrs.Kryckisaidshetalkedabout
hernursingschooladventures.Iaskedhertodescribethoseadventures.She
saidthatwasallsherecalled.
IaskedMrs.Kryckiaboutmymotherandmen.ShesaidJeanwentoutmost
Saturdaynights.Sheneverbroughtmenhome.Sheneverbraggedaboutmen.She
nevertalkedaboutmenatall.IaskedMrs.Kiyckiaboutmymotherandliquor.
Shecontradictedallheroldstatements.
GeorgesmelledliquoronJean'sbreathoneday.Hefoundtwoemptybottles
inthebushesoutside.Jeanbroughtbottleshomeinbrownpaperbags.Jean
lookedtiredmostofthetime.TheysuspectedthatJeanwasquiteaheavy
drinker.
Mrs.Kryckistoppedtalking.Ilookeddirectlyatherandnodded.Sheran
afastfreeformriff.
Jeanhadadeformednipple.ShesawJean'sbodyatthemorgue.Theyhad
herunderasheet.Herfeetstuckout.Sherecognizedthem.Jeanalwayswalked
aroundtheyardbarefoot.Thecopsranupherphonebill.Theyneverofferedto
payfortheircalls.
Mrs.Kryckistoppedtalking.Billeasedherthrough6/21and6/22/58.Her
accountmatchedourBlueBookreports.
Mr.Kiyckiwalkedin.Billaskedhimtorecountthosetwodays.Mr.Krycki
toldthesamebasicstory.Iaskedhimtodescribemymother.Hesaidshewasa
goodlookingwoman.Shewasn'ttheElMontetype.AnnaMayknewherbetterthan
hedid.
Mr.Kryckilookeduncomfortable.Billsmiledandtoldhimwewerefresh
outofquestions.Mr.Kryckismiledandwalkedoutside.
Mrs.Kryckisaidtherewasonethingshenevertoldthecops.
Inodded.Billnodded.Mrs.Kryckistartedtalking.
Ithappenedaround'52.ShewaslivingonFerrisRoadinElMonte.Gaylord
wassixorseven.Shewasseparatedfromherfirsthusband.
Sheshoppedatamarketnearby.AfamilynamedLoPrestiownedit.Thisbox
boyplayedcupidwithher.HesaidhisuncleJohnwantedtotakeheroutreal
bad.JohnLoPrestiwasabout30then.Hewastall.Hehaddarkhairandanolive
complexion.
Shewentoutwithhim.HetookhertotheCoconinoClub.Theydanced.He
wasagooddancer.Hewas"smoothandcalculating."

248
TheylefttheCoconino.TheydroveouttothePuenteHills.LoPresti
stoppedthecarandmadesomeveryfreshmoves.Shetoldhimtostop.Heslapped
her.Shegotoutofthecar.Hegrabbedherandshovedherinthebackseat.
Hepulledatherclothes.Sheresistedhim.Heclimaxedandwipedhis
pantsoffwithahandkerchief.Hesaid,"You'vegotmustard"and"You'vegot
nothingtoworryaboutnow."Hedroveherhome.Hedidn'ttouchheragain.She
didn'tcallthecops.Shewasembroiledinacustodyfightwithherex.She
didn'twanttoraiseastinkandtarnishherreputation.ShesawLoPrestitwo
moretimes.
Shewasoutwalking.Hedrovebyherandwaved.Heaskedherifshewanted
aride.Sheignoredhim.
Shesawhimabouttwoyearslater.ShewasattheCoconinowithGeorge.
LoPrestiaskedhertodance.Sheignoredhim.ShewarnedJeanEllroyabouthim
rightbeforeshewentoutthatSaturdaynight.
Thestoryplayeduglyandtrue.Thecodaplayedfictitious.Itsounded
contrivedandwaytoocoincidental.
LoPrestiwaslocal.LoPrestiwasItalian.LoPrestiwasanightclub
predator.IclosedmyeyesandreplayedthePuenteHillsscene.Iaddeda
vintagecarandperiodclothing.IputtheSwarthyMan'sfaceonJohnLoPresti.
Wehadarealsuspect.

WedrovebacktoOrangeCounty.WetalkedJohnLoPrestinonstop.Johnwas
asexassaultbunglerin1952.Givehimsixyearstorefinehisactandgrow
moretwisted.Billagreed.LoPrestiwasourfirsthotsuspect.
Thedrivetookihours.Wegotbackaroundmidnight.Wesleptthetripoff
anddrovetoElMonte.
WehittheElMonteMuseum.Wecheckedthe1958ElMontephonebooks.We
foundeightmarketslistedintheYe!lowPages.
Jay'sonTyler.Jay'sonCentral.TheBellMarketonPeckRoad.
Crawford'sGiantCountryStoreonValley.Earp'sMarketandtheFoodlaneon
Durfee.TheTylerCircleonTyler.Fran'sMeatsonGarvey.
NoLoPrestiMarket.NolistingsforItalianspecialtystores.
WecheckedtheWhitePages.Mostofthepersonallistingsfeatured
parentheticaladdenda.Theylistedoccupationsandwives'firstnames.Weturned
totheL'sandhittwice.
LoPresti,John(Nancy)(Machinist)io8o6Frankmont.

249
LoPresti,Thomas(Rose)(Salesman)3419Maxson.
Frankmontwasnear756Maple.MaxsonwasnearStan'sDriveInandthe
DesertInn.

WedrovetotheBureau.WeranallfourLoPrestisthroughtheDMVandDOJ
computers.WegotnohitsonThomasandRose.WehitonJohnandNancy.
NancyhadavalidCaliforniadriver'slicense.Theprintoutlisteda
currentaddressandheroldaddressonFrankmont.HerDOBwas8/16/14.John
livedinDuarte.Ipointedtosomeweirdnumbersbyhisaddress.Billsaidit
wasatrailerparklisting.Johnwas69yearsold.Hehadblueeyes.Hewasand
215pounds.
Ipointedtohisheightandweight.Billpointedtohisageandeyecolor.
ThecocksuckerdidnotmatchtheSwarthyMan'sdescription.

DuartewasthreemilesnorthofElMonte.Thetrailerparkwasbuttugly.
Thetrailerswereoldandweatherstripped.Theywerejammedtogetherwithno
spacebetweenthem.
Wefound#16andrangthebuzzer.Anoldmanopenedthedoor.Hematched
ourdriver'slicensestats.Hehadblueeyesandthickfeatures.Hisface
exoneratedhim.
Billbadgedhimandaskedhimhisname.ThemansaidJohnLoPresti.Bill
saidwehadsomequestionsaboutanoldmurder.Johnsaidcomeonin.Hedidn't
twitchorcringeorshakeoradmitordenyhisguilt.
Weenteredhistrailer.Theinteriorwassixfeetwidetops.Thewalls
weredecoratedwith_Playboy_centerfolds.Theywerehandsomelymountedand
laminatedwithhighglossshellac.
Johnsatdowninanoldrecliner.BillandIsatonthebed.Billsketched
outtheJeanEllroycase.Johnsaidhedidn'trecallit.
BillsaidwewerelookinguptheoldElMontecrowd.Wewantedtodigthe
late'5osscene.WeknewhewaslivingonFrankmont.
Johnsaidthatwasn'thim.ThatwashislateuncleJohnandauntNancy.He
livedinLaPuentethen.ElMontewashisstompinggrounds.HisuncleTomowned
amarketinElMonte.ElMontewasaswinginglocation.
Iaskedhimwherehehungout.JohnsaidtheCoconinoandtheDesertInn.
HewenttothePlayroomsometimes.ItstoodbehindStan'sDriveIn.Theyserved
shotsofwhiskyfor25cents.

250
Billaskedhimifhe'deverbeenarrested.Johnsaidhegotpoppedfor
drunkdriving.Icameonskeptical.Isaid,Whatelse?Johnsaidhegotpopped
in1946.Somebodysaidhepulledsomedirtyshit.
Isaid,Whatkindofshit?Hesaidsomebodystuckadirtybookundersome
woman'sdoor.Hegotblamedforit.
Billsaidweneedednames.WewantedtofindtheoldDesertInncrowd.We
wantedtofindeveryloungelizardwhoevercruisedFivePoints.
Johnlitacigarette.Hesaidhewasgoinginforopenheartsurgery
tomorrow.Heneededallthepleasurehecouldget.
Isaid,Giveussomenames.Johndroppedeightortenfirstnames.Isaid,
Giveussomefullnames.Johnsaid,"AlManganiello."Billsaidwewerelooking
forhim.JohnsaidhewasworkingatGlendoraCountryClub.
Ipressedhimformorenames.Billpressedhimformorenames.Wenamed
alltheElMontespotsandtoldhimtomatchsomenamestospecificvenues.John
couldn'tfeedusonesinglename.
Iwantedtofuckwithhim.
Isaid,Weheardthatyouwereonesharpdudewiththeladies.Johnsaid
thiswastrue.Isaid,Weheardyoureallylikedwomen.Johnsaid,Oh,yeah.I
said,Weheardyougotlotsofpussy.Johnsaidhegotmorethanhisshare.Bill
said,WeheardyoumauledawomannamedAnnaMayKryckiandshotyourload
prematurely.
Johnshookandtwitchedandcringedanddeniedhisguilt.Wethankedhim
andwalkedoutthedoor.

24

Weworkedthecase.Weprobeddefectivememoryvaults.Welogged
information.Weexcavatednames.
Wedugupfirstnamesandlastnamesandnicknamesandfullnamesand
matchingandnonmatchingdescriptions.Wegotnamesfromthefile.Wegotnames
fromoldcops.WegotnamesfromelderlybarfliesandElMontelifers.Weworked
thecaseforeightmonths.Wecultivatednamesandharvestednames.Wedidnot
createanincrementallyexpandingconcentriccircleofnames.Wewereupagainst
alargeplaceandalargeblockoftimelost.

251
Wekeptgoing.
WefoundformerdeputyBillVickers.Herememberedthetwocanvassjobs.
Theythoughttheyhadatwotimekiller.Theyfiguredthesameguychokedthe
nurseandtheracetracklady.Weaskedhimfornames.Hedidn'thaveany.
WefoundAlManganiello.HegaveusthesamenamesRoyDunnandJana
Outlawgaveus.HetoldusaboutanoldcarhopinPicoRivera.Wefoundher.She
wassenile.Shedidn'trememberthelate1950s.
WefoundJackLawton'ssons.Theysaidthey'dlookforJack'snotebooks.
Theylooked.Theydidn'tfindthem.Theyfiguredtheirdadthrewthemout.
WefoundformerLASDcaptainVicCavallero.HerememberedtheJeanEllroy
crimescene.HedidnotremembertheinvestigationortheBobbieLongsnuff.He
saidhepoppedaguyinthelate'5os.TheguywasontheLAPD.Hewasbombing
downGarveydoublefast.Hehadawomanwithhim.ShehoppedcarsatStan's
DriveIn.Shesaidthecopbeatherup.Sherefusedtofileacomplaint.Thecop
wasfatandblond.Cavallerosaidhewasonechoiceprick.Hedidn'tremember
hisname.
WefoundexElMontecopDaveWire.Weaskedhimfornames.Hesaidhehad
asuspect.HisnamewasBertBeria.Hewasdeadnow.HewasanexElMonte
reservecop.Bertwasadrunk.Bertwasnuts.Bertbeatuphiswifeandraced
hispolicecarontheSanBerdooFreeway.BertlookedlikethoseoldIdentiKit
pix.BertdrankattheDesertInn.Bertwouldrapeyourpetturtle.Wiresaidwe
shouldcheckBertout.WiresaidweshouldtalktoKeithTedrow'sexwife,
Sherry.SherryknewtheElMontebarscene.
WefoundSherryTedrow.Shegaveusthreenames.WelookeduptwoDesert
InnbarmaidsandafatcatnamedJoeCandy.JoebankrolledDougSchoenberger.
JoelenthimthemoneytobuytheDesertInn.
Weransomecomputerchecks.JoeCandyandBarmaid#1cameupdead.We
foundBarmaid#2.SheworkedatThePlacenottheDesertInn.Sheknewzilch
aboutlate'50sElMonte.
WetalkedtoElMontepolicechiefWayneClayton.Heshowedusa1960
snapshotofBertBeria.Hedidn'tlookliketheSwarthyMan.Hewastoooldand
toobald.Claytonsaidhe'dassignedtwodetectivestocheckoldBertout.He
introducedustoSergeantTomArmstrongandAgentJohnEckler.Weranourcase
bythemandgavethemaXeroxcopyoftheBlueBook.Theycheckedtheirin
stationfiles.TheythoughttheymightfindaseparateJeanEllroyfilebuiltup
byElMontePD.

252
Theyfoundafilenumber.Theyfoundoutthefilewasdestroyed20years
ago.
ArmstrongandEckierinterviewedBertBeria'swidowandbrother.They
peggedBertasamisanthropeandanallpurposeshit.Theydidn'tthinkhe
killedJeanEllroy.
WefoundMargieTrawick'sdaughter.Sherememberedthecase.Shewas14.
Weaskedherfornames.Shedidn'thaveany.
Wefoundadeputywhoknewcomputersbackwards.Hishomesystemfeatureda
50statereversebook.HeranRuthSchienlethroughit.Hegotalongprintout.
BillandIcalled19RuthSchienles.NoneofthemwereourRuthSchienle.None
ofthemknewourRuthSchienle.Womenwerehardtofind.Theygotmarriedand
divorced.Theygotlostbehindnamechanges.
WewentbacktotheEllroyBlueBook.Weextractedfournames.Wewrote
down"TomBaker,""TomDowney"and"SalvadorQuirozSerena."Theywereall
exonerated.SerenaworkedatAirtek.Hesaidhe"couldhavehad"mymother.We
foundthename"GrantSurface."Hetookpolygraphtestson6/25and7/1/59.The
resultswere"inconclusive.""Psychologicaldifficulties"fuckedupthetests.
WeranBaker,Downey,SerenaandSurfacethroughthe50statereversebookand
thestateDMVandDOJcomputers.WegotnohitsonSurfaceandSerena.Wegota
shitloadforBakerandDowney.WecalledalltheBakersandDowneys.Wedidnot
findourBakerandDowney.
BillcalledRickJacksonatLAPDHomicide.Jacksoncheckedrapeandchoke
andbludgeonchokemurdersfromtheEliroy/Longtimespan.HefoundtwoLAPD
cases.Theyweresolvedandsuccessfullyadjudicated.
Victim#1wasnamedEdithLucilleO'Brien.Shewassnuffedon2/18/59.She
was43yearsold.ShewasbludgeonedanddumpedonahilltopinTujunga.Her
slackswereturnedinsideout.Herbrawaspushedup.Itlookedlikeasex
frenzyjob.
EdithO'BrienprowledbarsinBurbankandGlendale.Shepickedupmenfor
sex.ShewaslastseenattheBambooHutonSanFernandoRoad.Sheleftwitha
man.Themanhada'53Olds.ThemancamebacktotheBambooHutalone.Theman
talkedtoanotherman.HesaidEdithwasoutinhiscar.Shespilledspaghetti
onthefrontseat.Themenputtheirheadstogetherandwhispered.Thecarman
stayedatthebar.Theothermanwalkedout.
Thecoronersaidthekillerlashedthevictim'swriststight.Heprobably
wailedonherwithalugwrench.TheLAPDpoppedaguynamedWalterEdward

253
Briley.Hewastriedandconvicted.Hewas21.Hewastallandheavyset.Hewas
sentencedtolifeinprison.Hewasparoledin1978.
AmannamedDonaldKinmanrapedandstrangledtwowomen.Thevictimswere
namedFerneWesselandMaryLouiseTardy.TheDODswere4/6/58and11/22/59.
KinmanmetVictim#1inabar.Herentedahotelroomandkilledherthere.He
metVictim#2inabar.Hekilledherinatrailerathisfather'strailerpark.
Heleftfingerprintsatbothscenes.Heturnedhimselfinandconfessed.Kinman
wasstockyandcurlyhaired.Kinmanfellbehindtwocountsofmurder.Kinmanwent
toprisonfor21years.
Kinmanjazzedme.Heplayedlikeatwotimeonlykiller.Hewasmore
volatilethantheSwarthyMan.Hewaspurelyselfdestructive.Isawalcoholas
histrigger.Theperfectboozeintakeandtheperfectwomancamehiswaytwice.
Hesaid,"Idon'tknowwhatcameoverme,butitjustfeltlikesomethingIhad
todo."
BillandIdebatedtheSwarthyManasserialkiller.Billwaspro.Iwas
con.Wekickedtheballbackandforthahundreddozentimes.Billsaidwe
shouldcontactapsychologicalprofiler.
CarlosAvilaworkedfortheStateDOJ.Hetaughtprofileprocedures.He
gaveseminars.HeworkedSheriff'sHomicidefornineyearsandknewour
geographicalbackdrop.WeshouldcommissionaprofileontheEllroyandLong
cases.
BillcalledCarlosAvila.Welenthimourfiles.Hestudiedthemandwrote
upanopinion.

UNKNOWNSUBJECT;
GENEVAJEAN"HILLIKERELLROY;VICTIM(DECEASED);
AKAJEANELLROY;
JUNE22,1958;
ELSPETH"BOBBIE"LONG;VICTIM(DECEASED);
JANUARY23,1959;
LOSANGELESCOUNTYSHERIFF'SDEPARTMENT;
LOSANGELES,CALIFORNIA;
HOMICIDE(CRIMINALINVESTIGATIVEANALYSIS).

ThefollowingCriminalInvestigativeAnalysiswaspreparedbyCriminal
InvestigativeProfilerCarlosAvila,PrivateConsultantinconjunctionwith

254
SpecialAgentSharonPagaling,CaliforniaDepartmentofJustice,Bureauof
Investigation.Thisanalysisisbaseduponathoroughreviewofthecase
materialssubmittedbyRetiredLosAngelesCountySheriff'sSergeantWilliam
StonerandJamesElIroy,sonofvictimJeanElIroy.Theconclusionsarethe
resultsoftheknowledgedrawnfromthepersonalinvestigativeexperience,
educationalbackgroundandresearchconductedbythesecrimeanalysts.
Itisnotasubstituteforathorough,wellplannedinvestigation,and
shouldnotbeconsideredallinclusive.Theinformationprovidedisbasedupon
reviewing,analyzing,andresearchingcriminalcasessimilartothecases
submittedbySergeantStoner,LosAngelesCountySheriff'sDepartment(Retired).
Twoseparateoffenseswerereviewedforthisanalysis.Duetoanalysisof
submitteddataanddiscussionofthetwocasesreported,thisanalysiswill
reflectadescriptionofasingularpersonalitytypebelievedresponsiblefor
thedeathsofvictimsElIroyandLong.

VICTIMOLOGY

Examinationofthevictim'sbackgroundisasignificantaspectofthe
analysisprocess.Theirvulnerabilityofbecomingvictimsofaviolentcrimewas
examinedinconjunctionwithareviewoftheirlifestyles,behaviors,personal
histories,andsocial/sexualhabits.Specifically,atwhatriskweretheyto
becomingvictimsofaviolentcrime.
VictimJeanEllroywasafortythreeyearoldwhitefemale,fivefeetfive
andonehalfinchesinheight;weighedapproximatelyonehundredthirtyone
poundsandhadredhair.Shewasdivorcedandhadmovedwithherminorsontoa
wellkeptrentalhomeinElMonte,Californiain1958.Shehadbeenemployedas
anindustrialnurseinLosAngelessince1956.VictimEliroywasphysically
attractiveandenjoyedfrequentingnearbynightclubsduringtheweekendswhile
hersonvisitedhisfather.Ellroy'slandlordsdescribedherasaquiettenant
whoseemedtoenjoybeingalonewithherson.Shewasdescribedasbeingclosed
mouthedaboutherpersonallifeandashavingfewclosefriends.Afterherdeath
herlandlordsreportedfindingemptyliquorbottlesintheshrubberynearthe
victim'shomeandinthetrashcontainer.
ElIroy'slandlordsreportedseeingherdriveawayfromherresidenceat
approximately2000hoursonSaturday,June21,1958.Witnessesreportedseeing
Ellroylaterthateveninginthecompanyofanunidentifiedadultmaleata

255
driveinrestaurantatapproximately2200hours;atanightclubdancingat
approximately2245hours;andlastly,backatthedriveinrestaurantat
approximately0215hoursthefollowingmorning.Herbodywasdiscoveredata
nearbyhighschoolonJune22,1958,atapproximately1000hours.Theareawhere
thevictimwaslastseenwasdescribedashavinga"lowcrimerate"withno
previousabductions,sexualassaultsorsimilarcrimesreported.
ElIroy'srisklevelofbecomingavictimofaviolentcrimewaselevated
byherhabitoffrequentingnightclubs,socializingwithpersonsshedidnot
knowwell,anddrinkingalcoholicbeverages.Onthedateofherdeathherrisk
levelwasfurtherelevatedbyherpersonalcircumstances:awomanaloneinacar
withaman.
VictimBobbieElspethLongwasafiftytwoyearoldwhitefemale,five
feetfiveinchestall,weighedapproximatelyonehundredthirtytwopoundsand
haddishwaterblondhair.Shewasdivorcedandlivedaloneinawellkepttwo
roomapartmentinLosAngeles,whichshehadrentedfortheprecedingfour
years.Longwasemployedasawaitressatanearbyrestaurantwheresheworked
theeveningshift.VariouspersonsfamiliarwithLongsaidsheenjoyedgambling
attheracetracksandwasindebttoabookmaker.Shewasdescribedas
secretiveregardingherpersonallifeandfamilyhistory.Longroutinelylied
aboutherageandafterherdeathwasdeterminedtobeeightyearsolderthan
shehadoftenclaimed.Longreportedlyenjoyedbeingescortedsociallyby
variousmen,butwasdescribedasunlikelytobecomesexuallyinvolvedunless
shehadbelievedthecontactwouldsomehowbefinanciallylucrativeforher.A
searchofLong'sapartmentafterherdeathrevealedhiddenliquorbottles.Long
wasdescribedashavinganoutgoingassertivepersonality.
Long'sbodywasdiscoveredatapproximately0230hoursonFriday,January
23,1959,lyingnearthesideofaroadinthecityofLaPuente.Theprevious
dayLonghadtakenabustotheSantaAnitaRaceTrackwherewitnessesreported
seeingherbettingonvariousracesthroughouttheday.Personsfamiliarwith
Longbelieveditquitepossibleshewouldhaveacceptedanofferofaridehome
fromastrangershemetattheracetrackifshefoundhimacceptable.
TheareainwhichLongwaslastseenwasdescribedashavinga"lowcrime
rate"withnopreviousabductions,sexualassaults,orsimilarcrimesreported.
Long'srisklevelofbecomingavictimofaviolentcrimewaselevatedby
herassertivepersonality,involvementwithgamblingandsubsequent
indebtedness,andwillingnesstoacceptridesfromstrangers.

256
Overall,basedupontheabovecircumstancesinbothcases,webelievethe
offenderwassociallyacquaintedwiththevictimstosomedegree,andthatfor
someundefinedinitialperiodoftime,thevictimswerewillingtobeinhis
company.

MEDICALEXAMINER'SREPORT

TheMedicalExaminer'sReportsprovidedanevaluationoftheinjuries
sustainedbythevictimsandthereisnoneedtoreiteratethosefindings.
However,afewpointswillbeaddressedandshouldbeconsideredintheoverall
analysisofthesecrimes.
ThepathologistlistedvictimElIroy'sdeathasasphyxiaduetoligature
strangulation.Shealsohaddeeplacerationstothescalp,aminorabrasionto
theupperlidofherrighteyeandhervaginalsmearwaspositivefor
spermatozoa.Thevictimwasnotedtobeinalatemenstrualphase.The
toxicologicaltestsperformedshowedshehadabloodalcohollevelof.08
percent.
VictimLong'scauseofdeathwasalsoasphyxiaduetoligature
strangulation.However,victimLonghadaskullfracturewithcerebral
contusionsasaresultofdistinctincisionlacerationscausedbybluntforce
trauma.Theselacerationshadasomewhatcrescentshapewithfairlyincisedlike
borders.Thevictimalsohadafractureseparationofthe6thcervical
intervertebratespace.
Bothvictimswerestrangledwithnylonstockings.Inadditiontothenylon
stocking,victimElIroyhada"clothesline"typecordtiedtightlyaroundher
neck.VictimLong'svaginaalsocontainedspermatozoa.Herbloodalcoholcontent
waszeropercent.

CRIMESCENEANALYSIS

Althoughnoattemptswillbemadetoconstructprecisechronological
scenariosofthesecrimes,certainobservationsaboutthecrimescenesandtheir
significanceastheyrelatetotheoffenderwillbedescribed.Whenexamined
individually,thetwocrimescenesdonotprovideanabundanceofforensic
evidence.However,whenanalyzed,thebehaviorexhibitedbytheoffenderatthe
crimescenesbecomesmoresignificant.

257
VictimElIroywaslastseenaliveatapproximately02150230hourson
June22,1958,inthecompanyofamaleshehadbeenwithearlierinthe
evening.
Shewaslaterdiscoveredat1000hoursthesamedaylyingontheivy
coveredparkwayofahighschoolinthecityofElMonte.Thevictimwas
dressed,howeverherunderpantsweremissingandherbrassierewasunfastened
andpulleduparoundherneck.Thestockingonherleftlegwaspulleddown
aroundherankleandtheotherwastiedaroundherneckalongwithalengthof
cord.Thevictim'scoathadbeenplacedoverthelowerportionofherbody.
Itappearsthatthevictimhadengagedinconsensualintercourseeven
thoughshewasmenstruating.Atamponwasfoundinthevictim'svaginaatthe
timeoftheautopsy.
Shortlyafterintercoursewascompletedtheoffenderstruckthevictim
withabluntforceobject,whichwasreadilyaccessible,afterwhichheapplied
thecordandfinallythevictim'sstocking.Duetoanobviouslackofdefense
wounds,itisunlikelythatanystruggleoccurredinitially.Fromwitness
reportsthevictimappearedateasewiththeoffenderandshemostlikelynever
perceivedtheoffenderasposingaphysicalthreat.
AfterleavingStan'sDriveIntheoffendermostlikelydrovedirectlyto
thelocationwherethevictimwasfound.Theoffenderwasfamiliarwiththe
locationandselecteditforitsisolationfrompublicviewandbecauseithad
beenusedasa"loverslane"andhisvehiclewouldnotnecessarilystandout.
Thesexactwouldhaveoccurredinsidetheoffender'svehicle,hencethe
victim'sunderpantsremainedinthevehiclebecausethevictimneverhadthe
opportunitytoputthembackon.Whatevercircumstancestriggeredtheoffender's
angeroccurredafterthevictimhadreinsertedthetampon.
Afterthevictimwasstrangled,theoffenderremovedherfromthevehicle
anddumpedherbodyontheivy.Intheprocess,thevictim'spearlnecklace
brokeandfellinthestreet.Theoffender'slastactwastoplacethevictim's
coatoverthelowerportionofherbody.
InrespecttothedeathofvictimBobbieLong,andintheabsenceofany
witnessinformation,thespecificchronologyofeventsleadingtothedeathof
thisvictimcannotberecountedwithanydegreeofspecificityand/ordetail;
therefore,noattemptwillbemadetoreconstructthecrime.Therearehowever
certainfactorsthatarerelativetothecrimescenethatsuggestspecific
activities.

258
Areturnbusticketfoundinthevictim'spursesupportswitnesses'
statementsthatthevictimhadplannedtoattendthehorseracesatSantaAnita
RaceTrackonJanuary22,1959.
Assumingthevictimwenttothehorseraces,shemayhavemettheoffender
attheracesthatdayorevenbeenpreviouslyacquaintedwithhimandaccepteda
ride.Sincethevictimhadacceptedridesfrommenshedidnotknowwellinthe
past,shedidnotapparentlyworryaboutherpersonalsafety.
Thevictimwassecretiveaboutherpersonallife,butwhatlittlewas
knownaboutherindicatesthatshewaswillingtotakewhateveramanhadto
offer.
ThevictimappearedtohaveconsumedaMexicandinnersometimeinthe
earlyeveningasevidencedbytheautopsyreport.Thevictimappearedtohave
participatedinconsensualsexwiththeoffender.Shewasfullydressed,with
theexceptionofherstockings,andherclothingwasintactandnottorn.
Thevictimwasfoundlyingonthegrassshoulderofadirtaccessroad
onetenthofamileoffofamainroadinthecityofLaPuente.Shewaslying
onherbackandthelowerportionofherbodywascoveredwithhercoat(similar
tovictimElIroy).Itappearsshetoowasdumpedonthegroundafterherdeath
hadoccurred.
VictimLong'sdeathoccurredinverymuchthesamemannerasvictim
Ellroy's.Afterconsensualsex,whichmayhavealsotakenplaceinthe
offender'svehicle,shewasunexpectedlystruckwithabluntforceobjecttothe
headnumeroustimes,withanobjecttheoffenderhadreadilyaccessible.After
sustainingtheblows,theoffenderappliedwhatmayhavebeenoneofthe
victim'sstockings,placeditaroundherneck,andstrangledthevictim.
Theoffenderthenremovedthevictimfromhisvehicleanddumpedheron
thegrassshoulderalongwithherpurse.Again,theoffender'slastactwasto
placethevictim'scoatoverthelowerportionofherbody,verysimilartowhat
hadoccurredtovictimElIroy.
ThedistancebetweenthelocationofwherevictimElIroy'sbodywasfound
tothatofvictimLong'sisapproximatelyfourandonehalfmiles.Victim
Ellroy'sbodywasfoundapproximatelyoneandonehalfmilesfromtheareawhere
shewasseendancingandeatingpriortoherdeath.Thisareawaslessthana
mileawayfromwherevictimLong'sbodywasdiscovered.
Inbothdeathsrobberydidnotappeartobethemotive.Webelievethatin
victimElIroy'scase,theoffendersimplyforgottodiscardthevictim'spurse
priortoleaving.Thesexacts,bluntforcetraumafollowedbystrangulation

259
withthevictims'nylons,andthecoveringoftheirlowerbodies,appeartobe
theoffender'ssignatureorcallingcard.

OFFENDERCHARACTERISTICSANDTRAITS

Statistically,crimesofviolenceareintraracialinnature,whiteon
white,blackonblack.Therefore,withoutanyphysicalevidencetothecontrary,
wewouldexpectthisoffendertobeawhitemale.
Inconsiderationoftheoffender'sage,anumberoffactspertinenttothe
crimeareexamined.Thevictim'sage,amountofcontrolorlackofcontrol
exhibitedbytheoffender,thedegreeoftraumainflicted,evidencetakenor
leftbehind,aswellassexualinteraction,ifany,withthevictim,allbecome
importantfactors.Baseduponthesefactorswewouldanticipatethisoffenderto
havebeeninhislatethirties.Age,however,isoneofthemostdifficult
categoriestoevaluate,aschronologicalandemotionalagearefrequentlyquite
different.Asweareevaluatingageonthebasisofbehavior,whichisadirect
resultofemotionalandmentalmaturity,nosuspectshouldbeeliminatedbased
uponagealone.
Theoffenderinallprobabilityiscapableofhavingrelationshipswith
women.Wewouldexpecthimtobesingle,however,andifhewasmarrieditwasa
troubledrelationshipandpossiblymarredbyoutburstswhichmayhaveincluded
domesticviolence.Theoffendercouldhavebeenlivingwithawomaninacommon
lawtyperelationship,buthewouldhavecontinuedtohavesexualencounters
withotherwomen.
Wewouldexpecttheoffendertobeofaveragetoaboveaverage
intelligence,tohavecompletedhighschool,andbeencapableofcollegelevel
work.Heismorethanlikelyemployedandhisemploymenthistorywillbe
consistentwithhisacademicbackground.
Theoffenderinalllikelihoodissufficientlyfamiliarwiththearea
wherethevictims'bodieswerefoundtoknowtheywouldbe"reasonablysafe"
placestodisposeofthebodies.Ithasbeenourexperienceinanalyzingsimilar
casesthatoffenderssuchasthesedisposeofbodieswheretheyhavesomedegree
ofassociationand/orknowledge.Therefore,theoffenderlived,workedor
frequentlyvisitedtheareawherethevictimswerefound.Ifseen,hewouldbe
abletoprovideareasonableexplanationforbeinginthearea.
Theoffenderwillbeconsciousofhisappearanceandclothingandbein
goodphysicalcondition.Sincecrimescenesgenerallyreflecttheoffender's

260
personalityandlifestyle,wewouldexpecttheoffendertobemethodicaland
neatinhisappearance.Hehasfewclosefriends,butnumerousacquaintances.He
isfrequentlyimpulsiveandseeksimmediateselfgratification.Heisa"lone
wolf"ratherthanaloner.
Theoffenderwillappeartobeconfidentbutnotoverly"macho"tohis
peers.Inhisdealingswithwomen,hewillseekdominanceandappeartobea
verycontrollingindividual.Theoffendermightattempttoportrayhimselfas
beingpassive.Hewouldavoidtheappearanceofhavinganexplosivetemperor
beingassaultiveinnature.Episodesofexplosivetemperareintermingledwith
anindifferencetowardsothers.Hewillhaveshownaggressivenessinhis
dealingswithpeople.
Theoffenderwilldrinkalcoholicbeveragesandmayusedrugs,butnotto
thepointoftotalimpairment.Thereisnoindicationofexcessiveuseof
alcoholordrugsatthetimeofthecrimes,althoughhemayhaveusedoneor
bothofthesesubstancestolowerhisinhibitions.
Theoffenderprobablyhasawellmaintainedvehiclewhichisconsistent
withtheeconomicstatusoftheindividualsthevictimspreviouslydated.The
offenderenjoysdrivingandwouldbewillingtotraveloutsidetheimmediate
areainwhichheresidestoseekentertainment.
Wedon'tbelievetheoffenderhasanextensivecriminalhistory.However,
hemayhavebeenarrestedfordomesticdisturbancesorassault.
Theoffender'sweaponsofchoicearebelievedtobeitemsalreadyonhand:
acrescentshapedtoolhemostlikelystoredinhisautomobile;apieceofrope;
andthevictims'nylonhosiery.This,consideredalongwiththefactthatthe
offenderstruckeachvictimrepeatedlyintheheadasameansofcontrol,shows
thatthemurderswereprobablynotplannedforasignificantperiodoftime
beforetheywereactuallycommitted.

POSTOFFENSEBEHAVIOR

Inviewofthetimelapsesincethecommissionofthesecrimes,post
offensebehavior,whichisoftenthemostenlighteningaspectoftheanalysis,
willtakeonalessersignificanceinthiscase.Thespecificsofthissection
willbetoanalyzethatbehaviorwhichwouldhaveoccurredimmediatelyfollowing
thecommissionofthesecrimes.
Theoffenderwouldhavegonedirectlyhomeortosomeothersafeplace
followingthesecrimes.Hemostlikelysoiledhisclothingandvehiclefromthe

261
bluntforcetraumadeliveredtobothvictimsandthemenstrualbloodofvictim
Ellroy.
Havingcommittedwhatheconsideredtobeanunwitnessedmurderoneach
occasion,theoffenderwouldnothavebeenoverlyconcernedorstressedforany
lengthoftime.Hemayhavebrieflyfeignedillnessinanattempttoisolate
himselfandhemayhavecalledinsickthefollowingdayifhewasscheduledto
work.Otherthanthisinitialwithdrawal,youroffender'sdailyroutinewould
nothavebeenalteredsignificantly.
Hewouldhaveavoidedplaceshehadbeenseenwitheithervictimjust
priortotheirdeath.TheseplacesincludetheDesertInn,Stan'sDriveInand
theMexicanrestaurantheandvictimLongmayhavegonetothenightofher
death.
Hemayhaveexhibitedinterestintelevisionnewsaccountsofthekillings
butwouldnothaveinterjectedhimselfintothepoliceinvestigations.Itis
unlikelythathewouldvolunteertheoriesaboutwhathappened.Hewouldclaimto
haveonlyvicariousknowledgeofthecrimes,gainedthroughfriendsorthe
media.
Oncetheinvestigationsbegantowane,theoffenderwouldhavebeen
reassuredthathewasnotseenwiththevictimsandthathewasnotasuspect.
Hewouldnothavefeltanyguiltorremorseforwhathehaddone.Thesewomen
wereseenas"throwaways"andhehadjustifieditinhismindthattheywere
somehowtoblameformakinghimdoit.Hisonlyconcernwouldbeforhimselfand
whateffectthecrimescouldhaveonhislife.Bythistime,hehadprobably
forgottenmostofthedetailsoftheseincidents.
Unlesstheoffenderwasarrestedandincarceratedforsomeextendedperiod
oftime,wewouldexpecttheoffendertohavecontinuedkilling,ifnotinthis
state,inothers.

CarlosAvila
CriminalInvestigativeProfiler/Consultant

Avilathoughtwehadaserialkiller.Hethoughtmymotherfuckedthe
SwarthyManwillingly.Hehedgedtoaslightdegree:
"_Itappears_thatthevictimhadengagedinconsensualintercourse."
"Whatevercircumstancestriggeredtheoffender'sangeroccurredafterthe
victimhadreinsertedthetampon."

262
BillandIdiscussedtheprofileingeneralandtheconsensualsexversus
rapepointinspecific.WeagreedwithAvila'stakeonthekiller'spsychology.
Billwentalongwithhisserialkillerconclusion.Idisputedit.Iconcededone
pointonly.Mymothermighthavebeenthefirstvictiminaserialkillerchain.
CarlosAvilawasanestablishedcriminologicalexpert.Iwasn't.Idistrusted
hisconclusionbecauseitwasbasedonanaggregateknowledgeofsimilar
criminalcasesandtheircommonpathologicalunderpinnings.Idistrustedthe
logicalstricturesandtheencapsulatedknowledgethatpromptedhimtothe
conclusion.Theconclusionunderminedmybasiclawofmurder:Criminalpassion
derivedfromlongsuppressedfearsbroughttomomentaryconsciousnessbythe
uniquealchemyofkillerandvictim.Twounconsciousstatesdovetailandcreate
anexplicativeflashpoint.Thekillerknows.Thekillergoesahead"Itjust
feltlikesomethingIhadtodo."Thevictimfeedsthekillertheknowledge.
Femalevictimstapoutsignalsinsexsemaphore.Lookatthatchippednail
polish.Lookathowsordidlovemakingistwosecondsafteryoucome.Sex
semaphoreisallmisogynistsubtext.Allmenhateallwomenfortriedandtrue
reasonstheyshareinjokesandbantereveryday.Nowyouknow.Youknowthat
halftheworldwillcondonewhatyouarejustabouttodo.Lookatthebags
undertheredhead'seyes.Lookatherstretchmarks.She'sputtingthatcuntrag
backin.She'sgettingbloodalloveryourseatcoversHekilled_her_that
night.Hecouldnothavekilledanyotherwoman.Hedidnotseekoutawomanto
killthatnight.Shecouldnothavepromptedanyothermantothatexplicative
flashpoint.Theiralchemywasbindingandmutuallyexclusive.
Billthoughtitwasrape.Ithoughtitwasrape.Billsaidwehadtokeep
anopenmind.Iembracedtheserialkillertheorymomentarily.IaskedBillif
wecouldrunastatewideornationwiderecordscheckandcatalogchokemurders
backtoourtimeframe.Hesaidmostoftherecordsweren'tcomputerized.Alot
ofhandfiledrecordshadalreadybeendestroyed.Therewasnosystematicwayto
accesstheinformation.ThebigFBIcomputerdidnotstoredatathatold.
Publicitywasstillourbestshot.The_L.A.Weekly_piecewascomingoutin
midFebruary._DayOne_wassettoairinApril.Someoldcopsmightreadthe
pieceorseetheprogram.Theymightcallusandsay,"Ihadacaselikethat..
.
Weputtheprofileaside.Wechasedmorenames.

263
Wefoundanolddoctor.HehadanofficeneartheDesertInn.Hegaveus
thenameHarryBullard.HarryownedtheCoconino.HementionedthePitkin
brothers.TheyownedacoupleofgasstationsnearFivePoints.
WefoundthePitkinbrothers.Theydidn'tgiveusanynames.Theytoldus
HarryBullardwasdead.
Wewantedtosparkanamelandslide.Wewerenamedeprivedandintractably
determinedtograbmorenames.Theinvestigationwasnowthreeandahalfmonths
old.

HelencameoutforChristmas.WespentChristmasEvewithBillandAnn
Stoner.BillandIdiscussedthecasebytheChristmastree.Iignoredallthe
holidaychitchat.Helenknewthecaseinsideout.We'dtalkedeverynightfor
threeplusmonths.Shesentmeouttochasearedheadedghost.Shedidn'ttreat
theghostasarivalorathreat.Shemonitoredherevolutionthroughmy
thoughtsandtalkedmurdertheoryaspreciselyasBillandIdid.Helenwas
Geneva'sdeconstructor.Shewarnedmenottojudgeherorglamorizeher.Helen
satirizedGeneva'sappetites.HelenfixedGenevaupwithskeevypoliticiansand
gotsomerighteouslaughs.BillClintonleftHillaryforGenevaandblewthe'96
election.HillarymovedtoElMonteandstartedflickingJimBossBennett.The
SwarthyManwasbigintheRighttoLifemovement.TheBlondehadNewt
Gingrich'slovechild.
Billspentaweekwithhisfamily.IspentaweekwithHelen.Weputthe
caseontemporaryhold.Iwentintomurderwithdrawal.Italkedtothebossat
Sheriff'sHomicideandwentoutonsomeactivecalls.
Icarriedabeeper.Igotbeepedanddirectedouttotwocrimescenes.I
caughttwogangkillings.Isawbloodstainsandbulletholesandgrieving
families.Iwantedtowriteamagazineessay.Iwantedtoslamthisnew
mechanistichorrorupagainstmyoldsexhorror.Mythoughtsdidn'tjell.I
caughttwomalevictims.Ilookedatspatteredbrainfluidsandsawmymotheron
King'sRow.Ilookedatadeadgangbanger'sbrotherandsawmyfatherpoisedand
pleasedattheElMonteStation.TheoldSheriff'sHomicidesquadfielded14
men.Thecurrentsquadwasafullfledgeddivision.L.A.Countyhad43homicides
in1958.L.A.Countyhad500thisyear.Sheriff'sHomicidewasaclassAunit.
TheycalledthemselvestheBulldogs.TheSheriff'sHomicidesquadroomwasa
fuckingBulldogpen.Bulldogregaliareigned.Theplacewassubmergedindesk

264
cluttermarkedwithBulldogemblems.Aplaquecoveredthefrontwall.Itlisted
everydetectivewhoeverworkedtheunit.
ThenewBulldogsweremultiracialandbigender.Theywereupagainst
hightechmurderandpublicaccountabilityandracialpolarizationand
overpopulationandajurisdictioningradualdecline.TheoldBulldogswere
whitemenwithbottlesintheirdesks.Theoddswerestackedintheirfavor.
Theywereupagainstlowtechmurderinastratifiedandsegregatedsociety.
Everybodyrespectedthemorfearedthem.Theycouldemploycoercivemethodswith
impunity.Theycouldworkadualworldschemewithoutthefearofdualworld
overlap.TheycouldworkmurdersinNiggertownorwetbackElMonteandgohome
tothesafeworldwheretheystashedtheirfamilies.Theywerebrightmenand
drivenmenandmensusceptibletothefleshpottemptationsoftheironduty
world.Theywerebrightmen.Theyweren'tprescientthinkersordystopian
futurists.Theycouldn'tpredictthattheirondutyworldwouldswallowtheir
safeworldoneday.Therewere14Bulldogsin1958.Therewere140today.The
increasednumbersaidtherewasnoplacetohide.Theincreasednumber
contextualizedmyoldhorror.Itimpliedthatmyoldhorrorstillpackedsome
clout.Myoldhorrorlivedinpretechmemories.TheBlondetoldpeople.
Barstooltalkwasstillfloatingaround.Memoriesmeantnames.

Theholidaysended.Helenwenthome.BillandIwentbacktowork.
ChiefClaytongaveussomenames.TheElMonteMuseumdirectorgaveus
somenames.Wecheckedthemout.Theywentnowhere.WehitthetwoElMontebars
stillinoperationsince1958.Theywereredneckjointsthen.TheywereLatin
jointsnow.They'dchangedhandsadozentimes.Wetriedtotracetheownerships
backto'58.Weranintomissingrecords.Weranintomissingnames.
WechasednamesaroundtheSanGabrielValley.PeoplemovedtotheSan
GabrielValleyandrarelymovedout.Sometimestheymovedtoskunktownslike
ColtonandFontana.Billmademedriveeveryday.Freewaydrivingmadehim
retire.Imadehimunretire.ThismeantIhadtoplaychauffeur.ThismeantI
hadtostandabuseformypoordrivingskills.
Wedrove.Wetalked.Wespunoffourcaseandencapsulatedthewhole
criminalworld.Wedrovefreewaysandsurfacestreets.Billpointedoutbody
dumplocalesandriffedonhisoldcases.Idescribedmypatheticcrime
exploits.Billdescribedhispatrolyearswithpicaresquezeal.Weboth
worshippedtestosteroneoverload.Webothreveledintalesofmaleenergy

265
displaced.Webothsawthroughit.Webothknewitkilledmymother.Billsawmy
mother'sdeathinfullblowncontext.Ilovedhimforit.
ItrainedlikeamotherfuckerallthroughJanuary.Wesatoutrushhour
trafficandfreewayfloods.WehitthePacificDiningCarandatebigsteak
dinners.Wetalked.Istartedtoseehowmuchwebothhatedslothanddisorder.
Iliveditfor20yearssolid.Billliveditonceremovedasacop.Slothand
disordercouldbesensualandseductive.Webothknewit.Webothunderstoodthe
rush.Itcamebacktotestosterone.Youhadtocontrol.Youhadtoassert.It
gotcrazyandforcedyoutocapitulateandsurrender.Cheappleasurewasa
damnabletemptation.Boozeanddopeandrandomsexgaveyoubackacheapversion
ofthepoweryousetouttorelinquish.Theydestroyedyourwilltolivea
decentlife.Theysparkedcrime.Theydestroyedsocialcontracts.Thetime
lost/timeregaineddynamictaughtmethat.Punditsblamedcrimeonpovertyand
racism.Theywereright.Isawcrimeasaconcurrentmoralplaguewithentirely
empatheticorigins.Crimewasmaleenergydisplaced.Crimewasamassyearning
forecstaticsurrender.Crimewasromanticyearninggonebad.Crimewasthe
slothanddisorderofindividualdefaultonanepidemicscale.Freewill
existed.Humanbeingswerebetterthanlabratsreactingtostimuli.Theworld
wasaflickedupplace.Wewereallaccountableanyway.
Iknewit.Billknewit.Hetemperedhisknowledgewithagreatersenseof
charitythanIdid.Ijudgedmyselfharshlyandpassedthestandardsofmyself
judgmentontootherpeople.BillbelievedinmitigationmorethanIdid.He
wantedmetoextendasenseofmitigationtomymother.
HethoughtIwastoohardonher.Helikedmypartnertopartnercandor
anddislikedmylackofsontomothersentimentality.IsaidIwastryingto
containherpresence.Iwasrunningadialogueonher.Itwasmostlyinternal.
Myexternalmodewasallcritiqueandmockobjectiveappraisal.Shetookfull
flightinsideme.Shevexedmeandvampedme.Iputonawhitesmockand
addressedherpubliclyasaclinician.Ivoicedbluntcommentstoprovokeblunt
responses.Wehadatwofacedrelationship.Wewerelikeillicitloversliving
intwoworlds.
IknewBillwasfallingforher.Itwasn'tahardspillliketheonehe
tookforPhyllis"Bunny"Krauch.Itwasn'taresurrectionfantasy.Itdidn't
playlikehislongingtoseeTracyStewartandKarenReillyexhumedbeyond
victimhood.Hewasfallingintotheredhead'sblankspaces.Hewantedtosolve
theriddleofhercharacterasmuchashewantedtofindherkiller.

266
Wedrove.Wetalked.Wechasednames.Wewentoffonanthropological
tangents.WehitthecarlotacrossthestreetfromtheDesertInnsite.Wetook
somenamesandtracedtheownershipbackto'58.Theoldowner'ssonowneda
Toyotafranchise.Hegaveusfournames.Wetracedtwotothemorgueandtwoto
carlotsinAzusaandCovina.BillhadahunchthattheSwarthyManwasacar
salesman.Weworkedthathunchfortendaysstraight.Wetalkedtoashitloadof
oldcarsalesmen.Theywereallfossilizedlocals.
Noneofthemrememberedourcase.Noneofthemrememberedtherockin'
DesertInn.NoneofthemevernoshedatStan'sDriveIn.Theydidnotlooklike
cleanlivingmen.Mostofthemlookeddownrightsodden.Theyalldenied
knowledgeofthefreewheelingElMontebarscene.
Wedrove.Wetalked.Wechasednames.WerarelystrayedoutoftheSan
GabrielValley.Everynewleadandtangentbroughtusstraightback.Ilearned
allthefreewayroutesfromDuartetoRosemeadtoCovinaanduptoGlendora.I
learnedsurfacestreetroutesinandoutofElMonte.Wealwayspassedthrough
ElMonte.Itwastheshortestroutetothe10freewayeastandthe605freeway
south.ElMontebecamedeadfamiliar.TheDesertInnbecameValenzuela's.The
foodwasbad.Theservicewasindifferent.Itwasaslopchutewithamariachi
band.Repetitionkilledthejointforme.Itlostitsshockvalueandcharm.It
didnotexisttochaperonemeonmentaldateswithmymother.Therewasonlyone
magneticforcefieldleftinElMonte.ItwasKing'sRowbynight.
Theyshutmeoutsometimes.I'ddriveuparoundmidnightandfindthegate
locked.King'sRowwasahighschoolaccessroad.Itdidnotexisttoreinject
mewithhorror.
I'dfindthegateopensometimes.I'ddriveinandparkwithmylights
out.I'dsitthere.I'dgetscared.I'dimagineallsortsof1995horrorandsit
stillwaitingforit.Iwantedtoputmyselfatphysicalriskinhername.I
wantedtofeelherfearinthisplace.Iwantedherfeartomeldwithmineand
transmogrify.Iwantedtoscaremyselfintoaheightenedawarenessandcomeaway
withlucidnewperceptions.
Myfearalwayspeakedanddiminished.Ineverquitescaredmyselfallthe
waybacktothatnight.

The_L.A.Weekly_cameout.TheEllroyStonerpiecewasbeautifully
executed.ItlaidouttheEllroyandLongcasesinsignificantdetail.It
emphasizedtheBlonde.Itomittedthefactthatmymotherwasstrangledwithtwo

267
ligatures.Itstatedthatshewasstrangledwithasilkstockingonly.The
omissionwascrucial.Itwouldhelpuseliminatefalseconfessionsandconfirm
legitimateones.Thetruefactswerealreadypublishedin_GQ_andinold
newspaperaccounts.The_L.A.Weekly_omissionwasastopgapmeasure.
Theyprintedourtiplinenumberinboldblacktype.
Callscamein.Ikeptmyansweringmachineon24hoursaday.Iplayedmy
messagesperiodicallyandloggedintheprecisetimethateachcallhitthe
line.Billsaid18oophonebillsidentifiedallincomingphonenumbers.We
couldloginthetimesuspiciouscallsarrivedandtracethecallersthroughour
monthlybills.
Fortytwopeoplecalledandhungupthefirstday.Twopsychicscalledand
solicitedbusiness.Amancalledandsaidhecouldthrowaseanceandsummonup
mymother'sspiritforanominalfee.Amoviebizfuckheadcalledandsaidhe
sawmylifeasabigbudgetfeature.Awomancalledandsaidherfatherkilled
mymother.Fourpeoplecalledandsaid0.J.Simpsondidit.Anoldbuddycalled
andhitmeupforaloan.
Twentyninepeoplecalledandhungupthenextday.Fourpsychicscalled.
TwopeoplecalledandsnitchedoffOj.Ninepeoplecalledandwishedmegood
luck.Awomancalledandsaidmybooksweresexyandlet'sgettogether.Aman
calledandsaidmybookswereracistandhomophobic.Threewomencalledandsaid
theirfathersmighthavekilledmymother.Twoofthemsaidtheirfathers
molestedthem.
Thecallscontinued.
WegotmorehangupsandmoreOj.calls.Wegotmorepsychiccallsand
moregoodluckcalls.Wegottwocallsfromwomenwithrepressedmemory
syndrome.Theysaidtheirfathersabusedthem.Theysaidtheirfathersmight
havekilledmymother.Wegotthreecallsfromonewoman.Shesaidherfather
killedmymotherandtheBlackDahlia.
NobodycalledandsaidtheyknewtheBlonde.Nobodycalledandsaidthey
knewmymother.Nooldcopscalledandsaid,Ipoppedthatswarthymotherfucker.
Thecallcountdroppeddaybyday.Icutdownourcallbacklist.Icrossed
offthenutsandthepsychicsandtheBlackDahlialady.Billcalledtheother
womenwhosnitchedofftheirfathersandaskedthemsomemakeorbreak
questions.
Theiranswersclearedtheirfathers.Theirfathersweretooyoung.Their
fatherswereinprisonin1958.TheirfathersdidnotlookliketheSwarthyMan.

268
Thewomenwantedtotalk.Billsaidhe'dlisten.Sixwomentoldthesame
story.Theirfathersbeatuptheirmothers.Theirfathersmolestedthem.Their
fathersblewtherentmoney.Theirfathersskeevedonunderagedfemales.Their
fathersweredeadoratrociouslyboozeimpaired.
Thefathersrantoatype.Thewomenrantoatype.Theyweremiddleaged
andintherapy.Theydefinedthemselvesintherapeuticterms.Theylivedtherapy
andtalkedtherapyandusedtherapeuticjargontoexpresstheirsincerebelief
thattheirfathersreallycouldhavekilledmymother.Billtapedthree
interviews.Ilistenedtothem.Ibelievedeveryspecificsexabuseindictment.
Thewomenwerebetrayedandabused.Theyknewtheirfatherswererapistsand
killersatheart.Theythoughtthattherapygavethempreternaturalinsights.
Theywerevictims.Theysawtheworldinvictimpredatorterms.Theysawmeasa
victim.Theywantedtocreatevictimpredatorfamilies.Theywantedtoclaimme
asabrotherandanointmymotherandtheirfathersasourdysfunctional
parents.Theythoughtthetraumaticforcethatshapedtheirinsightssuperseded
plainlogic.Itdidn'tmatterthattheirfathersdidnotlookliketheSwarthy
Man.TheSwarthyMancouldhavedroppedmymotheroffattheDesertInn.Their
fatherscouldhavesnatchedherintheparkinglot.Theirgriefwasall
inclusive.Theywantedtotakeitpublic.Theywerewritingtheoralhistoryof
ravagedkidsinourtime.Theywantedtoincludemystory.Theywereevangelical
recruiters.
Theymovedmeandscaredme.Ireplayedthetapesandnailedthesourceof
myfear.Thewomensoundedsmug.Theywereentrenchedandcontentintheir
victimhood.
Thetiplinecallsdiedout.The_DayOne_producercalledme.Hesaid
theycouldn'trunour18oonumber.ItviolatedtheirStandardsandPractices
Code.Theoncamerahostwoulddropafewwordsattheendofoursegment.He'd
tellpotentialtipsterstocallSheriff'sHomicide.Hewouldnotincludethe
Sheriff'sHomicidephonenumber.
Iwaspissed.Billwaspissed.Thecoderestrictionfuckedupouraccess
tonationwideinformation.Sheriff'sHomicidewasnotatollfreenumber.Hinky
peoplewouldcalla1800line.Hinkypeoplewouldnotcallthefuzz.Poor
peopleandcheappeoplewouldcalla18ooline.Poorpeopleandcheappeople
wouldnotcalllongdistance.
Billpredicted500tiplinecalls.HepredictediocallstoSheriff's
Homicide.

269
IspentaweekalonewiththeJeanEllroyfile.Ireadallthereportsand
noteslips14dozentimes.Izeroedinononelittledetail.
AirtekDynamicsbelongedtothePachmyerGroup.PachmyerandPackardBell
werephoneticallysimilar.IthoughtmymotherworkedatPackardBelluptoJune
'58.TheBlueBooksaidno.ImighthavedreamedupPackardBell40yearsago.
Itmightbeadyslexicmemoryglitch.
BillandIdiscussedthepoint.Hesaidweshouldcontactmyrelativesin
Wisconsin.UncleEdandAuntLeodamightstillbealive.Theycouldsettlethe
PackardBellpoint.Theymighthavesomenames.Theymighthavemymother's
funeralbook.Itmighthavesomenamesinit.IsaidItalkedtotheWagnersin
'78.IcalledLeodaandapologizedforallthetimesIscammedher.Weargued.
ShesaidmycousinsJeannieandJanetweremarriedandwhywasn'tI?She
patronizedme.Shesaidcaddyworkdidn'tsoundverychallenging.
IblewtheWagnersoffrightthen.Iblewthemoffpermanently.Itold
BillIdidn'twanttocontactthemnow.Hesaid,You'rescared.Youdon'twant
toreviveLeeEllroyforeventwoseconds.Isaid,You'reright.
Wechasednames.Wefounda90yearoldwoman.Shewasspryandlucid.She
knewElMonte.Shegaveussomenames.Wetracedthembacktothemorgue.
IspenttwoweeksalonewiththeEllroyandLongfiles.Iinventoried
everynoteoneveryslipofpaper.Myinventoryran61pages.IXeroxedacopy
andgaveittoBill.
Ifoundanothercrumplednotewebothoverlooked.Itwasacanvassing
note.IrecognizedBillVickers'handwriting.Vickerstalkedtoawaitressat
theMamaMiaRestaurant.Shesawmymotherattherestaurant"about8:00p.m."
Saturdaynight.Shewasalone.Shestoodinthedoorwayandcheckedtheplace
out"likeshewaslookingforsomeone."
Iwentovermyinventory.Ifoundacompanionnote.ItsaidthatVickers
calledtheMamaMiawaitress.Shementionedaredheadedwoman.Vickerssaidhe'd
bringaphotoofthevictimin.ThenoteIjustfoundwasthefollowupnote.
Thewaitresslookedatthephoto.Shesaidtheredheadedwomanwasmymother.
Itwasamajorreconstructivelead.
Mymotherwas"lookingforsomeone."BillandIextrapolatedthat
"someone."ShewaslookingfortheBlondeand/ortheSwarthyMan.Atleastone
relationshipexistedpriortothatnight.
TheDayOneshowaired.TheEllroyStonersegmentwaspunchyandstraight
tothepoint.Thedirectorsqueezedthestoryintotenminutes'screentime.He

270
gottheBlondein.HeshowedtheIdentiKitportraitsoftheSwarthyMan.Diane
SawyertoldpotentialtipsterstocallSheriff'sHomicide.
TheBlackDahlialadycalled.Fourmorewomencalledandsaidtheir
fatherscouldhavekilledmymother.Amancalledandsnitchedoffhisfather.A
mancalledandsnitchedoffhisfatherinlaw.Wecalledthecallers.Their
informationplayedout100%bogus.
IspentanotherweekwiththeEllroyandLongfiles.Iforgednonew
connections.BillclearedouthisdeskattheBureau.Hefoundanenvelope
markedZ483362.
Itcontained:
AnameandaddresscallingcardforJohnHowellofVanNuys,California.
JeanEllroy'scarpaymentbook.Shesentherlastpaymentinon6/5/58.
Herpaymentsran$85.58amonth.
Acanceledcheckfor$15.ThecheckwasdatedJeanEllroysignedthecheck
onher43rdbirthday.AmannamedCharlesBellaviaendorsedit.
Asheetofpaperwithagummedscratchpadborderandanoteononeside.
Thenoteread:"NikolaZaha.Vic'sboyfriend?Whittier."
WeranthenewnamesthroughtheDMVandDOJcomputers.WegotnoDOJ
hits.WegotnoDMVhitonZaha.WegotDMVhitsonJohnHowellandCharles
Bellavia.Theywereoldmennow.BellavialivedinWestL.A.HowelllivedinVan
Nuys.Bellaviawasararename.Wefiguredwehadtherightguy.Weknewwehad
therightJohnHowell.Hiscurrentaddresswasafewdigitsoffhiscallingcard
address.
WecheckedthereversebookforZahas.WefoundtwoinWhittier.Zahawas
ararename.WhittieradjoinedtheSanGabrielValley.ThetwoZahaswere
probablyrelatedtoourZaha.
Irememberedmymother'soldboyfriendHankHart.Ifoundtheminbed
together.HankHarthadonethumb.Ifoundmymotherinbedwithanotherman.I
didn'tknowhisname.Ididn'tknowthenameNikolaZaha.
NikolaZahamightbeacrucialwitness.Hemightexplainmymother's
precipitousmovetoElMonte.
BillandIdroveouttoVanNuys.WefoundJohnHowell'shouse.Thedoor
waswideopen.WefoundHowellandhiswifeinthekitchen.Anursewas
preparingtheirlunch.
Mr.Howellwashookeduptoarespirator.Mrs.Howellwassittingina
wheelchair.Theywereoldandfrail.Theylookedliketheywouldn'tlivemuch
longer.

271
Wetalkedtothemgently.Thenurseignoredus.Weexplainedoursituation
andaskedthemtothinkbackaways.Mrs.Howellmadethefirstconnection.She
saidhermotherwasmyoldbabysitter.Hermotherdiedfifteenyearsago.She
was88.Ifoughtforthewoman'snameandsnaggedit.
EthelIngs.MarriedtoTomIngs.Welshimmigrants.Ethelworshippedmy
mother.EthelandTomwereinEuropeinJune'58.Mymotherdrovethemtothe
_QueenMary_.MyfathercalledEthelandtoldhermymotherwasdead.Ethelwas
distraught.
Mr.Howellsaidherememberedme.MynamewasLeenotJames.Thecops
foundhiscallingcardatmymother'shouse.Theyquestionedhim.Theygot
prettyraw.
Thenursepointedtoherwristwatchandhelduptwofingers.Billleaned
towardme.Hesaid,"Names."
Isawanaddressbookonthekitchentable.IaskedMr.HowellifIcould
lookthroughit.Henoddedyes.Ilookedthroughthebook.Irecognizedone
name.
EulaLeeLloyd.OurnextdoorneighborcircaEulaLeewasmarriedtoa
mannamedHarryLloyd.ShelivedinNorthHollywoodnow.Imemorizedheraddress
andphonenumber.
Thenursetappedherwatch.Mrs.Howellwasshaking.Mr.Howellwas
gaspingforbreath.BillandIsaidgoodbye.Thenurseshowedusoutandslammed
thedoorbehindus.

Igotaglimpseofmyownflawedmemory.Ididn'trememberEulaLeeLloyd.
Ididn'trememberEthelandTomIngs.Theinvestigationwasninemonthsold.My
memorygapsmightbeimpedingourprogress.Iretrievedamemory.Iwenttothe
boatwithEthelandTomandmymother.ItwaslateMayorearlyJune'58.I
thoughtIhadthattimemicroscopicallyframed.IthoughtIhadeverydetail
culledforanalysis.TheHowellstaughtmeotherwise.Mymothercouldhavesaid
things.Mymothercouldhavedonethings.Shecouldhavementionedpeople.The
copsquestionedmeandrequestionedme.Theywantedtotrapmyrecentmemories.
Ihadtotrapmyoldmemories.Ihadtosplitmyselfintwo.The47yearoldman
hadtointerrogatethe10yearoldboy.Shelivedinmypurview.Ihadtolive
withheragain.Ihadtoexertextremementalpressureandgoatourshared
past.Ihadtoplacemymotherinfictionalsettingsandtrytominereal
memoriesthroughsymbolicexpression.Ihadtorelivemyincestuousfantasies

272
andcontextualizethemandembellishthempasttheshameandthesenseof
boundarythatalwaysrestrictedthem.Ihadtoshackupwithmymother.Ihadto
liedowninthedarkwithherandgoIwasn'treadyyet.Ihadtocleara
blockoftimefirst.IhadtotrackdownLloyd,BellaviaandZahaandseewhere
theytookme.Iwantedtogoatmymotherwithafullloadofrecollectiveammo.
TheBecketttrialwascomingup.Billwouldbeattheprosecutiontableallday
everyday.Iwantedtoseethetrial.IwantedtolookatDaddyBeckettandput
ahexonhisworthlesssoul.IwantedtoseeTracyStewartgetheraltogether
toolateandunsatisfactoryvengeance.Billsaidthetrialwouldprobablylast
twoweeks.ItwouldprobablyconcludeinlateJulyorAugust.Icouldshackwith
theredheadthen.

Wehadthreehotnames.Wechasedthemfulltime.
WecalledEulaLeeLloydandgotnoanswer.Weknockedonherdoorandgot
noanswer.Wecalledherandknockedonherdoorforthreedaysstraightandgot
noanswers.Wetalkedtothelandlady.ShesaidEulaLeewasholedupwitha
sicksistersomewhere.Weexplainedoursituation.Shesaidshe'dtalktoEula
Leesoonerorlater.She'dtellherwewantedtochat.Billgaveherhishome
number.Shesaidshe'dbeintouch.
WeknockedonCharlesBellavia'sdoor.Hiswifeanswered.ShesaidCharles
wenttothestore.Charleshadaheartcondition.Hetookalittlewalkevery
day.Billshowedherthecanceledcheck.Hesaidthewomanwhowrotethecheck
wasmurderedtwomonthslater.HeaskedherwhyCharlesBellaviaendorsedthe
check.Shesaiditwasn'tCharles'signature.Ididn'tbelieveher.Billdidn't
believeher.
ShetoldustogoawayWetriedtosweettalkher.Shedidn'tbuyouract.
Billtouchedmyarmtosaybackoffnow.
Webackedoff.Billsaidhe'dshootthechecktotheElMontePD.Tom
ArmstrongandJohnEcklercouldbraceOldManBellavia.
WechasedNikolaZaha.
WedroveouttoWhittierandhitourfirstZahaaddress.Ateenagedgirl
washomealone.ShesaidNikolawashergrandfather.Hediedalongtimeago.
TheotherlocalZahawasheruncle'sdivorcedwife.

273
WedrovetotheotherZahaaddressandknockedonthedoor.Nobody
answered.WedrovetotheElMonteStationanddroppedthecheckottwith
ArmstrongandEckler.
WedrovebacktoOrangeCountyandbrokeitofffortheday.Idrovetoa
HomeDepotstoreandboughtanothercorkboard.Imounteditonmybedroomwall.
IdrewaSaturdaynight/Sundaymorningtimegraph.Itstartedat756Maple
at8:00p.m.ItendedatArroyoHighat10:10a.m.Iplacedmymotheraround
FivePointshourbyhour.Idrewquestionmarkstonoteherblocksof
unaccountabletime.Isetherdeathat3:15a.m.Ipinnedthegraphtothe
board.Itackedupagraphiccrimesceneshotat3:20a.m.
Istaredatthegraphforagoodtwohours.Billcalled.Hesaidhe'd
talkedtoNikolaZaha'ssonandexdaughterinlaw.TheysaidZahadiedin'63.
Hewasinhisearly40s.Hehadaheartattack.Hewasabigdrunkandabig
pussyhound.Hewasanengineer.Heworkedatabunchofmanufacturingplants
neardowntownL.A.HemighthaveworkedatAirtekDynamics.Thesonandhisex
didnotknowthenameJeanEliroy.Thesonsaidhisdadwasadiscreetpussy
hound.BillgottwodescriptionsofZaha.HelookedantitheticaltotheSwarthy
Man.
Billsaidgoodnight.Ihungupandstaredatmygraph.

ArmstrongandEcklerreported.TheysaidtheytalkedtoCharlesBellavia.
Hesaidthesignatureonthecheckwasnothissignature.Hewasnotconvincing.
Hesaidheownedalunchtruckbizbackin'58.Histrucksservicedfactoriesin
downtownL.A.Armstronghadatheory.HefiguredJeanEllroyboughtsomechow.
Shegavethelunchtruckmanacheckandgottenortwelvebucksbackincash.
BellaviasaidhedidnotknowJeanEliroy.Hewasconvincing.Thelunchtruck
mangaveBellaviathecheck.Heendorseditanddepositeditinhisbusiness
account.
EulaLeeLloyd'slandladyreported.Shesaidshe'dtalkedtoEulaLee.
EulaLeerememberedJeanEllroyandhermurder.Shesaidshehadnothingtotell
us.Hersisterwassick.Shehadtocareforher.Shehadnotimetotalkabout
oldhomicides.
BillbeganpretrialworkwiththeBeckettprosecutor.Iholedupwiththe
JeanEllroyfile.The18oolinebuzzedsporadically.IgotOj.callsand
psychiccalls.Fourjournalistscalledwithinatwoweekperiod.Theywantedto
writeuptheEllroyStonerquest.Theyallpromisedtoincludeour18oonumber.

274
Ischeduledtimewithreportersfromthe_L.A.Times_,theSanGabrielValley
_Tribune_,_OrangeCoast_magazineand_LaOpinion_.
Wegotahottip.AwomanreadtheL.A.Weeklybelatedlyandcalledus.
HernamewasPeggyForrest.ShemovedtoElMontein1956.Shewasn'tapsychic.
Shedidn'tthinkherfatherkilledmymother.ShelivedamilefromBryantand
Maplethenandnow.
Sheleftaprovocativemessage.Billcalledherandsetupaninterview.
Wedroveouttoherhouse.ShelivedonEmbreeDriveoffPeckRoad.Itwasdue
northofmyoldhouse.
PeggyForrestwasrangyandinherlate6os.Shesatusdowninher
backyardandtoldusherstory.
TheyfoundthenurseonaSundaymorning.Itwasontheradio.Willie
Stopplemoorknockedonherdoor.Shewantedtotalkaboutit."Willie"wasshort
for"Wilma."WilliewasmarriedtoErnieStopplemoor.Theyhadtwosonsnamed
GailardandJerry.GailardwenttoArroyoHigh.ErnieandWilmawere35to40.
TheycamefromIowa.TheylivedonElrovia.ElroviawasnearPeckRoad.
Williewasagitated.ShesaidthecopswerelookingforClyde"Stubby"
Green.TheyfoundStubby'sovercoatonthenurse'sbody.Thenursewasselling
Stubbydope.
StubbyGreenlivedacrossthestreetfromPeggyForrest.Heworkedata
machineshopwithErnieStopplemoor.Stubbywas5'11"andstocky.Hehada
butchhaircut.Hewasabout30then.StubbywasmarriedtoRitaGreen.Theycame
fromVermontorNewHampshire.Ritawasblond.Sheworeaponytail.Stubbyand
Ritawerebarhoppers.Stubbywasan"ElMontelegend"anda"wellknownbad
boy."StubbyandRitahadasonnamedGaryandadaughternamedCandy.Theywent
toCherryleeElementarySchool.Theywereaboutsixorsevenyearsoldin1958.
PeggysawStubbysneakhomeonemorning.Hewascarryingsomesuitsandsports
jackets.Itjustdidn'tlookright.WillieStopplemoordidnotmentionStubbyor
thenurseagain.Peggyforgotaboutthewholething.Thekickertothewhole
thingwasthis:
TheGreenssplitforpartsunknownafewweeksafterthemurder.They
pulledtheirkidsoutofschool.Theyblewofftheirmortgageandtheirhouse.
TheyneverreturnedtoElMonte.TheStopplemoorsdidthesamething.Theysplit
unexpectedly.Theydidnottellasoulthattheyintendedtomove.Theyjustup
andvanished.
IaskedPeggytodescribeErnieStopplemoor.Shesaidhewasverytalland
gangly.WillieStopplemoorwaschunkyandplainfeatured.Billmentionedthe

275
machineshop.Peggysaidshedidn'tknowthename.ItwassomewhereintheSan
GabrielValley.
Iaskedherfornames.IaskedhertolinksomenamestotheGreen
incident.Shesaidherfathertoldhersomething.HesaidBillYoungand
MargaretMcGaugheyknewthedeadnurse.
BillranPeggyForrestthroughherstoryagain.Shetolditinthesame
precisemanner.Iwrotedownallthenamesandagesandphysicaldescriptions.I
wroteoutaprioritylistandunderlinedfourthings:
ElMonteMuseumcheck'58directories.
Check'59sseeifGreens&StopplemoorsreallyleftElMonte.
CheckschoolrecordsGreen&Stopplemoorkids.
RunGreens&Stopplemoorsnationwideandattempttolocate.
Itfeltlikesomething.Ilikedthetightlocalvibe.

IshowedBillmylist.Hesaiditwasgood.Wediscussedthe
Green/Stopplemoorstory.Isaidthecoatbitwasbullshit.Thecopsfoundmy
mother'scoatonherbodyBillsaidthedopebitwasbullshit.Jeanprobablyhad
noaccesstosalablenarcotics.IsaidIdugthegeographicalangle.Elroviawas
oneblockfromMaple.Istartedtotheorize.Billtoldmetostop.Wehadtoget
morefactsfirst.
WehittheElMonteMuseum.Wecheckedthedirectories.WefoundaClyde
GreeneonEmbreein1958.HiswifewaslistedasLorraine,notRita.Wechecked
the'59,'6oand'61books.TherewerenoClydeorLorraineGreeneslisted.We
foundtheStopplemoorsonElroviaforallfouryears.
BillcalledTomArmstrong.Heranthestorybyhimandgavehimthenames
andapproximateagesofthefourGreeneandStopplemoorkids.TheStopplemoors
probablystuckaroundElMonte.TheGreenesmighthavebookedoutquicksville.
Armstrongsaidhe'dchecktheappropriateschoolrecords.He'dtrytodetermine
iftheGreenesandStopplemoorsyankedtheirkids.
BillcalledChiefClaytonandDaveWire.HedroppedthenamesErnie
StopplemoorandClyde"Stubby"Greenethe"ElMontelegend."Thenamesdidn't
ringanybells.ClaytonandWirepromisedtocallsomeoldcopsandreportback.
Theycalledsomeoldcops.Theyreportedback.NobodyrecalledErnie
StopplemoororClyde"Stubby"Greene.
WerantheGreenes,theStopplemoorsandtheirkidsthroughthestateDMV
andDOJcomputersandthe50statereversebook.WeranthenameRitaGreeneand

276
thenameLorraineGreene.WegotpreciousfewGreenesaltogether.Wecalledall
ofthem.Noneofthemactedsuspicious.Noneofthemsaidtheyusedtolivein
ElMonte.NoneoftheClydescoppedtothenickname"Stubby"NoneoftheGarys
andCandyscoppedtodaddiesnamedClydeormamasnamedLorraineorRita.
WetaggedthreeStopplemoorsinIowa.TheywerebloodkintooldErnie.
TheysaidErnieandWilmaweredead.TheirsonJerrywasdead.TheirsonGailard
waslivinginNorthernCalifornia.
BillgotGailard'snumberandcalledhim.Gailarddidnotrecallthe
GreenefamilyortheJeanEllroysnufforanythingbuthotrodsandchicksinEl
Monte.Hedidnotcomeoffsuspicious.Hecameoffsomnambulant.
Armstronggotustheschoolrecords.TheyprovedthattheStopplemoors
stayedinElMonte.TheyprovedthattheGreenespulledtheirkidsoutofschool
inOctober'58.StubbydidnotrabbitinJuly.PeggyForresthadthatwrong.
WetriedtofindBillYoungandMargaretMcGaugheyWefailed.Wekissed
thewholetangentoff.
Wemetthe_L.A.Times_reporter.Weshowedherthefile.WeshowedherEl
Monte.WetookhertoValenzuela'sandArroyoHighand756Maple.Shesaidshe
wasbacklogged.ShemightnotgetherpieceoutbeforeLaborDay.
Billresumedhistrialpreparations.Iwentbacktothefile.Thefilewas
anaccessroadtomymother.Iwasgoingintohidingwithhersoon.Thefilewas
preparingme.Iwantedtomeetherwithestablishedfactsandrumorssyncedto
myimagination.Thefilesmelledlikeoldpaper.Icouldturnthatsmellto
spilledperfumeandsexandher.
Iholedupwiththefile.Myapartmentwasunairconditionedand
summertimehot.Istaredatmycorkboarddisplays.Ihadmymealsdelivered.I
talkedtoHelenandBillonthephoneeverynightandnobodyelse.Ikeptthe
answeringmachineon.Astringofpsychicsandsoulchannelerscalledandsaid
theycouldhelpme.Ierasedthemessages.Icookedupsomecrazyassmeasures
andcalledthemintoBill.Isaidwecouldtakeoutabignewspaperadand
requestinformationontheBlondeandSwarthyMan.Billsaiditwouldjust
attractmorefreaksandgeeksandmystics.Isaidwecouldofferabigreward
forthesameinformation.ItwouldgalvanizethebarflieswhoheardtheBlonde's
story.BillsaiditwouldgalvanizeeverygreedycocksuckerinLosAngeles
County.Isaidwecouldgothroughallthe'58phonebooks.Wecouldcheckthe
ElMonte,BaldwinPark,Rosemead,Duarte,LaPuente,Arcadia,TempleCityand
SanGabrielbooksandwritedowneveryGreekandItalianandLatinCaucasian
soundingmalenameandrunDOJandDMVchecksandtakeitfromthere.Billsaid

277
itwasascrewyidea.Itwouldtakeayearandresultinnothingbutbulishit
andcatastrophicaggravation.
HesaidIshouldreadthefile.HesaidIshouldthinkaboutmymother.I
saidIwasdoingit.Ididn'tsaysomepartofmewasrunninglikesheusedto
run.Ididn'tsaymycrazysuggestionsweresomekindoflastditcheffortto
avoidher.
TheJeanEllroyreinvestigationwastenmonthsold.

25

DaddyBeckettlookedlikeSantaClaus.Hewasahardchargingbadassin
1981.Hewasyourwhitebeardedgranddadnow.Hehadaheartcondition.Hewasa
bornagainChristian.
HewenttotrialatDivision107,L.A.CountySuperiorCourt.Judge
MichaelCowlespresided.DeputyDADaleDavidsonrepresentedthecounty.A
lawyernamedDaleRubinrepresentedDaddy.Thecourtroomwaswoodpaneledand
nicelyairconditioned.Theacousticsweregood.Thespectatorbencheswerehard
anduncomfortable.
O.J.Simpsonwasontrialfourdoorsdown.Thehallwaywaspackedfrom
8:00a.m.toclosingtimeeveryday.Wewereninefloorsup.Everyelevatorride
ranfullcapacity.TheCriminalCourtsBuildingwasamultiplexentertainment
center.Itfeaturedonehotattractionandsomecourtroomloungeacts.Media
crews,picketersandTshirtvendorscircledthebuilding.TheproOj.pickets
wereblack.TheantiO.J.picketswerewhite.TheTshirtguyswerebiracial.
Theparkinglotwasfullofcameratrucksandsundeflectingphotoorbson
stilts.Schoolwasout.Alotofpeoplebroughttheirkids.
TheBecketttrialwasaboxofficedud.FuckDaddyBeckett.Daddywaslow
rent.Hewasaschmuckwithanaccordionandabadrug.TheMainRoomwasfour
doorsdown.0.J.SimpsonwasthewholeRatPackintheirprime.FuckTracy
Stewart.NicoleSimpsonhadbiggertits.
DaddyBeckettsatwithDaleRubin.BillStonersatwithDaleDavidson.The
jurysatalongtherighthandwallandviewedtheactionsideways.Thejudgesat
onahighperchandviewedtheactiondirectly.Isatupagainstthebackwall.
Isatthereeveryday.TracyStewart'sparentssatinfrontofme.We
neverspoke.

278
CharlieGuentherflewdownforthetrial.GaryWhiteflewinfromAspen.
BillstuckclosetotheStewarts.Hewantedtowalkthemthroughthetrialand
helpthemretrievetheirdaughter'sremains.DaddyBeckettsaidheremembered
thedumpsite.HetoldtheFortLauderdalecopsthathe'dsendtheStewartsan
anonymousnoteandrevealthelocation.Hehadn'tdoneityet.Therewasno
percentageinit.Theactcouldlegallybackfire.TheStewartswantedtobury
theirdaughter.Theyprobablyknewthewholeconceptof"closure"wasbullshit.
Theirdaughtervanishedoneday.Theyprobablywantedtostageareunionand
markherlifewithapieceofdirtandastone.
Billthoughtthey'dneverfindthebody.Hisrayofhopewasasham.
RobbieBeckettsaidtheydroveTracysouthanddumpedhernearafence.Nobody
foundherbody.Thebodyshouldhavebeenfound.Thebodymighthavebeenfound
andmisidentified.Thebodymightbeburiedundersomeothername.Daddytold
Robbietoguttheinsideofhisvanafewdaysafterthemurder.Theactwas
irrational.TheactimplicitlycontradictedRobbie'saccountofthemurder.They
hitTracywithasap.Daddystrangledher.Theymadeaminimalmess.
Thebodyshouldhavebeenfound.
TheymighthavecutTracyupinthevan.Theymighthavedumpedherbody
partsindifferentlocations.
Billthoughtthey'dneverknow.Robbiewouldsticktohisstory.Daddy
wouldnotsendthatnote.Closurewasbullshit.They'dconvictDaddy.Thejudge
wouldnotimposethedeathpenalty.Theyneededabody.Theyneededtoprove
thatDaddyrapedTracy.RobbiesaidDaddyrapedTracy.Itwasn'tsufficient
proof.RobbiesaidthathedidnotrapeTracy.Billdidnotbelievehim.
CharlieGuenthertestified.HedescribedtheTracyStewartmissingpersons
case.HedescribedGaryWhite'sworkfortheAspenPD.Heconsultedapocket
notebookandlistedhisdatesandlocationspreciselyDaddyBeckettwatchedhim.
DaleRubinchallengedafewdatesandlocations.Guenthercheckedhisnotesand
corroboratedthem.Daddywatched.Daddyworealongsleevedsportshirtand
slacks.Histhreadscomplementedhiswhitehairandglasses.Hisceilmates
probablycalledhim"Pops."
GloriaStewarttestified.ShedescribedTracy'slifeandtheevents
precedingherdisappearance.Tracywasashyandfearfulgirl.Tracyhadtrouble
inhighschoolanddroppedoutprematurely.Tracyrarelyhaddates.Tracyran
errandsandansweredthephoneforherparents.Tracystayedhomealot.
DaleDavidsonwasgentle.HephrasedhisquestionsdeferentiallyDale
Rubinquestionedthewitness.HeimpliedthatTracy'shomelifewascloistered

279
andextremelyneurotic.Hecameoffskittishandunconvincedofhisown
argument.Iwatchedthejury.Iburrowedintotheirheads.Iknewtheyfoundthe
implicationsunconscionable.Tracywasmurdered.Herhomelifewasirrelevant.
Davidsonwasgentle.Rubinwasalmostpolite.GloriaStewartwasfierce.
Shetrembled.Shecried.ShelookedatDaddyBeckett.Shesobbedand
coughedandstumbledoverherwords.Hertestimonysaid,Thereisnoclosure.
Herhatredfilledtheroom.ShesawRobbie'strial.Shesawhimconvicted.It
wasjustapassingmomentinherhatred.Thiswasonemoremoment.Itwas
nothingcomparedtotheaggregateforceofthehateshesustainedeveryday.She
leftthewitness'stand.SheveeredbythedefensetableandlookedatDaddy
Beckettcloseup.Shetrembled.Shewalkedtoherbenchandsatdown.Her
husbandputanarmaroundher.
Ineverfeltherkindofhatred.Ineverhadafleshandbloodtarget.

TheBecketttrialcontinued.TheSimpsontrialcontinuedfourdoorsdown.
IsawJohnnieCochraneverydayHewasaperfectlygroomedandtailoredlittle
man.HedressedbetterthanDaleDavidsonandDaleRubin.
SharonHatchtestified.ShewasDaddyBeckett'ssqueezein'81.Shesaid
shedumpedDaddyDaddyflippedout.Hethreatenedherandherkids.SharonHatch
lookedatDaleDavidson.DaddylookedatSharonHatch.ShesaidDaddyneverhit
her.Heneverthreatenedherbeforeshedumpedhim.IfollowedDavidson'slogic.
HewasestablishingDaddy'spsychepreandpostbreakup.Daddywascalmbefore.
Daddywiggedoutafter.Idistrustedthebeforeandafterline.Itwasacoded
causeandeffectindictmentaimedataninnocentwoman.Thelinemighthitthe
menonthejurysquareinthegonads.TheymightcommiseratewithDaddy.The
poorguygotflickedbyacoldheartedcunt.IlookedatSharonHatch.Itried
toreadher.Sheseemedpassablysmart.SheprobablyknewthatDaddywaswigged
outwellinadvanceoftheirbreakup.Hewasastrongarmloancollector.Hewas
anarmorfetishist.Hischivalrytowomenwasasymptomofhishatredforwomen.
Hewasasexpsychohibernating.Heknewthathewantedtorapeandkillwomen.
Thebreakupgavehimajustification.Itwasbasedononepartrageandtwo
partsselfpity.YoucouldnotdatehisgenderwidehatredtothemomentSharon
Hatchsaid,"Walk,sweetie."DaddyBeckettwasworkingtowardhisexplicative
flashpointalready.HewasliketheSwarthyManinthespringof'58.Ifelta
littlejoltofempathyfortheSwarthyMan.IfeltabigjoltofhateforDaddy
Beckett.Mymotherwas43yearsold.Shewascaustic.Shecouldputweakmenin

280
theirplace.TracyStewartwasutterlyhelpless.DaddyBecketttrappedherin
hisbedroom.Shewasalambinhisslaughterhouse.
DaleDavidsonandSharonHatchworkedwelltogether.TheysetDaddyupas
afrayedfuseabouttounravel.DaleRubinraisedsomeobjections.JudgeCowles
overruledsomeandsustainedsome.Theobjectionspertainedtopointsoflawand
flewrightovermyhead.IwasbackintheSouthBayin1981.Iwasahalfstep
fromthatnight23yearsbefore.

Thejudgecalledarecess.Daddywalkedtohisholdingboothoutsidethe
courtroom.TwoplainclothescopsbroughtRobbiein.Hewashandcuffedand
shackled.Hewaswearingjaildenims.Thecopssathimdowninthewitnessbox
anduncuffedandunshackledhim.HesawBillStonerandDaleDavidsonandwaved.
Theywalkeduptohim.Everybodystartedsmilingandtalking.
Robbiewasroughtrade.Hewastallandbroad.Hisbodyfatranabout.
05%.Hehadlongbrownhairandalong,droopymustache.Helookedlikehe
benched350andranahundredyardsin9.6seconds.
Courtreconvened.Theplainclothescopssatnearthejurybox.Abailiff
waltzedDaddyin.HesatdownbesideDaleRubin.
RobbielookedatDaddy.DaddylookedatRobbie.Theycheckedeachother
outandlookedaway.
TheclerksworeRobbiein.DaleDavidsonapproachedthewitnessstand.He
askedRobbiesomepreliminaryquestions.
Robbietalkedwithaswagger.Hewasheretoventapatricidalgrudge.He
emphasizedwordslike"ain't"andphraseslike"Hedidn'thaveno."Hewas
saying,IknowbetterandIdon'tgiveaflick.Theimplicationwas,I'mmeand
myfathermademewhoIam.
DaddywatchedRobbie.TheStewartswatchedRobbie.DavidsonledRobbie
backtoRedondoBeachandTracy'shouseandDaddy'sapartment.DaleRubinraised
severalobjections.Thejudgeoverruledorsustainedthem.Rubinlooked
bewildered.Hecouldn'tdivertRobbie'smomentum.Robbiestartedlooking
straightatDaddy.

Davidsonworkedslowlyanddeliberately.HetookRobbierightuptothe
moment.Robbiestartedstutteringandcrying.HewalkedTracyintothebedroom.
HegavehertoDaddy.DaddystartedtouchingherRobbielostit.Hefaltered

281
andtrippedoverhiswords.DaleDavidsonpaused.Hesuspendedhisquestionsfor
asuperblycalculatedlittlepocketoftime.HeaskedRobbieifhecouldtalk
now.Robbiewipedhisfaceandnodded.Davidsonfedhimsomewaterandtoldhim
tocontinue.Robbiepluggedawayathisstorylikeatrouper.Hegotdrunk.
DaddyrapedTracy.Daddysaid,We'vegottokillher.Theywalkedher
downstairs.HehitherwiththesapRobbiefalteredagain.Hefalteredoncue.
Nobodyfedhimthecue.Hepulledaninternalboohoonumberandchokedhimself
up.Heweptforhisownmisspentlife.Hedidn'tintendtokillagirlthat
night.Hisfathermadehimdoit.Hewasn'tweepingforthegirlhekilled.He
wasweepingforhisownforfeiture.
Robbiewasgood.Robbieunderstooddramaticdisplacement.Hereachedfor
theoldselfpityandpulledoutsometearsandhittheoldredemptionseeker
chordmoltobravissimo.Hewasbadbutnotasbadashisfather.Hiswretched
characterandbeautifullyfeignedremorsegavehiminstantcharismaand
credibility.Itimetraveledbackto8/9/81.Amanhadtokillawoman.Aboy
hadtopleasehisfather.Daddyonlykilledwomenwithothermalespresent.
DaddyneededRobbie.Daddycouldn'tkillTracywithouthim.Robbieknewwhat
Daddywanted.Didyourapeher,too?DidyourapeherbecauseDaddyrapedher
andyouhatedhimandyoucouldn'tstandtoseehimhavemorefunthanyou?Did
yourapeherbecauseyouknewDaddywouldkillherandwhat'sonemorerape
then?Didyoulayoutsomegarbagebagsanddismemberherinthebackofthe
van?
DavidsonledRobbiethroughtherestofthenightandhisinitialmopup
procedures.Robbiestucktohisoftentoldandformallyrecordedstory.Davidson
thankedhimandturnedhimovertoDaleRubin.Robbiegotrealthen.Thiswas
RobbieversusDaddywithnoexpendablepieceofasstodistortthegoddamn
issue.
RubintriedtodiscreditRobbie.Hesaid,Didn'tyoubringTracyhomefor
yourself?Robbiedeniedit.Rubinrephrasedthequestionrepeatedly.Robbie
denieditrepeatedly.Robbieraisedhisvoicewitheachdenial.Robbiewasall
pridenow.Hestruttedfromasittingposition.Hesaid"No"withexaggerated
inflectionsandbobbedhisheadupanddownlikehewastalkingtoaflicking
retard.RubinaskedRobbieifhegotinfightsbackthen.Robbiesaidhewasa
redbloodedguy.Helikedtokickass.Helearneditfromhisfather.Helearned
allthebadthingsheknewfromhisfather.RubinaskedRobbieifhebeatupon
hisgirlfriends.Robbiesaidno.Rubinexpresseddisbelief.RobbietoldRubinhe
couldthinkwhatthehellheliked.Robbiebobbedhisheadharderandharder

282
eachtimehesaid"No."Rubinpersisted.Robbiepersistedwithmuchgreater
flair.Hehadatleasttenstockreadingsfortheword"No."HestaredatDaddy
Beckett.HesmiledatDaleRubin.Thesmilessaid,Youcan'twinbecauseI've
gotnothingtolose.
DaddyBeckettstaredathishands.Helookedupandlockedeyeballswith
Robbieafewprovocativetimes.Healwayslookeddownfirst.Hedidn'tlookdown
fromfearorshame.Helookeddownbecausehewastired.Hehadabadheart.He
wastoooldtoplaymindgameswithyoungbuckconvicts.
Robbiespentadayandahalfinthebox.Hewasquestionedandcross
questionedandcoddledandbadgered.Heendured.Heneverwavered.Henever
appearedtodissemble.Itwaspatricidalperformanceart.Robbiewasbravura.
Robbiesanggrandopera.Robbieprobablyoverestimatedtheeffectonhisfather.
DaddyBeckettwasyawningalot.
DavidsonbroughtuptheSueHamwaycase.Robbietoldthecourtwhathe
knew.DavidsonbroughtupPaulSerio.RobbieportrayedhimasaquiffandDaddy
Beckett'sstooge.RubinbroughtupSerio.Robbiesatirizedthequiff'sbody
languageandworkeditintohisheadbobroutine.RubincouldnotshakeRobbie.
Hishatefilledtheroom.Itwasgenericallyinfantilehatredreasonedoutover
time.Robbiewasstarringinhisownlifestory.TracyStewartwastheingenue
lead.Robbiefeltnothingforher.Shewasjustabitchwhosideswipedtwomen
andmadethingsgoblooey
Robbiefinishedhistestimony.Thejudgecalledarecess.Ialmost
applauded.

Daddy'sfirstexwifetestified.ShesaidDaddywasanawfuldaddyHewas
brutalwithRobbie,DavidandDebbie.DavidBecketttestified.Hepointedto
Daddyinopencourtandcalledhima"pieceofshit."DaleRubincrossexamined
David.Hesaid,Aren'tyouaconvictedchildmolester?Davidsaidhewas.He
pointedtoDaddyandsaidhelearneditfromhim.Hedidn'telaborate.Debbie
Beckettcouldnottestify.ShewasdeadofAIDSattributedtointravenousdrug
use.
PaulSeriotestified.HedescribedhispartintheSusanHamwaymurder.He
laidalltheblameonDaddyHedidn'tknowitwasahit.Hethoughtitwasa
debtshakedown.DaddyicedSueHamwaysolo.Daddywhippedoutadildoandsaid,
Let'smakeitlooklikeasexsnuff.

283
SeriopitchedsomeregretforSueHamway'sbabyThebabystarvedtodeath
whileSueHamwaydecomposed.
BillStonertestified.HedescribedtheBeckettinvestigationfromdayone
on.Hewascalmandauthoritative.HecounterbalancedRobbie'shistrionics.He
wasanindependentauditorcalledintoitemizeandtotalupthecost.Dale
Rubintriedtorufflehim.DaleRubinfailed.
Thedefensecalledthreewitnesses.TwoofRobbie'soldpalstestified.
TheysaidRobbieusedtopoundontotalstrangersfornoreason.Rubin
controlledhiswitnesses.Theysketchedanicepicture.ThepreTracyRobbiewas
impetuousandunpredictablyviolent.Therevelationlackedpunch.Robbie's
preemptivestrikenullifiedit.Robbiedrewthesamepicture.Hedrewitmore
dramaticallyandinthefirstperson.
Rubincalledhislastwitness.Anotheroldpaltestified.HesaidRobbie
saidherapedTracyStewart.Ibelievedhim.Icouldn'treadthejury.Ifigured
theirresponsewas,Sowhat?Robbie'sinprisonalready.Youcan'tdiscredit
Robbie.Heupstagedyouwithhisselfimmolation.We'retired.Wewanttogo
home.Thanksfortheride.We'vegotjuryboxwhiplash.Itwasfun.Itwas
groovierandlessprotractedthantheSimpsonmess.Wegotsexandfamily
discord.Webypassedthescientificshitandthespeciousrantsonrace.The
loungeactblitzedtheMainRoomshow.
Thetrialwasalmostover.Billpredictedafastguiltyverdict.Gloria
StewartcouldstandupincourtandconfrontDaddyBeckett.Shecouldabusehim.
ShecouldbegforTracy'sbodyTheVictimConfrontationwasnewlegalstuff.It
promotedvictim'srightsandpsychologicalcleansing.ItoldBillIdidn'twant
toseetheclosingargumentsandtheStewartconfrontation.Daddywouldyawn.
Gloriawouldsayherpieceandgoongrieving.Theconfrontationlawwaspassed
bymoronshookedondaytimeTVIdidn'twanttoseeGloria'saudition.Ididn't
wanttoseeherasaprofessionalvictim.Billneverintroducedus.Henever
toldherwhoIwasorwhoIlostinJune'58.Heknewwe'dhavenothingtosay
toeachother.HeknewIneverhurtlikeshedid.

TheBecketttriallastedtwoweeks.BillandIdroveupinseparatecars
everyday.BillwentoutwithDaleDavidsonandCharlieGuenthermostnights.
They'dhookupwithPhilVanattersometimes.Vanatterwasfamousnow.Heworked
themurdercaseofthecentury.TheBeckettcrewwentouttocelebratetheend
ofthetrial.Vanatterwentwiththem.Billinvitedme.Itookapass.Iwasn't

284
acoporadeputydistrictattorneyIdidn'twanttotalkshopwithpros.I
didn'twanttocommiserateordiscussthefarcicalaspectsoftheSimpsoncase.
Iwasrunninglowonwhiteman'soutrage.TheLAPDkickedindiscriminateblack
assfor50plusyears.MarkFuhrmanwasJackWebbwithfangs.DNAwas
unassailablypreciseandconfusing.Racistconspiraciescarriedmoredramatic
weight.Billknewit.HewastoogracioustorubitinPhilVanatter'sface.
MarciaClarkneededablackRobbieBeckett.AblackRobbiecouldindictOj.with
homegrownsoul.Justicewaspoliticsandtheater.0.J.Simpsonwasn'tEmmett
TillortheScottsboroBoys.Victimhoodwasexploitable.Iwasn'tGloria
Stewart.
IdroveouttoWestL.A.Iwantedtofindaprivatepayphoneandcall
Helen.IwantedtotalkaboutTracyandGeneva.
IrememberedthephonebankattheMondrianHotel.Itwasrushhour.
SunsetBoulevardwasprobablyjammed.IturnednorthonSweetzer.Icrossed
SantaMonicaBoulevardandsawwhereIwas.
Iwasdrivingthroughamurderzone.
KarynKupcinetdiedat12somethingNorthSweetzer.Itwaslate11/63.
JackKennedywasfourorfivedaysdead.SomebodystrangledKaryninher
apartment.Shewasnude.Herlivingroomwasamess.Shewasfacedownonthe
sofa.Sheriff'sHomicidehandledthecase.WardHallinenworkedit.Theylooked
atKaryn'sactorboyfriendandoneofKaryn'sfreakyneighbors.Karyn'sfather
wasIrvKupcinet.HewasabigtalkshowhostandcolumnistinChicago.Karyn
movedtoL.A.toscoreasanactress.Herdadwasfloatingher.Shewasn't
makingit.Herboyfriendandhisfriendswere.Karynranafewpoundsover
svelte.ShetookdietpillstocontrolherweightandflyCharlieGuenther
thoughtshediedaccidentally.Theyfoundabookonthecoffeetablenearher
bodyItwasallaboutnudedancing.Youcoulddancelikeawoodnymphandfree
yourinhibitions.Guentherfiguredshewasbombed.Shewasdancingstarknude.
Shefelldownandbrokeherhyoidboneonthecoffeetable.Shecrawledupon
thecouchanddied.Billthoughtshewasmurdered.Itcouldhavebeenthe
boyfriendorthefreakyneighbororsomegeekshepickedupatabar.Theygota
lotoftipsin'63.Theystillgottips.AnFBIguycalledinatiprecently.He
saidhegotitoffawiretaprecording.Amobguysaidhehadtherealgoods.
Karynwasgivingaguysomeskullandchokedtodeathonhisdick.
IturnedwestatSweetzerandFountain.IsawtheElMiradorbuilding.
JudyDulllivedthere.Shewas19.Shehadanestrangedhusbandandakid

285
alreadySheposedforcheesecakepix.HarveyGlatmanfoundher.Glatmanwasa
JeanEliroysuspect.JackLawtonclearedhimonEllroyandnailedhimonDull.
IturnednorthonLaCienega.GeorgetteBauerdorf'sapartmenthousestood
rightthere.GeorgetteBauerdorfwasmurderedon10/12/44.Amanbrokeintoher
pad.Hestuffedabandagerollinhermouthandrapedher.Shechokedtodeath
ontheroll.Theyneverfoundthekiller.RayHopkinsonworkedthecase.
Georgettewas19likeJudyDull.GeorgettehadmoneylikeKarynKupcinet.
GeorgettevolunteeredattheUSOCanteen.HerfamilywasbackinNewYork.Her
friendssaidshewasnervousandsmokedtoomuch.Shelivedallbyherself.She
drovearoundL.A.impulsively.
Karynwasrunningondopeandhidingoutbehindherfather'smoney.Judy
wasrunningfromtoomuchlifetoofast.Georgettegotcabinfeverandranto
theboysattheUSOCanteen.Tracyhidoutathome.Robbiepickedherupthere.
Jeanpickedthewrongtowntohidein.
Isawtheirfaces.Iformedthemintoagroupshot.Imademymothertheir
mother.Iplacedherinthemiddleoftheframe.
Tellmewhy
Tellmewhyitwasyouandnotsomebodyelse.
Takemebackandshowmehowyougotthere.

26

MymothersaidshesawtheFedsgundownJohnDillinger.Shewasanursing
schoolstudentinChicago.DillingerwaskilledOfl7/22/34.GenevaHillikerwas
19then.MyfathersaidhewasBabeRuth'strainer.Hehadadisplaycasefull
ofmedalshedidn'treallywin.Herstorieswerealwaysmoreplausible.Hewas
moredesperateandanxioustoimpress.Sheliedtogetwhatshewanted.She
understoodthelimitsofverisimilitude.Shecouldhavebeenthreeblocksaway
fromtheBiographTheater.Shecouldhaveheardgunshots.Shecouldhavemade
thejumpfromsoundtosightthroughpureimagination.Shecouldhavefilledin
thedetailsoverbourbonhighballsandconvincedherselfthattheyweretrue.
Shecouldhavetoldmethestoryingoodfaith.Shewas19then.Shecouldhave
beensaying,LookhowbrightandhopefulIwas.
Myfatherwasaliar.Mymotherwasafabricator.Iknewthemforsix
yearstogetherandfouryearsapart.Ispentsevenmoreyearswithmyfather.He
broughtmymotherupandshotherdown.Hisstorieswereselfinflatedand

286
spiteful.Hisstoriesweresuspect.Hedefamedmymotheratleisurelywhimfor
thelastsevenyearsofhislife.
IstayedintouchwithmyauntLeoda.ShetoldmethingsaboutGeneva.She
praisedGeneva.Shelaudedher.Icouldn'trememberathingshesaid.Ihated
Leoda.Iwastheconmanandshewasthemarkwiththecash.
Ihadliestobuildfrom.Icouldn'tdiscountthem.Iwantedtobuild
perceptionfromcontradictoryviewpoints.Ihadmyownmemory.Itwasinsound
workingorder.ItestfireditaftertheBecketttrial.Irememberedthenames
ofoldclassmates.IrememberedeveryparkandjailIevercrashedoutin.Ihad
mychronologicallifewithmymothermappedoutyearbyyear.Irememberedthe
namesofolddopeconnectionsandallmyjuniorhighteachers.Mymindwas
sharp.Mymemorywasstrong.Icouldcountersynapticfailureswithfantasy
riffs.Icouldrunalternativescenesinmyhead.Whatifshedidthis.Maybe
shedidthat.Shemighthavereactedthusly.Theliteraltruthwascrucial.It
mightcomeinlimitedquantities.Mymemorywasn'trepressed.Mymemorymight
lackresiliency.
Ihadnofamilyphotographs.Ihadnopicturesofheratio,20and30.I
hadpicturesofherat42andonherwaydownandpicturesofherdead.Ididn't
knowmuchaboutourancestry.Shenevermentionedherparentsorherfavorite
auntsanduncles.
Ihadastrongmentalwill.Irememberedmythoughtsfromlightyearsago.
Icouldstripminemybrainandreplaymyoldthoughtsabouther.Myimagination
mighthelpme.Itmighthinderme.Itmightshutdownatlustfuljunctures.I
hadtogetexplicit.Iowedherthat.Ihadtotakeherfurther.
BillwasupinL.A.HewaswaitingouttheBeckettverdict.ItoldhimI
wantedtogetlostforawhile.Hesaidheunderstood.HehadTracyStewarton
thebrainbad.
IwastestfiredandreadyIunpluggedthephoneandturnedthelights
off.Istretchedoutonthebedandclosedmyeyes.

ShecamefromTunnelCity,Wisconsin.TunnelCitywasarailroadstopand
notmuchelse.ShemovedtoChicago.ShemovedtoSanDiego.Myfathersaidhe
metherattheDelCoronadoHotel.Hesaiditwas1939.Hesaidtheyheardthe
secondLouisSchmelingfighttogether.Thefightoccurredin'38.Shewas23
then.Hewas40.Hedressedtothenines.HeworeprewarsuitsallthetimeI
knewhim.Theylookedincongruousin1960.Theygotmoreandmoreraggedyas

287
ourlivingstandarddeclined.Theywereaucourantin'38.Helookedgood.She
fellhard.Hehadahotgirlwomanhethoughthecouldcontrolforever.He
probablytookhertothebullflghtsdowninTj.HespokefluentSpanish.He
orderedallherfoodinSpanish.HetookhertoMexicotowooherandcontrol
her.TheydrovedowntoEnsenada.ShetookmetoEnsenadain1956.Sheworea
whiteofftheshoulderdress.Iwatchedhershaveherunderarms.Iwantedto
kissherthere.Hegothertorchedonmargaritas.Shewasn'tadrunkyet.He
pouredsaltandsqueezedlimejuiceonherhandandlickeditoff.Hewas
desperatelyattentive.Shedidn'thavehisnumberyet.Shegotitovertime.I
workedonatimelost/timeregaineddynamic.Sheviewedherlosttimeas
unregainable.Shepinnedherlossonmyfather.Sheloweredhersights.Bourbon
highballsmademachineshopstudscontrollableandalluring.Sheneverasked
herselfwhyshecravedweakandcheapmen.
Shehadsuperbcarriage.Sheseemedtallerthantherecordedheightonher
autopsyreport.Shehadbighandsandfeet.Shehaddelicateshoulders.Iwanted
tokissherneckandsmellherperfumeandcupherbreastsfrombehind.Shewore
Tweedperfume.ShekeptabottleonhernightstandinElMonte.Ipouredsomeon
ahandkerchiefonceandtookittoschoolwithme.
Shehadlonglegs.Shehadstretchmarksacrossherstomach.Theautopsy
pictureswereshockingandinstructive.HerbreastsweresmallerthanI
remembered.Shewasslenderthroughoutherupperbodyandthickfromthehips
down.Imemorizedherbodyearlyon.Ireworkedherdimensions.Ialteredher
contourstomatchmytasteforlustilybuiltwomen.Igrewupwiththatnude
visionandaccepteditasfact.Myrealmotherwasamuchdifferentfleshand
boneswoman.
Myparentsgotmarried.TheymovedtoL.A.Hesaidtheyhadapadat8th
andNewHampshire.Shegotanursegig.HewentHollywood.Theymovedto459
NorthDohenyDrive.ItwasBeverlyHills.Theaddresswasritzierthanthepad.
Mymothersaiditwasjustasmallapartment.MyfathersnaggedajobwithRita
Hayworth.IwasborninMarch'48.MyfatherhandledRita'smarriagetoAly
Khan.TheHayworthstuffwastrue.Isawmyfather'snameintwoHayworth
biographies.
Wemovedto9031AldenDrive.ItwasovertheWestHollywoodline.We
livedinaSpanishstylebuilding.EulaLeeLloydandherhusbandlivedthere.A
spinsterladylivedthere.Sheidolizedmymother.Myfathersaidshewasa
dyke.Hehaddykesonthebrain.HesaidtherewasadykebountyoutonRita
Hayworth.IallegedlymetRitaHayworthatahotdogstand.Itwas'50or'51.I

288
allegedlyspilledagrapedrinkalloverher.Ritawasallegedlyanympho.My
fatherhadnymphosonthebrain.Hesaidallthebigactorswerefags.Hehad
fagsonthebrain.Ritafiredmyfather.Hestartedsleepingallday.Heslept
onthecouchlikeDagwoodBumstead.Mymothertoldhimtogetajob.Hesaidhe
hadpull.Hewaswaitingfortherightopportunity.Mymotherhailedfromrural
Wisconsin.Shedidn'tknowfrompull.Shepulledtheplugonhermarriage.
Mymemorieswererunninginastraightchronologicalline.Myfantasies
wererunningasadjunctsandouttakes.IthoughtI'dbecrisscrossingthe
memorymap.IthoughtI'dbestumblingoverreallifeminutiae.Iwasonthe
roadtorecollection.I'dconjuredupTweedperfumeandsomeperiodsnapshots.I
wasrunningalinearflowchartIalreadyknew.
Idownshifted.Theredheadstripped.Shehadherreallifebodyandher
42yearoldface.Icouldn'ttakeitanyfurther.
Iwasn'tafraidto.Ijustdidn'twantto.Itseemedunnecessary.Iletmy
mindwander.IthoughtofTracyStewart.I'dseenDaddyBeckett'soldapartment.
IwentoutwithBillandDaleDavidson.IsawthekeyBeckettlocations.Isaw
thelivingroomandthebedroomandthestepsdowntothevan.IwalkedRobbie
andTracyupthosesteps.IwentfrommymothernudetoRobbieandTracywithin
sixheartbeats.RobbiewalkedTracyintothebedroom.RobbiegavehertoDaddy.
Istoppedthere.Iwasn'tafraid.IknewIcouldmakeithorrifying.I
didn'tthinkIcouldlearnanythingfromit.
Iletmymindwander.IwentbacktoIhadatimelinegoing.Idecidedto
letitride.
Myfatherwasgone.Itwasherandmeandnobodyelse.Isawherinwhite
seersucker.Isawherinanavybluerobe.Iputherinbedwithsomeassembly
linestuds.Igavetheguyspornpadoursandknifescars.TheylookedlikeSteve
Cochranin_PrivateHell36_.Iwasworkingforhyperbole.Ithoughtugly
detailsmightresurrectuglymemories.Iwantedtocharttheredhead'ssexroll
frommyfathertotheSwarthyMan.Myfatherwasweak.Hehadatoughguy'sbody
andacandyasssoul.Mymotherkickedhimoutofherlifeandwent
minimalistic.Allmenwereweakandsomemenwereweakandattractive.Youcould
notcontroltheirweakness.Youcouldlimityourawarenessofitandeuphemize
itpastrecognition.Youcouldletmenintoyourlifeinlimiteddosages.Idid
notseeamalestampedetomymother'sdoor.Icaughtherinflagrantetwice.My
fathersaidshewasawhore.Ibelievedhim.Isensedhersexualbent.I
filteredmyawarenessthroughmyownlustforher.Shelivedwithmyfatherfor
15years.Shesuccumbedtoanimage.Shewisedup.Disillusionmentwas

289
enlightenment.Shewentatmenfromadisillusionedandwhollymaleperspective.
Menwerecontainable.Sexandliquorwasthewaytocontainthem.Sheflushed15
yearsdownthetoilet.Sheknewshewaspassivelycomplicit.Shedespisedher
ownstupidityandweakness.Shesawcheapmenasherconsolationprize.Shesaw
measherredemption.ShesentmetochurchandmademestudyShepreached
diligenceanddiscipline.Shedidn'twantmetoturnintomyfather.Shedidn't
smothermewithloveandturnmeintoa'5ostextbookfaggot.Shelivedintwo
worlds.Imarkedthedividingline.Shethoughtherdualworldschemewas
sustainable.Shemiscalculated.Shedidn'tknowthatsuppressionneverworks.
Shehadliquorandmenoverhere.Shehadherlittleboyoverthere.Shespread
herselfthin.Shesawherworldsblurtogether.Myfatherrubbedherhonkytonk
worldinmyface.Heoutpropagandizedher.Hetaughtmetohateherevery
weekend.ShescornedhimeveryweekdayShefedmescornwithlessvirulencethan
hefedmehatred.Shepreachedhardworkanddetermination.Shewasadrunkand
awhoreandthusahypocrite.Theworldshebuiltaroundmedidnotexist.Ihad
xrayeyeaccesstoherhiddenworld.
Icaughtherinbedwithaman.Shepulledasheetupoverherbreasts.I
caughtherinbedwithHankHart.Theywerenaked.Isawabottleandanashtray
onthenightstand.ShemovedustoElMonte.Isawawhoreinflight.Shemight
havefledtocreateaspacebetweenhertwoworlds.Shesaidweweremovingfor
mysake.Iwroteitoffasalie.SayIwaswrong.Saysheranforbothofus.
SherantoofastandmisreadElMonte.Shesawitasabufferzone.Itlooked
likeagoodplaceforweekendrevelry.Itlookedlikeagoodplacetoraisea
littleboy.
Shetriedtoteachmethings.IlearnedthembelatedlyIbecamemore
disciplinedandmeticulousanddiligentanddeterminedthansheevercouldhave
hopedfor.Isurpassedallherdreamsformysuccess.Icouldn'tbuyherahouse
andaCadillacandexpressmygratitudeintruenouveaurichefashion.

Wetimetraveled.Wecoveredourtenyearstogether.Wemadeirregular
jumpsbackandforth.Oldmemoriesplayedoutcontrapuntally.EveryJeanthe
profligateredheadblipsparkedacounterpointimage.There'sJeandrunk.
There'sJeanwithherungratefulson.Hefelloutofatree.She'spulling
splintersfromhisarms.She'sswabbinghimwithwitchhazel.She'sholdinga
pairoftweezersunderamagnifyingglass.
Wetimetraveled.Ilosttrackofrealtimeinthedark.That
counterweightedbalanceheld.Iranoutofmemoriesandopenedmyeyes.

290
Isawmywallgraph.Ifeltthesweatonmypillow.
Iturnedoffmytimemachine.Ididn'twanttotakeheranywhereelse.I
didn'twanttoplaceherinfictionalsettingsorwrapmyrevelationsupand
callthemherlifesummarized.Ididn'twanttowriteheroffascomplexand
ambiguous.Ididn'twanttoshortchangeher.
Iwashungryandrestless.Iwantedtobreathefreshairandlookatlive
people.

Idrovetoamall.Iwalkedtoafoodcourtandgotasandwich.Theplace
wasjammed.Iwatchedpeople.Iwatchedmenandwomentogether.Ilookedfor
seductions.RobbiecourtedTracyinpublic.TheSwarthyMantookJeantoStan's
DriveIn.
HarveyknockedonJudy'sdoorandmadeherfeelsafe.Ididn'tsee
anythingsuspicious.
Iquitsurveilling.Isatstill.Peoplecrossedmylineofsight.Ifelt
buoyant.Iwasonsomekindofoxygenhigh.
Ithitmesoftly.
TheSwarthyManwasirrelevant.Hewasdeadorhewasn't.We'dfindhimor
wewouldn't.We'dneverstoplooking.Hewasonlyadirectionalsign.Heforced
metoextendmyselfandgivemymotherherfulldue.
Shewasnolessthanmysalvation.

27

Thejurydelivered.DaddyBeckettfellforTracyStewart.Billsaidhe'd
getlifewithout.GloriaStewartconfrontedhim.Shepledforherdaughter's
bodyandcalledDaddyterriblenames.Isaidtherewasnobodyandnoclosure.
Daddygotlife.GloriagotlifewithDaddyandRobbie.
Billthrewabackyardparty.HecalleditapreLaborDaybash.Itwas
reallyagoodbyepartyaimedatDaddyBeckett.
Iattended.DaleDavidsonandhiswifeattended.VivianDavidsonwasa
deputyDA.SheknewtheBeckettcaseintimately.SomeotherDAscamedown.Gary
Whiteandhisgirlfriendcamedown.Bill'sfathershowedup.Bill'sneighbors
walkedover.Everybodyatehotdogsandburgersandtalkedmurder.Thecopsand
DAswererelievedthattheBeckettmesswasover.ThenoncopsandnonDAs

291
thoughtthatmeantclosure.Iwantedtofindthefoolwhoinventedclosureand
shoveabigclosureplaqueuphisass.Everybodytalkedabout0j.Everybody
riffedonthepotentialverdictanditspotentialramifications.Ididn'ttalk
much.Iwasatmyownpartywiththeredhead.Shewasplayful.Shewassnagging
potatochipsoffmyplate.Weweresharingourownprivatejokes.
IwatchedBilltossburgersandtalktohisfriends.Iknewhewas
relieved.IknewhisreliefdatedbacktoDaddyBeckett'sarrest.He
circumventedDaddy'sshotatkillingotherwomen.Thatwasahypothetically
soundresolution.Theguiltyverdictwasmoreambiguous.Daddywasoldand
infirm.Hisrapeandkilldaysweregone.Robbiewasstillinhisrapeandkill
andbeatupwomenprime.Hejustturnedinastunningperformance.It
facilitatedjusticeinthematterof_L.A.Countyvs.RobertWayneBeckettSr_.
Itmadehimfriendsinlawenforcement.Hecommittedpatricideintheirname.It
lookedgoodonhisprisonrecord.Itmightservetoinfluenceapremature
parole.
BillwasstillontheDropZoneExpressway.Hewasservingouthisown
lifesentence.Hechosemurder.Murderchoseme.Hecametomurderasamoral
duty.Icametomurderasavoyeur.Hebecameavoyeur.Hehadtolook.Hehad
toknow.Hesuccumbedtorepeatedseductions.Myseductionsstartedandstopped
withmymother.BillandIwereindictablecodefendants.Wewereontrialinthe
CourtofMurderVictimPreference.Wefavoredfemalevictims.Whysublimateyour
lustwhenyoucanuseitasatoolofperception?Mostwomenwerekilledfor
sex.Thatwasourvoyeuristicjustification.Billwasaprofessionaldetective.
Heknewhowtolookandsiftandstandbackfromhisfindingsandretainhis
professionalcomposure.Icouldeschewthoserestraints.Ididnothavetobuild
courtroomevidence.Ididnothavetoestablishcoherentandexplainable
motives.Icouldwallowinmymother'ssexandthesexofotherdeadwomen.I
couldcategorizethemandreverethemassistersinhorror.Icouldlookand
siftandcompareandanalyzeandbuildmyownsetofsexualandnonsexuallinks.
Icouldcallthemvalidonagenderwidebasisandattributeabroadrangeof
detailtomymother'slifeanddeath.Iwasn'tchasingactivesuspects.Iwasn't
chasingfactstoconformtoanyprestructuredthesis.Iwaschasingknowledge.I
waschasingmymotherastruth.Shetaughtmesometruthsinadarkbedroom.I
wantedtoreciprocate.Iwantedtohonormurderedwomeninhername.Itsounded
whollygrandioseandegotistical.ItsaidIwaslookingatlifeontheDropZone
ExpresswayItbroughtthatmomentatthefoodcourtbackinperfectreprise.It
pointedmeonewayrightnow.

292
IhadtoknowherlifethewayIknewherdeath.

Iheldthenotion.IharboreditprivatelyWewentbacktowork.Wemet
thereportersfrom_LaOpinion_,_OrangeCoast_andthe_SanGabrielValley
Tribune_.WeshowedthemaroundElMonte.The_L.A.Times_cameout.Wegot6o
callstotal.WegothangupsandpsychiccallsandOj.gagcallsandgoodluck
calls.Twowomencalledandsaidtheirfatherscouldhavekilledmymother.We
answeredthosecalls.Weheardmorechildabusestories.Weclearedthetwo
fathers.
Ayoungwomancalled.Shesnitchedoffanoldwoman.Shesaidtheold
womanlivedinElMonte.TheoldwomanworkedatPackardBellcirca1950.She
wasblond.Sheworeaponytail.
Wefoundtheoldwoman.Shedidnotactsuspicious.Shedidnotremember
mymother.ShecouldnotplacemymotheratPackardBellElectronics.
_LaOpinion_cameout.Wegotzerocalls._LaOpinion_wasprintedin
Spanish._LaOpinion_wasalongshot.
The_SanGabrielValleyTribune_cameout.Wegot41callstotal.Wegot
hangupsandpsychiccalls.WegotOj.gagcalls.Amancalled.Hesaidhewas
anoldElMontecat.Heknewaswarthycatbackinthelate'5os.Theswarthy
cathungoutatagasstationonPeckRoad.Hedidn'tremembertheswarthycat's
name.Thegasstationwaslonggone.Heknewlotsofcatsfrom'58ElMonte.
Wemetthecat.Hegaveussomenames.WeranthembyDaveWireandChief
Clayton.Theyrememberedafewofthecats.TheydidnotlookliketheSwarthy
Cat.Weranthecatsthroughourthreecomputers.Wegotnostatewideor
nationwidehits.
AnAssociatedPressreportercalledme.Hewantedtowriteapieceonthe
EllroyStonerquest.Itwouldrunnationwide.He'dincludeour18oonumber.I
said,Let'sdoit.
WetookhimtoElMonte.Hewrotehispiece.Itappearedinnumerous
newspapers.Editorsbutcheredit.Mostofthemcutthe18oonumber.Wegotvery
fewcalls.
Threepsychicscalled.TheBlackDahlialadycalled.Nobodycalledand
saidtheyknewtheBlonde.Nobodycalledandsaidtheyknewmymother.
Weranourkeynamesagain.Wewantedtocoverourbets.Wethoughtwe
mighthitsomenewdatabanklistings.Wedidn't.RuthSchienleandStubby
Greeneweredeadoreffectivelyelusive.SalvadorQuirozSerenamightbebackin

293
Mexico.Wecouldn'tfindGrantSurface.Hetooktwoliedetectortestsin1959.
Hedidn'tpassthemorfailthem.Wewantedtochallengetheinconclusive
results.
BillplayedahunchandcalledDuaneRasure.RasurefoundhisWillLenard
MillernotesandFedExedthemdown.Wereadthenotes.WefoundsixAirtek
names.Wefoundtwoofthepeoplealive.Theyrememberedmymother.Theysaid
sheworkedatPackardBellbeforeshecametoAirtek.Theydidn'tknowthename
NikolaZaha.Theycouldn'tIDmymother'soldboyfriends.Theygaveusmore
Airteknames.TheysaidRuthSchienledivorcedherhusbandandmarriedaman
namedRolfWire.RolfWirewasallegedlydead.WeranRolfandRuthWirethrough
ourthreecomputersandgotnohits.WeranthenewAirteknames.Wegotno
hits.WedroveouttothePachmyerGroup'scorporateoffice.Billsaidthey
wouldn'tletusseetheirpersonnelfiles.Isaid,Let'sask.Iwasn'tchasing
leadsontheSwarthyMan.Iwaschasingleadsonmymother.
ThePachmyerpeopleweregracious.TheysaidtheAirtekdivisionbellied
upin'59or'6o.AlltheAirtekfilesweredestroyed.
Itookthelossunprofessionallyhard.MymotherworkedatAirtekfrom
9/56on.Iwantedtoknowherthen.
TheJeanEllroyreinvestigationwas13monthsold.

O.J.Simpsonwasacquitted.L.A.waxedapocalyptic.Themediawentnuts
behindthewords"potentialramifications."Allmurdersramified.AskGloria
StewartorIrvKupcinet.TheSimpsoncasewouldcrippletheimmediatesurvivors.
L.A.wouldgetoverit.Amorecelebratedmanwouldsnuffamorebeautifulwoman
soonerorlater.Thecasewouldmicrocosmicallyexposeanevensexierandmore
ludicrouslifestyle.Themediawouldbuildoff0j.andmakethecaseaneven
biggerevent.
Iwantedtogohome.IwantedtoseeHelen.Iwantedtowritethismemoir.
Deadwomenwereholdingmeback.TheydiedinL.A.andtoldmetostickaround
forawhile.Iwasburnedoutondetectivework.Iwasfriedtotheeyeballson
negativecomputerrunsandmisinformation.Ihadtheredheadinsideme.Icould
carryheraway.Billcouldchaseleadsandstalkthefactsofherlifeinmy
absence.Istuckaroundforashotatsomebrandnewghosts.
ImadefoursolotripstotheBureau.IpulledoldBlueBooks.Iread
adjudicatedcasescovertocover.Ihadnocrimescenephotos.Ibraincammedmy
own.Ireaddeadbodyreportsandautopsyreportsandbackgroundreportsand

294
brainscreenedmyownhistoryofvivisectedwomen.Ilooked.Isifted.I
wallowed.Ididn'tcompareandanalyzethewayIthoughtIwould.Thewomen
stoodoutasindividuals.Theydidn'tbringmebacktomymother.Theydidn't
teachme.Icouldn'tprotectthem.Icouldn'tavengetheirdeaths.Icouldn't
honortheminmymother'snamebecauseIdidn'treallyknowwhotheywere.I
didn'tknowwhoshewas.Ihadinklingsandabigfuckinghungertoknowmore.
Istartedtofeellikeagraverobber.IknewIwasburnedoutondeath
altogether.Iwantedtoscoresomeleadsontheredhead.Iwantedtosnagmore
informationandhoarditandtakeithomewithme.Ithoughtupsomelastditch
measurestokeepmeinL.A.Ithoughtupnewspaperadsandinfomercialsandon
linecomputerbroadsides.Billsaiditwasallcrazyshit.Hesaidweshould
bracetheWagnersinWisconsin.HesaidIwasscared.Hedidn'telaborate.He
didn'thaveto.Heknewmymothermademeunique.HeknewIembracedher
selfishly.TheWagnershadtheirownclaim.Theymightdisputemine.Theymight
welcomemebackandtrytoturnmeintoadocilestiffwithanextendedfamily
Theyhadaclaimonmymother.Ididn'twanttosharemyclaim.Ididn'twantto
breakthespellofherandmeandwhatshemademe.
Billwasright.Iknewitwastimetogohome.

Ipackedupmycorkboardsandgraphsandshippedthemeast.Bill
transferredourtiplinenumbertoanansweringservice.Itookthefilehome
withme.
Billstayedonthecase.Helostapartnerandgainedoneback.JoeWalker
wasacrimeanalyst.HewasontheL.A.Sheriff'sDepartment.Heknewthelaw
enforcementcomputernetworkintimately.HewashoppedupontheKarenReilly
case.HethoughtablackserialkillersnuffedKarenReilly.Hewantedtowork
theJeanEllroycase.Billtoldhimhecould.
ImissedBill.He'dbecomemyclosestfriend.Hechaperonedmefor14
months.Hecutmelooseattheperfectmomentofimpasse.Hesentmeawaywith
mymotherandmyunresolvedclaim.
Ididn'tnailupmycorkboardsathome.Ididn'tneedto.Shewasalways
therewithme.
_OrangeCoast_cameout._OrangeCoast_wasanOrangeCountyrag.The
piecewasgood.Theyranour18oonumber.Wegotfivecalls.Twopsychics
called.Threepeoplecalledandwishedusgoodluck.

295
Theholidaysended.ATVproducercalledme.Sheworkedforthe_Unsolved
Mysteries_show.SheknewallabouttheEllroyStonerquest.Shewantedtodoa
segmentontheJeanEllroycase.TheywoulddramatizethatSaturdaynightand
includeapleaforspecificinformation.Theshowsolvedcrimes.Oldpeople
watchedtheshow.Oldcopswatchedtheshow.Theyhadtheirowntiplinenumber
andoperatorsonduty24hoursaday.Theyrerantheirepisodesinthesummer.
TheyFedExedalltheirtipstothevictim'snextofkinandthelead
investigatingdetective.
Isaidyes.Theproducersaidtheywantedtoshoottheactuallocations.I
saidI'dflyout.IcalledBillandtoldhimthenews.Hesaiditwasafabulous
break.Isaidwehadtodensifyoursegment.Wehadtosaturateitwithdetails
onmymother'slife.Iwantedpeopletocallinandsay,"Iknewthatwoman."

TheWagnersmightseetheshow.Theymightassailtheportraitofmy
mother.Shesenthersontochurch.Hersoncashedinonherdeath.Heturned
herintoacheapfemmefatale.Hewasaboyhoodconartist.Hewasacharacter
assassinnow.Hedefamedhismother.Hetotaledupthebalancesheetofherlife
incorrectlyandgavetheworldafaultyaccounting.Hestakedhisclaimof
ownershiponskewedmemoriesandhisworthlessfather'slies.Heegregiously
misrepresentedhismotherforallfuckingtime.
IwentbacktothatdarkbedroomandthefoodcourtepiphanyThenew
memorybalance.Bill'simplication.TheexclusivebondthatIwouldnotsever.
TheWagnersmightseetheshow.TheyneversaworneverreactedtothebookI
dedicatedtomymother.Theyweremidwesternstiffs.Theyweren'tmediahip.
Theymighthavesailedpastmeinnewspapersandmagazines.Leodaunderestimated
me.Ihatedherforit.Iwantedtorubmyreallifemotherinherfaceandsay,
SeehowshewasandseehowIrevereheranyway.Shecouldcutmedownwitha
fewsternwords.Shecouldsay,Youdidn'ttalktous.Youdidn'ttraceyour
motherbacktoTunnelCity,Wisconsin.Youbasedyourportraitoninsufficient
data.
Ididn'twanttogobackyet.Ididn'twanttobreakthebond.Ididnot
wanttodisturbthecoreofsexthatstilldefinedit.Deadpeoplebelongtothe
livepeoplewhoclaimthemmostobsessively.Shewasallmine.

296
Theyfilmedoursegmentinfourdays.TheyshotBillandmeattheEl
MonteStation.Ireenactedthemomentattheevidencevault.Iopenedaplastic
bagandpulledoutasilkstocking.
Itwasn't_the_stocking.Somebodytwistedupanoldstockingandknotted
it.Ididn'tpickupasimulatedsashcord.Weomittedthetwoligaturedetail.
Thedirectorpraisedmyperformance.Weshotthescenefast.
Thecrewwasgreat.Theywereupforsomelaughs.Theshootplayedlikea
partyinJeanEllroy'shonor.
ImettheactorwhoportrayedtheSwarthyMan.HecalledmeLittleJimmy.
IcalledhimShitbird.Hewasleanandmean.HelookedliketheIdentiKit
portraits.Imettheactresswhoportrayedmymother.IcalledherMom.She
calledmeSon.Shehadredhair.ShelookedmoreHollywoodthanruralWisconsin.
Ikiddedher.Isaid,"Don'tgooutchasingmenwhileI'mgonethisweekend."
Shesaid,"Buzzoff,JimmyIneedsomeaction!"MomandSwarthycametolaugh.
Wegotsomegoodshtickgoing.Billshowedupeveryday.Hehadatotalblast.
TheyshottheDesertInnsequenceatasleazycocktailloungeinDowney
Thesetlookedanachronistic.ImettheactresswhoportrayedtheBlonde.She
wasskankybarbaitpersonified.TheSwarthyManwasdressedtokill.Heworea
nubbysilkjacketandslackscombo.Mymotherworeamockupofthedressthey
foundherin.
Theyfilmedthethreewaydynamic.TheSwarthyManlookedevil.Mymother
lookedtoohealthyTheBlondehittherightskankchord.Iwantedanoir
vignette.Theyshotafaithfulexpositoryscene.
WemoveddownthestreettoHarvey'sBroiler.Isaw20vintagecarslined
up.Harvey'sBroilerwasStan'sDriveIn.Abitactresswassettoslingtrays
andportrayLavonneChambers.
TheSwarthyManandmymothergotinaOlds.Lavonnebroughtthemmenus.
Theyweremikedupandreadytoact.Theproducergavemeheadphones.Ilistened
totheirdialogueandsomerandomchitchat.Swarthymadeareallifeplayformy
mom.
Theyshotthemurderatthereallocation.ThecrewcommandeeredArroyo
HighSchool.Theybroughtincameratrucks,soundtrucks,acateringtruckanda
wardrobevan.Somelocalsstrolledby.Icounted32peopleatonepoint.
Theysetuparclights.King'sRowwenthallucinogenic.The'55Olds
pulledup.Achastemurderpreludeandasimulatedmurderoccurred.Iwatched
thepreludeandthemurderandthebodydump25times.Itwasn'tpainful.Iwas

297
amurderpronow.Iwasmorethanavictim'ssonandlessthanahomicide
detective.
Theyshottwoscenesatmyoldhouse.TheypaidGenoGuevaraasitefee.I
mettheactorwhoplayedmeasakid.Helookedlikemeatageten.Hewore
clotheslikeIworeon6/22/58.
TheElMontePDblockedoffBryantandMaple.ThecrewdressedtheStreet
withthreevintagecars.ChiefClaytonshowedup.Spectatorsgathered.A1950s
cabmaterialized.ThedirectorrehearsedtheEllroykidandthecopwhogavehim
thenews.
Theyblockedoutthearrivalscene.Thecabpulledup.Theboygotout.
Thecoptoldhimhismotherwasdead.Thirtyorfortypeoplewatched.
Theyshotandreshotthescene.Thewordwentaround.Iwasthekidinthe
cabhaifalifetimeago.Peoplepointedtome.Peoplewaved.
Theyshotadomesticsceneinmyoldkitchen.Thekitchenwasdressedup
'5osstyle.Mymotherworeawhiteuniform.Iworemyarrivaloutfit.Mymother
calledmeintothekitchenandtoldmetoeatmydinner.Icrashedintoachair
andignoredmyfood.ItwaswholesomeTVfare.Billsaidtheyshouldhaveshot
melookingdownmymother'sdress.
Webrokeforlunch.Acateringtruckarrived.Agripsetupservicefor20
onGenoGuevara'sfrontlawn.Thebuffetlinestretchedouttothestreet.Some
localyokelsgrabbedplatesandcrashedtheparty.
Isatdownbesideatotalstranger.Isentaprayerouttotheredhead.I
said,Thisisforyou.

28

Thepartyended.Iwenthome.Oursegmentwasscheduledfor3/22/96.
BillandItoploadedourinterviews.WestressedAirtek.Westressedmy
mother'smaidennameand"Jean"asshortfor"Geneva."Wewereprosnow.We
talkedinsoundbites.Wehadashotatahugeaudience.Wewantedtostimulate
andprovokethemwithperfectlypreciseandsimplystateddetails.
Shewasoutthere.Ifelther.Ispentamonthincalmanticipation.I
bypassedtheBlondeandtheSwarthyMan.Shewasoutthere.Peoplewouldcall
andsaytheyknewher.
BillwasbackinOrangeCounty.HewasworkingwithJoeWalker.Theywere
gearingupfornames.Theshowwouldgiveusanunprecedentedshitloadofnames.

298
Localnames.Namesnationwide.Informants'namesandpotentialBlondeand
SwarthyMannames.Namestoverifyandrunforcriminalrecords.Namesto
contactanddiscardandscrutinizeandcomparetoothernamesanddismissfrom
thestandpointofpurelunacy.
Names.
Herexlovers.Herexcolleagues.Herexconfidantes.Thepeoplewho
glimpsedherflightpattern.
Names.
Billwasreadyforthem.HegaveJoeWalkerabackupmandate.
Checkofficialrecords.Followpapertrailsandraiddatabanks.Takeus
fromTunnelCitytoElMonte.
Joesaidhe'dcheckmarriageanddivorcerecords.Billsaidhe'dcheck
directorylistings.HesaidweshouldgotoWisconsin.Isaid,Notyet.He
wantedtojumpmyclaim.Iwantedtoplunderournewnamesandreinforceit.

Iwatchedtheshowathome.Billwatcheditatthestudiophonecenter.
LouieDanoffjoinedhim.Theyhungoutwithsomecopsfromothersegments.
Thesetupwasspaceage.Adozenoperatorsworkedthephonesandtyped
theirtipsoncomputerscreenssimultaneouslyThecopscouldreadthescreens
andlistentohotcallsonheadsets.Tipsterscalledfast.Theysawtheshow.
Theyrecognizedsuspects.Theyrecognizedlostlovedonesoroldacquaintances.
Theycalledbecauseasegmenttuggedtheirheartstrings.Theycalledbecausea
segmentflickedwiththeirheads.
IwatchedtheshowwithHelen.TheJeanEllroysegmentwasboffo.Itwas
thebestshowsinceRobbieBeckettLive.RobertStacknarrated.Isawhimand
laughedoutloud.IcaddiedforhimafewtimesatBelAirCountryClub.The
dramaticsceneswerevivid.Thedirectorhitanicebalance.Heunderstood
viewerdemographics.Themurderwasspookyandnomore.Itwouldnotoffendold
peopleorshockpotentialtipstersunduly.Iwasgood.Billwasgood.Robert
StackstressedtheAirtekconnection.Theproperinformationwentout.The
properpicturesofmymotherandtheSwarthyManwentout.Thestorywassimply
andproperlytold.
Thephonesrang.
AmanfromOklahomaCity,Oklahoma,called.HesaidtheSwarthyManlooked
likeaguynamedBobSones.Bobmurderedhiswife,Sherry,andcommitted
suicide.Itwaslate'58.ThecrimeoccurredinNorthHollywood.Amanfrom

299
Centralia,Washington,called.HesaidhisfatherwastheSwarthyMan.His
fatherwas6'6"andweighed240pounds.Hisfathercarriedagunandlotsof
ammunition.AmanfromSavage,Minnesota,called.HesaidtheSwarthyManlooked
likehisfather.HisfatherlivedinElMontebackthen.Hisfatherwasabusive.
Hisfatherservedprisontime.Hisfatherwasagamblerandaskirtchaser.A
manfromDallas,Texas,called.HesaidtheSwarthyManlookedfamiliar.He
lookedlikehisneighboralongtimeago.Theguyhadablondwife.Hedrovea
blueandwhiteBuick.AmanfromRochester,NewYork,called.Hesaidhis
grandfatherwastheSwarthyMan.Grampslivedinanursinghome.Theman
suppliedtheaddressandphonenumber.AwomanfromSacramento,California,
called.ShesaidtheSwarthyManlookedlikealocaldoctor.Thedoctorlived
withhismother.Thedoctorhatedwomen.Thedoctorwasavegetarian.Awoman
fromLakeport,California,called.ShesaidtheSwarthyManlookedlikeherex
husband.Herexchasedwomen.Shedidn'tknowwherehewasnow.Awomanfrom
FortLauderdale,Florida,called.Shesaidhersisterwasmurdered.Shesaidshe
readalotofcrimenovels.AwomanfromCovina,California,called.Shesaid
hersisterwasrapedandstrangledinElMonte.Ithappenedin1992.Amanfrom
HuntingtonBeach,California,called.HesaidhewantedtotalktoBillStoner.
Billcameontheline.Themanhungup.AwomanfromPasoRobles,California,
called.ShesaidtheSwarthyManlookedfamiliar.Shemetamanlikethatin
1957.Hewantedsex.Shesaidno.Hesaidhewantedtokillher.Helivedin
Alhambrathen.AmanfromLosAngeles,California,called.Hesaidhis
grandmotherknewJeanEllroy.Theywerefriends.HisgrandmotherlivedinOrange
County.
TheoperatorwavedBillover.Billcheckedhercomputerscreen.The
operatortoldthemantoholdplease.Themanhungup.
TheBlackDahlialadycalled.ShesaidherfatherkilledJeanEllroyand
theBlackDahlia.AwomanfromLosAngeles,California,called.Shesaidthe
SwarthyManlookedlikeherfather.HerfatherdiedinAugust'58.Awomanfrom
LosAngeles,California,called.ShesaidtheBlondelookedfamiliar.Sheknewa
coupleinthelate'5os.ThehusbandwasItalian.Thewifewasblond.Heworked
atamissilerange.Sheworkedatadancestudio.HisnamewasWally.Hername
wasNita.AwomanfromPhoenix,Arizona,called.ShesaidtheSwarthyManlooked
likeherdeaduncle.HelivedinL.A.in1958.AwomanfromPinetop,Arizona,
called.ShesaidtheSwarthyManlookedlikeaswarthyboythatsheknew.The
SwarthyBoywas16in1958.AwomanfromSaginaw,Michigan,called.Shesaidthe
SwarthyManlookedlikeherexhusband.Herexvanished.Shedidn'tknowwherehe

300
was.AwomanfromTucson,Arizona,called.Shesaidshewasapsychologist.She
saidJamesEliroywasveryangry.Herelivedhismother'sdeathtopunish
himself.Hewasn'tthereforher.Hefeltguilty.Heneededtreatment.Awoman
fromCartwright,Oklahoma,called.ShesaidtheSwarthyManlookedlikeher
mother'sexhusband.Herapedherandtriedtokillhermother.Hewasadevil.
Hewasatruckdriver.HedroveBuicks.Hepickedupwomenandtauntedher
mother.Shedidn'tknowifhewasstillalive.AwomanfromBenwood,West
Virginia,called.ShesaidamanstalkedherandherbrotherinLosAngeles.She
wassixyearsold.Themanhaddarkhairandgoodteeth.Hedroveatruck.He
tookoffherclothes,fondledherandkissedher.ShesawhimonaTVgameshow
severalyearslater.ItmighthavebeentheGrouchoMarxshow.Awomanfrom
Westminster,Maryland,called.ShesaidtheSwarthyManlookedlikeamannamed
Larry.Larrywas40now.TheSwarthyManmightbehisfather.AmanfromNew
Boston,Texas,called.Hesaidhiswife'sunclemovedtoTexasin1958.He
lookedliketheSwarthyMan.Hewasachildmolester.Hediedtenyearsago.He
wasburiedinComway,Arkansas.

Wetanked.Weloggedinjiveandinnuendo.Theshowwasafamilyshow.We
loggedinsomefamilytrauma.NoAirtekpeoplecalled.Noexcopscalled.Noex
lovers,excolleaguesorexconfidantescalled.TheWagnersdidn'tcall.Theone
hotcallerhungup.Ifeltlikeapussywhippedchump.Iwasstoodup,cuckolded
andjilted.I'mwaitingbythephone.I'mwaitingforaspecialwomanorany
womantocall.
Theproducersaidwe'dgetmorecalls.Billhadallthetipsheetsand
callbacknumbers.HecheckedouttheBobandSherrySonestip.Hecouldn'tfind
acaselisting.HecalledthewomaninPasoRobles.TheydiscussedtheSwarthy
DudefromAihambra.TheSwarthyDudewastooyoung.Hecouldn'tbetheSwarthy
Man.Thetipwasadud.Allourtipswereduds.
Moretipscamein.BillandIgottipsheetsviaFedEx.
AmanfromAlexandria,Virginia,called.HesaidtheSwarthyManlooked
likehisbrother.Hisbrotherwas6'2"andrangy.HedidtimeatChinoState
Prison.AmanfromEspaflola,NewMexico,called.HesaidhelivedinElMonte
in1961.TheSwarthyManlookedveryfamiliar.AwomanfromJackson,
Mississippi,called.Shesaidherfatherkilledapersonin1958.Hedidtimeat
Alcatraz.Hehadtattoosonhisrightforearmandnorightindexfinger.He
triedtokillhermother.HedroveablueChevy.TheBlackDahlialadycalled.

301
ShesaidherfatherkilledmymotherandtheBlackDahlia.AwomanfromVirginia
Beach,Virginia,called.ShesaidsheknewtheSwarthyMan.Heworkedatthe
LynnHavenMallinLynnHaven,Virginia.
AwomanfromLaPuentecalled.HernamewasBarbaraGrover.Shesaidshe
wasEllisOutlaw'sexsisterinlaw.ElliswasmarriedtoAlbertaLowOutlaw.
EllisandAlbertaweredead.BarbaraGroverwasmarriedtoAlberta'sbrother
Reuben.HelookedliketheSwarthyMan.Hewasadrunkandapervert.Hehung
outattheDesertInn.HewasmurderedinL.A.in1974.
BillcalledBarbaraGrover.ShesaidReubenhungoutatStan'sDriveIn.
Hehadmastoidsurgeryonce.Hedevelopedthinjawlinelikethatswarthyguy.
BillmetBarbaraGroverinperson.ShesaidshemetReubenLowin1951.He
was24.Shewasi6.Hewasdatinghermother.Hedroppedhermother.Hetookup
withher.Theygotmarriedon5/10/53.Hermotherlivedwiththem.Reubenhad
sexwithhermother.Reubenabusedthem.Reubenboughtcarsandblewoffthe
payments.Reubenwasbrutal.Hetriedtokillherwithabeerbottleonce.He
likedgunsandcars.Hechasedwomen.Hehadstrangesexualtastes.Hecamehome
withscratchesonhisfaceallthetime.Hehatedtowork.Heservicedvending
machinessometimes.Helostthetipofhisrightindexfingerinashop
accident.SheleftReubenintheearly'6os.Hegotkilled10or12yearslater.
HewaslivinginSouthL.A.Hewaswalkinghomefromaliquorstore.Twoblack
kidsrobbedhimandshankedhim.
Reubenneversaidhekilledawoman.TheOutlawsnevertoldherhedid.
MaybehekilledJeanEliroy.MaybetheOutlawsknewit.Maybetheyprotected
him.
BarbaraGrovershowedBillapicture.TheyoungReubenLowlookedlikea
youngSwarthyMan.HelookedhillbillyHedidn'tlookLatin.Hismissing
fingertipstoodout.
BillcalledLAPDHomicide.AfriendpulledtheReubenLowfile.TheDOD
was1/27/74.Thekillerswerecapturedandconvicted.
BillandIdiscussedReubenLow.IsaidMargieTrawickwouldhaveknown
him.HewasaDesertInnhabitu.Hehadadeformity.BillsaidHallinenand
Lawtonwouldhavenailedhim.Theyprobablyleanedonhimandexoneratedhim.
Wecrossedhimoffoursuspectlist.Hewastheonlymotherfuckeronour
suspectlist.
WegotanothertipviaFedEx.AmanfromSomerset,California,called.His
namewasDanJones.HesaidheworkedatAirtekin1957.Heknewmymother.He
likedher.Hehadapictureofher.

302
BillcalledDanJones.HesaidJeanwentby"Hilliker"atAirtek.Hesaid
heleftAirtekinearly'58.Henevertalkedtothecops.Hedidn'tknowwho
Jeanwasdating.
HegaveBillsomeAirteknames.Billranthemstatewide.Hefoundeleven
AirtekpeopleinSouthernCalifornia.
DanJonessentmefourcolorsnapshots.ItimetraveledbacktoChristmas
'57.
TheAirtekChristmasparty.
Everybodywasdrinking.Everybodywassmoking.Everybodywashavinga
blast.Mymotherappearedinonephotograph.
Shewasstandingbythebar.Shewaswearingawhiteuniformandahip
lengthwindbreaker.Icouldn'tseeherface.Irecognizedherlegsandhands.
Shewasholdingadrinkandacigarette.Amanwasleaningintokissher.His
lefthandwaspoisednearherrightbreast.
BillinterviewedtheAirtekpeople.Mostofthemrememberedmymother.
Billwroteuptheinterviewsandsentthemtome.Thedetailssentmeairborne.
AirtekwasRomanceCity.Airtekpeopleworkedhardandpartiedtwiceas
hard.PeoplecametoAirtek.TheycaughttheAirtekvirusandditchedtheir
wivesandhusbands.TheAirtekviruswashot.Itwastheboogiewoogieflu.
Airtekhadawifeswappingcoven.JeansplitPackardBellandcametoAirtek.
RuthSchienleandMargieStippcametoo.Margiewasdeadnow.Ruthdisappeared.
Jeanwasabeautifullady.Shedranktoomuch.Sheknewit.Shedranktoomuch
byAirtekstandards.Airtekstandardswereverypermissive.ShedrankatJulie's
RestaurantneartheColiseum.Shedawdledoverlunchtimedrinks.NickZaha
workedatAirtek.HehadathinggoingwithJean.Airtekmendrankhard.Jean
gavethemB1shotsfortheirhangovers.TheAirtekkidsstagedawakeforJean.
TheyplayedtheJohnnyMathistune"ChancesAre"overandover.Jeangotdrunk
atanAirtekpartyandrodeaforkliftplatformuptothetopofthemain
warehouseceiling.Jeantoldaguythatanotherguywasgivinghergrief.She
didn'tmentionhisname.Shegotkilledaweeklater.WillMillerworkedat
Airtek.Hewassomeniceguy.AnAirtekguywenttoEuropetwoweeksbeforethe
murder.JeanaskedhimtosendherabottleofChanelNo.5.Jeanwasnice.Jean
workedhard.Jean'sredhairsparkledbehindthreebourbonhighballs.
Shewassparklingnow.Iwantedmore.Wewereinaparkedcartogether.
Shewasthereunderduress.Icouldn'twheedleorarouseherformore.Other
peoplehadtogiveittome.
Ididn'tknowhowtogetmore.Billactedindependentlyandshowedme.

303
JoeWalkerranalltheHillikersinWisconsin.HegotaLeighHillikerin
Tomah.TomahwasnearTunnelCity.BillcalledLeighHilliker.Hewas84years
old.Hewasmymother'sfirstcousin.HesaidLeodaWagnerwasdead.EdWagner
washospitalizedinCrossPlains,Wisconsin.JeannieWagnerwasnowJeannie
WagnerBeck.ShelivedinAvalanche,Wisconsin.Shehadahusbandandthree
kids.JanetWagnerwasnowJanetWagnerKlock.ShelivedinCrossPlains.She
hadahusbandandfourkids.LeighHillikerknewtheEllroyStonerstory.Hesaw
the_DayOne_showlastyear.BillaskedhimiftheWagnersknew.Hesaidhe
didn'tknow.Hehadtheiraddressesandphonenumbers.Hedidn'tstayintouch.
Hedidn'tcallthemandmentiontheshow.
BillgotJanetKlock'snumberandEdWagner'shospitalnumber.Hecalled
them.Hetoldthemwhatweweredoing.Theywereflabbergastedandaltogether
delighted.TheyfiguredIdiedinsomeL.A.gutter15yearsago.
UncleEdwas8o.Hehadcongestiveheartdisease.Leodadiedsevenyears
back.Shehadcancer.Janetwas42.ShewasthetownadministratorofCross
Plains,Wisconsin.Shesaidshehadsomelovelyphotographs.Hermothergave
themtoher.AuntJeanwasbeautiful.Shesaidthepictureswentbacktoher
childhood.
ShesaidAuntJeanwasmarriedoncebefore.Itwasaverybriefmarriage.
ShewasmarriedtoayoungmannamedSpalding.HewasanheirtotheSpalding
sportinggoodsfortune.
Billcalledmeandbrokethenews.Iwasmorethanstunned.Billsaidwe
shouldgotoWisconsin.Hestressedthefamilyangle.Iagreedtogo.Thefamily
bitdidnotfactorintomydecision.ThephotographsandtheSpaldingrumor
convincedme.
Itwasmore.Itwasher.

29

EdWagnerdied.WepostponedourtriptoWisconsin.
Edwasoldandsick.Hewasn'tterminal.Hediedunexpectedly.TheWagner
sistersburiedhimbesideLeoda.ThecemeterywasahundredyardsfromJanet's
backdoor.
Ididn'tknowhim.Isawhimadozentimestotal.Itookmyfather'shard
lineagainsthim.Hewasakrautandadraftdodger.Itwasashakyindictment.
Edalwaystreatedmewell.HewaspleasedtolearnthatIwasaliveand

304
successful.Inevercalledhim.Iwantedtoseehim.Iowedhimapologies.I
wantedtoextendthemfacetoface.
IcalledtheWagnersisters.Wemadetravelplansbeforetheirfather
died.Westartedoutnervous.Weunclenched.JanetsaidLeodawouldhavebeenso
proudofme.Idisagreed.IwantedtodestroyLeoda'stakeonhersister.Janet
saidLeodawouldnottolerateslursonGeneva.Edwasmoreopenminded.Hehada
balancedview.Jeandranktoomuch.Shewastroubled.Sheneversharedher
troubles.
Ispokefrankly.Mycousinsreciprocated.Idescribedmymother'slifeand
deathinbluntterms.TheysaidIbrokeLeoda'sheart.IsaidItriedtopatch
thingsupwithher18yearsago.Icritiquedmymothertactlessly.Leodawas
shocked.Iblewmyshotatreconciliation.
Jeanniewas49.Shemanagedalocalgreenhouse.Herhusbandwasacollege
professor.Theyhadtwosonsandadaughter.Janetmarriedacarpenter.Theyhad
threesonsandadaughter.ThelasttimeIsawthemwasChristmas'66.Leoda
flewmetoWisconsin.Themarkwasn'thiptotheconman.
Leodagothip.Shehippedherdaughters.Leodapackedameangrudge.Her
daughtersdidn't.Theywelcomedmeback.Jeanniewasreserved.Janetwas
enthusiastic.Shesaidshedidn'tknowmuchabouttheSpaldingmarriage.She
knewthemarriagebelliedupfast.Shedidn'tknowtheweddingsiteorthe
circumstancessurroundingtheannulmentordivorce.Shedidn'tknowSpalding's
firstname.JanetwasfouryearsoldinJune'58.Jeanniewasalmosttwelve.
LeodasaidAuntJeanwenttothestoreandgotkidnapped.Thepolicefoundher
bodythenextmorning.Leodaabridgedmymother'sdeaththesamewayshe
expurgatedherlife.
JanetsentmeacopyoftheHillikerfamilytree.Itsurprisedme.I
thoughtmygrandparentswereGermanimmigrants.Idon'tknowwhereIgotthe
idea.MyancestorshadEnglishnames.Mygrandmother'snamewasJessieWoodard
Hilliker.ShehadatwinsisternamedGeneva.ThetreelistedHillikers,
Woodards,Smiths,PiercesandLinscotts.Theywentbacki50yearsinAmerica.
EdandLeodaweredead.Theycouldn'tdisputemyclaim.Iwouldhave
foughtLeoda'sclaimtactfully.Mycousinsbarelyknewmymother.Icouldlet
themin.Icouldsharemymothersuperficially.Icouldhoardherdarkheartfor
myself.

305
CrossPlainswasaMadisonsuburb.BillandIflewintotheMadison
Airport.
Janetmetus.Shebroughtherhusband,heryoungestsonandherdaughter.
Ididn'trecognizeher.Shewas12yearsoldin'66.Ididn'tseeanyHilliker
resemblance.
BrianKiockwas47.Wesharedthesamebirthday.JanetsaidLeodaprayed
formeonBrian'sbirthday.Itwasmybirthday.Sheneverforgotit.Brianwas
shortandstocky.AlltheKlockswereshortandstocky.MindyKiockwas16.She
playedclassicalpiano.Shesaidshe'dplaysomeBeethovenforme.CaseyKlock
was12.Helookedlikearambunctiouskid.ThemaleKiockshadgreathair.I
expressedenvy.BrianandCaseylaughed.Billeasedrightintotheflow.Hewas
themostdeftsocialcreatureI'deverknown.
TheKlocksdroveustoaHolidayInn.Wetookthemtodinnerdownstairs.
Talkflowedevenly.Billdescribedourinvestigation.MindyaskedmeifIknew
anymoviestars.Shementionedhercurrentflames.Isaidtheywerehomosexual.
Shedidn'tbelieveme.IrandownsomeHollywoodgossip.JanetandBrian
laughed.BilllaughedandsaidIwasfullofshit.Caseypickedhisnoseand
playedwithhisfood.
Wehadagoodtime.Janetlaidouttheplanfortomorrow.We'ddriveto
TunnelCityandTomah.We'dpickupJeannieenroute.Imentionedthepictures.
Shesaidshehadthemathome.Wecouldseethemfirstthingtomorrow.
Welingeredoverdinner.Thefoodwasstrange.Everydishcamewithan
orderofmeltedcheeseandsausage.Ifigureditwasaregionalaberration.The
Klockshadregionalaccents.Alltheirwordswereupwardlyinflected.Edand
Leodatalkedthatway.Theirvoicescameoutofthinair.Icouldn'trecallmy
mother'svoice.
Wetalkedabouther.JanetandBrianwerereverent.Itoldthemtoloosen
upalittle.

Thepictureswereold.Theywerepastedintoscrapbooksandpulledoutof
envelopes.IexaminedthematJanet'skitchentable.Thekitchenwindow
overlookedtheWagnergravesite.
Mostofthepictureswereblack&whiteandsepiatinted.Afewwere
late'4oscolor.Ilookedatmyancestorsfirst.IgotaglimpseofTunnelCity,
Wisconsin.Isawrailroadtracksineveryoutdoorshot.

306
Mygreatgrandparents.AsternVictoriancouple.Theyposedsternly.
Candidsnapshotsdidn'texistthen.IsawtheHillikerWoodardweddingportrait.
Earlelookedlikeagrittyyoungman.Jessiewasfrailandlovely.Shehada
versionofmyfaceandmymother'sfaceandsomefeatureswedidn'tinherit.She
woreglasses.Shehadoursmalleyes.Shegavemymotherdelicateshouldersand
softwhiteskin.
Isawmymother.Ifollowedherfrominfanthoodtotenyearsold.Isaw
herwithLeoda.Leodastaredatherbigsister.Everypictureframedher
adulation.Genevaworeglasses.Shehadlightredhair.Shesmiled.Shelooked
happy.Herinteriorbackdropswerespare.Shewasraisedinanofrillshouse.
Herexteriorbackdropswerebeautifulandraw.WesternWisconsinwasdarkgreen
inbloomorsnowyanddeadtreebarren.
Ijumpedahead.Ihadto.Therewerenopicturesofmymotherasan
adolescent.Ijumpedtenyears.IsawGenevaat20.Herhairwasdarker.She
possessedasevereandbreathtakinglyimplacablebeauty.
Sheworeherhairinabun.Sheparteditdownthemiddle.Itwasafrumpy
hairdo.Sheworeitwithimperiousconfidence.Sheknewhowsheshouldlook.She
knewhowtocontrolherimage.
Shelookedproud.Shelookeddetermined.Shelookedlikeshewasthinking
aboutsomething.
Ijumpedahead.IsawthreecolorsnapsfromAugust'47.Mymotherwastwo
monthspregnant.ShewasstandingwithLeoda.Oneofthepictureswascropped.
Leodaprobablyx'doutmyfather.Mymotherwas32.Herfeatureshadsettledin
resolutely.Shestillworethatbun.Whygetfrivolousandmesswithyour
trademark?Shewassmiling.Shewasn'tabstracted.Shewasn'tsofiercelyproud.
Isawablack&whiteshot.Myfatherwrotethedateontheback.I
recognizedhisprinting.Hewrotealittlenotebelowthedate:
"Perfection.AndwhoamItogildthelily?"
ItwasAugust'46.ItwasBeverlyHills.Itcouldn'tbeanyplaceelse.A
swimmingpool.SomeFrenchchateaucabanas.Ascenefromamoviebizparty.My
motherwassittinginadeckchair.Shewaswearingasummerdress.Shewas
smiling.Shelookeddelightedlycontent.
Shewaswithmyfatherthen.HewasonRitaHayworth'spayroll.
Isawsomemoreblack&whiteshots.Theyweremid'4osvintage.I
recognizedthecommonexterior.Itwas459NorthDoheny.Mymotherwaswearinga
lightcoloreddressandspectatorpumps.Thedresswasperfectforher.It
lookedlikehighfashiononalowbudget.Shewaspoised.Sheworeadifferent

307
hairstyle.Herbunwasbraidedandpinnedonthesides.Icouldn'treadher
face.
Icametothemoststunningpictures.Theywereposedphotographsblownup
toportraitsize.
Mymotherwassittingonandstandingbyasplitrailfence.Shewas24or
25yearsold.Shewaswearingaplaidshirt,awindbreaker,jodhpursandboots
thatlaceduptotheknees.Shewaswearingaweddingring.Thepictureslooked
likehoneymoonshotssanshusband.MyfatherortheSpaldingguyweresomewhere
offcamera.ThiswasGenevaHilliker.Thiswasmymotherwithnomalesurname.
Shewastooproudtopander.Mencametoher.Shepinnedherhairupandmade
competenceandrectitudebeauty.Shewastherewithaman.Shewasstanding
alone.Shewasdefyingallclaimspastandpresent.

TunnelCityandTomahwerethreehoursnorthwest.WedrovethereinBrian
Kiock'svan.BrianandJanetsatupfront.BillandIsatintheback.
Wetookbackroads.Wisconsinshotbyinfivebasiccolors.Thehillswere
green.Theskywasblue.Thebarnsandsiloswerered,whiteandsilver.
Thelandscapewasnice.Iignoredit.Ibalancedastackofpicturesonmy
lap.Ilookedatthem.Iheldthemoutatdifferentangles.Iheldthemupto
oddshaftsoflight.BillaskedmeifIwasokay.Isaid,Idon'tknow.
WepickedupJeannie.Irecognizedher.Shehadmybeadybrowneyes.We
gotthebeadsfromJessieHillikerandthebrownfromourrespectivefathers.
JeanniefoundthisEllroythingdisruptive.Herfatherdiedthreeweeks
ago.BillandIweredramathatshedidnotneed.Shewasdistant.Shewasn't
rudeorinhospitable.Billaskedheraboutthemurder.SheretoldLeoda'sstory
verbatim.Herparentsnevertalkedaboutthemurder.Leodastonewalledit.She
liedabouthersister'sdeathandrevisedhersister'slifeaccordingly.
WedrovethroughboondockWisconsin.ItalkedtoJeannieandlookedatthe
pictures.Jeanniethawedoutabit.Shegotintotheroadtripspirit.Iheld
somepicturesuptomywindowanddidsomejuxtapositions.
Wepassedanarmybase.IsawasignforTunnelCity.Janetsaidthe
graveyardwasjustoffthehighway.Shedroveouthereoncebefore.Sheknewthe
keyHillikersites.
Westoppedatthegraveyard.Itwas30yardssquareandunkempt.Ilooked
attheheadstones.Imatchednamestomyfamilytree.IsawHillikers,Woodards,
Linscotts,SmithsandPierces.Theirbirthdatesranbackto1840.Earleand

308
Jessiewereburiedtogether.Hediedat49.Shediedat59.Theydied
young.Theirgraveswerebadlyneglected.
WedroveintoTunnelCity.Isawtherailroadtracksandtherailroad
tunnel.TunnelCitywasfourstreetswideandathirdofamilelong.Itwas
builtalongonehillside.Thehouseswerebrickandoldclapboard.Somewere
nicelymaintained.Somewerenot.Somepeoplemowedtheirlawns.Somepeople
dumpedjunkcarsandspeedboatsontheirlawns.Therewasnotowncenter.There
wasapostofficeandaMethodistchurch.Mymotherwenttothatchurch.Itwas
boardedupnow.Therailroadstationwaspadlocked.Janetshowedustheold
Hillikerhouse.Itlookedlikearaisedbombshelter.Itwasredbrickand25
feetsquare.
Ilookedatthetown.Ilookedatthepictures.
WedrovetoTomah.WepassedasignforHilliker'sTreeFarm.Janetsaid
Leigh'skidsownedit.WepulledintoTomah.Janetsaidthesistersmovedhere
in'30.Tomahwasatimewarptown.Itwasaprewarmovieset.ThePizzaHutand
Kinko'ssignsgaveawaytheera.ThemaindragwascalledSuperiorAvenue.
Residentialstreetscutacrossit.Thelotswerebig.Thehouseswereallwhite
clapboard.TheHillikerhousewastwoblocksofftheavenue.Itwasadornedand
refurbishedandrenderedanachronistic.Mymotherlivedinthathouse.Shegrew
intohersternbeautyinthisprettylittletown.
Weparkedandlookedatthehouse.Ilookedatthepictures.Billlooked
atthem.HesaidGenevawasthebestlookinggirlinTomah,Wisconsin.Isaid
shecouldn'twaittogetoutforever.

WedrovebacktoAvalanche.WehaddinneratJeannie'shouse.I
metJeannie'shusband,Terry,andhertwosons.Herdaughterwasawayatcollege.
Terryhadlonghairandabeard.HelookedliketheUnabomber.Theboys
were17and12.Theywantedtohearsomecopstories.Billriffedandriffedand
tookthesocialheatoffofme.Ilapsedintoaspectatormode.Thepictures
werebackinthevan.Iresistedanurgetoblowoffthepartyandholeupwith
them.
Jeanniethawedoutsomemore.BillandIcrashedherlife.Wedistracted
her.Wejelledwithherhusbandandkids.Wegainedcredibility.
Thepartybrokeupat11:00.Iwasdeadasstiredandspeeding.Billwas
fried.IknewhewasrunningatahighRPM.

309
TheKiocksdroveusbacktotheHolidayInn.Wedranksomelatenight
coffeeandflew.IsaidwehadtohitChicagoandWisconsinagain.Wehadtohit
Geneva'snursingschoolandTomah.Wehadtofindoldclassmatesandoldfriends
andsurvivingHillikers.Billagreed.Hesaidheshouldmakethetripsolo.
PeoplemightfreezeuparoundGeneva'sson.Hewantedthemtotalkwithtotal
candor.
Iagreed.Billsaidhe'dsetthingsupandflyeastagain.
IknewIwouldn'tsleep.Ihadthepicturesupstairs.Mymindwandered.
BillaskedmewhatIwasthinking.
Isaid,IhatetheSwarthyMannow.

Iwenthome.Billwenthome.HesetupinterviewsinTomahandChicago.
JoeWalkerfoundmyparents'divorcefile.Hefoundtheirmarriagelicenseand
someolddirectorylistings.Hecameupwithsomebigsurprises.Billfleweast.
Hecheckednewspaperfiles.HetalkedtoLeighHillikerandhiswifeandthree
8oyearoldwomen.HetalkedtothesuperintendentoftheWestSuburbanCollege
ofNursing.Hetookrigorousnotes.Heflewhome.HefoundGeneva'snursing
schoolroommate.Hesentmehispaperwork.JoeWalkersentmehis.Ireadit.I
readitwiththepicturesinfrontofme.Janetfoundmorepictures.Isaw
Genevainsunglassesandashirtandslacksensemble.Isawherinbootsand
jodhpursagain.Theinvestigationcohered.Thepaperworkandthepicturesformed
alifeinellipsis.

30

GibbHillikerwasafarmerandastonemason.HemarriedIdaLinscottand
hadfoursonsandtwodaughters.TheynamedtheirsonsVernon,Earle,Hughand
Belden.TheynamedtheirdaughtersBlancheandNorma.Idaborechildrenfrom
1888to1905.
TheylivedinTunnelCity.Tworailroadlinesranthroughthetown.Itwas
inMonroeCounty.Themainindustrieswereloggingandfurtrapping.Dove
shootingwasbig.Itwasasportandanoccupation.Birdmeatwaspopularthen.
MonroeCountywasfullofediblegamebirds.MonroeCountywasfullofrowdy
Indians.Theylovedtodrinkandraisehell.

310
EarleHillikerlovedtodrinkandraisehell.Earlewasstubborn.Earle
wasshorttempered.HewenttoMinnesotaandgotajobonafarm.Hemetagirl
namedJessieWoodard.Hemarriedher.Theymighthavebeenbloodrelated.The
rumorpersisted.EarlebroughtJessiebacktoTunnelCity.Theyhadadaughter
in1915.TheynamedherGenevaOdeliaHilliker.
EarlewasappointedStateConservationWardenforMonroeCounty,
Wisconsin.Itwas1917.Hewasaforestranger.Hecaughtpoachersandroughed
themup.HehiredIndianstoputoutforestfires.Theytookhismoneyand
boughtliquor.Theystartedmorefirestomakemoremoney.Earlelikedtofight.
He'dtakeonanytwowhitemen.Hedidn'tfuckwiththeIndians.Theyfought
dirty.Theystucktogether.Theyheldgrudgesandjumpedyoufrombehind.
EarleandJessiehadanotherdaughter.LeodaHillikerwasbornin1919.
Jessieraisedthegirls.Shewasgentleandsoftspoken.Genevawasa
brightchild.Shebecameabrightandpensiveadolescent.Shewasquietand
selfassured.Shehadthissmalltownjenesaisquoi.
Shedidwellinschool.Sheexcelledatsports.Shewasmorematurethan
otherkidsherage.
Itwas1930.TheHillikersmovedtoTomah.
Earlewasdrinkinghard.Hesquanderedhismoneyandpaidhisbillslate.
TheDepressionwason.VernonHillikerwentbrokeandlosthisdairyfarm.Earle
hiredhim.HemadehimaforestrangerandlethimruntheMonroeCountyOffice.
Vernondidallthework.Earledrankandplayedcardsallday.VernontoldEarle
towatchout.Earleignoredhim.TheStateConservationbossvisitedTomah.He
foundEarledrunk.HedemotedhimandtransferredhimtotheBowlerRanger
Station.HegaveVernonEarle'sjob.Earletookithard.Hebrokeoffall
contactwithVernonandVernon'sfamily.EarlemovedtoBowler.Jessierefused
togowithhim.ShestayedinTomah.Herdaughtersstayedwithher.Genevagrew
closetoEarle'ssisterNorma.
NormawasnineyearsolderthanGeneva.Shewasthemostbeautifulwoman
inTomah.Genevawasthemostbeautifulgirl.Normawasmarriedto"Pete"
Pedersen.PeteownedtheTomahdrugstore.Hewas15yearsolderthanNorma.He
builtherabeautysalon.Normaranitasalark.NormaandPetehadmoney.They
gaveEarleandJessiehandouts.Normawasalocalcauseclbre.Sheallegedly
hadanaffairwithaMethodistminister.HeallegedlyleftTomahandcommitted
suicide.NormaandGenevaactedlikesistersorbestfriends.Theydidn'tact
likeauntandniece.Theywerethickasthieves.

311
Genevawasapoisedyoungwomannow.Shewenttotowndances.Earlecame
downfromBowlerandplayedchaperone.Hedidnotlikeothermensnoutingaround
hisdaughter.
GenevagraduatedhighschoolinJune'34.Shewantedtobearegistered
nurse.ShepickedoutanursingschoolnearChicago.Normasaidshe'dpayher
tuitionandallherexpenses.GenevaappliedatWestSuburbanCollege.Shewas
accepted.ShelefthermotherandkidsisterinTomah.Sheleftherdrunken
fatherinBowler.Shecamebackforbriefvisitsonly.
ShemovedtoOakPark,Illinois.SheshortenedhernametoJean.Shegota
roomattheWestSuburbandorm.ShebunkedwithagirlnamedMaryEvans.They
sharedaroomforsixmonths.Theymovedtoadjoiningroomsandshareda
bathroomfortwoyears.Theybecameclosefriends.Maryhadadoctorlover.Jean
likedMary'swildside.MarylikedJean'swildside.Jeandatedboysandstayed
outaftercurfew.Itwaslikesheblewoffsmalltownlifeandwentalittle
crazy.MaryandJeanworkedacurfewdodge.Theymessedwiththelockontheir
fireescapeladder.Theycouldditchthedormandsneakbackunseen.Marycould
seeherdoctor.Jeancouldmeetmenandcutloose.Jeanwasquietandreserved
mostofthetime.Shelikedtoread.Shelikedtositaroundanddaydream.Jean
hadadifferentside.Marywatcheditdevelop.ItwasJeanwithherblinders
off.Jeanstartedtodrinkquiteabit.Jeanwas_always_drinking.Jeanwent
outdrinkingandcamebackaftercurfew.Shesatonthetoiletandpeedfora
dog'sage.Shecamebackonenightandcommandeeredthetoilet.Shelita
cigaretteanddroppedthematchin.Awadoftoiletpaperignitedandsingedher
behind.Jeanlaughedandlaughed.
Jeanlikedtobrood.Jeanheldherowncounsel.Shenevermentionedher
parents.HerauntNormavisitedher.Herparentsneverdid.Marythoughtitwas
strange.Jeanlikedolderpeople.Shelikedoldermen.Shelikedolderwomenas
friends.JeanbecameclosefriendswithanursenamedJeanAtchison.

JeanAtchisonwastenyearsolderthanJean.JeanAtchisondidnotdate
men.JeanAtchisonwascompletelyabsorbedinJeanHilliker.Shefollowedher
around.Everybodytalkedaboutit.Everybodythoughttheywerelesbianlovers.
MarythoughtJeanAtchisonwasalesbo.JeanHillikerlikedmentoomuchtobe
lez.
JeanfellinlovewithamannamedDanCoffey.Danwas25.Jeanwas20.
Danwasadiabeticandafargonedrunk.Jeanworriedabouthim.Shedrankwith

312
himmostnights.Shesawhimeverynightforasolidyearandahalf.Jean
confidedtoMary.Jeansaidshedranktoomuch.
Jeanknewhowtobalancethings.Shewasagoodnursingstudent.She
learnedquickly.Shewasdutifulandkindtoherpatients.Shecouldstayout
lateandperformthenextday.Jeanwascompetentandcapableanddeliberate.
DanCoffeylefther.Jeantookitbad.Shebroodedandchasedmen.She
likedroughboys.Someofthemlookedlikegangstersorhoodlumriffraff.
JeangraduatedinMay'37.Shewasnowaregisterednurse.Shegotafull
timejobatWestSuburban.Shemovedoutofthedorm.JeanAtchisonfoundan
apartmentinOakPark.SheaskedJeanandMaryEvanstomoveinwithher.Mary
hadherownbedroom.JeansharedabedroomwithJeanAtchison.Theysleptinthe
samebed.
Mary'sboyfriendgotJeanawatchdoggig.Shehadtodrivetwoelderly
drunkstoNewYorkCity.Thewifewasdyingofcancer.Herhusbandwantedto
takehertoEuropebeforeshecheckedout.Jeanwassupposedtokeepthemsober
andtransportthemtotheboat.
Thejobwasapainintheass.Thedrunkswanderedoffatreststops.Jean
foundbottlesintheirluggageandemptiedthem.Thedrunksscroungedupmore
liquor.Jeancapitulated.Sheencouragedthemtopassoutandletherdrivein
peace.ShereachedManhattan.Shedumpedthedrunksatthedock.Thehusband
saidhehadahotelsuitebookedinhisname.Shecouldrestuptherebeforeshe
drovebacktoChicago.
Jeanfoundthehotelandcheckedin.Shemetanartistthere.Hedrewa
charcoalsketchofJeaninthenude.Theyhadafewwilddaystogether.Jean
calledJeanAtchisonandMaryEvansandtoldthemtocometotheApple.They
couldstayinhersuiteuntilsomebodykickedthemout.JeanAtchisonandMary
roundedupanothernursenamedNancyKirkland.Nancyhadacar.Theydroveto
NewYorkandraisedhellwithJean.Theypartiedforfourorfivedays.
ThegirlswentbacktoChicago.Marymovedoutoftheapartment.Her
boyfriendsetherupinherownplace.JeanAtchisonsawanadforaglamour
contest.ItwassponsoredbyElmoBeautyProducts.Theywantedtofindfour
women.Theywantedtocrownthemthe"MostCharming"Blonde,Brunette,Grayhead
andRedhead.Theywantedtof?tethemandsendthemtoHollywood.JeanAtchison
sentinanapplicationandapictureofJeanHilliker.Shedidn'ttellJean.She
knewJeanwouldn'tapprove.
Jeanwonthecontest.ShewasnowAmerica'sMostCharmingRedhead.Shegot
madatJeanAtchison.Herangersubsided.SheflewtoL.A.on12/12/38.Shemet

313
theotherMostCharmingladies.TheyspentaweekinL.A.Theystayedatthe
AmbassadorHotel.Theygot$1,000apiece.Theysawthesights.Talentscouts
perusedthem.Jeantookascreentest.TheTomahpaperranapieceontheMost
CharmingRedhead.Shewas"aquiet,unassumingandveryattractiveyounglady."
JeanreturnedtoChicago.Thetripwasfun.Shemadesomemoney.Sheliked
California.Thescreentestwasfunandnomore.Shedidn'twanttobeamovie
star.
Itwas1939.Jeanturned24inApril.AuntNormaditchedherhusband.She
tookupwithanotherlocalpastor.TheyleftTomahforever.Normalosttrackof
Jean.Theyneversaweachotheragain.JeanlosttrackofMaryEvans.Theynever
saweachotheragain.LeodaHillikermarriedEdWagneron6/7/39.Jeanattended
theweddinginMadison,Wisconsin.Jeanhadaloverorloversthen.Shegot
pregnant.ShecalledMary'sboyfriendandaskedhimtoaborther.Herefused.
Jeanabortedherself.Shekilledthefetusandhemorrhaged.ShecalledMary's
boyfriend.Hetreatedher.Hedidnotreporttheabortion.
JeanmovedtoLosAngeles.ShemighthavemettheSpaldingmanthere.They
weremarriedsomewhere.Itwasn'tChicago.Itwasn'tinL.A.County,Orange
County,SanDiegoCounty,VenturaCounty,LasVegasorReno.BillStonerchecked
marriagerecordsinallthoselocations.JanetKlockfoundsomeoldnotes.They
pertainedtothesplitrailfenceportraits.Mymotherwrotethenotes.Shesaid
thepicturesweretakennearMountCharleston,Nevada.Mymotheralludedto
"we."Sheworeaweddingring.Theylookedlikehoneymoonphotos.TheHilliker
Spaldingmarriagecouldnotbeverified.LeodanevermettheSpaldingman.
Jean'sfriendsnevermettheSpaldingman.Nobodyknewhisfirstname.Twomen
qualifiedasheirstotheSpaldingsportinggoodsfortune.OnemandiedinWorld
WarI.ThesurvivingsonwasnamedKeithSpalding.BillStonercouldnotlink
himtomymother.Shemighthavemarriedhim.ShemighthavemarriedaSpalding
withnobloodtiestotheSpaldings.Themarriagewasbrief.Fivewitnesses
confirmedthatfactorrumor.BillfoundaGenevaSpaldinginthe'39L.A.
directory.Heroccupationwaslistedas"Maid."Heraddresswas852Bedfordin
WestLosAngeles.The'39directoriescameoutin'40.Shehadtimetomarryand
divorceMr.Spalding.Shehadtimetofindworkandanapartmentofherown.
EarleHillikerdiedin1940.Hecheckedoutbehindpneumonia.Jean
Hillikerwaslistedinthe'41L.A.book.Shewasastenographer.Shelivedat
854SouthHarvard.She'dmovedeasttotheWilshireDistrict.Shewasprobably
workingtowardhernurse'scertification.
Andarendezvouswithmyfather.

314
MyfathermovedtoSanDiegoafterWorldWarI.Hetoldmethat.Hewasa
liar.Allhisstatementsweresuspect.BillStonercheckedoldSanDiego
directories.Hefoundmyfatherinthe'26book.Hewaslistedasadeputy
countyauditor.Heheldthejobthrough1929.Hewasasalesmanin'30.He
managedahotelin'31.HeworkedattheU.S.GrantHotelforthenextfour
years.Hewasahousedetectiveandanassistantauditor.Hechangedjobsin
'35.Hebecameasalesman.HeworkedforA.M.Fidelity.Hewasn'tlistedinthe
'36or'37book.Hewaslistedinthe'37L.A.directory.Hisoccupationwasnot
listed.Helivedat2819Leeward.Hewaslistedatthesameaddressin'38and
'39.2819LeewardwasCentralL.A.ItwasfourmileseastofGenevaSpalding's
'39address.The'40booklistedmyfatherat2845West27th.The'41book
listedhimat408SouthBurlington.TheaddresswasamileandahalffromJean
Hilliker's'41address.
MyfathermarriedawomaninSanDiego.Thedatewas12/22/34.Hername
wasMildredJeanFeese.ShecamefromNebraska.Myfather"willfullydeserted"
heron6/5/41.Shefiledfordivorceon9/I1/44.Shesaidmyfathertreatedher
ina"cruelandinhumanmanner,whichcausedthisplaintiffgrievousmental
sufferinganddistress,resultinginherbecomingextremelynervous,suffering
physicalanguish,andbecomingphysicallyill."
Myfatherreceivedacourtsummons.Hedidnotappearincourt.Adefault
decreewasfiledon11/20/44.Thedivorcewasfinalizedon11/27/45.The
marriageproducednochildren.Thefinaldecreedidnotmentionalimony
payments.
Myfatherwaslistedinthe'41book.Hedesertedhiswifeon6/5/41.
MildredJeanEllroywaslistedinthe'42book.Shelivedat6901/2South
Catalina.JeanHillikerwaslistedinthe'42book.Shewaslistedasanurse.
Shelivedat5481/4SouthNewHampshire.Itwasthreeblocksfrom6901/2South
Catalina.Myfathersaidhelivedwithmymotherat8thandNewHampshire.He
saidtheylivedtherewhenPearlHarborwasbombed.Hismemorywasspotty.They
livedthreeblocksnorthat5thandNewHampshire.
BillandIreconstructedtheprobableevents.
Myfathermettheredheadin1941.HemetherinL.A.Hedesertedhis
wife.HemovedinwithJeanHilliker.Heranfromawoman.Herantoawoman.
Thejiltedwomangaveupthepadshesharedwithhim.Shemovedtoapadthree
blocksawayfromherhusband'slovenest.Themovewascoincidentalor
spitefullyplanned.
Maybeshestalkedmyfather.

315
Maybeshemovedthreeblocksawaytopunishherself.
Maybeshemovedtheretoseetheredheadandgloat.Sheknewwhatmy
fatherwas.Sheknewwhattheredheadhadcoming.
TherewerenoL.A.directoriesissuedfortherestofthewar.The'46and
'47booksweremissing.TheBeverlyHillsbooksweremissing.Wecouldn'tnail
themoveto459NorthDoheny.
Theyshackedupsomewhere.TheSpaldingdivorcewasfinalizedin'39or
'40.Myfather'sdivorcewasfinalizedinlate'45.Theywerefreetomarry
then.
TheyweremarriedinVenturaCounty.Thedatewas8/29/47.Mymotherwas
32.Shewastwoandahalfmonthspregnant.Themarriagelicenselistedacommon
address.Itwas459NorthDoheny.Thelicensestatedthatthiswasthesecond
marriageforbothparties.
IwasborninMarch'48.JessieHillikerdiedin'50.Shehadastrokeand
keeledover.Myparentsmovedto9031AldenDrive.Themarriagewentbad.My
motherfiledfordivorceon1/3/55.

Shecited"extremecruelty."Shelistedherjointpropertyasfurniture
andacar.Shestatedherdesiretobemyfulltimeparent.
Myfatheracceptedherterms.Hesignedapropertysettlementon2/3/55.
Shegotthecarandthefurniture.Shegotmeformyschoolmonthsandpartof
thesummer.Hegottwoweeklyvisitsandsomesummertimewithme.Hehadtopay
herlawyer'sbilland$50amonthchildsupport.
Ahearingwasheldon2/28/55.Myfatherwassummoned.Hedidnotappear.
Mymother'slawyerfiledadefaultmotion.Myfathertoldmeshewasflicking
herlawyer.
Thedefaultdecreewasgrantedon3/30/55.Itwasinterlocutory.The
divorcewouldbefinalizedayearlater.Mymotherfiledanuisanceclaim
againstmyfather.Theclaimsummonedhimtocourton1/11/56.Theclaimlaid
outherspecificcharges.
ShesaidmyfatherbroughtmehomeThanksgivingnight.Hestoodoutside
thefrontdoor.Heeavesdropped.Hebrokeintotheapartmenton11/27/55.He
wentthroughherclothesandherbureaudrawers.HecorneredherattheRalph's
Marketat3rdandSanVicente.Heyelledinsultsatherassheshopped.The
incidentoccurredinlateNovember

316
Myfathergotalawyer.Hewroteupabriefandcounteredmymother's
claim.Hesaidmymother'smodeoflifewasinimicaltomymoralandsocial
development.Myfatherfearedformyhealthandsafety.
Myparentssawajudge.Heappointedacourtassistant.Hetoldherto
investigatethecharges.
Sheinterviewedmyfather.HesaidJeanwasagoodmotherfivedaysa
week.Shedranktwothirdsofabottleofwineeverynightand"wentberserk"on
theweekends.Hesaidshewasasexmaniac.Herdrinkingwentalongwithhersex
mania.Hesaidhedidn'teavesdropthatnight.Hebroughthissonbackat5:15.
Jeanansweredthedoor.Herhairwasmussedup.Shehadliquoronherbreath.
ThisHankHartguywassittingatthekitchentable.Hewasinhisundershirt.A
bottleofchampagne,threecansofbeer,abottleofwineandafifthofwhisky
wereoutinplainsight.
Helefttheapartment.Hedecidedtovisitsomefriendsinthe
neighborhood.Hewalkedpasttheapartmentagain.Heheardhissonyelling.He
heardsome"otherconfusion."Hewalkedtothekitchenwindowandpeeredin.He
sawhissonwalkintothebathroomandtakeabath.HesawJeanandHankHart
liedownonthelivingroomsofa.Theystartednecking.Hartstuckhishand
underJean'sdress.Hissonwalkedintothelivingroom.Hewaswearingpajamas.
HewatchedTV.HankHartteasedhim.Theboywenttobed.HankHarttookoffhis
trousers.Jeanliftedherskirt.Theyhadintercourseonthesofa.
Myfathersaidhewenthome.Hecalledmymother.Heaskedherifshehad
noshame.Jeansaidshewoulddoasshepleased.Hedidn'tbrowbeatJeanat
Ralph'sMarket.HebroughthissonhomeafewdaysafterThanksgiving.Jean
wasn'tthere.Hissonshowedhimhowtoentertheapartment.Heopenedsome
Frenchwindows.Heenteredtheapartment.HedidnotlookthroughJean'sclothes
oropenherbureaudrawers.HenevercalledJeanfilthynames.Shephonedhim
andcalledhimfilthynames.
TheinvestigatortalkedtoEthelIngs.ShesaidJeanwasanexcellent
mother.Jeanpaidher75centsanhour.ShelookedafterJean'sson.Jeannever
lefthersonhomealone.HewenttoaLutheranchurcheverySunday.Jeannever
raisedhervoicetohim.Sheneverusedfoullanguage.
TheinvestigatortalkedtotheprincipalofChildren'sParadiseSchool.
ShesaidJeanwasanexcellentmother.Thefatherpamperedtheboyanddidnot
makehimstudy.Thefatherusedtheboy.Heusedhimtogetbackathismother.
Hecalledhimeverynightandaskedhimquestionsabouthismother.Hetoldhim
toanswer"yes"or"no"whenhismotherwasnearby.

317
TheinvestigatortalkedtoEulaLeeLloyd.ShesaidJeanwasanexcellent
mother.Mr.Ellroywasnotagoodfather.ShesawMr.Ellroyseveraltimes
recently.HewascrouchedoutsideJean'sapartment.Hewaslookinginthe
windows.
Theinvestigatortalkedtomymother.Shecontradictedmyfather'saccount
ofheractions.Shedeniedhischargesofsexmaniaanddipsomaniacalbehavior.
Shesaidherexhusbandliedtohersonrepeatedly.Hetoldhimheowneda
retailstoreinNorwalk.Hetoldhimhewasbuyingahousewithaswimmingpooi.
Hewantedtopossesstheboyentirely.Herexhusbandcalledhervilenames.He
diditinfrontofherson.Herexhusbandwasalatenthomosexual.Shehad
medicalproof.
Theinvestigatorsidedwithmymother.Shecitedmymother'ssalutarywork
record.Shesaidmymotherseemedtopossessasoundcharacter.Shedidnotact
likeadrunkoraslattern.Thejudgesidedwithmymother.Heissuedaformal
decree.Hetoldtheplaintiffandthedefendantnottoannoyorharasseach
other.Hetoldmyfathernottobreakintomymother'sapartment.Hetoldhim
nottolurkandloiteroutsideit.Hetoldhimtopickmeupanddropmeoffand
staythefuckaway.
Thedecreewasdated2/29/56.Mymotherwastwoyearsandfourmonthsaway
fromSaturdayNight.Thenotesandrecordscataloguedherlifeinmisalliance.I
couldlabeltheinvestigationsuccessful.Iknewonethingpastalldoubt.Idid
notknowwhokilledmymother.IknewhowshecametoKing'sRow.

31

Itwasn'tenough.Itwasamomentarypauseandasparkpoint.Ihadto
knowmore.Ihadtohonormydebtandpursuemyclaim.Mywilltolookandlearn
wasstillstrongandstillperverselyattuned.Iwasmyfathercrouchedoutside
mymother'sbedroomwindow.
Ididn'twantittoend.Iwouldn'tletitend.Ididn'twanttoloseher
again.
King'sRowwasjustawindowfacingbackward.TheSwarthyManwasjusta
witnesswithafewmemories.Iwasadetectivewithnoofficialsanctionandno
evidentialrulestorestrictme.Icouldtakeimplicationandrumorandhold
themasfact.Icouldtravelherlifeatmyownmentalspeed.Icouldlingerat
TunnelCityandElMonteandallpointsinbetween.Icouldgrowoldinmy

318
search.Icouldfearmyowndeath.IcouldreliveherSundaysatthatchurchby
therailroadtracks.Theypreachedheavenlyreunionsthere.Icouldlearnto
believe.Icouldwriteoffmysearchwithagodlydispensationandawaitthe
timewelockeyesonacloud.
Itwon'thappen.Shewalkedawayfromthatchurch.Shewenttothatchurch
atgunpoint.Shesatinherpewanddreamed.Iknowherwellenoughtostate
thatasfact.IknowmyselfwellenoughtostatethatIwillneverstoplooking.
Iwillnotletthisend.Iwillnotbetrayherorabandonheragain.

_I'mwithyounow.YouranandhidandIfoundyou.Yoursecretswerenot
safewithme.Youearnedmydevotion.Youpaidforitinpublicdisclosure_.
_Irobbedyourgrave.Irevealedyou.Ishowedyouinshamefulmoments.I
learnedthingsaboutyou.EverythingIlearnedmademeloveyoumoredearly_.
_I'lllearnmore.I'llfollowyourtracksandinvadeyourhiddentime.
I'lluncoveryourlies.I'llrewriteyourhistoryandrevisemyjudgmentasyour
oldsecretsexplode.Iwilljustifyitallinthenameoftheobsessivelifeyou
gaveme_.
_Ican'thearyourvoice.Icansmellyouandtasteyourbreath.Ican
feelyou.You'rebrushingagainstme.You'regoneandIwantmoreofyou_.

Theinvestigationcontinues.
Informationonthecasecanbeforwarded
toDetectiveStonereitherthrough
thetollfreenumber,18007176517,or
hisemailaddress,detstoner@earthlink.net.

319
ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

JamesEllroyisbestknownforhisnovels_BloodontheMoon_(recently
filmedwithJamesWoods),theEdgarnominee_Clandestine_,and_SuicideHill_,which
the _St. Louis Globe Democrat_ said "Makes the night world of sleaze and street
monsterscomealiveonthepage...aperverselyfascinatingevocationofaworld
gonemad."_PublishersWeekly_hasstatedthat"Ellroycan'twriteadullline."

Ellroy,anativeofLosAngeles,livesnearNewYorkCity.

320
ABOUTTHISTITLE

ThiseBookwascreatedusingReaderWorksPublisherPreview,producedbyOverDrive,
Inc.

FormoreinformationonReaderWorks,visitusontheWebat"www.readerworks.com"

321

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