Museum & Community Education Center Police Historical Society Newsletter No. 37 January/February 2010 Homicides in LA History By Glynn Martin Executive Director

Neatly arranged are not words that typically describe a crime scene. Notably absent in this staged “crime scene” photo are the customary indicia of ill-will. No bullets, barbeque forks or bloody gloves. Similarly missing are the conspicuous clues of care. No medical debris, no banner tape, no canopy, not even a bleach- wreaking white sheet. For the “victim” there won’t be a makeshift memorial, no sobs, no last rites, not even a decent burial. Largely because the victim is photographically alive and well in the Historical Society’s archive. She came to our attention recently when we began working in earnest on a very promising partnership. In short order, a unique exhibit will open at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas. It would be an odd place for Historical Society artifacts, but for the fact we will A walk through the exhibit will reveal material be there with scores of homicide detectives, both from murders as early as 1908, through the more from this Department and beyond. LAPD will soon modern day. Scheduled to appear are artifacts host the annual training conference of the from the murder of Captain Walter Auble, the Homicide Investigators Association killing of Marion Parker, the assassination of (CHIA). As part of the conference, a substantial Robert F. Kennedy, the SLA and more exhibit space will be converted into a trip behind recently the . Plans are the yellow tape. Artifacts and materials from some also underway to acquire and display materials of the most well-known homicides in history will from the murder of Officer Ian Campbell as well as be on display at the conference, and the general the Manson murders. public will be allowed to attend the exhibit. Free of charge. continued on page 5 2 January/February 2010 What’s Happening at Old Number 11 By: Glynn Martin

Well, history is headed into yet another well as news agencies. decade. The last one wasn’t lacking for stories, The prominence of this case can be attributed and this one holds even greater promise. And, to bestselling author Joseph Wambaugh. His 1973 sooner rather than later. In book of the same title this the very first year of the remains a fascinating read. twenty-tens and twenty- He has been a long-time teens, a truly landmark supporter of the Historical anniversary will occur. Society, and we thank him September next will com- for his generous support, memorate the anniversary both recent and from times of Alice Stebbins-Wells past. When Onion Field selection as the first Los took to the big screen, the Angeles Policewoman, and bailiff was portrayed by the first full-fledged someone else close to American Policewoman. LAPHS, Richard Kalk. LAPD’s pioneering past in Recently Richard joined the policing will be channeled board of directors and is through the former prairie now assisting us on that minister this year. Inquiries level. Welcome back. about this incredible Another author has woman and her achieve- also been involved with ments have already begun. LAPHS lately. Retired D-3, So have the inquiries and accomplished homi- about another segment of cide investigator Steve LAPD history, a case widely Hodel appeared here on a known as the “Onion special evening. January Field.” The murder of Officer Ian Campbell is a 15, 2010, the anniversary of the Black Dahlia tragedy with enduring consequences. Nearly 47 murder brought Steve in for a VIP reception and years later the case remains of interest for a book signing. Those in attendance experienced variety of reasons. The kidnapping of two police Steve’s fascinating and compelling presentation officers and the assassination of Campbell about his father’s connection to a number of represents a unique set of circumstances. For all infamous murders. Steve’s second book, Most its horror, the murder of Campbell was prelude to Evil, is also a fascinating read, and we owe him the tragic circumstances that would lead to his our sincere thanks for his kindness and partner, Karl Hettinger’s, separation from LAPD generosity. The Historical Society also extends its and haunt him throughout his post-LAPD life. thanks to the dedicated volunteers who assisted The convict responsible for it all, Gregory with the event, Alan Berta, Margie Regan, Angie Powell, was sentenced twice to death. Fitting, that Roman, Keith Ricks, Joel Montes de Oca, Jackie one officer’s life was lost and another destroyed. and Cal Drake. But it is Powell that has stirred up the most recent Just a few days following this event, LAPHS interest in the case. His January 27, 2010 parole hearing brought inquiries from police agencies as continued on page 5 January/February 2010 3

Officer Charles P. Williams Square

On January 13, 2010, the area at and around 6th and Central was dedicated in honor of Officer Charles P. Williams. Williams, the first African-American LAPD Officer killed in the line of duty was fatally wounded in this neighborhood on January 13, 1923. LAPHS Director, retired Lt. John Thomas, and Council- woman Jan Perry were instrumental in the tribute. Chief Charlie Beck, Councilman Bernard Parks and Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger were among the many officers, active and retired who attended the ceremony. 4 January/February 2010

Most Evil book signing with bestselling author Steve Hodel

LAPHS photos by Mike DeCoudres. January/February 2010 5

What’s Happening continued from page 2 staff were involved with another tragedy from deeper in LAPD history. Officer Charles P. Williams was murdered near 6th and Central in 1923. His relatively anonymous burial at Evergreen Cemetery concealed his ethnic background for decades. During 1998 research, then LAPD Sgt. John Thomas uncovered the fact that Williams was of African-American descent, and helped to correct the record books. Thomas, now retired and a USC Assistant Chief and a member of the LAPHS board, helped arrange a distinct honor for Officer Williams. On the anniversary of his death, January 13, signs were unveiled at 6th and Central, dedicating the area in Williams’ honor. Councilwoman Jan In memory of David Gerber Perry championed this effort and capably handled the ceremony which is depicted on page 3. Thanks forward to seeing some new volunteers. More are due to Chief Beck, Assistant Chief Paysinger details, and the guidelines for the program, are and Councilmembers Parks and Perry for their available at www.disneyparks.com/celebrate. involvement in this fitting memorial. John Thomas Unfortunately, the not only into the new deserves considerable recognition for his efforts year and the new decade brought with it some sad that reached deep into another century and news. Another long-time supporter of LAPHS, ultimately resulted in this great honor. David Gerber, passed away in early January. Certainly the start of the New Year has been David had a storied career in Hollywood and full of events, many of which were not possible produced the great police shows of the seventies, without our volunteers. Recently we learned of an Police Story and Policewoman. Before his success exciting opportunity for volunteers. The “Give a in Hollywood, David served his country and was day. Get a Disney day.” program rewards taken as a POW during World War II. His star on qualifying volunteer service with a free one-day the Hollywood walk of fame reminds of his pass to Disneyland. LAPHS recently became a contributions to the entertainment industry. Here partner in this program, and we are looking at the museum we will think of him often.

Homicides in LA History continued from page 1 Along side this history of homicides will be For those that wish to attend, the public will static displays of current LAPD crime solving be admitted, again free of charge, on Wednesday capabilities. SID and SWAT are scheduled to be March 3 and Thursday March 4, 2010 in the Key there, along with Air Support and the Bomb West room of the Palms Casino and Resort. The Squad. These and other specialized units will exhibit hours are still to be determined. Updated exhibit their wares, and talk about their respective information will be posted at www.laphs.com law enforcement roles. We expect some unique once it becomes available. In the event Vegas LAPD vehicles will accompany their human isn’t in the plans, please share this opportunity counterparts, adding even greater interest to this with friends or family who live or visit there. unique experience. LAPD MUSEUM & GIFT SHOP LAPHS Hours of Operation: CHALLENGE COINS Monday to Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm

3rd Saturday of the month 9:00am -3:00pm

Admission Fees: MEMBERS FREE Genera l (ages 13 thru 61) $5.00 Seniors (age 62+) $4.00 Youth (age 12 and under) FREE* *Must be accompanied by an adult

Call (877) 714-LAPD to schedule a group tour or for more information Now Available PARKING IS FREE. ALL FACILITIES HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE. $10 LAPHS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, Tax ID# 95-4264361 PER COIN FOR MORE INFORMATION PLUS $2.95 SHIPPING & HANDLING Call Toll-Free (877) 714-LAPD or check our website TO ORDER PHONE US AT (323) 344-9445 www.laphs.com

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