Museum & Community Education Center Los Angeles 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 bleachwreaking 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 be there with scores of homicide detectives, both from this Department and beyond. LAPD will soon host the annual training conference of the California Homicide Investigators Association (CHIA). As part of the conference, a substantial exhibit space will be converted into a trip behind the yellow tape. Artifacts and materials from some of the most well-known homicides in history will be on display at the conference, and the general public will be allowed to attend the exhibit. Free of charge. A walk through the exhibit will reveal material from murders as early as 1908, through the more modern day. Scheduled to appear are artifacts from the murder of Captain Walter Auble, the killing of Marion Parker, the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, the SLA shootout and more recently the North Hollywood Shootout. Plans are also underway to acquire and display materials from the murder of Officer Ian Campbell as well as the Manson murders. 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 decade. The last one wasn t lacking for stories, and this one holds even greater promise. And, sooner rather than later. In this the very first year of the twenty-tens and twentyteens, a truly landmark anniversary will occur. September next will commemorate the anniversary of Alice Stebbins-Wells selection as the first Los Angeles Policewoman, and the first full-fledged American Policewoman. LAPD s pioneering past in policing will be channeled through the former prairie minister this year. Inquiries about this incredible woman and her achievements have already begun. So have the inquiries about another segment of LAPD history, a case widely known as the Onion Field. The murder of Officer Ian Campbell is a tragedy with enduring consequences. Nearly 47 years later the case remains of interest for a variety of reasons. The kidnapping of two police officers and the assassination of Campbell represents a unique set of circumstances. For all its horror, the murder of Campbell was prelude to the tragic circumstances that would lead to his partner, Karl Hettinger s, separation from LAPD and haunt him throughout his post-lapd life. The convict responsible for it all, Gregory Powell, was sentenced twice to death. Fitting, that one officer s life was lost and another destroyed. But it is Powell that has stirred up the most recent interest in the case. His January 27, 2010 parole hearing brought inquiries from police agencies as well as news agencies. The prominence of this case can be attributed to bestselling author Joseph Wambaugh. His 1973 book of the same title remains a fascinating read. He has been a long-time supporter of the Historical Society, and we thank him for his generous support, both recent and from times past. When Onion Field took to the big screen, the bailiff was portrayed by someone else close to LAPHS, Richard Kalk. Recently Richard joined the board of directors and is now assisting us on that level. Welcome back. Another author has also been involved with LAPHS lately. Retired D-3, and accomplished homicide investigator Steve Hodel appeared here on a special evening. January 15, 2010, the anniversary of the Black Dahlia murder brought Steve in for a VIP reception and book signing. Those in attendance experienced Steve s fascinating and compelling presentation about his father s connection to a number of infamous murders. Steve s second book, Most Evil, is also a fascinating read, and we owe him our sincere thanks for his kindness and generosity. The Historical Society also extends its thanks to the dedicated volunteers who assisted with the event, Alan Berta, Margie Regan, Angie Roman, Keith Ricks, Joel Montes de Oca, Jackie and Cal Drake. Just a few days following this event, LAPHS continued on page 5
January/February 2010 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 Councilwoman 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. 3
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 Perry championed this effort and capably handled the ceremony which is depicted on page 3. Thanks are due to Chief Beck, Assistant Chief Paysinger and Councilmembers Parks and Perry for their involvement in this fitting memorial. John Thomas deserves considerable recognition for his efforts that reached deep into another century and ultimately resulted in this great honor. Certainly the start of the New Year has been full of events, many of which were not possible without our volunteers. Recently we learned of an exciting opportunity for volunteers. The Give a day. Get a Disney day. program rewards qualifying volunteer service with a free one-day pass to Disneyland. LAPHS recently became a partner in this program, and we are looking In memory of David Gerber forward to seeing some new volunteers. More details, and the guidelines for the program, are available at www.disneyparks.com/celebrate. Unfortunately, the move not only into the new year and the new decade brought with it some sad news. Another long-time supporter of LAPHS, David Gerber, passed away in early January. David had a storied career in Hollywood and produced the great police shows of the seventies, Police Story and Policewoman. Before his success in Hollywood, David served his country and was taken as a POW during World War II. His star on the Hollywood walk of fame reminds of his contributions to the entertainment industry. Here 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 static displays of current LAPD crime solving capabilities. SID and SWAT are scheduled to be there, along with Air Support and the Bomb Squad. These and other specialized units will exhibit their wares, and talk about their respective law enforcement roles. We expect some unique LAPD vehicles will accompany their human counterparts, adding even greater interest to this unique experience. For those that wish to attend, the public will be admitted, again free of charge, on Wednesday March 3 and Thursday March 4, 2010 in the Key West room of the Palms Casino and Resort. The exhibit hours are still to be determined. Updated information will be posted at www.laphs.com once it becomes available. In the event Vegas isn t in the plans, please share this opportunity with friends or family who live or visit there.
LAPD MUSEUM & GIFT SHOP Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm 3 rd Saturday of the month 9:00am-3:00pm L A P H S CHALLENGE COINS Admission Fees: MEMBERS FREE General (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 PARKING IS FREE. ALL FACILITIES HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE. LAPHS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, Tax ID# 95-4264361 FOR MORE INFORMATION Call Toll-Free (877) 714-LAPD or check our website www.laphs.com Now Available $10 PER COIN PLUS $2.95 SHIPPING & HANDLING TO ORDER PHONE US AT (323) 344-9445 Los Angeles Police Historical Society 6045 York Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90042-3503