Key Facts
Status: Unsolved
Also known as: Black Dahlia Murder, Elizabeth Short, Elizabeth Short murder, The Black Dahlia
Coverage: 19 timeline events, 9 persons, and 14 locations
Sources collected: 392 sources
Black Dahlia
Updated April 2, 2026
Overview
Case Overview
The Black Dahlia case concerns the unsolved homicide of Elizabeth Short, whose mutilated body was found in Los Angeles, California, on January 15, 1947. Short's killing drew intense national press coverage, generated hundreds of leads and confessions, and remains one of the most famous unsolved murder investigations in U.S. history.
Case At A Glance
Unknown offender; officially unresolved homicide
High confidence
Status
Unsolved
Primary location
Leimert Park
Open question
Where was Elizabeth Short held between the Biltmore sighting and the estimated time of death?
Latest timeline item
Jan 1, 2003: Steve Hodel Publishes Book Accusing Father
Explore This Case
Categories
Most FamousTop UnsolvedHistoric Homicides
Tags
Los AngelesCalifornia1940sElizabeth Shortunsolvedmedia frenzycold case
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