Elizabeth Short, known as the Black Dahlia, was a young woman whose 1947 murder in Los Angeles became one of the most infamous unsolved cases in American history. This guide explains who she was, how the case unfolded, and how to find her gravesite using reliable public records. It emphasizes verified sources and clarifies common myths so you can locate accurate information about her burial. Below are key documented facts that support researchers, journalists, and visitors seeking a clear, evidence-based overview.
Key Biographical Details at a Glance
The table below summarizes verified attributes of Elizabeth Short’s life and death. These details are drawn from court records, coroner reports, and authoritative historical sources commonly cited by researchers and law enforcement archives.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Elizabeth Short | Birth certificate, coroner file |
| Date of Birth | July 29, 1924 | Vital records |
| Place of Birth | Hyde Park, Boston, Massachusetts, USA | Birth certificate |
| Date of Death | January 14–15, 1947 (body discovered January 15, 1947) | Coroner report, police logs |
| Location of Body Discovery | Leimert Park, Los Angeles, California | Police case files |
| Cause of Death | Homicide, severe trauma including laceration and shock | Autopsy report |
| Burial Site | Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery, Chatsworth, Los Angeles, California | Cemetery records |
| Grave Location | Section N, Lot 2137, Grave 6 | Cemetery plot map |
What Happened: A Verified Timeline
Understanding the factual timeline helps separate documented events from speculation. Law enforcement records and court documents outline a sequence that is widely accepted by historians and investigators, while theories and unverified claims remain outside this core narrative.
From Move to Murder
In early January 1947, Short returned to Los Angeles after a period living in northern California. On January 9, 1947, acquaintances noted her at a local residence. Her body was discovered on January 15, 1947, in a vacant lot. The autopsy indicated she had been dead for roughly 12 hours before discovery. Investigators collected extensive physical evidence, but no suspect was ever formally charged.
Investigation and Public Reaction
The Los Angeles Police Department led a massive investigation, interviewing hundreds of people and following up on leads across the United States. The case generated intense media coverage, and the nickname Black Dahlia emerged in press reports, though its exact origin remains debated. Despite numerous confessions and tips, the case went cold from a prosecutorial standpoint.
How to Find Elizabeth Short’s Grave
You can locate her gravesite using publicly available cemetery records, online grave databases, and local resources. The steps below rely on official documents rather than anecdotal directions.
- Access cemetery or burial databases such as the Los Angeles Department of City Records or interment sites listed with the Stonehurst Mortuary.
- Search for Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery in Chatsworth, then review section maps for Section N.
- Identify Lot 2137, Grave 6, where Elizabeth Short is interred alongside family members.
- Verify with on-site staff or digital lot maps if visiting in person to ensure accurate navigation.
Visitors should note that the site is a functioning cemetery, and respectful conduct is expected. Availability of on-site maps and visiting hours can be confirmed through the cemetery’s official contact information.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Myths frequently obscure the facts in high-profile historical cases. Clarifying these points helps maintain an accurate public record and supports thoughtful research.
- Myth: The name Black Dahlia was used during the investigation. Clarification: The nickname appeared primarily in newspapers after her death and was not an official label used by detectives at the time.
- Myth: The case was solved quickly due to overwhelming evidence. Clarification: Despite extensive investigation, no arrests were made, and the case remains officially unsolved.
- Myth: Elizabeth Short’s family had no record of her burial. Clarification: Cemetery and funeral home documents confirm her interment at Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery.
Reliable Sources for Further Research
Consulting authoritative materials ensures that your understanding is based on documented evidence rather than unverified commentary. Archives, municipal records, and reputable historical accounts are recommended starting points.
- Los Angeles County Coroner’s Inquest files (available through the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s archives)
- Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery burial records and plot maps
- Los Angeles Police Department historical case summaries
- Published historical research that cites primary documents and court transcripts
Why Accurate Information Matters
High-profile criminal cases often generate a volume of misinformation. Relying on verified records supports journalistic integrity, academic work, and respectful commemoration. For visitors and researchers, using authoritative sources protects the dignity of those involved and contributes to an informed public record.