|
Hello, all--
As usual, it's been a busy period. I've been
working on a new book, this one in collaboration with two other people. I
can't say too much more just yet, other than it's about rappers and Compton,
CA. It's a great project with two professionals with inside information, and
should be received well. Another book project is on the back burner until
this one is completed.
I was in Hollywood in November (just for the day) for a
media bus tour of some of the city's most notorious crime scenes. Associated
Press Special Correspondent Linda Deutsch narrated the tour, with spicey
detail. Some of the scenes included the scenic lookout on Mulholland Drive
where "Red Light Bandit" Caryl Chessman committed one of his crimes, the
spot where "Hillside Strangler" Angelo Buono dumped his first victim, the
home of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, who were murdered by the Manson Family
in 1969, Nicole Brown Simpson's home, actor -- and accused murderer --
Robert Blake's house, and the bungalows where comic John Belushi's body was
found. My favorite was the Ambassador Hotel, where Sen. Robert Kennedy was
killed after winning the California Democratic presidential primary in 1968.
We were given a special tour of the now-closed hotel by the current owners
and went inside the kitchen where Kennedy was shot. We also visited the
cemeteries where the famous and infamous are buried, including Natalie Wood
and former Playmate Dorothy Statton. Another favorite was the palatial
Beverly Hills home where mobster Bugsy Siegel, who helped turn Las Vegas
into a gambling mecca, was shot to death. In the middle of the tour, we ate
lunch at the world famous Phillipe's restaurant, serving Angelenos for 90
years and still charging a dime for a cup of coffee.
I also went to L.A. in December -- again, just for the
day -- to tape an interview with Connie Martinson, talk-show host of the
syndicated "Connie Martinson Talks Books." We discussed my latest book,
"Murder of a Mafia Daughter." It will air across the nation throughout
January (check local listings).
Also, I'm now a columnist for
Las Vegas CityLife, a popular local alternative weekly newspaper. I'll
be covering what's been dubbed "Cops Beat" and "Court Beat," writing about
off-the-wall cases you probably won't read about in the daily newspapers.
The column debuted January 2, 2003. I'm having fun writing it and
cultivating new sources and some of my old ones from when I covered police
stories for the Las Vegas Sun (check out the column on the "Articles" page
on this site).
A lot has been happening with the Ted Binion case, as
well as speculation in the Biggie Smalls' murder. Stay tuned to my "Case
Update" page, where I'll keep you posted.
All my very best, and a Happy New Year!
Regards,
|