The Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles has a long and infamous history of unusual and often tragic events. Here are some of the most well-known unsolved mysteries associated with the hotel:
- The Death of Elisa Lam: In 2013, the body of 21-year-old Canadian student Elisa Lam was found in one of the hotel’s rooftop water tanks after guests complained about low water pressure and a strange taste to the water. The case gained widespread attention due to a video of Lam in the hotel elevator that showed her behaving erratically and seemingly talking to someone who wasn’t there. The cause of her death remains unknown.
- The Disappearance of Pauline Otton: In 1962, 27-year-old Pauline Otton jumped from her ninth-floor window in the hotel after an argument with her estranged husband. She landed on and killed 65-year-old George Gianinni, who was walking on the sidewalk below. The incident is sometimes cited as an example of the hotel’s dark history.
- The Black Dahlia Connection: The hotel has been linked to the infamous 1947 murder of aspiring actress Elizabeth Short, who became known as the Black Dahlia. It’s rumored that Short may have been seen at the hotel in the days leading up to her murder, and some have speculated that her killer may have stayed at the hotel as well.
- The Richard Ramirez Connection: In the 1980s, notorious serial killer Richard Ramirez, known as the Night Stalker, stayed at the hotel during his killing spree. He reportedly used the hotel’s fire escape to enter and exit the building undetected.
- Other Tragic Events: The hotel has also been the site of numerous other tragedies and crimes over the years, including suicides, murders, and overdoses. Some people believe that the hotel’s dark history has led to a haunting or curse on the property.
While many of the events associated with the Cecil Hotel remain unsolved or shrouded in mystery, the hotel has become a popular destination for true crime enthusiasts and ghost hunters.