LOS ANGELES -- Retired homicide detective Harry Hansen was haunted up to his death by a case he never solved -- the notorious Black Dahlia murder in 1947.
Hansen, who dedicated his police career to the dismemberment murder of a would-be actress, died Sunday at the age of 80.
He retired 15 years ago but still received 'clues' from cranks on the case.
Hansen joined the Los Angeles Police Department in 1926 after being a vaudeville performer. When the surgically dismembered body of Elizabeth Short was found in a vacant lot in January 1947, Hansen was among ther detectives assigned to the case.
Miss Short was dubbed the Black Dahlia because of her raven hair and penchant for black clothes. The bizarre case drew nationwide attention and was portrayed in a television movie, 'Who Is The Black Dahlia,' starring Efram Zimbalist Jr. as Hansen.
Nearly 40 people 'confessed' to the slaying but all were cleared. When Hansen retired in 1968 he said, 'My only regret is that I never solved the murder of Elizabeth Short.'
Hansen is survived by his wife, Norma, and three grandchildren from his late daughter, Coleen.
