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One of the great historical Hollywood mysteries, still unsolved, revolves around the death of silver screen comedienne Thelma Todd. She was found dead in her car on December 16th, 1935, killed by carbon monoxide poisoning according to the Los Angeles coroner. But rumors have circulated for decades that she was murdered, with suspects that have included her live-in boyfriend Roland West, ex-husband Pat DiCicco, and even New York mobster Charles “Lucky” Luciano.
My guest today is Pat Jenning, who along with co-author Marshall Croddy authored the book, “Testimony of a Death: Thelma Todd: Mystery, Media and Myth in 1935 Los Angeles”. He’s here to present the facts of the case, and help separate fact from fiction.
Chester Morris on his deathbed stated that Roland West told him and Hal Roach he accidentally killed her!
Roland lived in the same complex, he heard her car and came downstairs–and shut the door on her!
Roland said that he was trying to scare her!
He was a jealous married boyfriend–and she was travelling around with the mafia and others!
No Mafia or suicide!!!
It seems that he and his wife took over her restaurant!!
so police have to investigate what her body looked like!!!
so it was Roland West
motive
opportunity
not mystery or baffling!
married?
He a sinister man, who needed a new phase in his life!
He felt Thelma Todd’s was going on without him!
He needed her; her not him!
It depends how her body looked!
cover ups with DA and police and studios!
–Chester Morris on his deathbed stated that Roland West told him and Hal Roach he accidentally killed her!
Roland lived in the same complex, he heard her car and came downstairs–and shut the door on her!
Roland said that he was trying to scare her!
He was a jealous married boyfriend–and she was travelling around with the mafia and others!
No Mafia or suicide!!!
It seems that he and his wife took over her restaurant!!
so police have to investigate what her body looked like!!!
so it was Roland West
motive
opportunity
not mystery or baffling!
married?
He a sinister man, who needed a new phase in his life!
He felt Thelma –was going on without him!
He needed her; her not him!
It depends how her body looked!
cover ups with DA and police and studios!
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