Ronni Chasen - Top Hollywood Publicist

[Moon]

I'm late to the post but maybe, I dunno, somebody else shot the poor lady and got rid of the gun, sold it to somebody or threw it. Then this man gets the gun, either finds it somewhere or else it changes hands and he buys it or trades for it.? *scratches pointy hed*

[Hippo]

To Moon:

Your guess is as good as mine. The police are swearing this is cut-and-dried, but I am not comfortable with the explanation given. I don't think it's credible.

[Jackalope]

Are they still saying she was shot at the corner of Sunset? That's a heck of a long drive with 5 bullets in you!

[burgtwngrl]

What don't add up? The hitman scenario still dont even have a motive

I agree it's still all a big mystery

[SheBoss]

I'm late to the post but maybe, I dunno, somebody else shot the poor lady and got rid of the gun, sold it to somebody or threw it. Then this man gets the gun, either finds it somewhere or else it changes hands and he buys it or trades for it.? *scratches pointy hed*

Good thought! An ex con buys a gun on the black market, realizes that it could be the one (or was told) that killed Chasen, cops trace the gun (somehow) to this dude, he didn't want to go back to prison, but he sure looks guilty with the murder weapon in his possession, so he offs himself.

Could happen. It's as plausible as anything else!

[Buttercup]

Anything's plausible. But IMHO, it probably is as simple as this:

Smith served 2 terms in prison for violent crimes. Why? Because he sucked at being a criminal and got caught.

Smith owned a bike and rode it everywhere. It was his only mode of transportation. Witnesses said they saw a man on a bike hanging out near the crime scene.

Smith starting bragging about killing Chasen. Why? Again, he sucked at being a criminal and has a big mouth.

Cops confront Smith. Smith kills himself with the same gun that Chasen was killed with. Why? Because he sucked being a criminal and obviously sucked at prison life and didn't want to go back.

As far as the 10 grand that he kept saying he was getting? Probably ramblings of a nut. Just like his ramblings of "going down in a blaze of glory" if he was to go to prison again. Neither happened.

The above is just my humble opinion. But it could be as simple as that.

[Maxster]

Buttercup, what you said makes absolute sense.

[Buttercup]

Buttercup, what you said makes absolute sense.

Thanks Maxster. Just wanted to add about the gun. Was it coincidence that he had the murder weapon. Nah, Smith wasn't smart enough to get rid of the gun after the crime. As a criminal, he simply sucked. I bet the LAPD wishes all cases were this easy.

Just my humble opinion.

[Flowergrrl]

Anything's plausible. But IMHO, it probably is as simple as this:

Smith served 2 terms in prison for violent crimes. Why? Because he sucked at being a criminal and got caught.

Smith owned a bike and rode it everywhere. It was his only mode of transportation. Witnesses said they saw a man on a bike hanging out near the crime scene.

Smith starting bragging about killing Chasen. Why? Again, he sucked at being a criminal and has a big mouth.

Cops confront Smith. Smith kills himself with the same gun that Chasen was killed with. Why? Because he sucked being a criminal and obviously sucked at prison life and didn't want to go back.

As far as the 10 grand that he kept saying he was getting? Probably ramblings of a nut. Just like his ramblings of "going down in a blaze of glory" if he was to go to prison again. Neither happened.

The above is just my humble opinion. But it could be as simple as that.

I agree, except the money part. He told the tipster he was going to receive $10,000 for 'doing a job'.

About being handicapped, it will be interesting to find out. The reason why I asked is because I've read that rich people there get "handicapped" signs so they can park wherever they want.

I hope that's not the case.

Someone said above about him buying the gun afterward... I don't know. Anything is possible. I wouldn't buy a gun if someone told me they had just killed some big-time Hollywood publicist with it though.

[Buttercup]

I agree, except the money part. He told the tipster he was going to receive $10,000 for 'doing a job'.

About being handicapped, it will be interesting to find out. The reason why I asked is because I've read that rich people there get "handicapped" signs so they can park wherever they want.

I hope that's not the case.

Someone said above about him buying the gun afterward... I don't know. Anything is possible. I wouldn't buy a gun if someone told me they had just killed some big-time Hollywood publicist with it though.

I read that Chasen had 2 hip surgeries. The first several years ago from an injury at a mall, and another one earlier this year.

[Flowergrrl]

I read that Chasen had 2 hip surgeries. The first several years ago from an injury at a mall, and another one earlier this year.

Hopefully that is the reason why and not what I've read. That would be a pretty mean thing to do.

[neilmpenny]

I gather nothing came from the CCTV footage?

[Giada]

Neil the last article I read in the LA Times stated info would not be released until the case was closed. This would include footage, autopsy report, etc.

[neilmpenny]

Neil the last article I read in the LA Times stated info would not be released until the case was closed. This would include footage, autopsy report, etc.

Thanks for the tip. A little weird though right? They often release a lot of this stuff to the public during an investigation, especially when they are thin on leads or evidence.

[Frazzzld Kat]

Thanks Frazzzld Kat! I didn't think she was handicapped but, then again it might not be something you can see. I was asking because she has a handicapped sign hanging from the rear-view mirror of her car.

Wow I didn't even notice that. Good catch!

I read that Roni had hip replacement surgery. She was to undergo another one in the future. That's probably why she had a handicapped sign.

That makes sense. Thanks for the info.

[motorpsycho]

I heard a theory somewhere on the corner of the internets about her brother, Larry Cohen, being implicated as having played a role in this whole thing. Allegedly, he's a gambling addict or has some ties to organized crime and might have had her killed so he could get ahold of her network, perhaps to pay off some gambling debt.

But maybe that's just a strange rumor. Who knows...

[Hippo]

To Motorpsycho:

That explanation makes more sense to me than the one the police are giving.

[1karenhb]

Tonight is the gala opening night party for the Palm Springs International Film Festival in which she played a large part in securing stars to appear the last few years. She was very good friends with one of the founders and director of the film fest. A tribute will be given. Some of those attending are Colin Firth, Helen Mirren, Natalie Portman, Javier Bardem, Jake G. (the hard to spell name), Mark Wahlberg, Robert Duvall and Ben Affleck. I'm not really buying the police version either. I don't think we'll ever know the real truth about her murder.

[cash]

Beverly Hills Police Chief says murder is solved:

http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2011/01/murder-hollywood-publicist-finally-solved-police-say


Harold Smith's 911 suicide call. I love 911 calls:

http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2010/12/audio-ronni-chasen-suspects-suicide-hear-shocking-911-call

[Giada]

No surprises here ... autopsy report should be released at this point.

[Hippo]

The night that Ronni Chasen was murdered, she was at the premiere of the movie called "Burlesque" because she represented one of the songwriters that she wanted to get noticed for award season.

That client, Diane Warren, just won a Golden Globe award for her song. She dedicated her win to Ronni.

[Karma]

What was his motive since her purse and valuables were still with her? Was it a thrill killing?

[nicole7579]

Beverly Hills Police Chief says murder is solved:

http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2011/01/murder-hollywood-publicist-finally-solved-police-say


Harold Smith's 911 suicide call. I love 911 calls:

http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2010/12/audio-ronni-chasen-suspects-suicide-hear-shocking-911-call

I do too, but that one was boring

[Scott Michaels]

Added to FAD last night.http://findadeath.com/Deceased/c/Ron...nni_chasen.htm

[pvezz]

Added to FAD last night.http://findadeath.com/Deceased/c/Ron...nni_chasen.htm

Wow; her niece must've pissed her off.

[Hippo]

To Karma:

If the police are correct, Mr. Smith shot her, expecting the car to stay still. He would then have grabbed her valuables. However, Ms. Chasen was able to drive off a short distance, which would have thwarted Mr. Smith's plan.

[Desert Ghost]

This case doesn't pass the smell test. Any case that seems too easy, turns out to have been easy because someone wanted the case closed quickly and/or it was made to look easy on purpose.

[Karma]

To Karma:

If the police are correct, Mr. Smith shot her, expecting the car to stay still. He would then have grabbed her valuables. However, Ms. Chasen was able to drive off a short distance, which would have thwarted Mr. Smith's plan.

Thank you for answering Hippo. That theory certainly makes sense to me.

[Hippo]

To Karma:

Well, it's a plausible scenario, and that's what the police are going with. But I don't believe it.

I am wishing that Scott could get to the bottom of this.

I still can't imagine that a man on a bicycle would venture so far from his home and be able to do this.

[Karma]

To Karma:

Well, it's a plausible scenario, and that's what the police are going with. But I don't believe it.

I am wishing that Scott could get to the bottom of this.

I still can't imagine that a man on a bicycle would venture so far from his home and be able to do this.

Maybe it was the disinherited niece...lol

[Hippo]

To Karma:

No offense to the niece, but I would believe that before I would believe the man on a bicycle scenario.

[Karma]

To Karma:

No offense to the niece, but I would believe that before I would believe the man on a bicycle scenario.

It sounds much more plausible doesn't it?

[Hippo]

To Karma:

Usually it's someone the person knows.

A random attack by a stranger is of course possible.

If Ms. Chasen's car broke down in Mr. Smith's neighborhood, I could see this happening, but not for him to ride all those miles on a bicycle where he'd stick out like a sore thumb.

[knothere]

Added to FAD last night.http://findadeath.com/Deceased/c/Ron...nni_chasen.htm

songwriter/finger lol

[neilmpenny]

songwriter/finger

lol

songwriter/finger lol

Got it the first time matey.

[Giada]

Ronnie Chasen murdered by stolen police gun, case closed.

http://www.thewrap.com/media/article...olen-cop-29123

[Cynful]

Ronni Chasen's former Regency Wilshire condo on market for $1.2M...
several photos included in link:

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2011/0...12_million.php

[pkstracy]

Added to FAD last night.http://findadeath.com/Deceased/c/Ron...nni_chasen.htm

Hmmm bet the niece was not a happy camper.

[Linnie]

Ronnie Chasen murdered by stolen police gun, case closed.

http://www.thewrap.com/media/article...olen-cop-29123

Judging by the detailed comments to the article, this still doesn't sit quite right. But what's the difference? The two most concerned are dead, and if anyone knows anything else, it will never come out.

[Maxster]

To Karma:

Usually it's someone the person knows.

A random attack by a stranger is of course possible.

If Ms. Chasen's car broke down in Mr. Smith's neighborhood, I could see this happening, but not for him to ride all those miles on a bicycle where he'd stick out like a sore thumb.

Someone I'd never met tried to carjack me in rural Oregon, and I presume my reaction (to get the hell out of there) was the same one Ms. Chasen had, only I was fortunate in that my assailant decided against using the gun I'm sure he had.

[neilmpenny]

Ronni Chasen's former Regency Wilshire condo on market for $1.2M...
several photos included in link:

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2011/0...12_million.php

That apartment looks small. I would knock down the wall with the fireplace separating lounge area and that pokey dining room. Open the place up. All the artwork is off of the walls btw.

[Cynful]

That apartment looks small. I would knock down the wall with the fireplace separating lounge area and that pokey dining room. Open the place up. All the artwork is off of the walls btw.

It does look small and quite outdated. I guess $1.2M is just enough for a near dump these days. Interesting to see the places where the artwork used to hang. Ms. Chasen's estate was approximately $10M.

[neilmpenny]

It does look small and quite outdated. I guess $1.2M is just enough for a near dump these days. Interesting to see the places where the artwork used to hang. Ms. Chasen's estate was approximately $10M.

Great location and a killer view, that will certainly bring the money. Remembering the three laws of real estate: location, location, location.

[Cynful]

Great location and a killer view, that will certainly bring the money. Remembering the three laws of real estate: location, location, location.

True, true, true!!! The place also has some history- it would be the perfect place for a hag!!!

[Aviatrix]

Wonder what the square footage is/was for the apt? Maybe they are just showing a small area in the pic. I'm sure that the master bedroom would add to just the pic of the living room.

I agree with Neil. What a view and location, location, location!

[cash]

director sues for police file

http://radaronline.com/exclusives/20...-hills-killer/

[Desert Ghost]

director sues for police file

http://radaronline.com/exclusives/20...-hills-killer/

This should be good. I can't wait to see the excuse(s) that are given for not releasing it.

[SomeChick]

It does look small and quite outdated. I guess $1.2M is just enough for a near dump these days. Interesting to see the places where the artwork used to hang. Ms. Chasen's estate was approximately $10M.

I think those aren't her belongings and what makes it look dated is the staging. A common practice of placing furnishings in a sale property to create a certain ambience. My guess is they went with this style due to her age and to convey old Hollywood. As in formal. Since they're using her former residency there as a selling point.

Great location and a killer view, that will certainly bring the money. Remembering the three laws of real estate: location, location, location.

Yeah, that. Once the staging items are removed, a person can do it up however they want.

[MirrorDimly]

director sues for police file

http://radaronline.com/exclusives/20...-hills-killer/

Hope he gains access, especially since he's a documentary filmmaker...we will get to enjoy his take on events. Surely the BHPD wants to keep the case closed, forever, amen...suspect killed himself, easy peasy, done. But there seems to be a lot more to the story!

[TheWrath of MadelineKahn]

Autopsy finally released

"The filmmaker's suit argues that the department has already opened up its Chasen investigation file anyway, by cooperating with Beverly Hills Confidential: A Century of Stars, Scandals and Murder, a 2012 book co-authored by a BHPD officer, which devotes a chapter to the case. Its cover notes that information comes direct "from the files of the Beverly Hills police department." Chief Snowden later gave copies of Confidential as gifts."

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/new...eleased-665386

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/sit...onni%20Sue.pdf

One bullet ricocheted and struck her again from the back. Poor woman, who the hell did she piss off?