Douglas Sirk's Underbelly #19

1958. Shot girlfriend. She lived to i.d. him. Oops.

Douglas Sirk's Underbelly #18

In 1958 this lovely young woman was arrested for, gasp, "lewd art pictures." Thing is, I bet they actually were kind of arty by today's spread-eagle money-shot standards. I wouldn't be surprised if she wasn't even nude in them, at least not below the waist.

Douglas Sirk's Underbelly #17

A very sad story of an artist, frustrated and depressed, taking her final exit. I can't say I don't understand the feeling at times. Sometimes being sensitive is a curse because everyday reactions of people become sleights, insults or rejections. Eventually, you just want peace.

Douglas Sirk's Underbelly #16

June 30, 1955:  Patricia Moore, center, is comforted by her daughter, Toni Davis, and son, Telford Moore, jr, as she awaits the verdict in her final trial for the slaying of her husband, Dr. Telford Moore in 1952.

In May 1952, Patricia Moore filed for divorce, no longer able to bear her husband's beatings and affairs. Her husband moved out but, as a precaution, a policeman friend gave her a revolver for her protection.  On May 10, 1952, Dr. Moore broke into the house in a rage, chased Mrs. Moore down the hall, threw her  to the ground and began beating her. She pulled out the revolver from her pocket and shot him twice.

After the first two murder trials produced hung juries, the state reduced the charge to manslaughter and a third trial was initiated. It too was headed for a likely hung jury and on July 8, 1955, before the case was finished, the State of California finally dropped all charges against Mrs. Moore and she was free to go.

Douglas Sirk's Underbelly #15

Dope peddler consoled by girlfriend. That can't be good for his back.

Douglas Sirk's Underbelly #14

Dope peddler busted, 1952. Apparently, Sean Penn made the arrest.

Douglas Sirk's Underbelly #13

Dope peddlers that look like housewives, in 1951. And ladies, reading the paper that closely could hurt your eyes.

Douglas Sirk's Underbelly #12

Cary Johannesson, 18, on trial for murder, 1958, Los Angeles, CA. On April 4th, 1958, Cary picked up Phyllis Meltzer, aged 15, at her house in Reseda for a date, bought a case of beer then proceeded to rape her and choke her to death. He had been arrested the year before for battery when he choked another girl who managed to fight him off. This time, he told police, "Once I started choking Phyllis I thought I'd better go through with it because I didn't want to go to jail again. I guess I kind of get a thrill out of choking a girl." He later said that he "thought about trying to revive her but I didn't want to touch her again... I don't trust myself alone with a girl."

His trial concluded with a whopping seven minute jury deliberation before returning a verdict of "guilty" on the charge of 1st degree murder.
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Source: Los Angeles Times Daily Mirror blog.

Douglas Sirk's Underbelly #11

Place: Los Angeles. Year: 1949. Crime: Being gay. Yes, they used to actually round up men in gay bar raids like these transvestites picked up on just such a raid. All things considered they seem to be taking it rather well.

Douglas Sirk's Underbelly #10

Led to a motel, then murdered. 1951.

Douglas Sirk's Underbelly #9

Murder-Suicide, 1951. Husband shoots wife, then self.
"To those who know me they will understand. To ----- ----- I hope this brings the peace we once had. I ask God alone to judge my actions."
Sometimes life is just unbearably sad.

Douglas Sirk's Underbelly #8

After a 1952 vice raid these ladies of the night were rounded up...
...and here's what it looked like when it hit the paper. Scandal!

Douglas Sirk's Underbelly #7

The case of Barbara Burns, daughter of once-famous radio, stage and film comedian Bob Burns, brought up on narcotics charges thanks to a healthy heroin addiction and marriage at 20 to a heroin dealer, David Mack, who receives a sentence of 5 years to life. Barbara gets 90 days.

Douglas Sirk's Underbelly #6

Would-be-attacker shot by off-duty cop... right in the ass! 1952

Douglas Sirk's Underbelly #5

Donning a polo, khakis and loafers a youth has a beer on the church house steps and makes his exit. 1957.

Douglas Sirk's Underbelly #4

Sandra Erickson, 18, attempted murder of two deputy sheriffs, 1958

Douglas Sirk's Underbelly #3

1957. Charles Lee Guy III, 17, kills his mother's lover with a shotgun. Later he records an album in prison.

Douglas Sirk's Underbelly #2

Nancy Lynne Smith, 17, attempted vehicular homicide.

Douglas Sirk's Underbelly #1

Nineteen-year-old Joanne Sager on trial for heroin distibution, 1952.