Murder of Miss Billie O'Shannon 1938

In Death Scenes, a black-and-white photograph titled "Billie O'Shannon killed by Marie Woods over a marijuana cigarette" captures a chilling moment of tragedy. The victim, Miss Lillian May Akers, a 22-year-old waitress from Modesto, California, was known by her alias, Billie Maureen O'Shannon. She was killed by Miss Frances Marie Woods, a 25-year-old nurse from Bakersfield, residing at 1660 D Street. The seemingly minor dispute over a marijuana cigarette escalated into fatal violence. The story behind this photograph, the result of extensive research into 1938 newspaper archives, reveals the grim and tragic outcome of a brief but intense conflict between the two women. The facts, meticulously gathered from period news reports, highlight the darkness that could erupt from seemingly mundane situations.

Pat Gorman "Suicide" Denatured Alcohol 1929

Photo found in book, "Death Scenes," titled, "Pat Gorman "Suicide" Denatured Alcohol" 

On Monday, June 17, 1929, a newspaper article titled "Identify Rum Poison Victim" reported a tragic incident involving the death of a man from alcohol poisoning. The victim, Patrick McShane Gorman, 50, had been dead for about five days when his body was discovered lying near a stack of baled hay in a hay field located in the Bandini district, along Telegraph Road, east of the Samson Tire Company.

Gorman's body was found by two boys, Fred and Ralph Pulley, who were employees of the Los Angeles Gun Club. Upon their discovery, Deputy Sheriff A.L. Hutchinson arrived at the scene and found two bottles near Gorman—one empty and the other half-filled with what was identified as denatured alcohol. Hutchinson was able to identify Gorman using cards and papers found in his pockets.

The article revealed that Gorman was last seen alive working at the haystack, suggesting that he may have been there for some time before his death. Further investigation by the Coroner’s office confirmed that Gorman had been suffering from tuberculosis, which may have contributed to his physical condition at the time of his death. The unfortunate circumstances highlighted the dangers of alcohol consumption during that period, as denatured alcohol was often used in makeshift liquor during Prohibition.

William Westhause 1943

A black and white photo from the book, Death Scenes, is titled "JL Westhouse. Police Brutality case. Westhause  was arrested for drunk, died in city jail. Relation claim he was beat up in jail. The above photo and autopsy shows he died from filth, he had wine sores, scales and lice in his hair. "

William Westhause, aged 57 and residing at 639 South Main Street in Los Angeles, died in the General Hospital prison ward two days after his transfer from the City Jail in Lincoln Heights. Records indicate that Westhause was arrested for intoxication and initially booked at Central Jail at 9:05 a.m. He was subsequently transferred to the Lincoln Heights facility, where his condition rapidly deteriorated. He lost consciousness and was moved to General Hospital for treatment, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. The police homicide unit was called in to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death, and an autopsy was performed.

Doctors at General Hospital initially attributed Westhause’s condition to starvation and dehydration, both of which they believed were exacerbated by alcoholism. However, the autopsy revealed a fractured skull, which was ultimately determined to be the cause of death. This raised further questions regarding the events leading up to his passing, as Westhause had reportedly been unconscious since the morning he was due to appear in municipal court. He had been arrested on a Wednesday and never regained consciousness thereafter.

Born on September 7, 1885, in Missouri, William Emil Westhause had lived in California for eight years prior to his death. His last recorded residence was on East 5th Street in Los Angeles, and he was employed by the Gospel Mission. He had married Elizabeth "Lizzie" Reiser in 1907, who passed away in 1928. He is survived by his daughter, Viola Anna Westhause Clark of Van Nuys, his son, Reverend E.C. Westhause of Clintonville, Wisconsin, and four grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Pierce Brothers Valley Mortuary, with Reverend Thomas Nalback officiating, and he was laid to rest in Valhalla Memorial Park. William Westhause’s life, marked by hardship and a tragic end, concluded on February 14, 1943, in Los Angeles.

https://www.newspapers.com/image/689240180/?match=1&terms=%22westhouse%22%20jail

https://www.newspapers.com/image/380754053/?match=1&terms=%22westhouse%22%20jail

Death of Mrs. Irene McCarthy 12/1940

The Murders of William L. Johansen (alias Harry W. Gordon, alias Frank Gordon, alias Walter Johansen and William Johnston).