In Ronni Chasen slaying, Beverly Hills officials release statement

The Beverly Hills Police Department held a news conference Wednesday to share new details on the slaying of Hollywood publicist Ronni Chasen:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 8, 2010

Lieutenant Tony Lee, Public Information Officer

310.285.2109 or 310.285.2191

Preliminary Ballistics Confirm Murder Weapon

On Wednesday, December 1, 2010, Beverly Hills Detectives transported evidence from the Chasen homicide investigation to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Scientific Services Bureau/Firearms Section for initial analysis.

That afternoon, following up on a tip received from "America's Most Wanted," Beverly Hills Detectives responded to the Harvey Apartments in the 5600 block of Santa Monica Boulevard, in the City of Los Angeles. The person of interest, "Harold Martin Smith," returned to the location, and once inside was contacted by Beverly Hills Police personnel. It was at this time Mr. Smith drew his weapon and took his own life. Mr. Smith sustained a single self inflicted gunshot wound to the head and expired at the scene.

On Thursday, December 2, 2010, Beverly Hills Police detectives requested the release of the weapon used in the commission of this suicide to be turned over to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Scientific Services Bureau/Firearms Section. This request was granted and a ballistic comparison was begun between the evidence recovered from the Chasen homicide investigation.

The Beverly Hills Police Department has been notified by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Scientific Services Bureau/Firearms Section that they have a preliminary ballistics result. The weapon used by our person of interest, "Harold Martin Smith" to commit suicide does preliminarily match the evidence from the Chasen homicide investigation. This is a preliminary match at this time with a completed analysis review and report expected within the next two weeks.

This is one of many aspects being investigated by the Beverly Hills detectives attempting to solve this heinous crime.

Any additional information can be provided to the 24 hour detective hotline at 310-288-2656.

The Police Department will provide the media with immediate updates as new developments occur.

RELATED:

Chasen shot in botched robbery; gunman acted alone

Ronni Chasen slaying does not appear to be a professional hit

Tipster who linked suspect to Ronni Chasen slaying vindicated by ballistics match

-- Andrew Blankstein in Beverly Hills

 

Comments

[Alice]

IMHO the biggest news here is that a man that looks like Harold did not get noticed by ANYONE riding a bike through the residential area of Beverly Hills at that hour, either coming or going.

Where did he go on his bike after committing the murder? Today the police said he did it because he "was desperate". If you are desperate and have nothing to lose what would YOU DO? I'd keep trying to rob or steal till I had what I wanted. But Harold just disappeared into the night....must be the only black man on a bicycle in residential BH after midnight to never got noticed.....

[Charles Grandison Finney]

The Times steadfastly refuses to print a photograph of Mr. Smith. Who IS this mystery man?