'Law & Order Los Angeles' to base episode on Ronni Chasen murder [Updated]
NBC's "Law & Order: Los Angeles" is currently filming an episode based on the murder of Hollywood publicist Ronni Chasen.
The episode, titled "Benedict Canyon," revolves around the slaying of a Hollywood stylist in what initially seems like a robbery gone bad. The case turns out to be a murder for hire, propelled by dark family secrets from the past.
The installment, which will likely air in May, features JoBeth Williams as the mother of the victim, and Jeff Fahey as a suspect.
Spokespeople for the series stressed that the episode, like all installments in the "Law & Order" franchise, is fiction.
Chasen, a respected industry publicist, was killed Nov. 16 as she drove home on Sunset Boulevard from the Hollywood premiere of "Burlesque." Police described the murder as a botched robbery committed by a petty crook, who they identified as Harold Martin Smith. He committed suicide when police attempted to question him.
-- Greg Braxton
[UPDATED at 4:13 pm] "Law & Order: Los Angeles" returns to NBC on April 11 with a two-hour installment at 9 p.m. The series will regularly air on Mondays at 10 p.m.
Photo: Ronni Chasen. Credit: Chasen & Co.
Then maybe the writers will solve it, because I don't think it ever will be in reality.
Posted by: Jean | March 18, 2011 at 04:56 PM
If they really want to base it on Chasen's murder, the episode should feature the Beverly Hills police dept's incompetence, foot dragging, and acceptance of the least plausible but most convenient theory possible...one that won't cause them to break any more sweat chasing down actual leads. Donut shops should figure prominently as site locales.
Posted by: Brainiac | March 18, 2011 at 05:25 PM
For a whole lot of reasons, partially chronicled in various blogs, I dont believe all of the events relating to Chasen' death have seen the light of day...few are hiding anything much, but the who, what, where, why, etc., just do not add up,...black man riding bike 5 mi. from comfort zone in 40 degree night weather in BH puts 5 perfect shots in midsection while firing thru a rolled up car window..just does not add; however, the gun was the killers weapon...just who fired the gun and who may or may not have put the killer up to the deed..may never be known...if any..
Posted by: KennyBouy-Naples | March 20, 2011 at 09:46 PM
Lemme guess ... Law & Order will change the shooter from a poor black guy to a rich white guy for the umpty-umpth time ... Right?
Posted by: Steve Sailer | March 20, 2011 at 11:12 PM
Chasen found out that even the rich and influential can be a victim of random violence. For those that still think her murder was a vast conspiracy, get over it.
Posted by: DG3 | March 21, 2011 at 12:44 AM
It seems a bit disrespectful, but I guess its all about advertising revenue in Burbank these days.
Posted by: Villaraigosa Homie | March 21, 2011 at 02:04 AM
I just read Law&Oder LA was postponned indefinately..Now I am reading you are filming this epsidoe to air in May. Since you decided to knock Skeet off, I and many others will not be watching anything you choose to film.
My only hope is that Skeet Ulrich gets a show of his own out of this mess.
You had a good cast going, but some dingbat in casting for whatever reason decides to kill of Skeets charactor. What a dunce. That person or persons need to go ..
Posted by: gail annnie | April 19, 2011 at 02:16 PM