It is the opinion of the authors of Black Dahlia Mystery that Dr. Patrick S. O’Reilly is the most viable suspect for the murder of Elizabeth Short. Please note that much of the evidence is circumstantial and we believe it is possible that Dr. O’Reilly was the killer due to all of the evidence. As we are not judge & jury, we are not saying that he is the killer as a matter of fact. (We understand that other credible suspects exist and the following evidence does not prove guilt.)

The following is a point-by-point list of the reasons why we believe this to be the case.

The list is not in any particular order of importance and each item will be linked to an article, image, or map, including evidence for each as we make them available.

Please understand that this page is in progress.

1. Was able to get people to lie for him
   • Both Sisters, Mary & Frances, lied for him
     • https://blackdahliamystery.com/2023/03/something-to-hide/
   • Construction worker lied for him in court
2. No issue with lying to authorities
   • Lied to Kansas National Guard
     • https://blackdahliamystery.com/2023/03/something-to-hide/
   • Lied to Canadian Military
     • https://blackdahliamystery.com/2023/03/something-to-hide/
   • Lied to US Shipping Board
     • https://blackdahliamystery.com/2023/03/something-to-hide/
   • Lied in US court of law
3. Friends with acquaintances of Elizabeth Short
   • Friends with Mark Hanson
   • Friends with Millie Miller
4. Known to participate in Sex Parties
5. Looked down on women
   • Behavior towards first wife
6. Violent Behavior
   • Attack on secretary
   • Altercation with fellow soldier
7. Large scar on jaw
   • https://blackdahliamystery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_6545.jpg
8. Part of right breast removed
9. A Fine Surgeon
   • https://blackdahliamystery.com/2023/03/novice-or-expert/
10. Knowledge of Leimert Park
    • https://blackdahliamystery.com/2023/03/knowledge-of-leimert-park/
11. Made grandeous lies
    • https://blackdahliamystery.com/2023/03/war-hero-cripple-neither-or-both/
12. Violent imagination
    • https://blackdahliamystery.com/2023/03/something-to-hide/
13. Involvement in illegal abortion activities
14. Enjoyed confounding people
    • Fake Wolf
15. Enjoyment in harming animals
16. Father’s birthday on day Miss Short vanished
17. Properties allowing for opportunity
18. Potential wealthy connections
    • Mr. Orr
19. Very intelligent and cunning
20. Similarities in the assault of Miss McCarthy
21. Secretary, Miss McCarthy, had a similar look to Miss Short
    • https://blackdahliamystery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_6594.jpg
22. History of writing lies in letters
23. Had sent items in past with letters
24. Cocky about lying to people
25. Was missing several teeth
26. Potential access to fertilizer
27. Greatly reduced footprint after 1947
28. *LIST REMAINS IN PROGRESS*