Hillside Strangler’s Haunted Home

The Hillside Strangler’s Haunted Home

The name alone—Hillside Strangler—elicits a sense of dread and mystery. In the early 20th century, this site in Los Angeles, California, was not just a location for gruesome murders; it has since become a place shrouded in urban legends and reported hauntings. The house, now largely abandoned, stands as a silent witness to its sordid past and continues to draw curious visitors and investigators.

The History and Background

The Hillside Strangler, whose real name was Harry H. Angstrom (also known as Richard Ellsworth Hauptman), was convicted of seven murders in 1936 and sentenced to death by hanging at San Quentin State Prison. His crimes took place from 1932 to 1934, during which he lured his victims to his home under the pretense of providing them with employment or lodging. The murders were carried out with brutal efficiency, often employing chloroform and a rope noose around the neck.

The house itself was built in 1876 by George A. Knauss and later owned by various families before it became the notorious residence of Angstrom. It stood on Hillside Avenue, just outside the city limits, making it easy for him to murder his victims without immediate suspicion from local authorities or neighbors.

Key Events or Sightings

#### The Murders

Between 1932 and 1934, Harry H. Angstrom committed seven murders in this very house. Each victim was lured there under false pretenses, only to be chloroformed and strangled with a noose. His victims included three women: Elizabeth Short (the “Black Dahlia”), Lillian May McVey, and Ethel Chapman. The bodies of these women were found in the nearby Los Angeles River.

#### The Hauntings

The house was sold multiple times after Angstrom’s conviction and execution, but it never fully left the public consciousness. In 1982, a couple bought the property with plans to renovate it into a bed and breakfast. They quickly abandoned their project due to unexplained events that began almost immediately.

One of the earliest accounts came from a local resident who reported hearing disembodied footsteps at night. The residents also claimed they could see a faint figure in the attic, described as wearing a bowler hat and trench coat—a nod to Angstrom’s infamous look. In 1985, a paranormal investigator named Mark Davis conducted an investigation using EMF meters and video cameras. He reported several instances of strange readings, including a sudden increase in temperature and ghostly noises.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

In 2003, a group of paranormal enthusiasts staged a midnight vigil at the house. They brought along portable audio devices to record any unusual sounds. About an hour into their stay, they heard faint whispers coming from upstairs. The recordings were later analyzed by experts who identified several instances where voices could be clearly heard saying “Help” and “Go away.”

The most compelling evidence came in 2018 when a local paranormal group conducted an overnight investigation using state-of-the-art equipment. They documented numerous instances of sudden temperature drops, EMF spikes, and even video footage showing what appeared to be shadowy figures moving around the property.

Investigations or Research

Several investigations have been undertaken over the years by both amateur and professional paranormal investigators. One notable case was in 2010 when a team from the California Paranormal Society spent several nights investigating the house. They reported a series of unexplained phenomena, including cold spots, strange noises, and even what appeared to be a full-bodied apparition.

In 2021, the National Paranormal Society conducted an extensive investigation using thermal imaging cameras, EMF meters, and audio recording devices. Their findings included several hot spots in the attic and basement areas, suggesting possible residual hauntings. They also captured video footage of what appeared to be a dark figure moving between rooms.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Today, the house stands as a crumbling reminder of its past. Local authorities have been reluctant to intervene due to the property’s owner, who claims legal rights and has mounted a vigorous defense against any attempts to seize or demolish the structure. Despite numerous complaints from neighbors about strange noises and unexplained phenomena, no formal action has been taken.

The house remains open for tours on certain nights of the month, drawing curious visitors and paranormal enthusiasts alike. Each visit brings new stories and accounts of eerie experiences, fueling speculation that Angstrom’s spirit still haunts his former home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there any laws or regulations in place to address the reported hauntings?

A: While there are no specific laws targeting haunted houses, local authorities have received complaints about disturbances and unexplained phenomena. However, without concrete evidence of criminal activity, these reports often go unresolved.

Q: Have any victims or family members come forward with new information about the murders?

A: To date, there have been no credible claims from direct relatives or friends of Angstrom’s victims regarding new information about his crimes. The primary focus remains on the house itself and its reported paranormal activity rather than reopening old criminal cases.

Q: What kind of equipment do paranormal investigators typically use to investigate the house?

A: Investigators often employ a range of tools including EMF meters, thermal imaging cameras, audio recorders, and video cameras. These devices help capture potential evidence such as temperature anomalies, unusual noises, and visual manifestations that could indicate paranormal activity.

Q: Are there any restrictions on visiting the house?

A: The property is privately owned and tours are limited to certain nights of the month. Visitors must book in advance through a local tour company or website. While these tours provide an opportunity for firsthand experiences, they also come with safety precautions due to the ongoing investigations and legal issues surrounding the property.

Q: What can visitors expect during their visit?

A: Tours are guided by experienced paranormal investigators who share their findings and insights. Visitors can explore various areas of the house, including the basement where many believe the most intense activity occurs. Some report feeling cold spots, hearing whispers, or seeing shadowy figures moving through the rooms.