The Dark Side of the Cecil Hotel: The Attraction of Serial Killers and Tragic Events

The Grand Opening of the Cecil Hotel took place in 1924. Since then, the landmark has faced much speculation, particularly regarding the seedy side of its history. At least 17 deaths and two serial killers have resided there, leading to an average of five deaths per year. Located in downtown Los Angeles, it's no surprise that more serial offenders may have stayed there undetected. The list of deaths includes two slit throats, seven poisonings, two shot in the head, four jumping out of windows, one accidental death, one suicide, and even a woman who tossed her newborn out the window.

A Vignette of the Era

The Cecil Hotel was built just after World War I, when the world was still reeling from the aftermath. It was the Great Depression and the stock market crash in 1929, followed by an extremely difficult economic period. People lost their livelihoods; loneliness and despair were common, leading to extreme measures for some.

Imagine if the walls of the Cecil Hotel could talk. There would be stories of a woman staying at home, waiting for her husband or boyfriend to return, who was desperately searching for work. She wanted a family but had multiple miscarriages, causing her pride and dignity to be shattered. She faced a future with no family to take care of, a prospect that could lead to immense despair.

On the other end of the spectrum, there were elderly people who found themselves living in a hotel. They had to deal with noise from the hallway and the presence of those less fortunate. Imagine the elderly person, robbed of his meager savings, beaten by the very people who showed no respect, even causing them to kick him more.

Location and Acceptance

The Cecil Hotel's location is not too far from Skid Row, a neighborhood known for its marginalized population. This proximity might have increased the allowances or acceptance of individuals who have fallen on hard times, including street people, makeshift tents, cardboard houses, and serial killers.

Business and Legacy

Despite the gruesome events, the Cecil Hotel is a business that must turn a profit. One might wonder why it didn't attract more serial killers. People are naturally curious about such things, and tourists often find this fascinating. It's possible that the hotel's management wanted to give the old building a more haunting and legendary image to entice visitors.

The Attraction of Serial Killers

Serial killers are typically motivated by a deep-seated desire to gain victims, and they often prefer areas where they can commit their crimes without detection. The downtown area near the Cecil Hotel offered a low-risk environment. It was reputable for having fewer eyes that could spot them, and once they went missing, the likelihood of being found was low.

For serial killers, the easiest way to get a human target is crucial. They possess the will, desire, and knowledge of how to carry out their actions. All they need is a convenient and vulnerable victim. The Cecil Hotel provided the perfect environment for such individuals to conduct their unholy deeds with relative ease and anonymity.

Conclusion

The stories of the Cecil Hotel illustrate the impact of economic hardship and societal stress during the early 20th century. The hotel, much like the people who stayed there, held a kind of tragic beauty. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and despair faced by many during turbulent times, and how such challenges can lead to some of the most tragic chapters in a society's history.