The Dark Legacy of a Casino Pioneer: A Crime that Shook California

A Notorious Crime Unfolds

The 1950s in Southern California witnessed a high-profile murder linked to a former Las Vegas casino operator, resulting in the tragic executions of three individuals, including one woman. This shocking incident inspired a critically acclaimed film starring Susan Hayward and is now the focus of a true crime book titled Trial By Ambush, authored by Marcia Clark, who previously served as the lead prosecutor in the infamous O.J. Simpson murder trial.

The Disturbing Details

In a recent podcast episode of “Crimes of the Times,” Clark discussed the horrific murder of Mabel Monahan, a 64-year-old widow who was brutally attacked in her home in Burbank in 1953. Monahan had a complicated background; once a vaudevillian and a palm reader, she was related to Luther B. “Tutor” Scherer, a known figure in the Los Angeles underworld turned casino executive.

The Connection Between Monahan and Scherer

Monahan collected her mother’s divorce settlement in the form of the Burbank house, a place she cherished after years spent on the vaudeville circuit. Scherer, having moved to Las Vegas, kept in touch with Monahan, making sporadic visits. Rumors swirled that he might be hiding illicit money at her residence, especially concerning the supposed “black money” linked to his casino operations.

Clark surmised that the rumor might have originated from those who observed Scherer visiting Monahan, leading them to speculate about hidden treasure within the family home.

The Night of the Murder

The unfortunate twist of fate occurred on March 9, 1953, when a group of criminals entered Monahan’s home, mistakenly believing that a fortune was secured inside. The gang comprised several habitual offenders including Emmett Perkins, Jack Santo, and a safecracker named Baxter Shorter.

Also present was Barbara Graham, a 29-year-old woman with a hard past involving drugs and prostitution, known for her ties to organized crime. While she claimed her innocence regarding the murder, Graham’s involvement became pivotal during the trial.

The Prosecution’s Case Against Graham

Though there was no direct evidence pointing to Graham as the murderer, the aggressive prosecution strategy of J. Miller Leavy cast a pall over the proceedings. The prosecutor seized every opportunity to portray her as a dangerous woman, sensationalizing the case and labeling her “Bloody Babs” amidst a media frenzy.

Throughout the trial, key testimonies emerged, including one from True, a diver who claimed Graham participated in the brutality against Monahan, which included bludgeoning and strangulation. Yet, this characterization was largely contested by Clark in her works, detailing flaws in the prosecution’s approach and how critical errors led to an unjust execution.

The Aftermath of Injustice

Ultimately, Barbara Graham was convicted and executed via cyanide gas, becoming one of only three women to be executed in California’s gas chamber. This tragic tale ignited debate around morality, fairness in the legal process, and the media’s role in shaping public perception.

Clark’s examination of the case in her book questions not only the ethics of the trial but delves into the psyche of the media’s fascination with sensational crime stories and their impact on judicial outcomes. The story of Mabel Monahan and Barbara Graham reflects larger social issues still relevant today.

Scherer’s Rejection of Links to Las Vegas

While initially eyed as a possible suspect due to his connections to the casino world, Tutor Scherer firmly denied any knowledge of the murder or the alleged hidden fortune. He expressed regret over Monahan’s death, affirming that their relationship remained amicable even during difficult times.

Despite being labeled a casino pioneer associated with organized crime, Scherer consistently dismissed the notion of his previous life in Los Angeles influencing this painful tragedy, urging skepticism towards press narratives that sought to link gambling with the heinous act.

Conclusions and Reflections

The tale of Mabel Monahan and Barbara Graham stands as a haunting reminder of the darker undercurrents of 1950s America, challenging perceptions of justice and the influence of stories surrounding crime. Each recounting of this tragic event underscores how the intersection of crime, legacy, and media forms a potent narrative, compelling us to confront uncomfortable histories.

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