What happened to Jeanne French? Here at the location linked to Jeanne French’s car, a chill lingers in the air. This spot holds a piece of a tragic puzzle. It’s a puzzle tied to a woman whose life was a whirlwind of adventure and heartbreak. It ended abruptly in 1947, just weeks after the infamous Black Dahlia murder. Jeanne French’s death became known as the “Red Lipstick Murder”. It’s a grim moniker. It’s a direct reference to the chilling message scrawled across her abdomen.
Jeanne French’s car, a 1929 Ford Roadster, was found abandoned in this parking lot. Witnesses placed it here since 3 a.m. on the morning of her murder. A night watchman even reported seeing a man park the car, not Jeanne herself. This seemingly insignificant detail adds another layer of mystery to Jeanne French’s story. This location became a silent witness in a tragic tale.
Jeanne’s life was far from ordinary. She was a nurse, a pilot, even dabbled in acting. She navigated a tumultuous personal life, marked by four marriages and struggles with alcohol. On the night of her murder, February 9, 1947, Jeanne’s movements were a blur of bars, restaurants, and strained encounters. She was last seen with a “medium-small, dark-complexioned” man. They left the Pan American bar together around 2 a.m. Just hours later, a construction worker stumbled upon her body near Santa Monica Airport.
Jeanne French’s car, found abandoned here, became a crucial piece of the puzzle. It confirmed her presence in the area. It suggested the involvement of someone else. The cryptic message on her body, “Fuck you, P.D.” and signed “Tex”, sparked wild speculation. Was it a message to the police? A clue to the killer’s identity? Theories abound, linking her murder to the Black Dahlia case. Others point to her estranged husband, Frank French, or a mysterious painter with whom she had an affair.
The discovery of Jeanne French’s car here was a pivotal moment in the investigation. Yet, it ultimately yielded more questions than answers. The Red Lipstick Murder remains unsolved. The mystery of Jeanne French’s final hours continues to haunt Los Angeles. Her story, overshadowed by the Black Dahlia, deserves to be remembered. Here, at the location of her abandoned car, we can reflect on a life cut short. We can ponder the secrets that this place still holds.