Did Lana Turner Kill Her Boyfriend? This Author Thinks So (Exclusive)
An exclusive excerpt from Casey Sherman's 'A Murder in Hollywood: The Untold Story of Tinseltown’s Most Shocking Crime,' details the aftermath of the infamous 1958 killing
A New Take on an Infamous Crime
Casey Sherman, a journalist, explores a notorious crime in Hollywood through his new book, 'A Murder in Hollywood: The Untold Story of Tinseltown’s Most Shocking Crime.' The book sheds light on the 1958 murder of gangster Johnny Stompanato by Cheryl Crane, the daughter of actress Lana Turner and actor Stephen Crane.
Sherman extensively researched the case by examining documents such as FBI files and newspaper reports. He discovered that Lana Turner had been targeted for exploitation and extortion by both Johnny Stompanato and his boss, crime lord Mickey Cohen. According to Sherman, the murder was not a simple act of passion between Turner and Stompanato but a result of a dangerous plot orchestrated by Cohen.
Lana Turner's Hollywood Career and Love Life
Lana Turner was a prominent Hollywood star known for her roles in films like 'Peyton Place' and 'Imitation of Life.' Throughout the 50s and 60s, Turner captivated audiences not only with her acting skills but also with her high-profile relationships. She had romantic connections with Frank Sinatra, Artie Shaw, and allegedly, Clark Gable.
In 'A Murder in Hollywood,' Sherman chronicles the rise of Turner's career, from her humble beginnings being discovered at a soda fountain by William R. Wilkerson, founder of the Hollywood Reporter, to her status as a famous 'sweater girl.' The book also delves into her relationship with Stompanato and how Cohen became involved.
Cheryl Crane's Role in the Murder
Cheryl Crane, Turner's daughter, frequently witnessed Johnny Stompanato abusing her mother. On April 4, 1958, during a heated argument, Stompanato threatened the lives of Turner, Crane, and Turner's mother, Mildred Cowan. Fearful for her mother's safety, Crane intervened with an eight-inch knife, accidentally stabbing Stompanato to death. The case was later declared a justifiable homicide by a coroner's jury.
In the aftermath, Crane faced a tumultuous journey, spending time in psychiatric institutions and attempting suicide. Her relationship with her mother remained complex until Turner's death in 1995. Both Turner and Crane wrote memoirs that touched upon the incident, providing different perspectives on the events that unfolded.
