Did Lana Turner Commit Murder?
This Writer Believes So (Exclusive)
An infamous crime in Hollywood's history is receiving a fresh perspective, this time from journalist Casey Sherman.
In his upcoming book, “A Murder in Hollywood: The Untold Story of Tinseltown's Most Shocking Crime,” set to be released on February 13 by Sourcebooks, Sherman delves into the well-known 1958 murder of gangster Johnny Stompanato by 14-year-old Cheryl Crane, the daughter of actress Lana Turner and actor Stephen Crane.
Sherman tells PEOPLE that he extensively researched the case, examining various documents, including FBI files and newspaper reports from that era.
Through this research, he uncovered a different narrative.
According to Sherman, Lana Turner was not simply involved in a love affair with Stompanato; rather, she had become a target of exploitation and extortion by both Stompanato and his boss, crime lord Mickey Cohen.
Lana Turner, renowned for her roles in movies like “Peyton Place” (1957) and “Imitation of Life” (1959), was a prominent figure in Hollywood during the 50s and 60s.
She gained fame as a “sweater girl” and attracted attention not only for her acting but also for her high-profile relationships with Frank Sinatra, Artie Shaw, and allegedly Clark Gable.
“A Murder in Hollywood” portrays Turner's rise to stardom, from being discovered at a soda fountain by William R. Wilkerson, the founder of Hollywood Reporter, to becoming a renowned actress.
The book also explores her relationship with Stompanato and how Cohen played a role in their lives.
Throughout her mother's relationship with Stompanato, Cheryl Crane frequently witnessed abuse.
On April 4, 1958, during a heated argument, Stompanato threatened to harm Turner, Crane, and Turner's mother, Mildred Cowan.
Fearing for her mother's life, Crane grabbed an eight-inch knife and inadvertently killed Stompanato when he walked into the blade.
The coroner's jury ruled it a justifiable homicide.
Crane subsequently faced difficulties, spending time in psychiatric institutions and attempting suicide.
Her relationship with her mother remained complicated until Turner's death in 1995.
Sherman believes that Lana Turner killed Stompanato, but he perceives it as an act of self-defense and protection for her family.
In his view, when Stompanato threatened to harm Cheryl and Mildred, Turner felt cornered and had no choice but to fight back.
The book also mentions that both Turner and Crane published memoirs that touched on the incident, shedding light on their complex relationship.
Despite the official verdict, Sherman, considering Turner as a feminist icon and an early pioneer of the #MeToo movement, presents his own perspective on the case.
The book provides an exclusive excerpt, recounting the scene outside Turner's house after the crime.
Author Dominick Dunne, who lived nearby, rushed to the location, eager to hear the details.
Turner, accompanied by her attorney Jerry Giesler, was taken to the police headquarters, where Chief Anderson questioned Cheryl about what transpired.
But Lana interrupted, insisting that she be the one to speak.
Giesler gestured to Cheryl, indicating that she should provide her account.
Cheryl complied, repeating what her attorney had previously told investigators.
Both Lana and Giesler were impressed with Cheryl's testimony.
Lana explained that she did not understand what was happening and thought Cheryl was merely poking Stompanato with her finger.
She further revealed that she had been trying to end her relationship with Stompanato since Christmas and expressed fear towards him.
Giesler intervened, stating that the killing fell under justifiable homicide.
He knew that even if Cheryl were to stand trial, California law prohibited the death penalty for minors.
However, the situation would be different if Lana herself faced charges.
The police then called a matron to take Cheryl into custody for the night.
Lana pleaded to accompany her daughter, but her request was denied.
Lana felt unease, realizing that Giesler had not prepared her for the possibility of Cheryl going to jail.
Cheryl was placed in a cell, and Lana was permitted to see her briefly.
The sight of Cheryl behind bars devastated Lana.
Desperate to console her daughter, Lana held her tightly as they both sat on a jail cot, shedding tears.
Lana whispered reassurances, emphasizing Cheryl's importance to their family and urging her not to fear.
She promised to return in the morning and take Cheryl home.
After kissing her daughter, Lana left the jail cell, the sound of metal bars closing echoing in her ears.
Cheryl confided in the jail guard, expressing her wish to cry like her mother, but feeling unable to do so.
The guard advised her to sleep, but Cheryl, frustrated, admitted her inability to do so.
