Monday, December 13, 2010

Police Explain Lack of Shell Casings in Chasen Murder

Police Explain Lack of Shell Casings in Chasen Murder

Police say the weapon used would explain why no shell casings were found at the murder scene.
Watch Cher Calvin's report

Ronni Chasen, 64
Ronni Chasen, 64 (Getty Images)

BEVERLY HILLS (KTLA) - Law enforcement sources have addressed one of the lingering mysteries surrounding the killing of Hollywood publicist Ronni Chasen in Beverly Hills.

Officials believe that the gun used in the slaying of Chasen was a .38-caliber revolver, a fact that would explain why no shell casings were found at the scene of the crime.

In revolvers such as a .38 caliber, officials explain, shell casings remain in the chamber after firing rather than being discharged at the shooting scene.

The lack of shell casings had led to speculation that the shooting was a professional job by a hit man who collected the casings before leaving the scene.

Investigators recovered the .38 revolver in question at a Hollywood apartment building where Harold Smith killed himself after being confronted by detectives.

Preliminary ballistics tests showed that the handgun Smith used to shoot himself in the head was the same weapon that killed Chasen on Nov. 16. At the time, Chasen was driving her Mercedes-Benz along Sunset Boulevard after the premiere of the film "Burlesque."

Authorities have said they believe Smith acted alone in the crime, which they described as a robbery gone bad.

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