Las Vegas Weekly

March 2, 2010 · 4:17 PM

Strip Scribbles: LAPD crime exhibit on display at the Palms

By Robin Leach

Marilyn Monroe.

Photo: Courtesy

With evidence from death scenes involving Marilyn Monroe, Charles Manson and Sen. Robert Kennedy, it’s one of the most unusual conventions to be hosted here in Las Vegas. The LAPD is hosting the California Homicide Investigators Assn. 2010 conference at George Maloof’s Palms.

They have the first-ever behind-the-scenes look at some of the most notable homicides that occurred in L.A. in the past century, and the exhibit is open to the public tomorrow through Friday. The Key West ballroom will be transformed for this afternoon’s unveiling into a multimedia museum of photographs, video displays and evidence only seen before in a courtroom. The LAPD homicide detectives have partnered with the L.A. Police Historical Society for the exhibits.

There’s evidence associated with the deaths of Marilyn Monroe, Charles Manson, Robert Kennedy, the 1963 Onion Field case involving the murders of LAPD officers, O.J. Simpson, the Black Dahlia and the Symbionese Liberation Army shootouts.

LAPD Homicide Det. Dennis Kilcoyne said: “Investigators very rarely invite people under the crime scene tape and into the murder scene. This may be as close as some will ever get. Every detective knows that evidence speaks for the victims. Seeing an actual gun or blood-stained suit or bullet hole will tell a story that no book can match.”

Photo: Tom Donoghue/www.donoghuephotography.com

Human Nature at the NASCAR Shelby American GT 350 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Feb. 28, 2010.

*Congratulations to the four lads from Down Under who make up Human Nature and their Motown show at Imperial Palace on their 200th performance last night. Afterward, they went across the Strip to celebrate at Rao’s in Caesars Palace.

*Congratulations to actor Sam Worthington, who has been named ShoWest Male Star of the Year. He will be presented with his award at the final-night banquet at Bally’s and Paris from March 15 to 18. The Aussie heartthrob was handpicked by James Cameron to star in Avatar, now the highest-grossing film of all time that is up for multiple Oscars this Sunday. Sam is next up in the 3-D spectacular Clash of the Titans on April 2, in which he co-stars with Ralph Fiennes and Liam Neeson.

Photo: Courtesy

Jake Steinfeld.

*Ever since physical fitness guru Jake Steinfeld presented his sell-out show at MGM Grand and filmed it as a Showtime special, I’ve been wondering about his next move. I can tell you that tonight, Hollywood TV execs will fight for the rights to acquire it, probably as a TV series with Jake. It’s a different sitcom and reality TV series. Jake would film it here when he returns to the Strip, plus stops in Miami, New York and Chicago. Cameras would track his adventures where he presents the standup for two weeks at a time.

*Las Vegas entertainers Mac King and Kevin Burke are rallying their pals and showbiz friends to help save the legendary Denny & Lee Magic Studio here, where up-and-coming magicians go to polish their craft, learn trade secrets and interact with respected headliner magicians. Mac and Kevin are trying to raise funds with various events to keep the Magic Studio afloat.

Photo: Larry Burton/Fremont Street Experience

Foghat performs at Fremont Street Experience.

Photo: Larry Burton/Fremont Street Experience

Jimmie Rae's Johnny Cash Tribute.

*NASCAR fans were welcomed to the 7th Annual Race Jam on Fremont Street Experience. The weeklong party featured live performances from headliner Foghat, Jimmie Rae’s Johnny Cash Tribute and The Jay Bolan Band.

STAR SURVEILLANCE

*Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin dined at N9NE Steakhouse in the Palms with a group of six. After dinner, the football star signed several helmets and jerseys for the staff. Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler returned for a third time and after several rounds of espresso shots with dessert signed autographs for fans. Erin Brockovich dined at N9NE with Amp salon owner Michael Boychuck after flying in from L.A. to have her hair styled by the beauty guru. Upstairs in The Playboy Club, the beautiful Nicki Canlas was named Miss Playboy Club March 2010.

Photo: Cassi J. Thomas

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler at Vanity in the Hard Rock Hotel on Feb. 28, 2010.

*Jay Cutler also took in the scene at Vanity in the Hard Rock Hotel with friends, while Black Rebel Motorcycle Club rocked the crowd nearby at Carey Hart’s Wasted Space.

*Director Michael Bay celebrated his birthday with producer Jerry Bruckheimer at Victor Drai’s XS nightclub in Steve Wynn’s Encore. He was presented with a birthday cake from a guest dressed as Optimus Prime at his VIP table overlooking the dance floor. Also at XS, New Orleans Saints stars Pierre Thomas and Lance Moore and Atlanta Falcons players Chevis Jackson and Thomas DeCoud.

Photo: Denise Truscello

Holly Madison and Kevin Rudolf.

TONIGHT’S TIPS

Don’t miss the avant-garde party to celebrate the release of P Moss’s Blue Vegas at his Double Down Saloon, home to circus freaks and classic carnival entertainment. Jenn O. Cide serves as emcee for the Swingshift sideshow. P Moss operates Double Down in Manhattan and Las Vegas and also owns Frankie’s Tiki Room here. This is his first book probing 176 dark human stories in the neon shadows of Las Vegas. … Tegan and Sara are at House of Blues in Mandalay Bay. … Sandy Hackett’s The Rat Pack moves to the main showroom at Sahara. … Singer Kevin Rudolf performs with his “Let It Rock” party at Blush in the Wynn. … Vince Morris is at Harrah’s Improv through Sunday with Scott Henry and Dwayne Ulloa. … And Willie Farrell, Steve Pilchen and Dwayne Clark are at Riviera’s Comedy Club through Sunday.

TOMORROW’S TEASES

It’s the World of Magic tribute to Siegfried & Roy, while Strip magician Nathan Burton pulls off an amazing $100,000 statue stunt that is the only illusion of its kind. It’s also a musical edition of Vegas DeLuxe, with Vince Neil’s video and Air Supply’s new CD recorded here. Plus, Frank Marino’s dress-up world of the boys who would be superstar girls.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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