Amy Price, the former general manager of the notorious Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles, has released a memoir titled “Behind the Door: The Dark Truths and Untold Stories of the Cecil Hotel.” The book provides an intimate look into the experiences of Price and the guests and residents who found themselves at the center of this infamous hotel. One particular case highlighted in the memoir is the tragic death of Canadian tourist Elisa Lam, whose decomposing body was discovered in a water cistern on the hotel roof in 2013.
Price opens up about the heartbreaking scene when Lam’s parents visited the hotel to see where their daughter died. Despite the swirling conspiracy theories surrounding Lam’s death, Price emphasizes the pain and grief that Lam’s mother was experiencing. Price also dismisses the conspiracy theories, stating that she was closely involved in the case and worked with the police, leaving no room for doubt about the cause of Lam’s death. She believes that more attention should be given to mental illness rather than conspiracy theories.
According to Price’s account, Lam’s body was found in one of the water tanks that supplied water to the hotel’s guests. This discovery was made after guests had complained about low water pressure. Lam’s death was ruled an accident, with no signs of foul play or trauma. However, her bipolar disorder and the circumstances surrounding her death fueled various conspiracy theories, with some suggesting murder or supernatural involvement.
The Cecil Hotel has a dark history, with connections to infamous serial killers such as Richard Ramirez and Jack Unterweger. It is also linked to the unsolved Black Dahlia murder case. Despite this reputation, Price hopes that the hotel can be transformed into a place of healing for those in need. Currently, it is being used to house homeless individuals.
Price’s memoir aims to provide clarity and debunk the conspiracy theories surrounding the tragic events at the Cecil Hotel. While she faced backlash after participating in a Netflix documentary about the hotel’s history, Price remains committed to sharing her side of the story and shedding light on the challenges faced by the hotel and its tenants. She believes that everyone deserves a chance and hopes for a future where the hotel can offer support and healing to those in need.
In conclusion, “Behind the Door: The Dark Truths and Untold Stories of the Cecil Hotel” offers a gripping account of the mysterious death of Elisa Lam and provides a deeper understanding of the history and challenges faced by the Cecil Hotel. Amy Price’s memoir serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental illness and offers hope for a brighter future for the hotel and its occupants.
