The Murder of Bob Crane: Who Killed the Star of Hogan's Heroes?

After a successful radio career, Bob Crane starred in the popular comedy series Hogan's Heroes from 1965 to 1971. When he failed to launch another series, he toured in plays throughout the Southwest. Unknown to his fans, Crane, who had been raised a strict Catholic, became obsessed with sex when he gained TV stardom. That obsession, in the form of photos and videos, effectively wrecked both of his marriages, according to Graysmith ( Zodiac ). In June of 1978 Crane was bludgeoned to death in a motel room in Scottsdale, Arizona. His constant companion was one John Carpenter, a video salesman. Graysmith agrees with the Scottsdale police that Carpenter was the killer, perhaps with a homosexual motive. The authorities finally secured an indictment in 1992, and the trial is pending. A carefully done study. (June)