Murder Suspect Captured After Decades on the Run NR19122jl

North Carolina: In 1985 a housekeeper in North Hollywood discovered a murder victim wrapped in his bedding on the garage floor of his residence, appearing to be bludgeoned and strangled. The victim’s vehicle was stolen and later recovered with forensic evidence.

Los Angeles Police Department detectives learned that victim was Barry Crane, a prominent Hollywood television director. He directed television shows such as: The Incredible Hulk, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Police Woman, Police Story, and The Streets of San Francisco, to name a few. Crane was also a world-class champion Bridge player who competed all over the country.

The case involving his murder went unsolved for several years. In 2006, and again in 2018, a Los Angeles Police Department detective from Robbery Homicide Division (RHD) requested that evidence be retested. In July 2018, RHD received a forensic match to Crane’s suspected killer, Edwin Hiatt, who resided in North Carolina.

On March 8, 2019, RHD Detectives traveled to North Carolina and interviewed Hiatt. During the interview, Hiatt admitted to killing Barry Crane. RHD Detectives presented the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office who filed one count of murder against Hiatt and issued an arrest warrant. Today, the FBI Fugitive Task Force arrested Hiatt in North Carolina and he is pending extradition.