By JADA LEMOS
Staff Writer
Unsolved deaths and true crime shows are fascinating yet disturbing for most people in the world. Something about these inexplicable cases draws people in to learn more about each unsolved murder. One of the most unexplained deaths of our generation is that of Elisa Lam, whose death has shocked the world.
Elisa Lam was a 21-year-old woman from Vancouver, Canada, who was traveling around California on her own. She arrived in Los Angeles on January 26, 2013, and checked herself into the Cecil Hotel two days after her arrival. She was initially supposed to have a shared room at the hotel, but her roommates complained that Elisa had a “certain odd behavior”. Lam had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and depression and had prescribed medications to treat her disorders.
On February 1, 2013, Elisa was scheduled to check out of the Cecil Hotel and leave for Santa Cruz. She contacted her parents daily while on her travels. However, her parents were unable to get a hold of her and contacted the LAPD and flew to Los Angeles to help search for their daughter.
Two weeks after Lam’s disappearance, the LAPD released a video that was said to be the last known footage of her. The video was taken by one of Cecil’s surveillance cameras in the elevator. In approximately two and a half minutes of footage, Lam starts making unusual movements and gestures, leaving the elevator at one point while the doors are still open, even after she seemed to have pressed every button. Once she leaves the elevator lobby, the doors close.
This video has been widely spread around the world and drew interest in the case due to Lam’s strange behavior. Several theories have been discussed about the case. Some say her behavior was a result of her not taking her medications, while others think she was being chased by an unknown person. Most people think the staff from the hotel edited the video in some way.
During this time, the residents at the hotel were complaining to the staff about the water in the hotel. They stated that the water was a completely different color and had a weird taste. After the many complaints, the staff decided to check the water towers on top of the hotel. When they looked inside, they saw Elisa Lam’s body floating in the water. What was even more shocking was that the entrance of the tower was impossible to get into, as it was very small.
The Cecil Hotel has some disturbing history that goes back way before Elisa Lam’s death. This hotel was notorious for its numerous deaths by suicide and brutal murders. Richard Ramirez, also known as The Night Stalker was famous for staying and murdering his victims in this hotel. The hotel also has many instances of paranormal activity.
As of today, Elisa Lam’s death still remains a mystery. The Cecil Hotel has since closed its doors for renovations. This case hasn’t been talked about in over eight years, and it has been completely ignored by the LAPD and the Cecil Hotel themselves. What do you think caused Elisa Lam’s death?