Police have linked the gun used in a recent suicide to the gun used in the high-profile killing of the Hollywood publicist in Beverly Hills.
Ronni Chasen, who was shot in the early morning hours of Nov. 16, was gunned down by Harold Martin Smith, an ex-con who police say was “down on his luck.” Police called it a random act.
Smith acted alone and apparently rode a bicycle during the incident. It is unclear how many shots were fired. However, Chasen was apparently shot, pressed her foot on the gas and drove into a nearby pole. There’s no evidence to suggest Smith ever made it to Chasen’s car.
Despite media reports saying neighbors overheard Smith brag about receiving a large sum of money days before the killing, police said no evidence supports the claim.
Undercover officers had been led to Smith, an ex-con, after a tipoff from a member of the public was provided to the TV show "America's Most Wanted."
It was unknown if Smith knew why police wanted to speak to him, but he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for an unrelated misdemeanor charge.
A document obtained Friday by The Associated Press says Smith was released from prison in 2007 and discharged from parole last year.
Court documents indicate Smith had a lengthy criminal past that included arrests for felony burglary and other offenses.
Chasen was shot after attending the premiere of the new Cher film "Burlesque," the soundtrack of which she was pushing for an Oscar nomination.
The 64-year-old was shot inside her Mercedes-Benz E-350 sedan before crashing into a lamp post near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Whittier Avenue in Beverly Hills. Police found the front passenger-side window of her vehicle shattered.
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