Tragic past haunts so-called 'Murder House' in Los Feliz

"The Spanish Colonial Revival gained notoriety on the night of Dec. 6, 1959, when then-owner Dr. Harold Perelson used a ball-peen hammer to bludgeon his sleeping wife to death in their bedroom, according to Los Angeles Times archives. The 50-year-old cardiologist then turned on their teenage daughter, striking her with the hammer, before committing suicide by drinking a glass of acid."

"The following year, the three-story home was sold through probate to Emily and Julian Enriquez. The Lincoln Heights couple furnished parts of the property, but never moved in, neighbors told The Times in 2009. Three decades later, Mount Washington resident Rudolph Enriquez inherited the property following his mother's death. He, too, declined to move in, and the house fell into disrepair."

"Through the years, the property has garnered a cult following of sorts, attracting thrill-seekers, ghost hunters and the occasional lady of the night. Neighbors, in turn, have taken it upon themselves to help maintain the property. And in true Hollywood fashion, a film is being developed about the home."

The Spanish Colonial Revival home in Los Feliz gained infamy on December 6, 1959, when Dr. Harold Perelson killed his wife with a hammer, attacked their teenage daughter, and committed suicide by drinking acid. The property was sold through probate to the Enriquez family, who furnished it but never inhabited it. Subsequent owners also refused to move in, allowing the house to deteriorate. Despite its tragic history, the mansion attracted ghost hunters and thrill-seekers while neighbors maintained it informally. Originally designed by architect Harry E. Weiner in 1925 and later owned by German filmmaker Frederic Zelnik, the four-bedroom estate retains architectural grandeur. Now listed for $2.75 million following the last owner's death, a film is being developed about the property.

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