Police Department
Homicide Division
Suspect File
58-1027-AC
- Name
- Arthur Clarkston
- File
- 58-1027-AC
- Classification
- Suspect File
- Department
- L.A.P.D. Homicide Division
- Status
- Active Investigation
Summary
Why Arthur Clarkston Is a Person of Interest
Arthur Clarkston is a veteran motion picture make-up artist who worked for Mariano Pictures for more than a decade. Widely regarded within the industry for his exceptional technical ability, Clarkston earned a reputation for meticulous craftsmanship, professionalism, and discretion while working with many of Hollywood's most recognizable performers.
Among his most frequent professional collaborations was actress Sophia Vance. As Miss Vance's principal make-up artist on multiple productions, Clarkston spent countless hours with the actress in circumstances unavailable to nearly anyone else associated with the studio. Investigators concluded that his professional responsibilities afforded him an unusual degree of access to Miss Vance's private life, routines, and physical appearance.
Production records further establish that Clarkston's employment on The Road to Hana was terminated during principal photography under circumstances involving Miss Vance. Although studio representatives consistently maintained that the action reflected neither dissatisfaction with Clarkston's work nor his professional conduct, investigators were unable to determine the precise reasons for his removal from the production.
Individuals interviewed during the investigation uniformly described Clarkston as intelligent, reserved, and exceptionally loyal. Several witnesses suggested he possessed knowledge concerning Miss Vance that he chose not to disclose, though investigators found no evidence establishing that he knowingly obstructed the investigation.
Because of his longstanding professional relationship with the victim, his unusual level of personal access, and unresolved questions surrounding his abrupt departure from The Road to Hana, investigators concluded that Clarkston may possess information regarding the events preceding Sophia Vance's death that has never been fully explained.
Detective's Note
Review all accounts independently. Do not assume the public record and the private facts are the same.


