Author Crystal Jackson and her father Lionel Grandison,  who signed Marilyn Monroe's death certificate in 1962

In 1962, Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe died at her home in Brentwood, California. The coroner's office ruled her death a "probable suicide." Over the years, numerous stories have surfaced about this controversial case. However, most people don't know that the most fascinating Marilyn Monroe story connects to the small town of Pacoima, California. That it was a San Fernando High School graduate that signed her death certificate and the price he paid for saying something was wrong.

Lionel Grandison, whose family moved to Pacoima in 1952, was the coroner's deputy assigned Monroe's case and signed her death certificate. Grandison, who graduated from San Fernando High School in 1957, was also the last public official to see Marilyn's diary.

Now his daughter, respected author and historian Crystal Jackson, has released a gripping new novel detailing her father's transcendent story and tragic experience with the Marilyn Monroe case. During a recent interview, she spoke about him.

"My dad passed away on January 6, 2021, from COVID, and I really miss him a lot," said Jackson. "He spent a lifetime trying to tell the world the truth about her case. But I never really wanted to get involved because I saw first-hand the pain it caused him and my mother. He lost his family, his job, and nearly his life."

Lionel Grandison's story has been seen and heard around the globe. He has appeared on numerous television shows and in national magazines. 1982, he was the subject of an official District Attorney's Inquiry into Monroe's death.