Probers of Producer’s Killing Find Weapon

Los Angeles police say they have recovered a weapon that may have been used to kill television producer-director Barry Crane of Studio City, but they will not discuss it.

Authorities would not identify the weapon, reveal when or where it was found or whether there were fingerprints on it. However, police confirmed that no arrests have been made.

“We’re not eliminating anything right now. We’re leaving all avenues open,” homicide Detective Howard Landgren said.

Crane, 57, was an internationally known bridge champion and directed many television shows, including episodes of “Dallas,” “Mission: Impossible” and “Mannix.” He was bludgeoned to death on July 5.

Crane’s housekeeper found his body, wrapped in bloodstained sheets, in the underground garage of his town house on July 5. There were no signs of forced entry and several valuable art objects were left untouched, police said, but Crane’s wallet and his white 1984 Cadillac were missing. Several days later, the car was found abandoned in the Frazier Park area, about 60 miles northwest of Crane’s home.