Eric Caiden brutally stabbed by Mike Copner, Cult Movies editor arrested in attack

[August Ragone]

Reported by Jason Grove:

HOLLYWOOD - Hollywood Book & Poster Company, perhaps the best motion-picture memorabilia store in Hollywood, was established in 1977 by Eric Caidin, who has provided fans with rare and wonderful movie memorabilia at conventions around the country for more than three decades. A noted voice in the horror community, Eric has appeared in numerous films, such as John Carpenter's ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK, as well as being thanked in the credits of Quentin Tarantino's GRINDHOUSE. Eric is also active in promoting rare and obscure films, and is one of the co-presenters of "The Grindhouse Film Festival" at the New Beverly Theater.

On Friday, April 18th, former CULT MOVIES magazine publisher, Mike Copner, entered Hollywood Book & Poster with a concealed weapon, in an apparent premeditated plot to murder Eric Caidin. There were no suspicious signs, until Caidin turned his back for a moment, at which time Copner leapt on him with a sharpened screwdriver and repeatedly stabbed the Caidin. A struggle ensued in which glass cases and shelves were broken. Finally after several minutes Mike Copner was subdued by members of the HB&P staff and the Hollywood Division of the L.A.P.D. were summoned to the scene.

Mike Copner was summarily arrested and booked on several charges including Attempted Murder. Eric Caidin was hospitalized, his wounds were fortunately not serious. When we contacted him by phone for comment, he was released from the hospital, medicated and resting comfortably, though in pain and suffering from blurred vision as a result of the attack. A date has not yet been released to the public for Mike Copner's court appearance.

August here: This story has been verified by the "Grindhouse Film Festival" Myspace page. I've known Eric since I was a kid; this is truly appalling and I am deeply saddened. I've met Mr. Copner on several occasions down in Hollywood and the Egyptian Theater, and he seemed amiable enough -- I don't know what precipitated this brutal attack, but just on face value, it's tragic.

[Marshall Crist]

WTF?!?!

I had just been thinking about how supernaturally young Eric seemed, and how it had been over 20 years since I'd first met him. Also enjoyed CULT MOVIES and was happy to pick up my first new issue in a while not too long ago. This is so bizarre and sad.

[August Ragone]

From reliable sources, Copner has been suffering with a declining mental condition, and attacked Caidin the previous day with fists, giving him a black eye. Caidin, fully aware and sympathetic to his friend's condition, let him in the store the next day, only to be attacked again -- this time with a deadly weapon.

[John Black]

Dreadful story--I've met Eric several times, and have corresponded with Copner in the distant past. I wish that this thread was an April Fool's prank. Copner seemed like a nice guy at the time of our correspondence, but that was a long time ago.

[Lee Peterson]

Oh, man. Crazy, horrible news.

Speedy recovery, Eric!