The 13 Most Fascinating Unsolved Hollywood Murders

Who was he?
Crane, born in 1928, was an actor known for starring in the popular TV series Hogan's Heroes from 1965 to 1971. Crane was a successful actor but his personal life included womanizing and a predilection for sexual indiscretion. He had started recording and photographing his sexual encounters, with help from his friend John Carpenter, a salesman who provided Crane with recording equipment.

The Case
Crane was found murdered on June 29, 1978. He had been beaten to death while sleeping in a Scottsdale, Arizona hotel room. The killer wrapped an electric cord around Crane's neck after he was dead.

Theories
Theories for Crane's death included a jealous spouse or boyfriend attacking Crane (which put the suspect list in the 100s) or someone seeking revenge for being recorded without his or her consent. Carpenter was another suspect; besides providing Crane with recording devices he had also participated in at least one three-way with the actor. People had observed tension between the friends right before the murder.

Where the Case Stands Today
No concrete evidence linked Carpenter to the crime until 1992, when the police found an expert to testify that a photographed spot on Carpenter's rental car was actually brain matter. Carpenter was tried for the crime, but his defense stated that there was no way to be sure what the photograph showed. Carpenter was eventually acquitted and maintained he was innocent until his 1998 death.

Biography: Bob Crane
IMDB: Bob Crane Biography
How Did Bob Crane Die?

Who was he?
Reeves was an actor best known for playing Superman in the 1950s TV show.

The Case
Reeves died of a gunshot wound to the head on June 16, 1959. He was in his Benedict Canyon home at the time, as were his fiancée Leonore Lemmon and three other guests.

Theories
Although ruled a suicide, the fact that the others in the house waited to call the police and that stray bullet cases were found by the body led some to believe Reeves was a homicide victim, not a suicide. He had been having an affair with Toni Mannix, the wife of an MGM executive. One theory holds that the jilted Toni had Reeves killed, another that the cuckolded husband, Eddie Mannix, used his underworld ties to have Reeves killed.

Where the Case Stands Today
In 1999, a Hollywood publicist, Edward Lozzi, claimed Toni Mannix confessed to killing Reeves. However, no proof was offered or found, so the case remains an official suicide.

IMDB: George Reeves Biography
On This Day
Wikipedia: George Reeves

Who was he?
Stompanato was involved with the actress Lana Turner, in a relationship that had a history of violence. He was also a gangster who worked as an enforcer for Mickey Cohen.

The Case
Stompanato died of a knife wound on April 4, 1958 at Lana Turner's home.

Theories
Turner's daughter, Cheryl Crane, who was 14 years old at the time, confessed to the crime. Crane stated she had picked up a knife to protect her mother during an argument with Stompanato. As there were no fingerprints on the knife, many people believed Turner had stabbed Stompanato, either during a violent confrontation or because she wanted to end the relationship. Crane may have taken the blame for the crime to protect her mother, and because she faced a much lighter penalty as a minor.

Where the Case Stands Today
Crane confessed to the crime, and no evidence appeared that disputed her version of events, so the case went to trial. Crane was found to have committed justifiable homicide to protect herself and her mother.

The Goddess and the Gangster
Crime Library: Lana Turner
Wikipedia: Johnny Stompanato

Who was she?
Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson, was a famous actress, known for her roles in movies such as Some Like It Hot and for her relationships with powerful men of the day, from Arthur Miller to Joe DiMaggio to JFK.

The Case
On August 4, 1962, the 36-year-old Monroe died in her Brentwood home. Her housekeeper and psychiatrist discovered Monroe naked in bed with an empty bottle of sleeping pills nearby.

Theories
Before her death, Monroe had been hospitalized for psychiatric problems and was receiving long-term psychiatric care. Her death was ruled a probable suicide. But many believe Monroe was murdered, possibly to make sure she wouldn't talk about her liaisons with both JFK and his brother Robert. Although Monroe's affair with JFK had been talked about in Hollywood for some time, her birthday serenade of the President in April 1962 made more people aware of the connection.

Where the Case Stands Today
Although rumors and speculation continue, there is no more definitive answer now about Monroe's death than in the 1960s.


Crime Library: Marilyn Monroe
On This Day: Monroe found dead