Investigation into Natalie Wood's death reopened

[Rowdon]

This could turn out to be intersting. Or not.

Authorities reopen probe into Natalie Wood's 1981 drowning death - CNN.com

[Moor Larkin]

"This is my boss, Jonathan Hart, self-made millionaire. He's quite a guy. This is Mrs. H. She's gorgeous. What a terrific lady. By the way, my name is Max. I take care of them, which ain't easy, 'cause their hobby is murder."

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.

[didi-5]

There have always been rumours, haven't there? Truth will out perhaps. Or not.

[Chevyman]

I wonder what brought this to the surface after so long?

The brief interview with her sister is rather pointed..............

BBC News - Natalie Wood: LA police reopen actress' death inquiry

[chuffnobbler]

One of my earliest memories is of my mum and my grandmother discussing Natalie Wood's disappearance.

Am I right in thinking she was missing for a couple of days before her body was found? If so, it's odd to think that i could probably put an exact date on that memory! I didn't know who Natalie Wood was, but remember mum and nan being very upset.

[Dame Starry]

Am I right in thinking she was missing for a couple of days before her body was found?

I thought she was actually found the following morning.

Christopher Walken was also on that boat that night........

[batman]

It was reported on the radio earlier that the skipper of the yacht has recently written a book in which he alleges that Robert Wagner beat Natalie Wood rather badly on the night in question. He also alleges that the original coroner's report said Natalie had severe bruising to her face and many other bruises on her body, consistent with a beating. It is these allegations that the police are said to be investigating.

[Windthrop]

I understand that the skipper hs admited lying in his original testimony. Hardly a credible witness and he must realise that Wagner can afford the best lawyers. Can't see this coming to anything.

Like Diana they should leave her dead IMHO.

[wellendcanons]

According to Mary Tamm's autobiography she went on a sailing trip with fellow Dr Who actors Peter Davison and Deborah Watling in 2003. Deborah had gone on ahead of the other two and sailed in the waters where Natalie disappeared and had to turn back because it was so rough. She was apparantly lucky to get back in one piece. It has a reputation for being very rough out there even for an expert!

wec

[wadey]

Will they do Primula Rollo's next ?

[Heinrich]

... Christopher Walken was also on that boat that night........

Although the police have stated that Robert Wagner is not a suspect, they have not ruled out Christopher Walken in a similar fashion.

[Dame Starry]

It was reported on the radio earlier that the skipper of the yacht has recently written a book in which he alleges that Robert Wagner beat Natalie Wood rather badly on the night in question. He also alleges that the original coroner's report said Natalie had severe bruising to her face and many other bruises on her body, consistent with a beating. It is these allegations that the police are said to be investigating.

You have to wonder why that was, apparently, never followed up thoroughly in the original investigation - it sounds like crucial evidence to me.....after all, this was forensic evidence, not just a statement from an eyewitness. Forensics has come a long way in the 30 years since Wood died.

[Richard_in_wales]

I suspect money has to be involved somewhere along the line.

[Dame Starry]

Although the police have stated that Robert Wagner is not a suspect, they have not ruled out Christopher Walken in a similar fashion.

No. What they HAVE said is that while the case is being re-opened and remains an 'accidental death' Wagner is not a suspect.....but, if they find anything incriminating when they re-evalue the evidence, he could become one.

[batman]

Although the police have stated that Robert Wagner is not a suspect, they have not ruled out Christopher Walken in a similar fashion.

Is it likely that Wagner would have kept quiet after someone had abused/killed his wife?

[Windthrop]

No. What they HAVE said is that while the case is being re-opened and remains an 'accidental death' Wagner is not a suspect.....but, if they find anything incriminating when they re-evalue the evidence, he could become one.

As I stated earlier I can't see how the statements of those who may have kept quiet or lied 30 years ago is going to lead to anything. It looks as if it is about shifting books and I think in a years time it will all be forgotten about.

[Rowdon]

As I stated earlier I can't see how the statements of those who may have kept quiet or lied 30 years ago is going to lead to anything. It looks as if it is about shifting books and I think in a years time it will all be forgotten about.

I would agree with that ... except it's very unusual for the police to actually re-open a case in these circumstances. I mean, normally there are just veiled accusations and mysterious 'uncovered evidence' in the pre-publicity for a book, but the police themselves don't usually go along with it just to help a publisher. Not even Rupert Murdoch these days.

[Dame Starry]

As I stated earlier I can't see how the statements of those who may have kept quiet or lied 30 years ago is going to lead to anything. It looks as if it is about shifting books and I think in a years time it will all be forgotten about.

It will probably initially focus on how thorough the actual police investigation was at the time - and whether the police followed up everything fully.....no 'cover-ups' just because of Wagner's popularity at the time (perhaps?).

Wood's sister isn't out to 'get' anybody, she just wants the truth and doesn't believe that she got it.
I can, partly, understand her inability to comprehend fully because she is adamant that her sister was terrified of water - BUT, if she was that terrified, would she have been able to get on a boat in the first place - especially one so small?

[jaycad]

It looks to me as if Wagner has slapped his wife around during a drunken argument fuelled by jealousy and she had decided that she was not going to stay on the same boat and got into/attempted to get into the dinghy (probably to frighten Wagner) and fallen into the sea and drowned-hardly a big mystery! Yes,Wood was frightened of deep water but temper and drink is a bad cocktail which has made many a person do things they usually would not even consider,but let's not ruin a good conspiracy theory eh?

[wadsy]

It was reported on the radio earlier that the skipper of the yacht has recently written a book in which he alleges that Robert Wagner beat Natalie Wood rather badly on the night in question. He also alleges that the original coroner's report said Natalie had severe bruising to her face and many other bruises on her body, consistent with a beating. It is these allegations that the police are said to be investigating.

A quote from the captain Dennis Davern in the papers here where he claims that Robert Wagner told him to "Leave her there (in the water) to

teach her a lesson"! Wagner is then alleged to have called his lawyer before alerting the Coastguard.