There are a lot of infamous killers / murderers / serial killers etc – Bundy, Dahmer, Ramirez, Wuornos.. you get the gist! They are ‘famous’ because of the crimes they committed. But what about those who are Hollywood superstars, pop-stars etc,… famous celebrities that you never knew were killers…
O.J. Simpson: This is the obvious one that springs to everyone’s minds when you think of celebrity killers. The professional American footballer / Actor leapt onto screens worldwide during his trial in which he was accused of stabbing and killing his wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, 35, and her friend, Ron Goldman, 25. Although he was acquitted of the murders in criminal court, a civil court later found him responsible for the wrongful deaths and ordered him to pay $33.5 million to the victim’s families in 1997, as of 2020 he had avoided paying pretty much all of it. 11 years later he was sent to prison, in 2008, for armed robbery and kidnapping. He served 9 years out of a 33 year sentence before being released in 2017.
Oscar Pistorius: In 2013, Pistorius shot his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, four times through the bathroom door, killing her. The Olympic athlete claimed he thought she was a intruder. He was found guilty of culpable homicide in 2014 and sentenced to 5 years imprisonment. However, in 2016, the conviction was changed to murder and his sentence increased to 6 years and then again in 2017 an appeal by prosecutors resulted in his sentenced being increased to 15 years imprisonment minus time already served.
Caitlyn Jenner: Another tragic, fatal car accident. This time in Malibu. Olympian, Jenner, was driving her SUV when she rear-ended a white car, shunting it into oncoming traffic. The white car, driven by actress Kim Howe, then collided with a hummer, Kim died as a result of her injuries., Jenner was not injured. Jenner, who was tested and proven sober, claimed she was being chased by paparazzi at the time of the incident. No charges were bought against Jenner but financial settlements were made to Kim’s family.
Snoop Dogg: Although he didn’t technically pull the trigger, in 1993 Snoop Dogg, (AKA Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr) was charged with the murder of Little Smooth (AKA Philip Woldemariam,) a rival gang member. Snoop was driving the car accompanied by his then body guard Mckinley Lee (“Malik”). It was his bodyguard who in fact pulled out the pistol and shot ‘Little Smooth’, However, prosecutors believed he was following orders from Snoop. The pair claimed Malik was acting in self defence. Ultimately they were found not guilty of murder and acquitted of all other charges.
Venus Williams: In June 2017, the Tennis playing star cut in another car at an intersection in Palm Beach, Florida, causing another car, who had right of way, to crash into her. Williams and the driver of the other car survived but the 78 year old male passenger died in hospital. The accident was deemed, by investigators, to have been Williams fault but then further evidence, via surveillance cameras, concluded that a third car had cut in front of Williams, therefore causing the accident. The driver of the third car was never identified.
Johnny Lewis: In 2012 The ‘Sons Of Anarchy’ actor / Scientologist strangled Catherine Davis, 81, to death before beating and killing her cat. He then violently assaulted her neighbours. Lewis fell to his death minutes after the attacks as he jumped from Catherine’s roof. His autopsy showed scratches and strangulation marks on his neck, indicating that Catherine had fought hard for her life.
Sid Vicious: The Sex Pistols bassist and vocalist allegedly killed his girlfriend Nancy Spungen in their hotel room. The pair had fought the night before, with Vicious awaking from a drugged up stupor to discover Nancy stabbed to death in the bathroom. Vicious said “I stabbed her, but I never meant to kill her,” but then changed his story claiming he couldn’t remember what happened. He was charged with her murder but died whilst on bail from a heroin overdose before the case went to trial.
Michael Jace: In 2014, Jace shot and killed his wife, April Jace. The couples 2 children were present at the time and witnessed the shooting. Jace called 911 and reported that he had murdered his wife, claiming he had only meant to shoot her in the leg to hurt her as he thought she was cheating on him. However he is quoted to have told her “You like to run so much, why don’t you try running to heaven.” just before the shooting. He was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 40 years to life in prison.
Laura Bush: When in high school, former First Lady, Laura Bush ran a stop sign causing a collision between her car and a car driven by her classmate and ex boyfriend, Michael Dutton Douglas. He died as a result of a broken neck. Authorities concluded neither party were to blame for the accident.
Matthew Broderick: Whilst on holiday in Ireland in 1997, with his then girlfriend, Broderick accidentally drove on the wrong side of the road resulting in a collision with an on coming car. Both the driver and passenger of the other car, Anna Gallagher, 28 and her mother Margaret Doherty, 63. died instantly. Broderick was charged with careless driving and fined £100
Don King: In 1966 the fight producer killed his employee Sam Garret by pistol whipping him then stomping him to death. The pair had disagreed over a $600 gambling debt Sam owed King. He was convicted of non-negligent manslaughter, and sentenced to 4 years in prison.
So readers, there you have it, in no particular order, a list of celebrities you may not have realised were also killers. Do you know of any others? Let us know via the contact us and we’ll add your suggestions to the list.
