Unsolved murders and cases are chilling, even more so when they involve Hollywood and celebrities. Celebrities have money and resources, so even when their cases go cold, it’s hard not to feel scared. Some of the most violent murders in Hollywood remain unsolved. Click through the slideshow for some of the creepiest unsolved Hollywood mysteries. Note: A few of these cases are solved, but are too mysterious and strange not to include.
Black Dahlia
Have you heard the case of the Black Dahlia? Technically, she wasn’t a Hollywood star, but did dream of making it big in California. Unfortunately, she never got the chance. On January 15, 1947, Elizabeth Short (known as the Black Dahlia) was found brutally murdered in Los Angeles. Even though the LAPD found over 150 potential suspects, her cruel murder is still unsolved.
Thelma Todd
Thelma Todd passed away young. This Hollywood celebrity starred in numerous films, including “Nevada,” “Naughty Baby,” and “Bottoms Up.” Although her death was ruled accidental due to carbon monoxide poisoning and is currently solved, not everyone believes this verdict – even decades later. Her body was found on December 16, 1935, in her car at the home of Jewel Carmen after a night out.
Natalie Wood
Natalie Wood’s career was on the rise when she was killed. Known for her roles in “Rebel Without a Cause,” ” The Searchers,” and “The Great Race,” it was shocking when she passed at just 43 years old. On November 29, 1981, she died under mysterious circumstances while on a boat. Her body was recovered from the water that day. She was found with bruises covering her body. Her death was ruled as accidental, however, it was reopened in 2011.
George Reeves
George Reeves died when he was only 45 years old. This strange case is technically solved, but raises a lot of eyebrows over 60 years later. Reeves was known for portraying Superman in the TV series of the same name that ran from 1952–1958. He died of a gunshot to the head on June 16, 1959. He wasn’t alone at home at the time. His death was ruled a suicide, although not all the evidence gathered at the scene points to this. For instance, there was no gunpowder residue on Reeves’ hands.
Paul Bern
Another actor who passed away because of supposed suicide is Paul Bern. Although officially ruled a suicide, there seems to be more to this case. For instance, Paul Bern wasn’t outwardly struggling with depression. Also, his suicide note was short and unlike him. Some people theorize he was killed by an ex-lover or affair partner.
Virginia Rappe
Another strange celebrity death on our list is of Virginia Rappe, a well-known silent film era actress. During a party on Labor Day, Rappe was heavily hurt. The circumstances surrounding the party are still a mystery. However, four days after the party, she passed away from a ruptured bladder and secondary peritonitis. The biggest theory surrounding her death is she was assaulted by Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle. Although he was brought to court, Arbuckle was acquitted of all charges. So, what happened to Virginia Rappe?
William Desmond Taylor
Over a century later, we still don’t know who killed William Desmond Taylor. On February 2, 1922, Taylor’s body was found in his home at the Alvarado Court Apartment. He was shot in the back with a weapon that was not found at the scene. While there were quite a few suspects including, Edward Sands, Henry Peavey, and Mabel Normand, the killer was never identified. This case remains unsolved.
Mary Pinchot Meyer
History buffs will probably recognize this name. Mary Pinchot Meyer was a big socialite from New York City. She’s best known for her romantic involvement with President John F. Kennedy and her unsolved homicide. On October 12, 1964, was killed by an unnamed man along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. An autopsy revealed she was shot twice, one in the left temple and the other in her back. Ray Crump Jr. was arrested for her murder but was acquitted. He had no ties to the murder but instead was in the area when it occurred.
Bob Crane
Did you ever watch the show “Hogan’s Heroes?” One of its stars was Bob Crane. He also starred in “The Wicked Dreams of Paula Schultz,” “Gus,” “Arsenic and Old Lace,” and “The Donna Reed Show.” His career and life, though, was cut short on June 29, 1978. This was when his co-star, Victoria Ann Berry, entered his home after he missed a meeting. She found his dead body, bludgeoned by an unknown weapon and with an electrical cord wrapped around his neck. His friend, John Henry Carpenter, was tried for Crane’s murder but was acquitted and continued to stand on his innocence.
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