She always harbored childhood ambitions to be a publicist after Roy Rogers and Dale Evans made a personal appearance in Madison Square Garden. Born in Boston of Irish ancestry and raised in Dallas, Jack Nance traveled throughout the country doing children's theater. According to the Los Angeles Times, doctors found a longstanding bowel obstruction. Killed by mother, Ee Lee, who was found mentally incompetent to stand trial twice. Even after his death, in 2016 a proposal to honor him with a marker at the Pennsylvania club was voted down. Mikhail Markhasev is currently serving life in prison for the seemingly random murder. Entered silent film industry as actor in 1912; most noted film as actor was Captain Alvarez (1914) for Vitagraph. Both before and after his well-known role onSons of Anarchy, Lewis had destructive run-ins with the law, including residential burglary and assault and battery. She had been sexually molested and was found with a skull fracture. Chuck Berry. An unidentified woman found floating in a lake in Florida. The case gathered a large amount of public attention, and the boy was sometimes referred to as "America's unknown child", prior to his identification in 2022. Later, while trying to decide between a career in music or art, she illustrated children's books during Died December 10, 1986, age 59; her son beat her to death with a weight-lifting bar Was an American actress best known for the films "The Wasp Woman" and "Son of Ali Baba"Her son spent 2-1/2 years in jail pending trial; he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and served no additional time for her murder. As a result of her death, California enacted a law restricting the release of private information from its motor vehicle records. He died on July 2, 1994 in Medellin, Colombia. John Lennon, a 40-year-old rock icon and member of the Beatles, was shot five times in the back outside his Manhattan apartment building on December 8, 1980, by Mark David Chapman, a former Beatles fan. Carl Switzer who played Alfalfa in Our Gang was fatally shot in 1959 when he and a friend went to collect $50 from a man by the name of Bud Stiltz. Died July 15, 1997, age 50; was shot to death in front of his home in Miami Beach, Florida by spree killer Andrew Cunanan, who killed himself 8 days laterWas an Italian fashion and costume designer; his company also produces fragrances, jewelry, china, and furnishings as well as clothes, Soundtrack | The police were notifiedwithin hours, but there was no sign of the boy until two weeks later when his severed head was found in a canal near Vero Beach. The other three murderers have remained incarcerated for over 51 years. An infant abandoned near a road that died from exposure and blood loss. "Dressed to Kill. Plato played Kimberly Drummond, the teenage daughter of a wealthy white widower who adopts two African-American brothers. He was an actor, known for The Kids Are All Right (2010), Surface (2005) and 2012 (2009). A medical examiner ruled the 34-year-oldsdeath a suicide. Salisbury Township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. Lee Earle James Ellroy is a famous American crime fiction writer. Judith was only 10-years-old. The Aztec Mummy (1958) and The Curse of the Aztec Mummy (1957). Died April 26, 1999, age 37; was shot in the head at point blank range in front of her home Was a British journalist and newscasterBarry George, a known criminal, was convicted of her murder and sentenced to life in prison. A toddler thrown from a bridge into a river. Michelle Thomas best known for playing Justine Phillips on The Cosby Show and Myra Monkhouse on Family Matters died at the age of 20 in 1998 of a rare form of stomach cancer, Intra-abdominal Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor, that was mostly found in adolescent boys. For eight years, he performed with the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. Find the latest Bollywood News and Celebrity Gossips from Latest In Bollywood. She worked in local news in Miami before going on to the national stage, co-hosting "Access Hollywood" and later becoming the face of reality TV sensation "90 . His first breakthrough in music came in 1991 as a member of the group Digital Died September 13, 1996, age 25; was shot in a drive-by following a boxing match in Las Vegas; he died 6 days laterMusic producer Suge Knight was driving the car; he was wounded but survivedWas an actor, rapper, lyricist, and social activist; starred in the movies "Juice", "Bullet", Poetic Justice", "Above the Rim", and "Gang Related"No one was ever charged with his murder, and it remains unsolved. Presumed victim of unidentified serial killer. Victims of an unidentified serial killer. Loosely based on Jane Austens novel Emma, Clueless garnered critical acclaim and led to Murphys roles in major movies likeGirl, Interrupted;8 Mile;and Sin City. June 25, 2012, 8:13 AM. The gist of this particular rumor was that Kurt was controlled by Courtney Love, who herself was an MKUltra slave. Three girls murdered while at a summer camp. Murdered by two college students who believed their ostensible intellectual superiority would allow them to get away with the "perfect crime". Authorities in the U.S. Virgin Islands are investigating the sudden death of a retired American swimming champion. A teenage runaway from Connecticut. Let them have no doubt of what they mean to you.. In 1989 she also became a spokesperson for Died July 18, 1989, age 21; was shot to death in her apartment building by an obsessed fanWas an actress and model best known for co-starring on the TV show "My Sister Sam"Her killer was sentenced to life without paroleHe had obtained her address from the DMV. Birthdate: May 29, 1917. Haing S. Ngor was a native of Cambodia. Sharon Tate, an actress married to director Roman Polanski and pregnant with his child at the time, was brutally murdered in 1969 by members of the Charles Manson Family - a cult notorious for this killing that would see Sharon Tate stabbed in her home 16 times. 8 8)Dorothy Stratten. On Jan. 31, 1988, ORourke collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. The other three murderers have remained incarcerated for over 50 years. Died May 28, 1960, age 42; was shot to death by the ex-husband of actress Evangelina Elizondo, who he was dating at the timeWas a Mexican actor who starred in several films during 1940's -1960's. He left the bar complaining of a headache. 5. He is an actor and writer, known for City Teacher (2007), Spin City (1996) and The Jayson Williams Story. Next: A freak accident horrified this actors fans. All 21 victims were in the same fourth-grade room at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on the morning of May 24 when an 18-year-old gunman wearing body armor started shooting, firing off as . Died November 24, 2012, age 50; was shot while sitting in a car in suburban San Juan, Puerto Rico; he died four days laterWas a professional boxer who held world champion titles in three weight classesIn March 2022, ten years after his murder, five suspects were arrested. Roger Troutman was born on November 29, 1951 in Dayton, Ohio, USA. Born and raised in Canarsie, Brooklyn, Pop Smoke began his musical career in late 2018 with his debut single "MPR (Panic Died February 19, 2020, age 20; was shot to death during a home invasionWas an American rapper and songwriterFour men, three of whom were juveniles, were charged with his murder and are currently awaiting trial. 1. Dowling, Paul, and Vince Sherry, prods. Although the original amount of $50,000 was paid, the child's body was found with a crushed skull a few miles from the Lindbergh home on May 12, 1932. Actor Kelsey Grammer, who first rose to fame on the classic sitcom "Cheers," has endured a number of heartbreaking tragedies throughout his life. In the film, Murphy portrayed an ugly duckling high school student who receives a makeover by a popular girl, played by Alicia Silverstone. Judith Barsi best known for providing the voice for Ducky in The Land Before Time was shot and killed by her father back in 1988. Walkers greatest career success came as an adult when he played Brian OConner in 2001s The Fast and the Furious. 1. Dick Kallman, an actor in movies and television in the late 50s and 60s, left Hollywood and began doing stage work. He became famous for portraying Alfalfa in the film series "Our Gang" during the 1930s. Her body was found a few days later, but her killer has never been found. After reporting to a Mexico City jail regularly for a year while his attorney worked to resolve the case, Burroughs returned to the . Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock. He was a music artist and actor, known for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018), Exit (2019) and We Are Who We Are (2020). He appeared in the film Gypsy (1962) as Gerry. He was previously married to Cami Sebring. Those included on this list include many of the mostfamous people who died young. He was also cited for disorderly conduct for incidents involving actress Shannon Price, his girlfriend and wife. On 8th December 1980, tragedy struck when Lennon arrived at his home a fan came up and asked for his autograph, he agreed to give it, but when he turned to walk away . Sawyer Sweeten - Everybody Loves Raymond Cause of death: Suicide He graduated in 1957, and became one of the Died June 18, 1984, age 50; was shot 12 times by members of the White supremacist group The Order, purportedly for being Jewish and "anti-white"Was an attorney and radio show hostFour members of The Order were indicted for the crime. Like Coleman, Dana Plato found fame as a child actor on the 80s sitcom Diffrent Strokes. It's possible the true murderer is still at large. He was an actor, known for The Aztec Mummy (1957), The Robot vs. Contributing factors totheircasualties rangefrom health issues to substance abuse to accidents. ORourke passed away at just 12 years old. She was previously married to Chenghai Zhou. After a successful lawsuit, Coleman received $1.3 million, as reported by Jet magazine. After a couple of roles in war movies (The Purple Plain (1954) and The Cockleshell Heroes (1955)) and a Tarzan movie (Tarzan and the Lost Safari (1957)) he became a villain in Strangers' Meeting (1957). She died on December 8, 2014 in Los Angeles, Died December 8, 2014, age 30; was shot to death by her husband, who then killed himselfWas an American actress and dancer who appeared on the TV show "Hit the Floor". For years, police struggled to catch her killer and the case remains unsolved to this day. Child actors seem to have the worst of luck. News reports say three children have been killed and two other children wounded in an attack at at a home in Texas Friday. As noted by The New York Times, the coroner found deadly levels of cocaine and morphine in his system. So, let's take a look into what happened to the Hollywood men accused of child sexual abuse in An Open Secret. 3 3)Phil Hartman. He appealed, was retried, and was acquitted 7 years after his conviction. And then there are those child actors that just fell out of the spotlight and it's terrible to later find out that they died when they still had so much living to do. Avery's body lay undiscovered in his cell for 38 hours, for . ", An unidentified young woman found face down in a parking lot in Las Vegas. His is not just one of the most famous suicides, but also one of the most baffling. Recent isotope testing indicated she was possibly from the Western region of the United States, Alaska, or Canada before her murder in Washington. He was raised in the poor Brooklyn neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant. 1. Upon release, he died from either falling or jumping off a roof. Walsh's murder remained unsolved for decades. Avery's body lay undiscovered in his cell for 38 hours, for which the corrections officers received a slap on the wrist for their negligence and dereliction of dutyRoby confessed to the murder, and remains incarcerated. His behavior and mental capacity later worsened, leading to an in-jail diagnosis of internal bleeding in the brain. ITALY, Texas. According to An Open Secret, Collins-Rector played a huge . 3 Kurt Cobain. On May 24, 2008, Knox was stabbed five times in the chest outside a bar in London as he tried to defend his brother fromanattacker, reported the BBC. She first appeared as Justine Phillips onThe Cosby Show,playing Theo Huxtables girlfriend for three years. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Next: This beloved actresss death devastated and confused her fans. And the theyre here line she delivers in the movie is so famous The American Film Institute included it on their list of top movie quotes from the last 100 years. The middle child, determined to be the daughter of serial killer Terry Peder Rasmussen, remains unidentified. Unfortunately, Renfros increasing drug use derailed his promising acting career. In 1984, his family moved to Baltimore, Maryland where he became good friends with Jada Pinkett Smith. 6. Actress Natalie Wood was a child star who began . Before the war, he was a physician & medical officer in the Cambodian army. Kidnapping and mutilation of a young girl. Sharon Tate: Stabbed 16 Times. After being cited for drug possession in the late 90s, Renfro earned further notoriety when he was arrested for attempting to steal a yacht, as reported by the Spartanburg Herald-Journal. Gary Coleman became a child star as Arnold Jackson on the hit TV series Diffrent Strokes. She also lost custody of her son due to her drug and alcohol problems. Carl Switzer. Stinney had murder of two girls named . Teenager murdered and dumped near a Woodlawn cemetery, unidentified decedent for 45 years. She was just eight days shy of turning 22. Died November 10, 1973, age 57; he and his wife were shot to death during a home invasionWas a musician, actor, and singer-songwriter best known for appearing on the TV show "Hee Haw" and at the Grand Ole Opry. After her stepmother stomped on her as punishment for lying, Michelle died the next day of internal injuries. Knox was only 18 years old when he died. According to Access Hollywood, the coroner determined that pulmonary congestion not a drug overdose caused his death. Unfortunately, money problems plagued Coleman, despite Diffrent Strokes fame. (L) Judith Barsi, (Top R) Judith's parents, (Lower R) the crime scene | YouTube. He died on July 15, 1997 in Miami Beach, Florida, USA. In November 2003, seaQuest DSV star Jonathan Brandis took his own lifeat the age of 27. A serial killer was later convicted of her murder. Young had suffered through depression and bipolar disorder, and was taking medication to treat both issues. The driver lost control of the car, and the fiery crash killed both men. The Fast and the Furiousstar Paul Walker also appeared in many movies and TV shows as a child, including Highway to Heaven and Throb. She was an actress, known for Kung Fu Wing Chun (2010), Iron Men (2009) and Three Kingdoms (2008). As an adult, he discovered that his parents and agent had misappropriated his childhood earnings. 3 weeks ago. In the year 1986 two teenagers named Kenneth Miller and Sean Wentz came into their bar armed with a gun. On June 10, 2016, Grimmie was shot three Died June 10, 2016, age 22; was shot to death by an obsessed fan while signing autographs; her killer then shot himself to death Was a singer and contestant on the TV reality show "The Voice". Names like Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy, Aileen Wournrous and John Wayne Gacy are as recognizable as many Oscar winners. Victim remained unidentified until September 2015. Matthew Garber known for his role as Michael Banks in MaryPoppins unknowingly contracted Hepatitis while in India back in 1976. 5 5)Jam Master Jay. Sentencing is scheduled for November 2022. He was the son of Jamaican parents, Voletta Wallace, a pre-school teacher, and Selwyn George Latore, a welder and small-time politician. The late Adrienne Shelly was born in Queens, New York, to Elaine Langbaum and Sheldon Levine. The cause of the boy's death was unknown, but since his body had been weighted down, the case was investigated as a suspicious death. Carl Switzer was an American child actor, singer, dog breeder, and hunting guide from Paris, Illinois. His surname was originally "Hartmann", but he later dropped the second "n". Worked as stage actor, engineer, antique dealer, gold miner. She died on October 21, 2005 in Inglewood, California, USA. Her killer called her family repeatedly to taunt them; even after the victim's death. Serving as a beloved Disney Channel star, Lee Thompson Young landed his first role as the lead inThe Famous Jett Jacksonat 14 years old. On May 8, 1999, her fianc found Plato in their Winnebago motorhome, dead of a drug overdose. What do you think the punishment should be for someone who murders a child? JonBent Ramsey tops this list. Brittany Murphy appeared in many TV sitcoms and commercials before her big break in the 1995 hit comedy Clueless. Some murdered kids were targeted by people they knew, while others were killed by complete strangers. Trial is set to begin February 2023. It is always heartbreaking when a child dies, but a child getting murdered is almost unthinkable. Next: Domestic violence ended this little girls life. He has starred in numerous regional stage productions including the San Diego Repertory Theater's Died October 3, 2020, age 70, after being shot multiple times in the backWas a Tony-nominated actor best known for appearing in the movies "Clockers", "Get On the Bus", and "Set It Off"A suspect was arrested two weeks after the shooting, and is currently awaiting trial. Around the same time, several personal tragedies struck when her husband divorced her, her mother passed away, and an accountant stole most of her money. Andrs Escobar was born on March 13, 1967 in Colombia. Salvatore (Sal) Mineo Jr. was born to Josephine and Sal Sr. (a casket maker), who emigrated to the U.S. from Sicily. Victims remained unidentified until 2015. 10. The prime suspect has since died and DNA samples from the killer are now insufficient to process. Colemans health issues likely contributed to his early death at the age of 42. In order to escape execution, he denied being a doctor or having an education. Jill Dando was born on November 9, 1961 in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, England, UK. The 1975 murder of 15-year-old Martha Moxley attracted a lot of media attention, thanks to an association with the Kennedy family. Tragically, his Jeep Cherokee pinned the 27-year-old against a pillar outside his home, after the car rolled backward in his driveway a result of a common transmission error that later led to a recall. Twenty-month-old Charles Augustus LindberghJr.was snatched from his crib in New Jerseyon March 1, 1932. He died on May 28, 1960 in Mexico City, Mexico. This 16-year-old rising stars life ended in gang violence on the streets of Inglewood, California. April 10, 1966 - Nov. 29, 2022. Since we all enjoy a tragic story, weve decided to round up all of those child actors out there who were taken from us a little too soon for reasons totally outside their control. Died December 8, 2004, age 38; was shot to death onstage by an angry former fan; the assailant then killed 3 others before he was shot to death by policeWas a guitarist for the heavy metal bands Pantera and Damageplan, both of which he co-founded. He was of German, Irish, Died May 28, 1998, age 49; was shot to death by his wife while he slept; she then shot and killed herselfWas an actor and comedian best known as a member of the "Saturday Night Live" ensemble cast and the TV show "NewsRadio". Cause of death ruled a homicide by medical examiner. According to the Police investigation, the rape case was one of the factors that led to her death. He sang in church and in local gospel choirs until a group called Died December 11, 1964, age 33; was shot to death by the manager of the motel at which he was staying Was a gospel and R&B singer, songwriter, and civil rights activistShe claimed self-defense and served no jail time, but many believe Cooke was actually murdered by some of his business associates. She was previously married to Earl Hayes. The actress' son, Richard Meeker, was talking to his roommate and apparently playing with a shotgun when it fired, fatally shooting him in the head. Brad William Henke passed away at the age of 56. Unidentified and known as Valentine Sally until February 2021. Every year, thousands of people fall victim to volatile offenders in the United States. Unfortunately, Plato never fully kicked her drug habit. Sal was thrown out of parochial school and, by age eight, was a member of a street gang in a tough Bronx neighborhood. The victims were Carmen Coln, Michelle Maenza, and Wanda Walkowicz. Hollywood was shocked when 10-year-old child star Judith Barsi died at the hands of her suicidal father in 1988. She dropped out after her junior year and moved to Manhattan, where she made a Died November 1, 2006, age 40; was strangled by a construction worker in her apartment buildingHer killer pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 25 years in prison without paroleWas best known for the movie "Waitress," which she wrote, directed, and starred in. In January 1996, Amber Hagerman was kidnapped while riding her bike in Arlington, TX. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. In 1988, Phoenix garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of a counterculture couples son in Sidney Lumets Running on Empty. Click to reveal 1,660 views . First, 22-year old Dana actress Dominique Donne was killed in 1982; then even more infamously Carol Anne actress Heather O'Rourke passed away in 1988 aged just 12. Sharon's early life was one of constant moving as her father served in the military. Several months before filming began, doctors misdiagnosed ORourke with Crohns disease. Some of the stars were former child actors from Nickelodeon and Disney Channel. Airmiess Joseph Asghedom (August 15, 1985 - March 31, 2019), known professionally as Nipsey Hussle (often stylized as Nipsey Hu$$Le), was an American rapper. In 1997, Ennis Cosby , the only son of Bill and Camille Cosby, was changing his tire on the side of a road in Los Angeles when he was robbed, shot in the head, and killed. He died on November 1, 2020 in Grand Prairie, Texas, USA. On this list are 10 such casestragic, devastating, and seemingly forever unsolved. Most known for: The Land Before Time Cause of death: Murder Hollywood was shocked when 10-year-old child star . On July 23, 1982, Vic Morrow and two child actors, Renee Shinn Chen and Myca Dinh Le, are killed in an accident involving a helicopter during filming on the California set of Twilight Zone: The Movie. Next: This talented actor made many mistakes. On Feb. 26, 2012, 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was shot and killed on a residential street in Sanford, FL, by neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman, who claimed he was acting in self-defense. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1. Lisa Marie Presley died at the age of 54 after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest at her . Victim of Gary Ridgway, who remained unidentified until 2021; previously known as "Jane Doe B-10" or "Bones 10." He died on December 8, 2004 in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Shakur was struck four times, and later died at the hospital on Sept. 13, 1996. The investigation focused on several suspects, including somemembers of her family, but to this day, the case remains unsolved. Her body was found in the basement of her home in Boulder, CO, on the day after Christmas in 1996. Died August 9, 1969, age 35; was shot and stabbed to death by members of the Manson Family at the home of actress Sharon Tate, who was also murdered, along with 3 othersWas a celebrity hairstylistCharles Manson and the four assailants were convicted of murder in 1971 and given the death penalty. He died on June 18, 2018 in Deerfield Beach, Florida, USA. Their mother took them 'somewhere safe' and has never told anyone where that was or what happened. Three Celebrities Who Became Murderers. Michelle Kapusta also contributed to this article. Shot in the head by his neighbor; no motive given, Died 2 days after being struck by the attacker's car, This page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 05:08. Died June 18, 2018, age 20; was shot to death during a robbery outside a motorcycle dealershipWas a rapper and singer-songwriterIn July 2018 four men were arrested for his murder. Bobby Driscoll. " The Brandon Lawson case. They reportedly pounded on Stiltz's door and then forced their way into his house. At one time, his probation officer acknowledged Lewis chemical dependency and mental health issues. 11 Celebrities Who Love To Wear Kate Spade, 10 Celebrities Who Made A Fortune After Dying, 10 Child Actors Who Died Tragically Young.