Top 20 Celebrity Murders That Changed the Way We See Fame

Born in Vancouver, Canada, in 1960, Dorothy Stratten's journey to stardom began when she won Playboy magazine's "Playmate of the Year" title in 1980. Her remarkable beauty and undeniable talent caught the eye of Hollywood, leading to her role in the sci-fi comedy film "Galaxina" and appearances on popular TV shows like "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century."

Tragically, Dorothy Stratten's life took a dark turn when she entered into a tumultuous relationship with her estranged husband, Paul Snider, who had managed her career. Snider shot Dorothy Stratten in the face on August 14, 1980, at their West Los Angeles residence, driven by jealousy and resentment. After murdering Dorothy Stratten, he committed suicide in the same house. His life ended as abruptly as it had spiraled into violence and despair. Stratten was just 20 years old at the time of her murder. Her untimely death also inspired the 1983 film "Star 80," which told the story of her life and tragic end.

Jill Dando, a beloved British television presenter and journalist, was known for her warm smile and unflinching dedication to her craft. However, her life took a tragic turn when she became the victim of a shocking and still unsolved murder that left the United Kingdom in mourning and disbelief.

Born in Weston-super-Mare, England, in 1961, Jill Dando's career in broadcasting quickly soared. She gained fame as a co-presenter on the popular BBC program "Crimewatch," where her compassionate reporting helped raise awareness of unsolved crimes and assisted in bringing criminals to justice. Her work in investigative journalism garnered respect and admiration from colleagues and audiences alike.

Tragically, on April 26, 1999, Jill Dando was shot and killed outside her home in Fulham, London. The murder occurred in broad daylight. Despite extensive investigations, the motive behind her murder and the identity of her killer remained elusive. The mysterious circumstances surrounding Jill Dando's death captivated the public's imagination and led to numerous theories and speculations. Despite several arrests and trials, no one has been definitively convicted of her murder. The case remains one of the most high-profile unsolved mysteries in British criminal history.

Rebecca Schaeffer, a talented and rising young actress, embodied the dreams of countless aspiring performers. Born in Eugene, Oregon, in 1967, Rebecca Schaeffer's career in acting took off when she landed the role of Patricia "Patti" Russell in the hit sitcom "My Sister Sam" in the late 1980s. Her bright smile and undeniable talent quickly endeared her to audiences, and it seemed that her star was on the rise.

Tragically, Rebecca Schaeffer's life took a harrowing turn on the morning of July 18, 1989, when she was killed by an obsessed fan named Robert John Bardo. Bardo had become infatuated with Schaeffer after seeing her on television and had stalked her for several years before committing the heinous act. Bardo arrived at Schaeffer's apartment building in West Hollywood, California. He rang the doorbell, and when Schaeffer answered the door, he pulled out a gun and shot her in the chest. She was rushed to the hospital, but tragically succumbed to her injuries. Schaeffer was just 21 years old at the time of her murder. Bardo was arrested shortly after the murder and later pleaded guilty to the charges. In 1991, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Rebecca Schaeffer's tragic death prompted California to enact the first anti-stalking laws in the United States, making it illegal to access DMV records to obtain a person's address, among other measures. Her case also raised awareness about the need for better protection for public figures and individuals in the entertainment industry from obsessive and potentially dangerous fans.

While Bardo remains incarcerated, Schaeffer's legacy lives on as a symbol of the importance of addressing stalking and the potentially deadly consequences of celebrity obsession.

Dimebag Darrell, the legendary guitarist and co-founder of the heavy metal bands Pantera and Damageplan, left an indelible mark on the world of music with his virtuosic guitar skills and charismatic stage presence. Born Darrell Lance Abbott in 1966, Dimebag Darrell, as he came to be known, was a trailblazing figure in the world of heavy metal. His distinctive guitar style, characterized by blistering solos and powerful riffs, was instrumental in shaping the genre during the 1990s. Pantera's albums, such as "Vulgar Display of Power" and "Far Beyond Driven," catapulted the band to international fame and acclaim.

Tragically, a crazy fan named Nathan Gale shot and killed Dimebag Darrell on December 8, 2004, while he was performing with his new band Damageplan in Columbus, Ohio. Gale stormed the stage, opened fire, and killed Darrell, along with three others, before being fatally shot by a police officer who arrived on the scene. The motives behind the attack remain unclear, but it was a shocking and brutal act of violence that left the metal community in mourning.

Brandon Lee was a talented and charismatic actor on the cusp of Hollywood stardom when his life was tragically and unexpectedly cut short during the filming of "The Crow." Born in 1965, Brandon Lee was the son of legendary martial artist and actor Bruce Lee. Following in his father's footsteps, he pursued a career in acting, and his talents quickly earned him recognition and roles in various films and television shows. However, it was his role as Eric Draven in "The Crow" that would come to define his career and legacy.

Tragically, on March 31, 1993, during the filming of "The Crow" in Wilmington, North Carolina, Brandon Lee was fatally wounded in a prop gun accident. A live round had become lodged in the barrel of a prop gun and was discharged during a scene, striking Lee in the abdomen. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries and passed away at the age of 28.

Brandon Lee's death drew attention to the safety protocols and standards on film sets. The circumstances surrounding his tragic accident were thoroughly investigated, leading to changes in the handling and use of firearms in the industry. "The Crow" was completed posthumously, becoming a cult classic.

Sean Taylor, a talented and hard-hitting safety in the National Football League (NFL), was on the verge of becoming one of the all-time greats in the sport when his life was tragically cut short. Born in 1983, Sean Taylor was a standout athlete at the University of Miami before being selected fifth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. His fierce playing style, exceptional athleticism, and natural football instincts quickly made him a force to be reckoned with in the league. Taylor's passion for the game and his ability to change the course of a game with a single play made him a fan favorite.

Tragically, on November 26, 2007, Sean Taylor's life took a devastating turn when he was shot in his Miami-area home during a botched burglary attempt. Despite undergoing surgery, Taylor succumbed to his injuries the following day, at the age of 24.

The Washington Football Team (previously known as the Redskins), his former team, and the NFL as a whole have all honored Taylor's legacy in the years since his passing. His memory lives on through the Sean Taylor Memorial Field, the Sean Taylor Man of the Year Award, and the lasting impact he had on the sport of football.

Bob Crane, a charismatic actor and entertainer, was a beloved figure on American television during the 1960s and 1970s. He was best known for his role as Colonel Robert E. Hogan in the popular sitcom "Hogan's Heroes." However, his life took a dark and tragic turn that would leave a legacy marked by controversy and unanswered questions.

Born in 1928, Bob Crane began his career as a radio disc jockey before transitioning to television, where he found success in various roles. "Hogan's Heroes," which aired from 1965 to 1971, became a hit, and Crane's portrayal of the witty and resourceful Hogan endeared him to audiences.

Tragically, controversy and scandal marred Bob Crane's life in his later years. He became embroiled in a tumultuous friendship with John Henry Carpenter, a video technician, and the two indulged in a hedonistic lifestyle that included filming their joint sexual encounters with women Crane attracted due to his stardom. On the morning of June 29, 1978, Bob Crane's lifeless body was discovered in his apartment at the Winfield Place Apartments in Scottsdale, Arizona. He had been bludgeoned to death with a weapon, initially believed to be a camera tripod, which was found at the crime scene. The gruesome murder shocked both his fans and the entertainment industry.

The investigation into Crane's murder centered on several individuals, including John Henry Carpenter. Carpenter was with Crane on the night of the murder and became a prime suspect. However, due to a lack of physical evidence, he was not charged with the crime at the time. The case remained cold for years, with no significant breakthroughs. In 1992, new DNA testing technology led to the discovery of bloodstains on Carpenter's car that matched Bob Crane's blood type. This evidence, along with the circumstantial case against Carpenter, led to his arrest and trial in 1994.

Despite the compelling evidence, Carpenter was acquitted of the murder charges in 1994 due to doubts raised by his defense team about the reliability of the DNA evidence and the circumstantial nature of the case. The murder of Bob Crane remains officially unsolved.

Born Scott Sterling in 1962, Scott La Rock's journey into hip-hop began as a DJ in the South Bronx, where he honed his skills and became deeply involved in the emerging hip-hop scene. In 1986, he joined forces with rapper KRS-One to form Boogie Down Productions, a pioneering group that would go on to release influential albums like "Criminal Minded."

Tragically, on August 27, 1987, just as Boogie Down Productions was gaining recognition and acclaim, Scott La Rock was shot and killed in the South Bronx during an altercation. The incident occurred in a neighborhood that was grappling with poverty, crime, and gang violence at the time. The precise details of the altercation are not entirely clear, but it is widely believed to have stemmed from a dispute involving fellow BDP member D-Nice's friend. Scott La Rock had reportedly attempted to mediate the conflict, but it escalated to the point where he was shot in the head and died from his injuries.

His death sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community and marked a turning point in the genre's history. His murder was a stark reminder of the violence that plagued the early years of hip-hop culture, particularly in the Bronx, where rivalries and conflicts often spilled over into violence.

Marvin Gaye, an iconic and groundbreaking artist, left an indelible mark on the world of music with his soulful voice, innovative sound, and socially conscious lyrics. Born Marvin Pentz Gay Jr. in 1939, Marvin Gaye began his career as a session drummer before transitioning into a successful singing career in the 1960s. He gained fame with hits like "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" and "Ain't That Peculiar." However, it was his 1971 groundbreaking album "What's Going On" that established him as a pioneer of socially conscious music.

Tragically, Marvin Gaye's life was marred by personal turmoil and addiction. His turbulent marriage to Anna Gordy, the sister of Motown founder Berry Gordy, ended in divorce, and he struggled with substance abuse issues. Despite these challenges, he continued to produce soulful and poignant music that resonated with audiences.

On the evening of April 1, 1984, Marvin Gaye was at his parents' home in the West Adams district of Los Angeles. A heated argument erupted between Marvin Gaye and his father, Marvin Gay Sr., which reportedly escalated into a physical altercation. The details of the altercation remain somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have been related to long-standing tensions within the family, financial disputes, and Marvin Gaye Sr.'s concerns about his son's well-being. During the altercation, Marvin Gaye Sr. retrieved a handgun from his bedroom. In the course of their struggle, the gun went off, fatally wounding Marvin Gaye in the chest. He was rushed to the hospital but tragically pronounced dead on arrival.

Marvin Gaye Sr. was subsequently charged with voluntary manslaughter rather than murder, as the circumstances suggested that the shooting may have been the result of a sudden and violent family dispute rather than premeditated murder. In September 1984, he was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter and received a six-year suspended sentence and probation.

Nicole duFresne, a promising young actress and a vibrant presence in New York City's arts scene, had a bright future ahead of her when her life was abruptly and senselessly taken in a shocking act of violence. Born in 1977, Nicole duFresne was a native of Oregon who moved to New York City to pursue her passion for acting and theater. She quickly became involved in the city's vibrant arts community, performing in off-Broadway productions and immersing herself in the creative energy of the city.

On the night of January 27, 2005, Nicole duFresne and her fiancé, Jeffrey Sparks, along with a group of friends, were enjoying a night out in New York City's Lower East Side. They had just left a bar called The Pioneer when they encountered a group of young men on the street. An altercation ensued, reportedly starting with a dispute over a cigarette. One of the men in the group, Rudy Fleming, became confrontational and aggressive. Witnesses say that Fleming struck one of Nicole's friends, prompting Jeffrey Sparks to step in and defend his friends. In a shocking and senseless act, Rudy Fleming pulled out a .357 Magnum revolver and fired a single shot, which struck Nicole duFresne in the chest. She collapsed on the sidewalk, and despite immediate efforts to save her, she tragically passed away at the scene.

Rudy Fleming, who was only 19 years old at the time of the shooting, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Fleming ultimately pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in exchange for a 20-year prison sentence.