The mysterious death of legendary actress Natalie Wood has long been one of Hollywood's most controversial unsolved cases. On November 29, 1981, Wood drowned off the coast of Catalina Island, California, under circumstances that have since fueled speculation, conspiracy theories, and accusations, particularly directed at her husband, actor Robert Wagner. Despite ongoing investigations, Wood’s death remains officially categorized as accidental, but many continue to believe that foul play was involved and that Wagner may have played a role in her tragic end. In this blog, we’ll explore the key events surrounding the night of Wood’s death, the evidence (or lack thereof), and why some believe that Wagner "got away with murder."
The Night of Natalie Wood’s Death
Natalie Wood was an acclaimed actress known for her roles in classics like West Side Story and Rebel Without a Cause. At the time of her death, she was married to actor Robert Wagner, with whom she had a famously tumultuous relationship. On the night of November 28, 1981, Wood, Wagner, and actor Christopher Walken—who was starring with Wood in the film Brainstorm—were aboard Wagner’s yacht, The Splendour. The events that followed would later become the subject of intense speculation and investigation.
According to reports, Wood, Wagner, and Walken had been drinking heavily during the evening. Tensions reportedly flared between Wagner and Walken, possibly over Wood’s interactions with her co-star. What is known for sure is that at some point during the night, Wood disappeared from the yacht. Hours later, her body was found floating in the water about a mile away, dressed in a nightgown, socks, and a down jacket. An inflatable dinghy was also found nearby, which led authorities to conclude that Wood had tried to leave the yacht but fell into the water and drowned.
Initially, the Los Angeles County coroner ruled Wood’s death as accidental, citing drowning and hypothermia as the cause. However, many aspects of the case didn’t add up for those close to Wood, including the actress’ own sister, Lana Wood, who has been one of the most vocal advocates for reopening the case.
The Inconsistent Statements and Changing Testimonies
One of the reasons Robert Wagner has been a prime suspect in the eyes of many is the series of inconsistent statements he gave to authorities following Wood's death. His account of what happened that night has changed several times over the years, raising questions about what he might be hiding.
Wagner initially claimed that he believed Wood had taken the dinghy out on her own after a heated argument and fallen into the water. He admitted that there was tension between them that night, but downplayed the severity of their altercation. However, others who were on board the yacht, including the yacht's captain, Dennis Davern, have since provided conflicting accounts.
Davern, in particular, has been one of the most outspoken figures suggesting that Wagner was responsible for Wood’s death. In interviews and even a book he co-authored, Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Splendour, Davern claims that Wagner became enraged during an argument with Wood, which escalated after Walken retreated to his cabin. Davern suggests that Wagner’s anger may have played a direct role in Wood ending up in the water, though he stopped short of explicitly accusing Wagner of murder.
In 2011, 30 years after Wood’s death, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reopened the case, largely due to new statements made by Davern. The captain claimed that he had initially lied to investigators to protect Wagner and that Wagner had discouraged him from calling for help when Wood went missing.
The Coroner's Reassessment: A Shift in Focus
The reopening of the investigation in 2011 also led to a change in Wood's official cause of death. While her death was initially ruled an accident, the coroner amended the cause in 2012 to "drowning and other undetermined factors." The report noted that some of the bruises on Wood's body were inconsistent with a simple drowning and could have occurred before she entered the water.
This change fueled speculation that Wood may have been assaulted or pushed into the water during a violent altercation, possibly with Wagner. However, despite these suspicions, there was never enough concrete evidence to prove foul play, and Wagner was not charged with any crime.
Why Was Robert Wagner Never Charged?
Despite the growing suspicion around Wagner, he has never been charged or formally accused of any crime in relation to Natalie Wood’s death. There are several reasons why Wagner has managed to avoid legal consequences.
Lack of Direct Evidence: One of the biggest hurdles for investigators has been the absence of direct evidence linking Wagner to Wood's death. While there are suspicious elements, such as inconsistent statements and the coroner’s revised report, none of these factors provide concrete proof that Wagner was involved in her death. Without solid physical evidence, it’s difficult for prosecutors to build a case.
Davern’s Credibility: While Dennis Davern has been a key figure in pushing for the case to be reopened, his credibility has been questioned by some. Critics argue that his changing story over the years, combined with the fact that he waited decades to come forward with new information, weakens the impact of his statements. In legal terms, his testimony may not hold up under scrutiny without corroborating evidence.
Power and Influence: Another factor that has led to speculation about Wagner’s role in Wood’s death is his status in Hollywood. At the time of the incident, Wagner was a well-connected and powerful figure in the industry, and some believe that his influence may have played a role in shaping the initial investigation. The fact that the case was ruled an accident so quickly—despite the unusual circumstances—has led to questions about whether authorities may have been swayed by Wagner’s celebrity.
Christopher Walken’s Silence: Christopher Walken, who was on the yacht the night of Wood’s death, has remained notably silent about the incident. While he has cooperated with investigators, he has rarely spoken publicly about what happened. Walken has maintained that he was asleep at the time of Wood’s disappearance and didn’t witness any argument between Wagner and Wood. His reluctance to discuss the case has added to the air of mystery, as some wonder whether he knows more than he has shared.
Conclusion: A Case That May Never Be Solved
The death of Natalie Wood remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring mysteries. While many believe that Robert Wagner was involved in some way, the lack of concrete evidence and the passage of time make it unlikely that the full truth will ever be known. Wagner, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, continues to live his life without facing charges related to his wife’s death.
Ultimately, the question of whether Robert Wagner "got away with murder" is one that will continue to be debated by those who followed the case closely. While suspicion and doubt remain, without new evidence, the case will likely remain unresolved—an unsolved mystery shrouded in speculation and uncertainty.
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