An LA homicide detective has outrageously told the National Enquirer that Wood was “beaten to a pulp” before she was allegedly thrown unconscious off a boat and into the sea to drown.
In the 37 years since the West Side Story actor’s death, various theories have surrounded the mysterious circumstances in which the star died, including that she simply fell overboard after a boozy night at sea. Accidental drowning remains the most likely explanation in the minds of most mainstream investigators, and despite years of innuendo and baseless gossip, no one has ever been charged.
However L.A. County Sherrif’s Department Det. Ralph Hernandez tells the Enquirer that Natalie’s autopsy report said she had been “the victim of an assault,” before drowning on November 29 1981.
“As soon as we looked at the autopsy report and photos, the bruises on her body just stood out,” he claimed.
“We have a lot of evidence that tends to point to a very suspicious death and would certainly indicate the possibility of foul play.”
This is the first time that investigators have publicly claimed that the Splendor in the Grass star was beaten. In the past, the state of the star's body was attributed to her apparent accidental fall.
Giving some insight in the star's situation before her death, Natalie’s sister, Lana Wood has made claims that the star was on the verge of dumping her husband Robert Wagner before her death.
“I think Natalie was reall done with the marriage – I really do,” she states.
"There were too many things. The continual fights. The sudden push Natalie wanted towards her career. Her feeling that the kids were old enough and had enough of a basis where she can go off to work.
“There is also jealousy involved. It’s particularly difficult for a man to have a wife that is doing better.”
Robert Wagner has always strongly denied innuendo that he had anything to do with his wife's mysterious death, and no charges have been placed against him.
Wagner has yet to comment on the Enquirer's latest round of outrageous allegations.
