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Who Killed Natalie Wood?
In the decades since Natalie Wood’s mysterious drowning off the coast of Catalina Island, questions have lingered. Her husband at the time, actor Robert Wagner, has been cleared as a person of interest in the case.
But her sister, Lana, still has doubts. And new evidence may shed light on what happened that night, including fresh bruises and abrasions found on her body. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Who Killed Natalie Wood.
In life, Natalie Wood was one of Hollywood’s most alluring stars. But in death, the actress remains one of its most mysterious. This podcast explores what really happened on the night of her death, including new evidence that suggests foul play was involved.
In 1981, Wood was 43 years old when she drowned off the coast of Southern California’s Catalina Island. She was aboard her husband Robert Wagner’s yacht with her friend and Brainstorm co-star Christopher Walken and the boat’s captain, Dennis Davern. While the cause of her death has been ruled an accident, this story is still a hotly debated one.
The case has never been officially closed, though in the decades following Wood’s disappearance, it was largely shelved. But in 2011, the Los Angeles County sheriff’s department reopened the investigation. Among other things, investigators cited the fact that her body was found with fresh bruises and that her stomach contents were consistent with alcohol ingestion. The reopening also brought back scrutiny of Wagner, who was named as a person of interest in the case in 2018.
Investigators reportedly heard from multiple witnesses that Wagner and Walken got into an argument on the night of Wood’s death. However, both men have offered conflicting statements about what actually took place. Davern even co-authored a book about the incident, which revealed inconsistencies in his testimony, raising suspicions about his version of events.
Both Wagner and Walken have said very little about their former partner’s death in recent years. However, in a 2009 interview with People, Walken suggested that he believed Wagner was responsible for her death.
The mystery of Natalie Wood’s death has captivated the public for decades. But now, a new podcast is shedding light on the case, including details about an argument between Wood and Wagner that may have been a factor in her drowning. The podcast is titled Who Killed Natalie Wood? and is available for download on iTunes. It also includes interviews with the detective in charge of the case, L.A. Sheriff’s homicide detective Ralph Hernandez. Check it out and share your thoughts in the comments section!
What Happened to Her?
As one of the most beloved actresses of her time, Wood had a huge following. She was known for being a hard worker on set and learning her lines so well that she could deliver them from memory. She was also a fierce feminist and wanted to break into more serious acting roles than the wholesome ones her mother cast her in. She was so successful that she ended up with a long-term studio contract.
By the time she was 16, Wood was rebelling against her mother’s control. She began dating older men and became a lesbian. She married Wagner when she was 19 and the couple had a daughter before divorcing in 1962. The couple remarried and had another daughter before again splitting up in 1973. After that, she had a relationship with Walken for a few years and it was rumored that he was the one who caused her death.
Wood’s sister, Lana, has always been convinced her brother-in-law had something to do with it. She’s often criticized for her suspicions and called out Wagner in interviews, but he refused to discuss the case. Lana claims he cut her out of his life afterward.
In 2021, she published a book called Little Sister: The Truth About My Investigation of Natalie Wood’s Murder. She claims to have evidence that jibes with her suspicions, such as inconsistencies in witness testimonials and holes in the original investigation. She also says she got a call from the yacht’s skipper, Dennis Davern, that made her think there was more to the story than what she was originally told.
The investigation of Wood’s death was reopened in 2011, and her cause of death was changed from accidental drowning to undetermined causes. Investigators found new evidence, such as scratch marks on the side of her dinghy that weren’t there when it was examined previously. They also noted that her blood-alcohol level was at least 0.14.
Even so, the case is still unsolved. In 2018, authorities listed Wagner as a person of interest in the case but didn’t charge him with anything. He hasn’t spoken publicly about the incident, and Walken has remained silent on the subject as well.
Who Was Robert Wagner With?
The shadow of suspicion has long been cast over Natalie Wood’s death, and her sister Lana and yacht skipper Dennis Davern both maintain that Wagner was to blame. But their evidence is circumstantial, and it would be a tough row to hoe proving he intended for her to die as required for a second-degree murder conviction.
Wagner and Wood met when he was filming “Gypsy” in 1954, and they became Hollywood’s golden couple, appearing together in a number of hit movies. Their marriage lasted from 1957 until 1962, and although they divorced, Wood remarried British producer Richard Gregson in 1969. Their marriage lasted until 1972, when Wood was devastated to discover that Gregson had been having an affair with his secretary. She fled to Catalina Island and hid in her parents’ home, where she weighed 10lb less due to stress.
It was during this time that she began dating Walken, who was shooting Brainstorm at the time of her death. It was a volatile relationship, and Wagner suspected infidelity and even threw her some of his clothes into the sea. Ultimately, he decided to cut her out of his life and stopped inviting her daughter to dinner or her mother to come visit.
On the night of her death, Wagner had invited Walken and several others to join them on their yacht, but they all canceled to avoid their argumentative behavior. There were only Wood, Walken and her yacht’s captain on board. At 1:30 am, a marine radio call was made reporting a missing person and a dinghy on the water’s surface. Don Whiting, who lived on a nearby boat, heard the call and called the Harbor Patrol.
Davern has stated on multiple occasions, including in a 2008 book, that when he went below to see what happened to Wood, she was gone and the dinghy was floating in the water. He says he did not hear a splash or her screaming for help, but did find Wagner distraught, sweaty and nervous. The case was ruled an accident in 1981. But in 2018, police reclassified it as suspicious, and named Wagner a person of interest.
What Happened to Her Body?
In the weeks, months and years after Natalie Wood’s death, a number of red flags emerged. A big one was what happened to her body. Her petite, 61-year-old frame was found floating in the ocean off the coast of Southern California. Her autopsy showed that she had a number of bruises, including a significant bruise on her left ankle area that was almost two inches in diameter.
Her torso was also covered in bruises, with several on her arms and knees and another on her neck. The bruises were described as “fresh” and “significant,” indicating they occurred just before her death, not afterward. The bruises were also microscopically examined from histopathological slides, which confirmed they were subcutaneous hemorrhages — the type that only occur when the skin is alive.
Bruises on a body aren’t unusual, but what made these particularly suspicious was their location. They looked more like a mark left by a struggle or kick rather than an accidental slipping and falling into the water.
Another red flag was what Wagner, Walken and the skipper of the yacht told investigators. They said that Wood and Wagner got into an argument that night, and she went to her cabin, which was right next to the dinghy. They said that after ten or 15 minutes passed and she didn’t return, Wagner assumed she had taken the dinghy out on the water. But it was discovered that the dinghy was missing, and the Coast Guard found her body floating in the Pacific on Nov. 29, 1981.
The original investigation was conducted by Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials and coroner Dr. Joseph Choi, who was a forensic pathologist known for his work on celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe and Sharon Tate. He was assisted by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Nagouchi, a pathologist who was also known for seeking fame over fact in his work.
The case was ruled an accident, but in 2012 sheriff’s officials reopened the investigation and changed the cause of death to drowning and other undetermined factors. This was based on Dennis Davern’s new statement that he had told police that Wagner and Walken were arguing that night, and she went to her cabin afterward.
Land Foundation Repair – Why You Should Hire a Landscaping Company
Repairing your foundation can be a scary process. That’s why homeowners often put it off – but waiting only worsens matters.
When selling, you should consider how foundation problems could impact your home’s value. For example, did the previous owners have a foundation warranty? If so, is it transferable to the new owner? Contact Sugar Land Foundation Repair Solutions for professional help.
A professional foundation repair company is highly specialized. It takes a thorough understanding of engineering principles to address complex structural issues like sinking concrete. Techniques, such as mudjacking, which involves lifting and stabilizing sinking concrete, require specialized equipment and expertise that are typically outside the purview of the average homeowner.
Unlike drywall cracks, which may be addressed with simple filler, foundation problems are permanent and need to be fully repaired. In addition to addressing the visible cracks, a full foundation inspection includes determining the root cause of the problem and preventing future damage. The resulting repairs will include everything from excavating and refilling the soil to adding steel piers for support to sealing and better compacting the soil.
The cost of foundation repairs depends on the severity of the damage and the type and condition of the surrounding soil. Minor cracks are less costly to repair than significant foundation shifts or structural damage caused by expansive soil. The depth of the foundation also impacts the cost of repairs. Foundation pilings driven to bedrock provide the most stable support, but driving them to rock is impractical in many areas due to limited soil depth.
A savvy real estate investor will carefully examine the condition of the foundation of any potential property. While a small amount of cracking may not be cause for alarm, serious foundation problems can cause sagging ceilings and warped floors that affect the entire home. The resulting instability and lack of a solid structure can seriously reduce the resale value of the property.
Gaps around doors and windows are another common sign of a foundation problem. As the foundation shifts, these gaps can lead to door and window frames that no longer line up properly with the wall. This can result in drafts and a loss of energy efficiency.
When hiring a foundation repair company, it is important to ask for proof of insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Responsible, established companies will gladly provide this information. If a contractor refuses to do so, walk away and find someone else. Workman’s Compensation coverage protects you if an injury occurs while the company is working on your home.
Experience
Foundation damage can be an extremely stressful situation for homeowners. Not only does it eat away at the value of your home, but it also exposes you to a myriad of safety risks. Uneven floors that seem insignificant can turn into tripping hazards, while cracked walls can expose your family to structural collapse or mold growth. Taking the time to find a professional foundation repair company is the best way to protect your family and preserve the value of your home.
Experienced foundation contractors understand that every house and its repair needs are unique. They use a variety of methods to meet your specific needs. They will evaluate your property and determine how much your foundation has settled and where the movement took place. They will take into account landscaping and bodies of water, which can have a direct impact on your foundation.
During the repairs, foundation contractors will use hydraulic jacks or steel piers to lift sunken sections of your foundation to their proper elevation. They will then install a system of supports beneath your home. This will stabilize your foundation and prevent further settlement. During the entire process, your foundation contractor should keep you updated on their progress and answer any questions you may have.
Your foundation repair company should be insured, bonded and licensed. They should have their own workmen’s compensation and liability insurance, and they should provide a lifetime warranty on all their pilings. Additionally, they should have a national reputation and local expertise.
While the progression of foundation problems is slow, it’s important that homeowners address them as soon as possible. This is particularly true if the homeowner is planning on selling their property in the future, as these signs of damage are easy to spot by home inspectors and potential buyers. If the underlying problem is not addressed, cracks and other problems will continue to resurface.
There are many different types of foundation repair, from helical metal piers to pressure grouting. Choosing the right method for your home depends on many factors, such as the size of your foundation, your home’s floor plan, and your soil type. In addition, some types of repairs are better for certain situations than others. For example, if your foundation has shifted significantly, it is often best to use 100% steel helical piers instead of composite or pressed concrete piers.
Time
Foundation repairs are a huge undertaking. There are multiple factors that play a role in how long the repair lasts. It is important to understand these factors before scheduling a foundation repair.
One of the most important factors is the type of soil and underground water tables. Different soil types have a huge impact on how much the ground shifts over time. Additionally, the location of the home can have an effect on the longevity of the repair.
Another factor is the method of repair. Concrete piers are the longest lasting solution, but they must be driven to bedrock in order to work properly. The problem is that most foundation repair companies do not test or check to see how far the bedrock is, which makes this determination purely speculative without a geotechnical study (soils study).
The final factor that affects the duration of a repair is the weather. Heavy rains and high winds can cause significant movement in the ground beneath a home, which can make the foundation unstable. This can result in cracks and other structural issues. It is important to schedule foundation repairs quickly when these events occur.
Many people wonder when the best time is to get foundation repairs done. Some people may be considering buying a home and want to know how soon they should get the repairs done. Others may be thinking about getting their foundation repaired before a hurricane or other severe weather event.
Regardless of why a person is looking for a foundation repair company, they should take the time to find a professional with years of experience. They should also look for a company with a solid reputation. Choosing a reputable foundation repair company will save you money in the long run and ensure that your foundation is as stable as possible.
Some signs of foundation damage include walls that are separating from each other, bowed flooring, and floors that feel bouncy. It is a good idea to consult a structural engineer as soon as possible to prevent serious foundation problems. They can help you with things like drainage systems, landscaping plans, and root barriers that will minimize soil movement and extend the life of your foundation.
Safety
In the case of foundation problems, the best strategy is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Regular inspections by a professional can catch issues before they get out of control. You can also hire a landscaping company to ensure the soil around your home is properly graded and drains away from your house. This will protect your foundation from excessive moisture, which is one of the leading causes of foundation damage.
Leaking walls and cracks are telltale signs of a problem with your foundation. A structural engineer should be consulted to assess the problem and determine whether or not repairs are necessary. While repairing these problems may be expensive, it is far more cost-effective than having to completely rebuild your foundation or even your whole home.
If the problem is too severe, contractors might recommend underpinning your home to stabilize it. This involves driving longer piers deeper into the earth until competent load-bearing soil is reached. This process is labor-intensive and requires a permit. It can cost anywhere from $12,000 to $32,500 depending on how much underpinning is required.
Keeping up with regular maintenance of your plumbing systems and drainage system is another important preventive measure. If water collects around your foundation, it can cause soil erosion and weaken its load-bearing capacity. In extreme cases, the foundation can shift or sink, causing further structural damage to your home.
While some cracks in your foundation are common, if they’re horizontal or extend across the entire width of your home, it’s time to call a professional. Horizontal cracks indicate that your foundation is shifting under pressure and is unstable. A professional can inspect the problem and determine the cause, which is often a result of poor drainage or soil conditions.
It’s also essential to keep up with regular maintenance of your foundation and to conduct inspections after severe weather conditions. Hurricanes, earthquakes, and heavy rain can all cause the soil to shift and put pressure on your foundation. Regular inspections can catch these issues before they become more serious and help you avoid costly and unavoidable foundation repairs.
Advantages of Replacement Windows
Replacement Windows Sharon are great way to upgrade the look of your home without major renovations. It is an opportunity to add curb appeal and increase the resale value of your home.
Many options and styles of replacement windows are available to fit your home’s style. You can also choose a window material that requires less maintenance.
Whether your windows are old and saggy, or just not quite the right style, replacements offer an opportunity to upgrade the look of your home. There are more choices than ever before in terms of styles, colors, and types of windows so you can find the perfect match for your home.
Newer windows are also designed to keep your home looking its best, and to last longer than older window models. For example, traditional timber windows are prone to warping and swelling, while uPVC or aluminium windows can resist those types of problems.
In addition, modern windows are more likely to open fully, which is important if you need to escape your home in an emergency. They are also more likely to have high-security locking, which helps to keep intruders at bay.
Another benefit of replacing your windows is that it can help to lower your energy costs. Older windows are less efficient, and they can allow heat and air to leak out of your home, making it harder to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year. Newer windows are better insulated and will keep the cold out in the winter and the hot out in the summer, which can make a big difference on your heating and cooling bills.
There are two main types of replacement windows: full frame replacement windows and pocket replacement windows. Full frame replacements require the removal of the existing sashes and frames, and they install new windows that have attached frames. Pocket replacement windows install into the existing frames, and they are usually a better choice if the original sashes are in good condition.
Both options are available in wood and vinyl, so you can find a style that will complement your existing home. Additionally, both have a range of hardware and finish options so you can get the exact look you want for your home. Some companies also offer hybrid construction, which combines different materials to provide the best of both worlds. For example, some manufacturers use wood inside and uPVC or aluminum-extrusion on the exterior to protect the windows from the elements.
Increased Energy Efficiency
New windows will reduce your energy usage, which means lower utility bills. The improved insulation offered by insulated frames and double or triple-pane windows can also limit drafts and keep your home comfortable throughout the seasons. You can check the energy efficiency of replacement windows by looking for an Energy Star label and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) number. You want a SHGC that is optimized for your climate to maximize your savings.
A well-insulated frame and glass will help reduce the amount of heat that escapes through your window in summer, and prevent cold air from escaping in winter. The argon or krypton gas that is placed between the glass panes in double and triple-pane windows will also slow thermal transfer. In addition, a LowE glass coating will reduce the number of UV rays that enter your home, which can cause fading on your furniture and carpeting over time.
The most popular type of replacement window is the insert installation, or pocket window, which fits inside the existing frame. This method is typically less expensive than removing and replacing the old window, and can easily transition into a different style if the frame opening is the same size.
Another option is the full-frame replacement, which is a more expensive alternative that requires removal of the existing window and replacing it with a larger frame. This method can allow you to add a bay or bow window, for example, or update your entire home’s exterior.
Creaky and drafty windows are not only an eyesore, but they can increase your energy costs by letting in unwanted heat or cold. Replacement windows will seal tight to prevent air leaks and prevent climate-controlled air from escaping your home.
Energy efficient windows, such as those with a High SHGC, can decrease your heating and cooling bill by up to 30%. They will also keep your house cooler in the summer, which will save on air conditioning expenses. In the winter, they will minimize the amount of heat that escapes through your windows, which will cut down on your use of your furnace.
Better Noise Reduction
Replacing your windows can be an expensive and lengthy project, but it can also provide better thermal insulation and energy efficiency as well as a boost in noise reduction. Window replacement is an excellent opportunity to upgrade to double or triple pane glass, which dramatically reduces noise. Especially in older homes, single-pane glass allows outside sounds to seep into the home. This can be quite disruptive if your neighbors are mowing their lawn at 7 am on Saturday, or if they have noisy children that wake you up with their crying.
The sound-reducing capabilities of newer double and triple insulated glass units are noticeable, and you’ll hear the difference immediately. However, it is important to note that the type of frame you choose will also affect how much noise your windows can block. A flush flange design that provides a neat, flat look to your home’s frames is ideal for many customers, but it doesn’t help to block as much noise as a wood frame with a brick mold or nail fin.
When choosing a frame, it is best to find one that’s made from high-quality materials and has an appropriate sound rating to match your property’s architectural style. Additionally, a vinyl frame with a foam and silicone seal can help to reduce the amount of air that can enter your home.
Another factor that contributes to a window’s noise-reducing capabilities is its STC rating. This rating measures the level of sound that is blocked, and Renewal by Andersen offers a series of windows with an STC rating between 18 and 38. The higher the STC, the less sound is allowed to travel through the window unit.
A final way that you can increase your window’s noise-reducing abilities is by choosing a dual-pane window with an STC upgrade. This feature pairs two panes of glass that have mismatched thicknesses. This is an option available for our 100 and E-Series windows, and it significantly reduces the amount of noise that can pass through your window. This upgrade is an excellent choice for those living in areas prone to frequent hurricanes and other severe weather conditions, as it helps protect your home from flying debris.
Increased Home Value
The right window replacement will boost your home’s value. Aesthetics aside, a new window will also increase energy efficiency and may help to reduce noise pollution. Additionally, the right windows can also include features such as impact-resistant glass and security sensors that provide added peace of mind for you and your family.
Unlike new construction windows, replacement windows insert into your existing frame. This makes them ideal for remodeling projects and allows you to keep your home’s wall system in place, so it won’t need to be re-painted. However, the type of window you choose will affect your project’s costs. New construction windows are typically cheaper than replacement windows because they are designed with new homes and builders in mind and are installed when the studs and sheathing are exposed.
In general, the cost of a replacement window depends on the size and style you want as well as your installation needs. A double-hung vinyl replacement window can cost anywhere between $200 and $800 to install, depending on your situation and the brand you select. Installation costs are generally lower than replacing a single-hung window, which means the overall cost of your project will be lower as well.
Regardless of the type of window you choose, it’s important to have a professional installation. This will ensure that your new windows are properly sized and installed to prevent any future problems such as water leaks or air infiltration. Additionally, having a professional installation will also make sure that your new windows look great and are properly insulated to avoid cold drafts or hot spots.