Revisiting the Mystery of Marilyn Monroe’s Death

The 100th birthday of Marilyn Monroe has reignited interest in her mysterious death, one of Hollywood’s most scrutinized cases. Paul Holes, a retired cold case investigator known for identifying the Golden State Killer, is now applying his expertise to Monroe’s 1962 death in the FOX show, Celebrity Crime Scene: Marilyn Monroe, using artificial intelligence to recreate her home.

Monroe was found dead in her bedroom in August 1962. The scene suggested a drug overdose, but Holes questioned this conclusion. He noted inconsistencies, like the pristine arrangement of pill bottles, which suggested to him that Monroe’s death might not have been a straightforward suicide.

Monroe, who suffered from insomnia and anxiety, was prescribed Nembutal by Dr. Hyman Engelberg shortly before her death. The empty bottle of Nembutal found at her bedside and the lack of barbiturate residue in her stomach raised questions about the manner of her death. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office concluded that the drugs had time to be absorbed into her bloodstream.

Holes also pointed out that most witnesses from that time are now deceased, though he believes interviewing their associates could yield new insights. Speculation about Monroe’s death persists, with theories involving high-profile figures adding to the case’s complexity.

The FBI had monitored Monroe for suspected Communist ties, but no evidence emerged linking her to the Communist Party. There are also rumors about her connections with the Kennedy family, which have never been confirmed through public evidence.

Monroe’s death continues to be officially classified as a probable suicide. However, Holes criticized the original investigation for not following standard procedures. He emphasized that the Los Angeles Police Department should have treated it as a potential homicide from the start.

This renewed scrutiny coincides with Monroe’s centennial, offering a chance to explore unsolved questions over six decades after her passing.