The Murder of Rebecca Schaeffer and the Birth of Anti-Stalking Laws

Introduction

• Rebecca Schaeffer, an actress, was murdered in 1989.
• Her death led to the creation of the first anti-stalking laws in the U.S.

Early Life of Rebecca Schaeffer

• Born on November 6, 1967, in Oregon.
• Parents: Danna (writer and teacher) and Dr. Benson Schaeffer (child psychologist).
• Passionate about theater and drama from a young age.
• Initially aimed to become a rabbi.
• Moved to New York City, worked as a waitress, and landed small roles.
• Secured a breakout role as Patti on "My Sister Sam" in 1986.

Robert John Bardo's Background

• Born on January 2, 1970, the youngest of seven children.
• Family moved frequently; settled in Tucson in 1983.
• Experienced neglect and abuse; wrote letters expressing distress and suicidal thoughts.
• Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1985 after a psychiatric hospital stay.

Bardo's Obsession with Schaeffer

• Became infatuated with Schaeffer after seeing her in a commercial for "My Sister Sam."
• Sent letters and gifts; believed he had a relationship with her.
• Attempted to visit her at studios but was stopped by security.

The Murder of Rebecca Schaeffer

• Bardo felt betrayed after seeing Schaeffer in a sex scene in "Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills."
• Hired a private detective to find her address after reading about a similar case involving actress Theresa Saldana.
• On July 18, 1989, Bardo shot Schaeffer at her apartment.
• He was arrested soon after in Tucson, Arizona.

Trial and Sentencing

• Bardo's trial began in September 1991.
• His defense pointed to his mental illness, but the jury found him guilty of first-degree murder.
• He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Impact on Legislation

• California passed the first anti-stalking law in 1990.
• The law defines stalking as following or harassing with credible threat causing fear of harm.
• Other states followed suit, and in 1996, the Interstate Stalking Punishment and Prevention Act was passed.
• Strengthened privacy protections for home addresses from DMV records.
• The Driver's Privacy Protection Act was enacted in 1994.
• Cyberstalking became a federal crime in 2015.

Conclusion

• Schaeffer's murder had a significant impact on legislation across the U.S., leading to enhanced privacy and anti-stalking laws.