Death of Marilyn Monroe: Key Points and Analysis

Background Details

• Date and Location:
  • Marilyn Monroe died on August 4, 1962, in her home at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive, Brentwood, Los Angeles, California.
  • She was discovered dead on the morning of August 5.
• Age and Cause of Death:
  • Died at age 36 from a barbiturate overdose.
  • Officially ruled a probable suicide by the Los Angeles County coroner's office.
• Career:
  • Popular Hollywood star in the 1950s and early 1960s; her films grossed $200 million by the time of her death.
  • Faced career struggles due to mental health and substance dependency issues.

Circumstances Leading to Her Death

• Monroe struggled with mental illness and substance abuse, affecting her personal and professional life.
• Last completed film was "The Misfits" (1961), a box-office failure.
• In 1962, she was filming "Something's Got to Give," but was fired in June due to alleged unprofessionalism and health issues.
• Involved in public image repair efforts and renegotiating film roles with Fox.

Events on the Day of Death - August 4, 1962

• Monroe spent the day at home with various visitors, including her publicist and psychiatrist.
• Her housekeeper, Eunice Murray, stayed overnight at her psychiatrist's request.
• Found unresponsive in her locked bedroom at approximately 3:00 a.m. on August 5.

Autopsy and Inquest Findings

• Conducted by Deputy Coroner Thomas Noguchi on August 5.
• Determined death was due to acute barbiturate poisoning.
• High levels of chloral hydrate and pentobarbital found in her blood and liver.
• No signs of external trauma; death ruled as probable suicide.

Conspiracy Theories

• Despite the suicide ruling, numerous conspiracy theories have persisted, suggesting murder or accidental overdose.
• Theories involve figures such as President John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, union leader Jimmy Hoffa, and mob boss Sam Giancana.
• In 1982, the Los Angeles County District Attorney reviewed the case and found no evidence to support murder theories.

Aftermath and Public Reaction

• Monroe's death received significant media coverage, with a spike in suicide rates in LA and high newspaper circulation.
• Her funeral was held on August 8, 1962, arranged by her former husband Joe DiMaggio.
• Public and media reactions included comments from contemporaries like Jean Cocteau and Joshua Logan.
• Monroe's image rights and estate became points of contention and legal battles after her death.

Estate Administration

• Monroe's will included bequests to her half-sister, secretary, and a trust fund for her mother.
• Majority of her estate left to Lee Strasberg; legal battles ensued over publicity rights.

Key Figures in Theories and Investigations

• Frank A. Capell and Jack Clemmons: Suggested communist conspiracy, questioning the official suicide ruling.
• Norman Mailer and Anthony Summers: Published books alleging murder, often involving the Kennedys or CIA.
• John Miner: Claimed to possess secret tapes indicating Monroe planned for the future.

Conclusion

Monroe's death, despite being ruled a probable suicide, remains a focal point of public fascination due to her celebrity status, the circumstances surrounding her personal life and career, and the array of conspiracy theories that followed.