A decades-old Hollywood mystery surrounding the drowning of actress Natalie Wood has resurfaced with explosive new witness accounts.

According to Daily Mail, two previously unknown witnesses have come forward with allegations that could implicate actor Robert Wagner in the death of his wife Natalie Wood, potentially warranting a fresh grand jury investigation into the 1981 tragedy.

Author Marti Rulli has revealed testimonies from two witnesses: a former fishing boat worker who was 17 at the time of Wood's death and an elderly woman who worked with Wood in the 1960s. Both accounts appear to support existing allegations of a violent altercation between Wood and Wagner on the night of her death.

Fresh Witness Accounts Emerge After Four Decades

The teenage witness, who worked on a fishing boat moored near Wagner's yacht 'Splendour,' recalls hearing Wood's screams and an argument on the fateful night of November 28, 1981. His testimony aligns with previous statements from the boat's captain, Dennis Davern, who was one of only four people aboard the vessel that night.

The elderly witness, now 80 and reportedly near death, worked alongside Wood during her early acting career. She provided additional testimony suggesting alleged abuse, claiming she witnessed concerning behavior from Wagner in their dressing room during the 1960s.

These new revelations come after the case was reopened in 2011, leading to a modification of Wood's cause of death from 'accidental drowning' to 'drowning and other undetermined factors' in 2012.

Details Of The Thanksgiving Weekend Tragedy

Captain Dennis Davern provided this account of the night's events:

It still bothers him and he wanted to tell me what he knew. He heard an argument, and he told me he heard Natalie's screams that made him feel uncomfortable. But he didn't report it to police because he thought it was an open-and-shut drowning case.

The incident occurred during a Thanksgiving weekend cruise that included Wood, Wagner, Davern, and actor Christopher Walken. Tensions allegedly escalated when Wagner accused Wood of having an affair with Walken, her co-star in "Brainstorm."

According to Davern's account, Wagner became enraged, smashing a wine bottle before the situation turned physical. The captain claims Wagner shouted at Wood to get off his boat, and later prevented him from activating searchlights or calling for help for four hours after her disappearance.

Investigation Status And Wagner's Response

Wagner, now 94, has consistently denied any involvement in Wood's death. He maintains that his wife went out alone in a dinghy and never returned. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department cleared Wagner in 2022 after naming him a person of interest in 2018.

Rulli, who is compiling evidence against Wagner, believes the new testimonies could lead to significant developments in the case. She has chosen to keep the witnesses' identities confidential while pursuing a potential grand jury investigation.

Another witness who contacted Los Angeles police claimed to have been Wood's neighbor in the 1950s, recounting an incident where Wood sought refuge, fearing for her life.

Looking Forward As Mystery Persists

The case remains active and will continue to be investigated as long as Wagner is alive, according to Rulli. The Los Angeles District Attorney's office may consider both previous and new evidence in pursuing justice for Wood's death.

Wood's sister, Lana, has suggested that Wagner's reluctance to be interviewed might be related to memory issues, given his advanced age. Wagner, who will turn 95 in February, has not responded to the latest allegations.

Why This Story Matters

This case highlights critical issues in our justice system, particularly how wealthy or famous individuals might receive different treatment in criminal investigations. The emergence of new witnesses demonstrates that important cases should never be closed prematurely.

The story serves as a powerful reminder that justice has no expiration date, and witnesses can still make significant contributions to solving cases years later. It also emphasizes the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals in relationships, regardless of their public status or fame.

Conclusion

Two new witnesses have emerged with potentially crucial information about actress Natalie Wood's mysterious drowning death in 1981, including allegations that could implicate her husband, actor Robert Wagner. The testimonies align with previous accounts suggesting a violent altercation occurred on the yacht before Wood's death.

While Wagner maintains his innocence, these fresh revelations may lead to a grand jury investigation, potentially bringing new clarity to this long-standing Hollywood mystery.