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Unsolved September 5, 1921 Suspicious Death

Virginia Rappe

Status Unsolved
Type Suspicious Death
Date September 5, 1921
Location San Francisco, California
Victim Age 26
Gender Female

Silent film actress Virginia Rappe died following a party at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. Actor Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle was charged with her rape and murder three times; all trials ended in acquittal or hung jury. The actual cause of death remains disputed between a bladder rupture or assault.

suspicious death historical California Hollywood acquittal 1920s