Mystery Surrounding Natalie Wood’s Death: Robert Wagner Identified as Key Figure

Decades after the tragic drowning of renowned Hollywood actress Natalie Wood, investigators from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department have disclosed to “48 Hours” that actor Robert Wagner, her then-husband, is now deemed a significant figure in the case.

They express their intention to engage in discussions with Wagner regarding the circumstances encompassing Wood's demise one evening back in 1981, as revealed in interviews for the upcoming broadcast titled “Natalie Wood: Death in Dark Water,” set to air on Saturday, February 3, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

In an interview with “48 Hours” correspondent Erin Moriarty, Lieutenant John Corina of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department asserts, “As we've delved into the case over the previous six years, I believe he's now more of a person of interest.”

Corina elaborates that Wagner was the final individual seen with Natalie before she vanished, hence sparking further scrutiny on his involvement.

The tragic incident unfolded off Catalina Island in California during November 1981 when Wood disappeared from the Splendour, the yacht owned by her family, and was subsequently discovered drowned.

Accompanying her that fateful night were Captain Dennis Davern, Robert Wagner, and fellow actor Christopher Walken.

Subsequent investigations initially classified her death as an accident, but in 2011, the case was reopened by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, leading to a modification in the death certificate in 2012 to specify “drowning and other undetermined factors.”

Fast forward to the present, six years post the case's revival, “48 Hours” engages with the investigators to explore fresh witnesses, evidence, and theories concerning the sequence of events on that tragic night.

Speculations of foul play have lingered around Wood's perplexing demise.

Initially, the trio aboard the vessel asserted that Wood, known for her fear of dark waters, had ventured off in a dinghy to shore.

However, inconsistencies emerged over time in the testimonies of Wagner and Davern, raising suspicions among the investigative team.

Despite attempts by investigators to communicate with Wagner since the case resurfaced, he has declined to participate.

Corina emphasizes his belief that Wagner has not provided a comprehensive account of the events, highlighting discrepancies in his narratives compared to other witnesses.

Intriguingly, the autopsy report indicates the presence of fresh bruises on Wood's body, prompting Detective Ralph Hernandez to comment that she appeared to have been subjected to an assault.

Such findings have fueled speculations regarding the nature of Wood's demise, with Corina expressing a sense of suspicion surrounding the circumstances.

When questioned about Wagner's potential knowledge pertaining to his wife's fate, Corina implies his conviction that Wagner may possess undisclosed information due to being the last individual in close proximity to Wood before her untimely demise.

The ongoing investigation remains shrouded in uncertainty, with Hernandez acknowledging the challenge of determining the definitive cause behind Wood ending up in the water.

Despite extensive efforts, including interviews with key figures and forensic examinations, conclusive evidence either supporting homicide or accidental death remains elusive, leaving the circumstances surrounding Natalie Wood's tragic end cloaked in ambiguity.