48 Hours Mystery Season 32 Episode 49 Natalie Wood: Death in Dark Water

In season 32 episode 49 of 48 Hours, titled "Natalie Wood: Death in Dark Water," the show investigates the mysterious death of Hollywood actress Natalie Wood. On November 29, 1981, Wood went on a yachting trip with her husband Robert Wagner, actor Christopher Walken, and the boat's captain, Dennis Davern. The next day, Wood's lifeless body was found floating in the water off the coast of Catalina Island.

The episode delves into the events leading up to Wood's death, as well as the various theories that have emerged over the years. Was it an accident, suicide, or murder? The show interviews family members, friends, and experts to try to uncover the truth.

The investigation is complicated by the fact that there were only four people on the boat at the time of Wood's death, and each has given conflicting accounts of what happened. Moreover, the initial investigation was flawed, with important evidence overlooked or mishandled.

48 Hours interviews Davern, the captain of the boat, who claims that Wagner and Wood had a violent argument the night of her death. He alleges that Wagner was jealous of Wood's relationship with Walken and that he may have been responsible for her death. Davern also claims that he did not reveal everything he knew during the initial investigation because he was afraid of Wagner.

The show speaks to experts who discuss the forensic evidence and the circumstances surrounding Wood's death. They suggest that some of the bruises and injuries found on her body indicate foul play.

48 Hours also interviews Marti Rulli and Dennis Davern, authors of the book "Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Splendour," who have been investigating Wood's death for over a decade. They share their theories and research, pointing to inconsistencies in Wagner's and Walken's accounts of the events.

The episode ends with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department re-opening the case in 2011, after new evidence surfaced. The investigation concluded in 2018 with Wagner being named a "person of interest" in Wood's death, although he has repeatedly denied any involvement.

"Natalie Wood: Death in Dark Water" is a gripping and thought-provoking episode of 48 Hours that sheds light on a tragic event that has captured the public's imagination for decades. The show presents the facts and examines the different theories surrounding the case, leaving viewers to form their own conclusions. Ultimately, it is a poignant reminder of a life cut short and the lasting impact of unresolved mysteries.