KNBC News Report on updates for Natalie Wood's death investigation.

Excellent report to watch and read:

Robert Wagner Was a ''Shocked Man'' After Natalie Wood's Death, Then-Assistant Sheriff Recalls | NBC Southern California

Yes, it was a scattered, tragic, confusing scene the morning of Natalie Wood's death, and it is understandable that everyone (including Edmonds and Rasure) would sympathize with Wagner for his loss. Given what we know through all the years since, however, is sympathy a defense for all the oversights? I would like to hear Rasure say, "I'm sorry I overlooked so many things," instead of "I still think I did a good job." My comment to Rasure, "No, Duane, you didn't. And it's not okay!" because....

Natalie Wood -- this iconic, beautiful, talented actress who dearly loved her daughters and tried to balance a life that would make everyone in her surroundings a happy being -- has become known over the years as "the actress who flirted and got drunk and fell off a boat."

THAT, is NOT what happened the night Natalie died, nor a correct portrayal of Natalie Wood who deserves the truth  attached to her legacy. Dennis Davern and Natalie's sister, Lana Wood, have also been written and talked about in a derogatory manner as the scapegoats for the complete neglect surrounding the weekend Natalie died, and Lana Wood was not even aboard the ill-fated cruise!  Robert Wagner has certainly done his number on Lana. How convenient to smear the only relative of Natalie's who cares about what REALLY happened!

Duane Rasure has followed Dennis -- to this day -- in the media (the ONLY resource we ever had to get the truth known) calling him a "drunken liar." Why? Why smear Dennis and slander him when Wagner was just as drunk? (had things been done by the book and testing completed, Rasure would've known that) and why, after learning years later how the wine bottle REALLY ended up on the main salon's floor, does Rasure not come out and say, "I was lied to by ALL?"

As for Dennis, Wagner has said little about him over the years (don't poke the bear?) until the case was reopened in Nov. 2011...then, he had his spokesperson claim he "welcomed the case reopening" but in an aside accused Dennis of exploiting the tragedy. My comment to Wagner: if that's what you really believe, RJ, then put your money where your mouth is instead of giving it to a criminal defense attorney, and tell the investigating detectives what you know, or even what you DON'T know, about the night your wife died!"

Natalie Wood Case Interview, Sat. Feb 9, 10 AM est.

I will be the guest at On The Grid Internet Talk Radio, Sat., Feb. 9, 2013 at 10:00 am EST.

I was told by host & producer, Debbie Barth, the title of this show is “Marti Rulli Shares Updates on The Natalie Wood Case” as we will talk about the latest developments in the ongoing investigation of the death of Natalie Wood.

This show's approach is conversational and listeners are highly encouraged to call in and join the conversation.  The call-in number is (323) 792-3071.  There is always someone in the chat room interacting with guests. 

The show is a one-hour show, starting at 10:00 am E.ST. and ending at 11:00 am EST. 

website: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/onthegrid.

Hope you can listen in and/or participate

Goodbye Natalie - Goodbye Splendour - What Really Happened? 11/26 by OnTheGrid | Blog Talk Radio

Goodbye Natalie - Goodbye Splendour - What Really Happened? 11/26 by OnTheGrid | Blog Talk Radio

This is the interview with Debbie Barth just after the Wood case was reopened in Nov. 2011. I will be Debbie Barth's guest once again on Feb. 9th, 2013 at 10 AM est. (link to be posted) to talk about the most recent developments in the Natalie Wood homicide case.

Excellent ABC News video

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/robert-wagner-refuses-speak-police-natalie-wood-case-18257386

Natalie Wood case to be discussed tonight on "Geraldo at Large"

NOTE FOR BELOW: My segment was canceled due to the breaking news in Algeria I was told: if rescheduled, will post details. 


I'm looking forward to appearing on "Geraldo At Large" tonight at 10PM, est., Fox News, to discuss the facts of the Natalie Wood case and all that has transpired this past week regarding the case. Hope you'll tune-in.

Natalie Wood article: Robert Wagner's response to news release he has not cooperated with new investigation

http://www.eonline.com/news/379814/natalie-wood-death-investigation-robert-wagner-won-t-be-interviewed-again-new-leads-being-pursued


In this article Wagner's attorney claims Wagner has cooperated for the past 31 years concerning Natalie Wood's death. Attorney claims the L.A. County Sheriff's Dept efforts are based on those who want to sensationalize and exploit Natalie's death.

Fact is, Wagner went through two brief interviews during the initial investigation in 1981. Since then, he has only talked about Natalie's death publicly when he chose to, which I observed happened only when he wanted to promote his book release in 2008. In his book and during his book tour he hardly broached the pressing questions in the mystery of his late wife's tragedy.

I spent over 25 years trying to get the Wood case reopened. When it finally happened in Nov. 2011, Wagner's released statement was that he 'welcomed the investigation' -- as long as it wasn't based on those trying to profit. Now, after NOT cooperating with the authorities he lamely still blames Goodbye Natalie Goodbye Splendour for the reason he is being called out in the press. This author is not responsible for the multiple bruises on Natalie Wood's body that the current L.A. Coroner has determined curious enough to change the status of Natalie's death certificate from accident to undetermined so that the LASD can continue with their investigation.

Wagner has NOT cooperated with the NEW investigation, and in this article claims he has been fielding questions for decades. Fielding is an appropriate word. He has not only dodged questions in interviews and in his book, he has dodged the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

My goal had always been to get Natalie's case into competent, professional hands. When that happened, I was gratified the authorities took over. What is in the news now comes from the professionals. They are not exploiting, nor sensationlizing. They want answers. This article makes it clear, none will come from Wagner.

Robert Wagner Refuses to Co-operate in Natalie Wood Investigation: Associated Press Article

Robert Wagner Not Interviewed In New Wood Inquiry

by The Associated Press

January 17, 2013 8:25 PM

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Robert Wagner has declined to be interviewed by detectives in a renewed inquiry into the drowning death of his wife Natalie Wood three decades ago, an investigator said Thursday.
Wagner was interviewed by authorities soon after Wood's drowning in 1981, but the actor is the only person who was on the yacht the night Wood died who has not spoken to detectives as part of the latest inquiry, despite repeated requests and attempts, sheriff's Lt. John Corina said.
Blair Berk, an attorney for Wagner and his family, said the actor had cooperated with authorities since his wife died.
Detectives began re-investigating the case in November 2011. Since then investigators have interviewed more than 100 people, but Wagner has refused and Corina said the actor's representatives have not given any reason for his silence.
The detective's remarks provided new insight into the case that has remained one of Hollywood's enduring mysteries. Earlier this week, coroner's officials released an updated autopsy report that had been under a security hold. It detailed why Wood's death had been reclassified from an accidental drowning to a drowning caused by "undetermined factors."
"Mr. Wagner has fully cooperated over the last 30 years in the investigation of the accidental drowning of his wife in 1981," Berk said in a prepared statement. "Mr. Wagner has been interviewed on multiple occasions by the Los Angeles sheriff's department and answered every single question asked of him by detectives during those interviews."
After 30 years, Berk said, neither Wagner nor his daughters have any new information to add. She said the latest investigation was prompted by people seeking to exploit and sensationalize the 30th anniversary of the death.
The renewed inquiry came after the yacht's captain Dennis Davern told "48 Hours" and the "Today" show that he heard Wagner and Wood arguing the night of her disappearance and believed Wagner was to blame for her death.
Authorities have not identified any suspects in the case.
Wood, 43, was on a yacht with Wagner, Christopher Walken and the boat captain on Thanksgiving weekend of 1981 before she somehow ended up in the water.
Corina said Walken gave a prepared statement and spoke to detectives for an hour.
Detectives have also interviewed other actors who knew both Wagner and Wood to learn more about their relationship.
Corina said detectives have tried at least 10 times to interview Wagner but have been refused. He said some of the refusals have come from the actor's attorney, and that detectives at one point traveled to Colorado to try to speak with Wagner but were unsuccessful.
Corina said the latest inquiry had turned up new evidence.
"Most of the people we've talked to were never talked to 30 years ago," he said. "We've got a lot of new information."
Asked if the information might lead to criminal charges, Corina said that would be up to prosecutors if they are presented a case.
"All we can do is collect the facts," he said. "We're still trying to collect all the facts."
Corina said new people have emerged with information each time the case is in the news. Detectives would like to interview other people who haven't agreed to talk, he said.
Coroner's officials released an update autopsy report on Monday that detailed the reasons Wood's death certificate was changed last year from a drowning death to "drowning and other undetermined factors."
The updated report states the change was made in part because investigators couldn't rule out that some of the bruises and marks on Wood's body happened before she went into the water.
"Since there are unanswered questions and limited additional evidence available for evaluation, it is opined by this medical examiner that the manner of death should be left as undetermined," Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Lakshmanan Sathyavagiswaran wrote in the report completed in June.
Officials also considered that Wood wasn't wearing a life jacket, had no history of suicide attempts and didn't leave a note as reasons to amend the death certificate.
Wood was famous for roles in films such as "West Side Story" and "Rebel Without a Cause" and was nominated for three Academy Awards.
Conflicting versions of what happened on the yacht have contributed to the mystery of her death. Wood, Wagner and Walken had all been drinking heavily in the hours before the actress disappeared.
Wagner wrote in a 2008 memoir that he and Walken argued that night. He wrote that Walken went to bed and he stayed up for a while, but when he went to bed, he noticed that his wife and a dinghy that had been attached to the yacht were missing.
"Nobody knows," he wrote. "There are only two possibilities; either she was trying to get away from the argument, or she was trying to tie the dinghy. But the bottom line is that nobody knows exactly what happened."

FishbowlLA article by Richard Horgan

Author Marti Rulli Comments on Latest Natalie Wood News - FishbowlLA

Natalie Wood, 31 Years Gone Today, But Not Forgotten

All Natalie Wood fans have their memories of when they discovered her and how they've never forgotten her. I have been one of them since I fell in awe of her when I was 10 years old. How ironic that many years later, I would become the person spending every spare moment for decades trying to give Natalie her rightful place in her own Hollywood history. Natalie Wood did not abuse her social evening 31 years ago and accidentally fall off a boat while attending to a dinghy late at night. For 31 years only one person in Natalie's family cared about learning the truth of how Natalie ended up floating in a cove on Sunday morning, Nov. 29, 1981, and that person is Natalie's sister, Lana. Natalie's other family members cling to 'accident' maybe because that's all they can handle emotionally. Finally, after 30 years, as the facts and truth are being investigated, I think of Natalie, as always. She is the person who was robbed of life.

She left behind a cherished family and lost being able to share in their lives. She left behind her good health, which her autopsy report indicated could have been a long, naturally healthy life. She left behind virtually all of her hard-earned, acquired belongings and wealth, bequeathed in a will to her husband who did nothing to help save her from drowning, and would begin dating another woman within weeks after Natalie's death. She left behind a career and millions of fans who had hoped to be entertained by Natalie for decades to come. She left behind a death case that was not investigated properly, and then became a subject matter almost a burden to keep hearing about. But people will keep hearing about it, I'm sure, for as long as a Natalie Wood fan remains, which will most likely be far, far into the future, for, most of all, Natalie left behind a name her fans will never let be forgotten. She was that special, that captivating, that legendary.

One Year Later, Natalie Wood Author Points to the Bruises - FishbowlLA

One Year Later, Natalie Wood Author Points to the Bruises - FishbowlLA

Natalie Wood's Reopened Case: A Year's Review

It was a year ago tonight I was rushed off to New York to open the Today Show the next morning with Dennis Davern and then to answer questions for the next 36 hours in various interviews (with no sleep) regarding the reopening of the Natalie Wood case. Today is a year since the night the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department released its announcement that the 30-year old Wood case would officially be reopened. Their news conference followed the next day while a media frenzy ensued. No one was more enthused than I was over the possibility, the opportunity, for Natalie Wood to finally get what she deserved: a thorough investigation. ....................................................................................................................................................................................... Through the years as I pursued the case, many peripheral “experts” had suggested my efforts for Natalie were in vain. Maybe on my part it was naivety causing me to always turn a deaf ear to the unconvinced, but my basic sense of the meaning of justice prevailed. Maybe it was pure stubbornness. In any case, close to three decades of trying finally brought the amazing day of November 17, 2011 to an outcome Natalie deserved since November 29, 1981 when she was found floating facedown in a Catalina Island cove. Many pundits became as equally enthused as I was on November 17th last year, but that’s not to say there was no obstinacy from the get-go. ................................................................................................................................................................................................ Interest in Natalie’s case faded fast by January 2012 upon a heedless comment released by LASD spokesperson, Steve Whitmore, who publicly suggested the Wood case status had been based upon a book publicity stunt. Whitmore’s statement made no sense whatsoever. Why would a financially-struggling sheriff’s department reopen a high profile closed case in cahoots with a publishing company and/or its authors? It was obvious Whitmore's statement was some sort of maneuver, and the lead detectives on the case were not associated, nor impressed with him. Valid evidence existed, and it was enough to bring the sheriff to order a reexamination of Natalie's case. And further, the book, my book, at the forefront of Whitmore’s insulting comment, had been published two years before the decision to reopen the case. I had put in a lot of work post GNGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................................................................................................................... Uninformed media comments were exasperating to hear and read about while I remained completely confident about what was really transpiring within the LASD: a true investigation for Natalie Wood. The Whitmore fiasco, however, seemed to become the prevailing consensus of the Wood case status. Despite LASD Chief of Detectives, William McSweeney, having retracted Whitmore’s comment within days, and claiming the case would remain open, media and public perception changed. For those who believed the case reopening had been contrived and all but closed again, they were in for a stunning surprise come July 2012 when news leaked that Natalie’s death certificate was to be officially changed from accidental to undetermined by the authority of the L.A. Medical Examiner’s office. I gave a brief interview on July 7, 2012 for Good Morning America and stated the death certificate change was huge for the Wood investigation. I also interviewed with FishbowlLA, but that was the extent of my media participation on the matter of the death certificate change. Renewed interest continued into September 2012 when 48 Hours repeated part of their interview with Dennis Davern that had aired in November 2011. This month of November marks the 31st anniversary of Natalie’s death and all is quiet. Other authors who’ve previously written about Natalie’s demise, then moved on to other ventures, usually resurface when news about Natalie’s case is released. Yet, the truest experts on the Wood case these days are the new detectives assigned to the case. I've met them. They are mission-minded. ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... Upon hearing that Natalie’s case was no longer labeled accidental, many consultants finally caught on and started saying, “there must be something to this.” Well, yes, of course, there is “something to this!” Natalie’s case reopening was and is based on a serious effort to understand what went wrong that long-ago, fateful weekend. ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... Since the Wood case reopened, several developments have been reported, and most of the reports are true if not confirmed. New witnesses have come forward. The Wagner family has not been as cooperative as their initial statement suggested they would be. The statement Robert Wagner’s spokesperson released immediately following the LASD press conference last year turned out to be a thinly-veiled criticism of Dennis Davern and our book, and little else. Spokesman, Alan Nierob, had claimed: "They (Wagner family) fully support the efforts of the L.A. County Sheriff's Dept. and trust they will evaluate whether any new information relating to the death of Natalie Wood Wagner is valid, and that it comes from a credible source or sources other than those simply trying to profit from the 30 year anniversary of her tragic death." Natalie’s only family member known thus far to welcome the new investigation is Natalie’s sister, Lana Wood, but Lana was not present the night her sister died. Robert Wagner was. For all the years he has claimed to not know how his late wife died, one would think he would offer all the knowledge he could about the tragic night in question. He has tapped his recall and memory to write two books now, one on the market and one in the wings, yet has contributed nothing beyond his statement to the investigation he claimed to “fully support?” ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... Dennis Davern has volunteered his support and assistance by cooperating with authorities this entire past year, whenever called upon. Although it was not supposed to be revealed publicly, a private citizen had filmed Dennis as he boarded the Splendour with case detectives in Honolulu this past summer, and 48 Hours Mystery used the footage on their September 2012 repeat of an interview with Dennis from last year. Dennis had traveled to Hawaii to support Natalie’s case, to offer all he possibly could, to show he was willing to “relive” the long-ago tragic night in an effort to recall anything he may have missed. Dennis has defined the true meaning of the words cooperation and support. .................................................................................................................................................................................................... The information I’ve mentioned in this summary thus far is nothing that hasn’t already been suggested and reported throughout this past year, although most of the reports gathered little attention, as if Natalie’s death-review is something that was meant to go away again. It will never go away until answers are provided, but the LASD is not obligated to answer to anyone but Natalie’s immediate family. Since the only person within Natalie’s family interested in answers is Lana Wood, she may be the only person to learn about the many things the public will be deprived of unless there is a major breakthrough in the case. ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... Yet to be explained is the answer to why Natalie’s death certificate was changed a few months ago. The change is a major development in the case, although it may seem like a small feat for an entire year’s work. There is nothing small, however, about eliminating the word “accidental” from Natalie’s death certificate. Natalie’s bruises should have been thoroughly investigated from the start, as all of the previous theories such as “clinging to a dinghy” or “bumping against rocks” have obviously been deemed unlikely. After much research and studying Natalie’s autopsy report, I explained in Goodbye Natalie Goodbye Splendour (with the help of Dr. Lyndon Taylor), Natalie’s bruises appeared to be of classic domestic violence nature. The bruises on the backs of her legs appear to be combat bruising. The small circular bruises at her ankles appear to be fingerprints. The scratch at her neck and the numerous other bruising indicates a possible altercation. There were over two dozen bruises on Natalie's body when she was pulled from the ocean: bruises not logically accounted for in 1981. A large four-inch bruise on Natalie’s arm reeks of a defensive wound. Her facial abrasion had to derive from a semi-rough surface, such as a rug, or a deck recently coated with non-skid? My research led me to believe Natalie’s bruises occurred while still aboard her yacht, and it’s apparent the new medical examiner agrees her bruises are of a suspicious nature – enough to change a death certificate. And what also comes into question within this new investigation is Natalie’s time of death. I suppose the new medical examiner has a strong professional opinion concerning Natalie’s estimated time of death, which had not been explored previously. Natalie deserved this new, professional evaluation. The authorities are much more knowledge now concerning Natalie's mystery death. Although Natalie’s death is now officially labeled undetermined, which is a huge step in the process, there is more information to be determined. A 30-year old case full of speculation, lies, and deceit is not solved overnight. This lingering mystery case is still being investigated. Yes, there's "something to this." Otherwise, this case would have been filed closed again. It remains open. ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... For now, the most important thing is that Natalie is getting what she long ago and always deserved: a dedicated, thorough investigation, and I for one, am willing to be patient awaiting the final results. I had pleaded with the initial investigators on Natalie’s case to take another look at the details, and when they refused, I released Goodbye Natalie Goodbye Splendour in an effort to bring attention to Natalie’s quickly closed case. When my book failed to arouse official interest, I spent the next two years condensing the vital information I had gathered and then provided it to the LASD along with a petition through the attorney who had started the petition. Within a month, Natalie’s case was reopened, and officially announced one year ago today. The case has come a long way, and is still open, and being worked. The LASD, as far as I know, is still interested in solving the mystery of Natalie Wood’s death.

Lana Wood to honor sister Natalie at Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St., S.F.

http://www.sfgate.com/movies/article/Lana-Wood-reminisces-about-Natalie-Bond-4001462.phpething Lana has been through it all in regard to her sister's career, life and "mysterious" death. Although the interviewer of this article has it wrong about WHEN the case reopened, overall, most of the questions asked are interesting. It has been a year since the Wood case was reopened (which started a few weeks before the official announcement) and, as each case is different, this one carries 30 years of misconceptions with it. This case is taking so much time for good reason. Natalie is getting what she deserved all along.

I also agree

Another Review: This following 3-star review of GNGS is appreciated. I fully realize why some people would get frustrated with the way I told the story of how I learned all the details about Natalie's death. I decided to tell the story the way I experienced the story as I actually wanted the reader to comprehend the frustration I experienced. I endured disappointments and frustration for over 20 years! Anyone annoyed with the way I told about it is experiencing what I experieced. Only thing is: it takes only a few days to read a book. I went through the "soap opera" drama for over two decades. I appreciate that this person "gets it" -- what happened to Natalie is truthfully told in GNGS and I appreciate this review. By mea - Verified Purchase This review is from: Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Splendour (Hardcover) I recently purchased this as a used paperback. I received a hardbook in very good condition for the price I paid for it. I do believe the author did a very good job putting the story together as it was told to her by Dennis Davern. I did have a problem with the soap opera way the story was conveyed to us (the public). Every 10 years or so he would divulge another piece of his story. What I found shameful was the fact that three men onboard the yacht that night let a beautiful woman drown. Because I feel they all were guilty of a crime whether they were drunk or not. Shame on the police for accepting their story at face value. There should have been a thorough investigation at the time. Hopefully they are doing one now.

I agree :-)

Latest Amazon Review of Wagner's book:(A perceptive one) By Ed Ray - Pieces of My Heart: A Life (Paperback) I was disgusted with the vulgar crude offensive language Wagner used in this book. I was interested in Natalie Wood and the night of her drowning. On the dedication page Wagner dedicated the book to his three daughters,His mother,His sister and Jill - The wonderful women who have been the meaning of my life. No mention of Natalie? It seemed strange to omit Natalie who he wed twice and was with on the last night of her life. He did talk about her in the book but for the most part the book was lewd and disgusting. I had previously read Good Bye Natalie Good Bye Splendour written by Marti Rulli I strongly suggest that book for any one wanting to know the truth about Natalie Wood's death. As for pieces of my heart ,It's Pure garbage save your money.

Interesting blog post about deception specifically dealing with Natalie Wood case

http://blog.eyesforlies.com/2012/09/my-thoughts-on-natalie-wood.html

FishbowlLA article on 48 Hours Natalie Wood segment

http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlla/natalie-wood-48-hours-robert-wagner-dennis-davern-suzanne-winstad-marti-rulli-splendour_b71708# Here's an accurate article from reporter Richard Horgan, co-editor at FishbowlLA who obviously has a grasp on the developments in the Natalie Wood case.

Natalie Wood Case Continues

http://www.insideedition.com/entertainment/5047-more-clues-emerge-in-the-death-of-natalie-wood Inside Edition's announcement tonight on their show about the new "breaking news" in the Natalie Wood case. Just want to set the record straight. None of this "new evidence" is new. It was published in Finstad's 2001 Wood biography and I explained in my book, Goodbye Natalie, how this supposed revelation from Dennis now being aired all came about in 1992. This is not valid evidence for the ongoing investigation, as it's hearsay, and will have no bearing on the important facts the authorities have gathered.

Natalie Wood investigation is ongoing

Audio Tapes Reveal New Information On Natalie Wood’s Death « CBS Los Angeles

Audio Tapes Reveal New Information On Natalie Wood’s Death « CBS Los Angeles

48 HOURS airing this Sat. night on CBS is based on private recordings belonging to author Suzanne Finstad she made while researching her Natalie Wood biography "Natasha." Suzanne involved herself with extensive research while writing her book but NEVER spoke with the ONLY eye and ear witness to Natalie's final hour aboard the Splendour. Dennis Davern did NOT participate with Finstad's efforts. Thus, her book was published using hearsay accounts of some people she secretly recorded. Thus, her secret tapes are worthless to the ongoing investigation, but of course will make for interesting TV.

Dennis and I interviewed with 48 Hours last year and most likely they will show parts of Dennis's interview where he was open and honest about his account of the tragic night Natalie died. Finstad was unable to provide Dennis's account about the night Natalie died and although her work is appreciated for its effort, it is not valuable to the investigation. The authorities involved with the reopened case have Dennis Davern's full cooperation, who did not and will not participate in any further media interviews until the case is determined. The only reason Dennis and I released our book or involved ourselves with media over the years was to try to get the case reopened to begin with, and then after it was reopened, to try to keep the facts in line. Everything else is speculation and, although interesting, not pertinent. What IS a fact is that the LASD is working diligently for Natalie Wood, the VICTIM whose death is now in undetermined status. In 2001, Finstad called me, pleading for the facts for the ending of her book, I supposed because even she sensed she didn't have all the facts. We saved the sensitive facts for the LASD, and never once shared them with the media. Patience is key. The LASD is doing its job. Natalie Wood's death is in good hands.    

48 Hours Mystery to Air 10pm Sept. 15th