Forensic Pathologist Analyzes Marilyn Monroe's Autopsy and Lingering Questions About Her 1962 Death
By
Liz McNeil Liz McNeil is an Editor at Large at PEOPLE, where she's worked for over 30 years.
Pulled from the oven just right. Trustworthy, fact-dense, deeply satisfying.
Summary
An exclusive retrospective examining the lingering mysteries surrounding Marilyn Monroe's 1962 death. While the official ruling was possible suicide by acute barbiturate poisoning, forensic pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht's 2012 interview with PEOPLE's Liz McNeil analyzes the autopsy details and raises questions about inconsistencies in the final hours, the handling of her body, and whether the evidence truly supports the suicide ruling. The article explores how 64 years later, speculation continues about what really happened.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledI don't think there's any question about the cause of death. The autopsy was thorough and complete.
The actress was found dead in her Los Angeles home in the early morning hours of August 5, 1962, at the age of 36.
Sixty four years later, Marilyn Monroe's death leaves behind more questions than answers.
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