As Marilyn Monroe's 100th birthday approaches, Paul Holes, a retired cold case investigator known for his work on the Golden State Killer case, is examining the circumstances surrounding Monroe's death in 1962. Holes is featured in the FOX special "Celebrity Crime Scene: Marilyn Monroe," where he utilizes artificial intelligence to recreate Monroe's home and analyze the investigation into her death.
Holes noted that the documentation of Monroe's death scene was inadequate, stating, "There are very few photos of the death scene... my eyes... immediately picked out inconsistencies, such as the sheets being [clean and] perfect." He pointed out that the arrangement of the pill bottles and the lack of evidence in Monroe's stomach raise questions about the conclusion of suicide.
Monroe was found dead in her home with an empty bottle of Nembutal, a sedative, nearby. Holes highlighted that the absence of barbiturate residue in her stomach could suggest other possibilities regarding her death. He also mentioned concerns about the medical treatment Monroe received from her physicians, questioning whether it met appropriate standards.
The investigation into Monroe's death was reopened in 1982, but authorities found insufficient evidence to support claims of criminal involvement. Holes emphasized the importance of analyzing all theories related to Monroe's death and suggested that modern technology could aid in understanding the case better.
Holes criticized the original investigation by the LAPD, stating that they should have approached the case as a potential homicide until proven otherwise. He expressed concern that the investigation may have been influenced to dismiss the possibility of foul play.