The Killing of Dominique Dunne by John Thomas Sweeney & NON-Creep Theresa Saldana "Victims for Victims"

What a Creep - A podcast by Margo Donohue

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What a CreepSeason 25, Episode 7The Murder of Dominique Dunne by John Thomas SweeneyDominique Dunne, known for her role in the 1982 film "Poltergeist," had a bright future. Tragically, her life was cut short on October 30, 1982, when her ex-boyfriend strangled her, John Thomas Sweeney, outside her West Hollywood home. She never regained consciousness and died on November 4, 1982, at just 22 years old.The trial that followed sparked outrage. Sweeney was convicted of voluntary manslaughter, not murder, and served only three years of a six-and-a-half-year sentence. This lenient sentence highlighted severe flaws in the justice system's handling of domestic violence cases. Dominique's death brought attention to domestic abuse, prompting her family, especially her father, Dominick Dunne, to advocate for victims' rights and legal reforms. Her legacy endures through these efforts and her memorable work in film.Trigger warning: Domestic/Partner Violence Sources: Vanity FairVanity Fair May 2008Vanity Fair March 1984Los Angeles Times December 3, 1986E True Hollywood StoryAll That is InterestingCity JournalVarietyVultureThe Friday Afternoon Cub: A Family Memoir by Griffin DunneThe Murder of Dominique Dunne by Erica Thomas and Troy McElfreshDominique Dunne WikipediaPeople Magazine October 10, 1983SlateBe sure to follow us on social media. But don’t follow us too closely … don’t be a creep about it! Subscribe to us on

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