Dominique Dunne was a rising Hollywood star in the early 1980s. Known for her role in the 1982 film Poltergeist, she had a promising career ahead of her. However, her life was tragically cut short at the age of 22 when her ex-boyfriend, John Sweeney, killed her on October 30, 1982. The death of Dominique Dunne not only shocked Hollywood but also devastated her family, who are still
grappling with the loss more than four decades later. Her death, the subsequent trial, and her family’s fight for justice have continued to make headlines, especially with renewed interest due to Netflix’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, which revisits the involvement of Dominique’s father, Dominick Dunne, in the high-profile Menendez brothers’ trial.
Dominique Dunne’s Rise to Stardom
Born on November 23, 1959, in Santa Monica, California, Dominique Dunne came from a family deeply rooted in Hollywood. Her father, Dominick Dunne, was a prominent writer and producer, while her mother, Ellen Dunne, was a ranching heiress. Dominique had two brothers, Alex and Griffin Dunne, who also pursued careers in entertainment.
Dominique began her acting career in 1979 with roles in television movies such as Diary of a Teenage Hitchhiker. She quickly rose to fame with guest appearances on popular TV shows like Hart to Hart, Fame, and Lou Grant. However, it was her role in Poltergeist,
where she played Dana Freeling, that marked her as a promising young talent. The movie’s success catapulted her to stardom, and she was in the process of filming the sci-fi miniseries V when tragedy struck. Dominique’s career was just beginning, and many believed she had a bright future ahead of her.
A Relationship That Turned Deadly
Dominique Dunne’s relationship with John Sweeney, a sous-chef at a prominent Los Angeles restaurant, began in 1981 after the two met at a party. What started as a whirlwind romance quickly turned toxic. Sweeney’s jealous and controlling behavior led to frequent arguments, and eventually, violence. Reports from friends and family suggest that Sweeney became increasingly abusive, both verbally and physically.
In August 1982, the couple had a violent altercation where Sweeney allegedly pulled Dominique by her hair so hard that chunks of it came out. Despite this, Dominique initially stayed in the relationship. However, after another brutal attack in September 1982, she finally left him for good. Unfortunately, her decision to end the relationship only escalated the violence.
On the night of October 30, 1982, Sweeney showed up at Dominique’s West Hollywood home, where she was rehearsing lines with a fellow actor, David Packer. Sweeney demanded to talk to her, and despite her friend’s concerns, Dominique went outside to speak
with him. Their conversation soon turned violent. Packer, who was inside the house, heard loud noises and called the police. By the time the police arrived, Dominique had been strangled to the point of unconsciousness. Sweeney had strangled her, causing her to lose consciousness. He later admitted to the crime, telling police officers, “I killed my girlfriend, and I tried to kill myself.”
Dominique was taken to the hospital, but by the time she arrived, her heart had stopped beating. Although doctors managed to revive her body with machines, she was declared brain dead. After five days on life support, her family made the heartbreaking decision to take her off life support. Dominique Dunne passed away on November 4, 1982.
The Trial of John Sweeney
John Sweeney was charged with first-degree murder, a charge that many believed would lead to a conviction given the brutality of his crime. However, the trial became controversial due to the actions of the presiding judge and Sweeney’s legal defense. Sweeney’s
lawyers argued that he acted in the “heat of passion” after a frustrating conversation with Dominique, during which she reportedly told him that she no longer saw a future with him. Sweeney claimed he did not intend to kill her, but the evidence painted a different picture. Despite this, the judge allowed the charges to be downgraded from first-degree murder to second-degree murder or manslaughter.
In a shocking outcome, the jury acquitted Sweeney of second-degree murder and instead found him guilty of voluntary manslaughter, a much lesser charge. He was sentenced to just six years in prison, with an additional six months for an earlier assault charge related to an incident in September 1982. The leniency of the sentence outraged Dominique’s family and the public. To make matters worse, Sweeney served only two and a half years before being released on parole.
Life After the Trial
After his release, John Sweeney attempted to return to a normal life, taking a job as a head chef at a restaurant in Santa Monica. Dominique’s family, especially her brother Griffin, was determined to prevent Sweeney from moving on without consequences. Griffin and other family members protested outside the restaurant, handing out flyers that read, “The food you will eat tonight was cooked by the hands that killed Dominique Dunne.”
Sweeney eventually quit his job and left Los Angeles, changing his name to John Maura and relocating to the Pacific Northwest. In the years following Dominique’s death, her father, Dominick Dunne, became a prominent crime journalist. He wrote extensively about his daughter’s case and covered other high-profile trials, including the Menendez brothers and O.J. Simpson trials.
Dominique’s mother, Ellen, became an advocate for victims of violent crimes, founding the Justice for Homicide Victims foundation. Sadly, both Dominick and Ellen have since passed away, but their work ensured that Dominique’s memory and the fight for justice continue.
The Connection to the Menendez Brothers’ Trial
Dominique Dunne’s death has found renewed attention due to Netflix’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. The series, which revisits the infamous Menendez brothers’ trial, includes a portrayal of Dominique’s father, Dominick Dunne, by actor Nathan Lane. Dominick played a crucial role in the Menendez trial as a crime reporter. His passion for justice, rooted in the loss of his daughter, made him an influential voice during the case.
Though the Menendez trial occurred years after Dominique’s death, the pain and loss the Dunne family endured shaped Dominick’s approach to covering such cases. He often sided with the victims, using his platform to ensure their voices were heard and remembered.
Conclusion
Dominique Dunne’s death was a tragic and senseless act of violence. Her promising career was cut short, leaving a void in the hearts of her family and the many who admired her. While John Sweeney served only a fraction of his sentence, the Dunne family’s fight for
justice ensured that Dominique’s memory would live on. Her case remains a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of justice for victims. As new generations learn about Dominique through films and documentaries, her legacy continues to resonate, serving as a call to action against intimate partner violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Dominique Dunne?
Dominique Dunne was a young actress known for her role in the 1982 horror movie Poltergeist. She had a promising career in Hollywood before her life was tragically cut short by her ex-boyfriend, John Sweeney, in 1982.
2. What happened to Dominique Dunne?
Dominique Dunne was strangled by her ex-boyfriend, John Sweeney, outside her West Hollywood home on October 30, 1982. She was declared brain dead and passed away five days later after being removed from life support.
3. What was John Sweeney’s sentence for Dominique Dunne’s death?
John Sweeney was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to six years in prison. He served only two and a half years before being released on parole.
4. How is Dominique Dunne’s case related to the Menendez brothers’ trial?
Dominique’s father, Dominick Dunne, was a prominent crime journalist who covered the Menendez brothers’ trial. His dedication to victims’ rights and justice was deeply influenced by the loss of his daughter, Dominique.
5. Where is John Sweeney now?
John Sweeney changed his name to John Maura and moved to the Pacific Northwest after being released from prison. His exact whereabouts are not publicly known.