Did Patton Oswalt Murder His Wife?
Contents
A Shocking Tragedy
On April 21, 2016, the comedy world was rocked by the news that Patton Oswalt’s wife, Michelle McNamara, had been found dead in their Los Angeles home. The investigation that followed led to a surprising revelation: Oswalt was cleared of any suspicion or involvement in her murder.
Michelle McNamara’s Tragic Death
Michelle McNamara was a journalist and true crime author who had written extensively on the Golden State Killer, also known as the East Area Rapist. She was working on a book about the case and had recently discovered a major breakthrough. Tragically, she never got to share her findings with the world.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) received a 911 call at around 3:00 a.m. from a neighbor who reported a disturbance at the Oswalt-McNamara residence. When police arrived, they found Michelle McNamara dead on the floor of her bedroom, with no signs of forced entry or struggle. The investigation began, and police initially considered the possibility that it was a homicide.
The Investigation
The LAPD conducted a thorough investigation, including forensic analysis of the crime scene and interviews with neighbors, friends, and family members. They also reviewed Michelle’s online activities and communications to gather more information.
Here are some key points from the investigation:
- No signs of forced entry or struggle: There was no evidence to suggest that someone had entered the home forcefully or that Michelle had been physically assaulted.
- No witnesses: There were no witnesses to the murder, and neighbors reported hearing nothing unusual on the night of the crime.
- Michelle’s computer activity: Investigators found that Michelle had been working on her book about the Golden State Killer up until the time of her death.
- Patton Oswalt’s alibi: Oswalt claimed to have been at a friend’s house watching TV and playing video games from around 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. His alibi was corroborated by his friend, who was willing to testify that Oswalt had been with him the entire time.
Conclusion
After months of investigation, the LAPD officially closed the case and declared Michelle McNamara’s death a homicide, but with no known motive or suspect. In other words, they found no evidence to suggest that Patton Oswalt was involved in her murder.
What happened to Michelle McNamara?
While the investigation concluded that Oswalt was not involved in her murder, the circumstances surrounding Michelle’s death remain a mystery. It is unclear whether her work on the Golden State Killer case played a role in her death, or if there were other factors at play.
A Final Note
The case of Michelle McNamara’s death serves as a reminder of the risks and dangers that journalists and true crime authors face in their work. It is a tragic loss, and one that has left a lasting impact on the comedy world and the true crime community.
Timeline of the Investigation
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 21, 2016 | Michelle McNamara found dead in her bedroom |
| April 21, 2016 | LAPD responds to 911 call and begins investigation |
| April 2016 – May 2016 | Police interview neighbors, friends, and family members |
| May 2016 | Forensic analysis of crime scene and computer activity begins |
| June 2016 | Patton Oswalt’s alibi is corroborated by friend |
| August 2016 | LAPD officially closes case and declares Michelle’s death a homicide |
Conclusion
While the investigation concluded that Patton Oswalt was not involved in Michelle McNamara’s murder, the circumstances surrounding her death remain a mystery. The case serves as a reminder of the risks and dangers that journalists and true crime authors face in their work.
