Ready for some true crime?
I've been working on this for some time and will be doing this in 5 parts:
1st part: Introduction to victim & perpetrator
2nd part: How they met and their relationship
3rd part: When and where it all went wrong
4th part: The crime
5th part: The investigation
6th part: Closing the case & sentencing
Let's get started:
Victim
This case is about Rebecca Lucile Schaeffer. For those who don't know her story, buckle up. This is a case of obsession that eventually led to murder, with some crazy twists & turns.
Rebecca, born in 1967, was born in Eugene, Oregon, as the only child to parents Danna, a writer and educator, and Dr. Benson Schaeffer, a child psychologist. Her upbringing was steeped in Jewish tradition, and her early aspirations leaned toward becoming a rabbi. However, her path took a different turn during her junior year at Lincoln High School when she was bitten by the modeling bug.
As Rebecca's talent blossomed, her family relocated to Portland to support her aspirations. Her dedication and perseverance paid off when she landed a role on the soap opera "One Life to Live" at the age of 15. This marked a turning point in her career, opening doors to new opportunities and cementing her passion for acting.
Rebecca's striking looks and natural charm caught the attention of local agencies, leading to appearances in department store catalogs and television commercials. This early success fueled her ambition, and at the age of 16, with her parents' blessing, she spent a summer in New York City working with the prestigious Elite Model Management.
The experience solidified her passion for the entertainment industry, and she decided to stay in the city to pursue modeling full-time, marking the beginning of her journey toward a promising career in Hollywood.
A budding actress with a radiant smile and captivating presence, Rebecca quickly became a recognizable face on the small screen. She landed a starring role as Patti Russell in the CBS sitcom "My Sister Sam" propelling her into the limelight, showcasing her natural talent and charisma.
Rebecca's infectious enthusiasm and genuine warmth extended beyond her professional life. She was known for her kindness, compassion, and ability to connect with people on a personal level. Her friends and colleagues often described her as a ray of sunshine, someone who could brighten even the darkest of days.
As her star continued to rise, Rebecca's talent and beauty caught the attention of filmmakers. She landed a starring role in the critically acclaimed film "Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills," further solidifying her status as a rising star in Hollywood. With a bright future ahead of her, Rebecca's dreams seemed within reach. Little did she know that a dark shadow was lurking, threatening to extinguish her light.
Perpetrator:
Robert John Bardo, born on January 2, 1970, was the youngest of seven children raised in a tumultuous environment. His father, Philip, was a non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force, and his mother was of Korean descent. Bardo's early life was marked by frequent relocations due to his father's military career, ultimately settling in Tucson, Arizona, in 1983.
During his formative years, Bardo experienced a troubled childhood, enduring abuse at the hands of one of his siblings. The turmoil at home led him to threaten suicide, resulting in a brief stint in foster care. Mental illness ran in Bardo's family, and he was eventually diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a condition that would significantly impact his life.
At the age of 15, Bardo's emotional struggles escalated, leading to a month-long institutionalization for treatment. His academic journey ended prematurely when he dropped out of Pueblo Magnet High School in the ninth grade. He then took on a job as a janitor at Jack in the Box, struggling to find stability in his life.
Bardo's troubled past continued to haunt him, as evidenced by three arrests as a teenager. The charges ranged from domestic violence to disorderly conduct, painting a picture of a young man grappling with anger and instability. Neighbors also recounted instances of Bardo's bizarre and threatening behavior, raising concerns about his mental well-being and foreshadowing the dark path he was about to embark on.
In the quiet town of Tucson, Arizona, Bardo harbored a dark obsession. His fixation on actress and model Rebecca Schaeffer consumed his every thought, driving him down a dangerous path of delusion and obsession. Bardo, a 19-year-old pizza delivery boy, spent countless hours poring over newspaper clippings, photos, and memorabilia of the actress. He transformed his bedroom into a shrine dedicated to his idol, a place where he could immerse himself in his fantasy world.
Bardo's infatuation with Rebecca went beyond mere admiration. He believed that they were destined to be together, that she was his soulmate and his "guardian angel." He wrote her numerous letters expressing his undying love and devotion. He even hired a private investigator to track down her address, a chilling act that would ultimately lead to tragedy.
As Bardo's obsession intensified, his mental state deteriorated. He became convinced that Rebecca was being corrupted by the Hollywood lifestyle, that she was losing touch with her true self. His delusional thinking fueled his anger and resentment, driving him to take drastic measures.
Bardo's actions became increasingly erratic and disturbing. He sent Rebecca numerous gifts, including a teddy bear and a religious card, hoping to win her affection. He even traveled to Los Angeles to meet her on the set of "My Sister Sam," but was turned away by security. Undeterred, Bardo continued to write letters, each one more desperate and disturbing than the last.
Stay tuned for part two ...
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