- Documentary on FOX exposes shocking new evidence surrounding the unjust trial of Dominique Dunne’s boyfriend, featuring her brother’s suspicion of further domestic violence by the killer.
- A woman recounts her harrowing experience of brutal abuse at the hands of John Sweeney, who dragged her by her ponytail, shoved her head in a bathtub, and assaulted her near her throat.
- Close friends and the lead detective express their belief that Sweeney still exhibits violent behavior, with no charges brought against him for the latest incident. Airing Monday on FOX.
Additional Coverage:
The trial of the boyfriend of actress Dominique Dunne, known for her role in “Poltergeist,” is considered one of the most unjust in history. This new FOX primetime special exposes shocking new evidence regarding the 1982 murder and its aftermath. The documentary, airing Monday night, includes the revelation that Griffin Dunne, Dominique’s brother, had a lingering suspicion that John Sweeney, her killer, had committed further acts of domestic violence after the trial. One particular case in 2000 involved a woman who filed a restraining order against Sweeney, alleging brutal abuse.
The woman, too scared to speak on camera, shares her story with Harvey Levin. She recalls how Sweeney dragged her by her ponytail through a hotel lobby, shoved her head in a bathtub, pushed her against a wall, and put his hands on her collarbone near her throat. She managed to escape with their baby but has not seen him since. Despite involving the police, Sweeney was never charged with a crime.
Charles Wessler, an Oscar-winning producer and friend of the Dunne family, is not surprised by these revelations. He claims that Sweeney still exhibits the same violent rage to this day. Gloria, a devastated friend of Dominique, shares the sentiment, stating that Sweeney has never changed and calling him a caged animal. Harold Johnson, the lead detective in the 1982 case, is equally disturbed by Sweeney’s continued violence against women.
“TMZ Investigates: Killing a Movie Star: Grave Injustice” premieres on Monday, January 29, on FOX at 9/8c, and will be available on Hulu the following day.