15 Celebrities Who Have Been Charged With Homicide

Celebrities often seem like they live in a different world full of glamour and success. But sometimes their lives take dark turns that remind us they’re human too and can face serious legal troubles just like anyone else. Being charged with homicide is one of the most shocking things that can happen to a famous person and it changes how the public sees them forever.

These cases range from intentional acts to tragic accidents but they all involve loss of life and courtrooms. Some stars were acquitted while others ended up serving time. It’s a sobering look at how fame doesn’t protect anyone from the consequences of their actions.

O. J. Simpson

You probably know O.J. Simpson as a legendary football player who also starred in films like ‘The Naked Gun’. In 1994 he was charged with the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman after they were found stabbed to death outside her home.

The trial became a massive media event with Simpson’s defense team arguing he was innocent. He was acquitted in the criminal case but later found liable in a civil suit and ordered to pay millions to the families.

Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg burst onto the music scene with his laid-back rap style and hits that defined West Coast hip-hop. In 1993 he and his bodyguard were charged with first-degree murder after a man was shot from their car during a confrontation.

They claimed self-defense and hired a top lawyer to represent them. After a lengthy trial both were acquitted and Snoop went on to build an even bigger career in music and entertainment.

Robert Blake

Robert Blake had a long acting career starting as a child star and later appearing in shows like ‘Baretta’. In 2001 he was charged with murdering his wife Bonny Lee Bakley who was shot outside a restaurant where they had dinner.

Blake insisted he was innocent and the case relied heavily on circumstantial evidence. A jury found him not guilty but he lost a wrongful death civil suit and had to declare bankruptcy after paying damages.

Phil Spector

Phil Spector was a groundbreaking music producer known for his work with groups like The Ronettes. In 2003 he was charged with second-degree murder after actress Lana Clarkson was shot at his home.

His first trial ended in a mistrial but the second one led to a conviction. Spector claimed it was a suicide but the jury didn’t buy it and he was sentenced to prison where he later died.

Michael Jace

Michael Jace is recognized for his role as a cop in the series ‘The Shield’. In 2014 he was charged with murder after shooting his wife April in their home in front of their kids.

Jace called the police himself and admitted to the shooting citing marital problems. He was convicted and sentenced to 40 years to life in prison.

Sid Vicious

Sid Vicious was the rebellious bassist for the punk band Sex Pistols. In 1978 he was charged with murdering his girlfriend Nancy Spungen who was stabbed in their hotel room.

Vicious was high on drugs and couldn’t remember much but he was out on bail when he overdosed and died before the trial.

Ray Lewis

Ray Lewis was a star linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL. In 2000 he was charged with murder after two men were stabbed following a fight outside a nightclub.

Lewis testified against his friends and the murder charges against him were dropped. He pled guilty to a misdemeanor and continued his successful football career.

Rebecca Gayheart

Rebecca Gayheart appeared in popular shows like ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’. In 2001 she was charged with vehicular manslaughter after her car hit and killed a young boy crossing the street.

She pleaded no contest and received probation along with community service and a fine. Gayheart expressed deep remorse and paid for the boy’s funeral.

Vince Neil

Vince Neil is the lead singer of the rock band Mötley Crüe. In 1984 he was charged with vehicular manslaughter after a drunk driving crash that killed his passenger a drummer from another band.

Neil pleaded guilty and served a short jail time plus paid restitution. He has spoken about how the incident affected him and his struggles with alcohol.

Matthew Broderick

Matthew Broderick is famous for starring in ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’. In 1987 while vacationing in Ireland he was charged with causing death by dangerous driving after a head-on crash that killed two women.

He was convicted of careless driving and fined a small amount. Broderick has called it one of the worst traumas of his life.

Don King

Don King is a well-known boxing promoter who worked with fighters like Muhammad Ali. In 1966 he was charged with second-degree murder after beating a man to death over a debt.

The charge was reduced to manslaughter and he served time in prison. King had another earlier killing ruled as justifiable homicide.

Oscar Pistorius

Oscar Pistorius was an inspiring Paralympic runner known as the Blade Runner. In 2013 he was charged with murder after shooting his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a bathroom door.

He said he thought she was an intruder and was convicted of culpable homicide later upgraded to murder. Pistorius served time and was recently released on parole.

Christian Brando

Christian Brando was the son of actor Marlon Brando and appeared in a few films. In 1990 he was charged with murder after shooting his sister’s boyfriend in their family home.

He claimed it was an accident during a struggle and pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. Brando served several years in prison.

Aaron Hernandez

Aaron Hernandez was a talented tight end for the New England Patriots. In 2013 he was charged with murder in the shooting death of his friend Odin Lloyd.

Hernandez was convicted and sentenced to life but he took his own life in prison. He was also linked to other shootings.

Amy Locane

Amy Locane acted in shows like ‘Melrose Place’ and movies like ‘Cry-Baby’. In 2010 she was charged with vehicular homicide after a drunk driving crash that killed a woman.

She was convicted and sentenced to prison time. Locane has since joined sobriety programs and expressed regret for her actions.

What do you think about these shocking celebrity homicide cases? Share your thoughts in the comments.