Dorothy Ruth Stratten, born Dorothy Ruth Hoogstraten on February 28, 1960, in Vancouver, British Columbia, was a Canadian model and actress who gained fame as Playboy's Playmate of the Month for August 1979 and Playmate of the Year in 1980. Tragically, her life was cut short at the age of 20 on August 14, 1980, in Rancho Park, Los Angeles, California. Stratten was brutally murdered by her estranged husband and manager, Paul Snider, in a horrific murder-suicide.
On the day of her death, Stratten went to the West Los Angeles rental home she had once shared with Snider to discuss the finalization of their divorce and the division of their assets. During this meeting, Snider, who had been increasingly unstable and possessive, shot Stratten in the face with a shotgun, killing her instantly. He then turned the gun on himself, committing suicide. The bodies were discovered later that day by friends who had become concerned when they could not reach Stratten.
The investigation into Stratten's death revealed a deeply troubled relationship between her and Snider. Snider had discovered Stratten while she was working at a Dairy Queen in Vancouver and had quickly become both her manager and husband. As Stratten's career began to take off, Snider's behavior became increasingly erratic and controlling. Stratten had recently started a relationship with film director Peter Bogdanovich, which further strained her marriage to Snider. This relationship, along with Stratten's desire to end her marriage and professional ties with Snider, is believed to have been a significant factor in the events leading up to her murder.
Following the murder-suicide, there were no arrests as Snider had taken his own life. However, the case did lead to several legal battles, particularly concerning the estates of both Stratten and Snider. Snider's family attempted to claim Stratten's assets, arguing that Snider had inherited her estate upon her death. This motion was ultimately denied by the court.
Stratten's tragic death has been the subject of numerous articles, books, and films, highlighting the dangers of abusive relationships and the dark side of the entertainment industry. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by young women in the public eye and the devastating consequences of domestic violence.
