FBI Probed Anna Nicole Smith in Murder Plot
Prosecutors decided they didn't have enough evidence
Wednesday, Oct 7, 2009 | Updated 9:21 AM EST
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Anna Nicole Smith was investigated for a murder plot.
The FBI investigated whether Anna Nicole Smith was plotting to slay the son of her wealthy husband but determined there wasn't enough evidence to charge the blonde bombshell in his attempted murder.
Smith, who died of a drug overdose in 2007, was probed by the agency in 2000 and 2001 for her alleged role in the murder-for-hire scheme targeting E. Pierce Marshall, according to documents obtained by the Associated Press.
The son of the wealthy oil tycoon didn't want the Playboy Playmate to get her hands on his father's fortune, which was estimated to be about $550 million in 1992. The stunner married the elder Marshall when she was 26 and he was 89 after they met at a Texas strip club where she was a topless dancer.
"Smith began crying and denied ever making such plans" when agents interviewed her on July 3, 2000, a report said.
It's unclear how the agency became aware of the alleged plot and there is no detailed evidence of Smith's involvement. An April 26, 2001, letter to the FBI from Sally Meloch, an assistant U.S. attorney, said she reviewed the reports but "determined that there is insufficient evidence to establish that there was a murder-for-hire plot by Ms. Smith to kill Pierce Marshall."
"Smith adamantly denied ever contemplating such a crime," an agent wrote, and prosecutors eventually agreed the case could not go forward.
The elder Marshall died of natural causes in 1995. His son died in 2006 at age 67 of an infection and Smith died a year later at age 39 after collapsing in her South Florida hotel room.
Copyright Associated Press
Posted Wednesday, Oct 7, 2009 - 5:54 AM EST
