final introduction

On August 5 1962, film star Marilyn Monroe, “was found lying naked in her bed with an empty bottle of Nembutal[1] sleeping pills by her side”[2], and, “after a brief investigation, Los Angeles police concluded that her death was caused by a self-administered overdose of sedative drugs and that the mode of death is probable suicide”[3]. Speculation surrounding Monroe’s death resulted in a number of theories arising, ranging from suicide, to unpleasant suspicions that Monroe was murdered, as the official reports lack conclusive evidence, aiding speculations which have captivated millions for over fifty years. As the available evidence is limited, historians must be critical as to whether sources show bias or are presenting information that is best suited to their own personal agendas, such as John Miner, a witness of the autopsy, spoke out on his belief that Monroe was murdered, while UNsolved History explores numerous theories and provides supportive points that Monroe’s death was as officially reported. The theories and supporting evidence of one source habitually contradicts that of another, and comparisons are needed in order to establish which sources are more reliable.  The evidence supporting the theory that Marilyn Monroe’s death was due to suicide is inconclusive, and thus the mystery remains unsolved due to the supporting evidence available for various theories.

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[1] The drug sodium pentobarbitone

[2] On This Day BBC, 1962: Marilyn Monroe Found Dead,

http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/august/5/newsid_2657000/2657289.stm, (Accessed 02/07/15).

[3] History: This day in History, Marilyn Monroe Is Found Dead, http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/marilyn-monroe-is-found-dead, (Accessed 03/08/15).