Did Bobby Kennedy Kill Marilyn Monroe?

Few Hollywood legends shine as brightly—or as mysteriously—as Marilyn Monroe. When news broke in August 1962 that Monroe was found dead from an apparent drug overdose, the public’s heartbreak was coupled with a tangle of rumors and half-truths. For decades, her death carried an aura of suspicion. Was it really a tragic accident, or could something far more sinister have transpired that night?

The podcast episode from "Things Visible and Invisible" dives headlong into this enduring mystery, raising provocative questions and analyzing shadowy corners of Marilyn’s final hours. Today, we peel back the layers, explore untold details from insiders, and invite you to reconsider everything you thought you knew about the demise of an American icon.

Whispers in the Halls of Power

It’s no secret that Marilyn Monroe was entwined with some of the 20th century’s most influential figures—the Kennedy brothers among them. According to the episode, Monroe was no longer content to be a pawn in their secretive world. She was reportedly poised to go public about her affairs with President John F. Kennedy and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. For the powerful men in her life, this carried massive risks—not just for reputations, but for national security.

The transcript suggests that behind-the-scenes discussions took place between the Kennedy brothers and Peter Lawford (their brother-in-law and a close confidant of Monroe). The stakes were so high that Lawford was sent to persuade Marilyn to keep quiet, but she was defiant, tired of being used and cast aside. All this tension reached a boiling point on the night of her death.

A Night Full of Intrigue: The Last Hours

As recounted in the podcast, Monroe’s house on her final night became a stage for a dramatic series of visits. Bobby Kennedy reportedly flew in secretly, Lawford by his side. Surveillance placed them at Marilyn’s house on more than one occasion that day. Arguments turned physical, and emotions ran red-hot as they allegedly searched her home for anything that could tie the Kennedys to her—photos, notes, and especially her fabled diary.

Wiretaps, bugs, and photographs—the tools of the intelligence trade—were all said to be used to monitor the events unfolding. It was a time when Marilyn’s home was alive with secrets, anger, and evidence that the authorities were more involved than they ever let on. According to testimonies, the men returned later that evening and tempers flared once more. Within this chaos, a moment stands out: Bobby Kennedy, seen stirring a clear liquid in a glass, gave it to Marilyn. Lawford, thinking it was a sedative, urged her to drink it to calm down. But soon after, she appeared not just sedated but unresponsive—her fate seemingly sealed.

The Cover-Up: Police, Intelligence, and Silence

Just as the tension reached its climax, two plainclothes men—later identified as Captain Hamilton of the LAPD’s intelligence division and an associate—arrived at the door. Monroe’s companions, under their direction, left immediately. The transcript reveals that Hamilton’s presence and involvement went beyond mere investigation. Lawford’s recollection and later statements point toward coordinated efforts to shield high-profile interests and ensure the true story of that night never emerged.

Mike, the episode's main guest, claims access to exclusive LAPD intelligence files, including surveillance photos and even a copy of Marilyn’s missing diary. The files reportedly included evidence contradicting the official record given to the public. Bug installer Fred Otash, under contract with the CIA and Teamsters leader Jimmy Hoffa, confirmed that all intelligence was turned over to LAPD—a convergence of law enforcement, organized labor, and intelligence agencies that’s hard to dismiss as coincidence.

Years later, Jack Clemens, the first police officer on scene that night, contacted Mike. Clemens described being pressured by intelligence officials to authenticate photographs of Monroe’s death scene—evidence hinting at staged photos and manipulation. He also witnessed the immediate seizure of Monroe’s phone records by Captain Hamilton, records which disappeared into a chief’s private safe.

A Persistent Search for the Truth

The episode touches on the frustration of many investigators, historians, and authors who stumbled upon the rigid wall of secrecy surrounding Monroe’s case. Everyone from journalists to best-selling authors reached out to Mike for the inside story, but the truth remained shrouded. Only after decades did he finally decide to speak out, driven by a sense that history itself deserved better than the murky narrative previously accepted.

Despite the controversy, the episode’s evidence—testimonies from insiders, glimpses into intelligence operations, and inconsistencies in official accounts—paints a compelling alternative scenario. While absolute proof remains elusive and some details are forever lost to time, the persistence of those who chase Marilyn Monroe’s real story keeps her memory alive in new and unexpected ways.

Unraveling the Mystery: What We’re Left With

More than a half century since her death, Marilyn Monroe remains a symbol not just of glamour, but of mystery and unresolved questions. Was her life cut short to protect powerful men? Was she the victim of a cover-up orchestrated by intelligence and law enforcement out to safeguard their secrets? The episode of "Things Visible and Invisible" ultimately invites us to challenge old assumptions and demand more from history.

If you’re left haunted by Monroe’s story, you’re not alone. The only way to truly honor her legacy is by seeking the truth, no matter how uncomfortable or complex. By examining the people, motivations, and extraordinary circumstances that converged on that fateful night, we edge closer to the answers she—and we—deserve.

To read the detailed investigation and explore rare evidence, check out the book 'Bombshell' mentioned in the podcast or visit the show’s website for more thought-provoking stories. And if you find yourself fascinated by mysteries that blur the lines between what’s visible and invisible, consider subscribing to the channel or supporting its ongoing investigations—with each contribution, you help keep the search for truth alive.

📕 Guest: Mike Rothmiller

Mike is an author, former LAPD detective, and TV producer. He served 10 years with the LAPD, including five undercover with the Organized Crime Intelligence Division. Rothmiller is a New York Times bestselling author, with works such as "L.A. Secret Police" and "True Stories of the Paranormal and Unexplained."

✍️ Amazon Author Page: Mike Rothmiller on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mike-Rothmiller/author/B001ITX5UE