In 1982, the promising career of 22-year-old actress Dominique Dunne was tragically cut short when she was murdered in her West Hollywood driveway. Even four decades later, the echoes of this crime continue to resonate, especially with the recent portrayal of her father, Dominick Dunne, in the Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. Dominique Dunne, known for her role in the horror classic Poltergeist, became a symbol of lost potential and the devastating consequences of domestic violence. Her life was brutally ended by her ex-boyfriend, John Sweeney, on October 30, 1982, leaving a scar on her family and Hollywood.
Dunne and Sweeney’s relationship, which began in 1981, quickly spiraled into abuse. After a tumultuous year marked by violence, Dunne ended the relationship. However, Sweeney’s possessiveness turned deadly when he returned to her home that fateful October night. An argument escalated into a physical assault, and Sweeney strangled Dunne until she lost consciousness. His confession to police at the scene – “I killed my girlfriend” – marked the beginning of a legal saga that further traumatized the Dunne family.
The subsequent trial saw Sweeney acquitted of second-degree murder, instead convicted of the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter. His sentence of a mere six and a half years, with parole granted after only two and a half, ignited public outrage and became a focal point for discussions about justice and victim’s rights. Dominique’s family, including her writer and journalist father Dominick Dunne, her mother Ellen, and her brothers Griffin and Alex, were left to grapple with grief and a justice system that many felt had failed them.
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Promotional photograph featuring Valerie Harper, Dominique Dunne, and Dennis Weaver for the 1981 ABC TV movie ‘The Day the Loving Died’, highlighting Dunne’s early career in television.
The renewed interest in Dominique Dunne’s story, fueled by Nathan Lane’s portrayal of Dominick Dunne in the Menendez Brothers series, has brought the question of her killer’s whereabouts back into sharp focus. People are asking: Where Is John Thomas Sweeney Today? What became of the man who took a young life and then seemingly disappeared after a lenient sentence? To understand the present, we must first delve deeper into the past, examining who Dominique Dunne was and the tragic events that led to her untimely death.
Who was Dominique Dunne? A Rising Star
Born on November 23, 1959, in Santa Monica, California, Dominique Dunne was born into Hollywood royalty, of sorts. Her father, Dominick Dunne, was a well-connected writer, actor, and producer, while her mother, Ellen, was an heiress. Growing up with brothers Alex and Griffin, Dominique showed an early aptitude for performance.
Her acting career began in 1979 with Diary of a Teenage Hitchhiker. She quickly garnered roles in popular television series of the era, including Lou Grant, Family, Hart to Hart, and Fame. However, it was her role as Dana Freeling in the 1982 blockbuster Poltergeist that catapulted her to wider recognition. Dunne was on the cusp of major stardom, slated to appear in the Poltergeist sequel and in the miniseries V. Tragically, her burgeoning career was extinguished just as it was taking flight. Her final on-screen appearance was in V, which aired posthumously and was dedicated to her memory.
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Dominique Dunne pictured with James Canning in a promotional image for the 1981 television film ‘The Day the Loving Died’, showcasing her early roles in made-for-TV movies.
The Relationship with John Sweeney: A Whirlwind Romance Turned Violent
Dominique Dunne’s path crossed with John Sweeney’s in 1981 at a party. Sweeney, a sous chef, charmed the young actress, and their relationship moved rapidly. Within weeks, they were living together. However, the initial romance soon deteriorated into a cycle of abuse.
Sweeney’s behavior became increasingly aggressive and controlling. Reports indicate that he was physically abusive towards Dunne. One particularly disturbing incident in August 1982 saw Sweeney allegedly attacking Dunne, grabbing her hair and pulling so violently that clumps were ripped from her scalp. Terrified, Dunne sought refuge at her mother’s home, but Sweeney followed, creating a scene by banging on doors and windows until Ellen Dunne threatened to call the police.
Despite this alarming incident, Dunne returned to their shared residence. Just a month later, another violent altercation occurred. Sweeney reportedly strangled Dunne during a domestic dispute. A neighbor overheard sounds of distress and attempted to intervene, highlighting the escalating violence in their relationship. Dunne managed to escape through a window and flee in her car, with Sweeney even jumping onto the hood in a desperate attempt to stop her. Following this harrowing event, Dunne finally ended the relationship, hoping to escape the abuse.
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On-set photograph from the filming of ‘Poltergeist’ (1982) featuring Oliver Robins, Dominique Dunne, Craig T. Nelson, Heather O’Rourke, and JoBeth Williams, illustrating Dunne’s successful role just before her tragic death.
The Murder of Dominique Dunne: October 30, 1982
On October 30, 1982, John Sweeney arrived at Dominique Dunne’s home while she was rehearsing lines with actor David Packer. Sweeney insisted on speaking with her privately. Dunne reluctantly agreed and met him outside while Packer remained inside. Their conversation quickly devolved into a violent confrontation.
Hearing the escalating argument, Packer became concerned and eventually called the police. By the time authorities arrived, Sweeney had strangled Dunne into unconsciousness. He readily confessed to the crime, stating, “I killed my girlfriend, and I tried to kill myself.” He further chillingly admitted to a police officer, “I didn’t think I choked her that hard. I just kept on choking her.”
Dominique Dunne was rushed to the hospital, but her heart had stopped. While doctors managed to revive her, she was declared brain dead. Five days later, her parents made the agonizing decision to remove her from life support, bringing a definitive and heartbreaking end to her young life.
The Trial and Aftermath: A Controversial Verdict
John Sweeney was initially charged with first-degree murder. He pleaded not guilty, and his defense team argued that he acted in the “heat of passion,” claiming Dunne had allegedly stated she had no future planned with him after previously discussing one. The judge, citing insufficient evidence of premeditation, reduced the charge to second-degree murder or manslaughter.
The jury ultimately acquitted Sweeney of second-degree murder but found him guilty of voluntary manslaughter and misdemeanor assault related to the earlier incident in September. His sentence was a mere six and a half years in prison, plus an additional six months for assault. The light sentence, especially the parole granted after only two and a half years, sparked widespread outrage. Many felt it was a gross miscarriage of justice and a slap in the face to Dominique Dunne and her family.
Following his release, Sweeney’s attempt to resume a normal life further incensed the Dunne family. He was hired as head chef at a highly-regarded Santa Monica restaurant. The Dunne family, in protest, stood outside the restaurant, distributing flyers to patrons that read, “The food you will eat tonight was cooked by the hands that killed Dominique Dunne.” The intense public scrutiny forced Sweeney to resign and leave Los Angeles.
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John Thomas Sweeney pictured entering court in Beverly Hills on December 14, 1982, for the preliminary hearing regarding Dominique Dunne’s death, amidst reports of a suicide attempt while in jail.
The Search for John Sweeney: Name Change and Disappearance
In the mid-1990s, Dominick Dunne was contacted by a Florida man who was concerned that the John Sweeney engaged to his daughter was the same man who had killed Dominique. Griffin Dunne contacted the woman and confirmed Sweeney’s past. Shortly after, Sweeney changed his name, effectively disappearing from public view.
Dominick Dunne, driven by a father’s grief and a desire for accountability, hired a private investigator to locate Sweeney. They discovered he had moved to the Pacific Northwest and adopted the name John Maura. However, Dominick eventually made the difficult decision to let go of the pursuit. In a 2007 interview, he stated, “I don’t know where he is. I don’t want to know where he is. … It’s much healthier.”
This brings us back to the central question: where is John Thomas Sweeney today? The truth is, his current whereabouts remain unknown. Having changed his name and deliberately vanished, it is highly likely that John Sweeney, possibly now living under the name John Maura or another alias, is intentionally avoiding public attention. He has successfully managed to stay out of the spotlight for decades. Whether he is still in the Pacific Northwest or has relocated elsewhere remains a mystery. For Dominique Dunne’s family, and perhaps for his own peace of mind, John Sweeney has effectively disappeared.
Dominique Dunne’s Legacy: Family and Impact
While John Sweeney sought to erase his past, Dominique Dunne’s family dedicated themselves to preserving her memory and advocating for victims’ rights. Dominick Dunne channeled his grief into a powerful career as a crime writer. His firsthand experience with the justice system during Sweeney’s trial deeply influenced his work, leading him to cover high-profile cases like the O.J. Simpson trial and the Menendez brothers’ trial. His article in Vanity Fair about Sweeney’s trial became a seminal piece on the victim’s family experience within the legal system.
Ellen Dunne, Dominique’s mother, became an advocate for victims of homicide. She founded the Justice for Homicide Victims foundation and was recognized for her tireless work by President George H.W. Bush. Griffin Dunne, Dominique’s brother, has continued his career in Hollywood and recently published a memoir, The Friday Afternoon Club: A Family Memoir, reflecting on his family’s history and the enduring impact of Dominique’s loss.
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Photograph of Griffin Dunne and Dominick Dunne at the Broadway Opening Night of ‘The Year of Magical Thinking’, highlighting the family’s continued presence in the public eye and their shared grief.
The Menendez Brothers Connection: Dominick Dunne’s Crime Journalism
The recent Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story has brought Dominique Dunne’s case back into the public consciousness because of its portrayal of Dominick Dunne’s role in covering the Menendez brothers’ trial. Dominick Dunne’s passionate and victim-centered approach to crime journalism was significantly shaped by his personal tragedy. He became a prominent voice in the media, often offering a perspective focused on the victims and their families, a viewpoint deeply informed by his own experience.
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Image combining Lyle and Erik Menendez leaving court in 1990 with Dominique Dunne at a Miramax Pre-Oscar Party, connecting Dunne’s case to the Menendez brothers’ trial through Dominick Dunne’s journalism.
Conclusion: An Unresolved Question and a Lasting Tragedy
While the question of where is John Thomas Sweeney today may remain unanswered, the legacy of Dominique Dunne continues to endure. Her tragic story serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the long-lasting impact of such crimes on families. The lenient sentence given to her killer and his subsequent disappearance highlight ongoing issues within the justice system and the challenges faced by victims’ families seeking closure and accountability. Dominique Dunne’s memory lives on not only through her films but also through the advocacy work of her family and the renewed interest in her story, ensuring that her life and tragic death are never forgotten.
