12 Notorious Murder Cases That Tore Hollywood Apart

The case of little-known actress Rebecca Schaeffer may not be as high-profile as the others on this list, but it tells a chilling tale that no doubt reaffirmed the fears of many celebrities.

Schaeffer was a 21-year-old, who had been acting for a mere five years when she was shot and killed by Robert John Bardo, right on her front doorstep. Bardo was a 19-year-old manic depressive, who had began stalking Schaeffer for three years.

Bardo was outraged when he saw Schaeffer share a bed with a man in the movie, Scenes from the Class Struggles in Beverly Hills. He paid a private detective to find her address, then bought a gun with the help of his older brother.

Bardo drove to Schaeffer's Los Angeles home, knocked on her door, and had a brief talk in which the actress asked him never to come again. He left, got some breakfast, then returned to her home. This time, when she answered the door, he shot her at point-blank-range in the chest.

Schaeffer died shortly thereafter and Bardo was arrested. This horrifying case is a reminder of the dangers stalkers pose to celebrities, and the need for serious security and privacy.