Robert Wagner 'more of a person of interest' in the death of Natalie Wood, investigator claims after six year probe

Investigation into drowning death was reopened in 2011

Robert Wagner rides in the Hollywood Christmas Parade in Los Angeles, California (Reuters)

Actor Robert Wagner is a person of interest in the investigation into the drowning death of his then-wife Natalie Wood, according to police.

“As we've investigated the case over the last six years, I think he's more of a person of interest now,” Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Lt John Corina told CBS as part of a new documentary.

Mr Corina noted that Wagner was the last person seen with Wood before she disappeared from a yacht and was later found floating dead in the water off the California coast. Investigator Ralph Hernandez said new evidence cast doubt on the notion that Wood’s 1981 death was an accident.

“We believe that there was a lot more to it than what was being told,” Mr Hernandez said, noting that bruises on Wood's body detailed in an autopsy report meant “she looked like the victim of an assault”.

A spokesman from the sheriff’s department said nothing has changed in the case, affirming that Wagner “continues to be a person of interest and the case remains open”.

A spokesman for Mr Wagner did not immediately respond to a request for comment. When the sheriff’s department reopened its investigation, in 2011, spokesman Alan Nierob said the Wagner family “fully support the efforts of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department”.

When the sheriff’s department reopened its inquiry, officials cited in part boat captain Dennis Davern’s suggestion that Wagner was responsible for Woods’ death. He said he had lied to investigators and alleged that “we didn't take any steps to see if we could locate” Wood after she vanished (actor Christopher Walken was also on the boat).

Mr Davern claimed that Wagner and Wood, who had remarried after a prior divorce, got into a fight. Investigators have found corroborating evidence of the clash, Mr Hernandez told CBS.

First appearing before audiences as a child in A Miracle on 34th Street, Wood went on to take prominent roles in films like Rebel Without a Cause. Wagner is perhaps best known for portraying the villain Number Two in the Austin Powers franchise.