WWE Hall of Famer, Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka (born James Wiley Smith) was charged today of the 1983 death of his girlfriend, Nancy Argentino, with third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.
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The incident occurred May 10th, 1983 where after Snuka had performed at a WWF TV taping in Allentown, Pennsylvania where he called for an ambulance for Argentino. The Morning Call goes into detail about the case, especially about how Snuka kept tripping over his story. He had stated that he found her passed out with mucus and blood coming from her face. Even the county County coroner Wayne Snyder later said, “Upon viewing the body and speaking to the pathologist, I immediately suspected foul play and so notified the district attorney.”
Forensic pathologist Isidore Mihalakis, who performed the autopsy, recorded at the time that the case should be investigated as a homicide until proved otherwise. Snuka was the only person of interest, but never charged until today.
It was turned over to a grand jury last year, which led him to be charged early this morning. Also last August, his wife revealed that Snuka had been diagnosed with stomach cancer.
Snuka, known for his high-flying moves has been noted to be what inspired the likes of Mick Foley of getting into the sport of professional wrestling.
He was inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996. His character was also part of the animated series Rock n’ Wrestling in the mid-80’s, voiced by Lewis Arquette.
The WWE made an official statement about Snuka’s charge. “WWE expresses its continued sympathy to the Argentino family for their loss. Ultimately this legal matter will be decided by our judicial system.”
