On August 14, 1980, the world lost a promising young actress and model, Dorothy Stratton. Her life was tragically cut short at the age of 20 when she was murdered by her estranged husband, Paul Snider. The crime scene photos of Dorothy Stratton are a haunting reminder of the brutality of domestic violence and the devastating consequences it can have.
The Early Life of Dorothy Stratton
Dorothy Ruth Hoogstraten was born on February 28, 1960, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She grew up in a working-class family with three brothers and one sister. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she and her siblings were raised by their mother.
Dorothy was a beautiful child with blonde hair and blue eyes. She was shy and introverted, but she had a talent for dancing and dreamed of becoming a ballerina. However, her dreams changed when she was discovered by Paul Snider.
The Rise to Fame of Dorothy Stratton
Paul Snider was a small-time promoter and pimp who saw potential in Dorothy’s beauty. He convinced her to pose for nude photos and introduced her to the world of Playboy. In 1979, she was named Playmate of the Month and quickly became a popular pin-up model.
Her success led to a move to Los Angeles, where she pursued an acting career. She landed a small role in the film “Americathon” and was set to star in the upcoming film “They All Laughed.”
The Tragic End to Dorothy Stratton’s Life
However, Dorothy’s success and fame were not enough to save her from the abuse of her husband. Paul Snider was jealous of her success and became increasingly violent and possessive. On August 14, 1980, he shot Dorothy in the face with a shotgun before turning the gun on himself.
The crime scene photos of Dorothy Stratton are a stark reminder of the brutal reality of domestic violence. They show a beautiful young woman who had her life cut short by a man who claimed to love her. They also show the devastating impact of gun violence and the need for stronger gun control laws.
The Legacy of Dorothy Stratton
Despite her tragic end, Dorothy Stratton’s memory lives on. She inspired the 1983 film “Star 80,” which tells her story and features Mariel Hemingway in the lead role. The film was directed by Bob Fosse and received critical acclaim.
Dorothy’s death also led to changes in the way domestic violence cases are handled in the United States. Her case brought attention to the issue of domestic violence and the need for better protection for victims.
Conclusion
The crime scene photos of Dorothy Stratton may be difficult to view, but they serve as a reminder of the tragic consequences of domestic violence. We must continue to work to prevent domestic violence and to provide support for victims. Dorothy’s memory lives on, and we must honor her by fighting for a world free from violence and abuse.