California

Rebecca Schaeffer: A Life Cut Short

On the morning of July 18, 1989, instead of the expected courier delivering a script for “The Godfather III” in preparation for her audition with director Francis Ford Coppola, it was Robert Bardo who rang Schaeffer’s doorbell. Upon opening the door, Bardo presented her with a card she had sent him in response to one of his fan letters, along with an autographed photo. He claimed to be her biggest fan. Politely excusing herself, Schaeffer mentioned that she needed to prepare for an interview.

Bardo then left to have some onion rings at Jans Restaurant but returned to her home shortly afterward. According to Bardo, Schaeffer informed him that he was wasting her time. In response, he drew a handgun from his waistband and shot her at close range in the chest. She was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

120 N SWEETZER AVE: SITE OF MURDER OF REBECCA SCHAEFER

Screenshot 2024-07-18 at 9.03.52%E2%80%AFPM
Crime Scene Private – View From Public Area Drive up

Site of the murder of Rebecca Schaeffer.

Image Taken From: 120 N Sweetzer Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Latitude: 34.0746081 Longitude: -118.3699072

Take me to this place with

FORMER LOCATION OF JANS RESTAURANT AT 8424 BEVERLY BLVD, LOS

Screenshot 2024-07-18 at 9.45.30%E2%80%AFPM
Historic / Notable Site Public Drive up

Former location of Jan's Restaurant.

Image Taken From: Former Jan's Restaurant, 8424 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Latitude: 34.0759666 Longitude: -118.3739454

Take me to this place with

Pass It Along Share this location with someone curious.

Keep Exploring

Find the next place.

Search cases, gravesites, filming locations, roadside finds, and the places behind the stories.

Closest Locations To You

Finding your city
Checking the map...

Reader Notes

Add to the story.

Share a memory, correction, lead, or detail that helps the place come into focus.

Leave a note

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.