WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka has been charged with third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter for the death of his girlfriend, Nancy Argentino, back in May of 1983, according to a report from Allentown Morning Call.
For those unfamiliar with the story, Snuka had wrestled for the WWF on May 10th, 1983 at a TV taping at the Allentown Fairground and when he got back to his hotel room, he stated that he found Argentino gasping for air and oozing yellow fluid from her nose and mouth. Argentino died on May 11th, 1983 with the autopsy stating that it was due to traumatic brain injuries and that she also had a number of cuts and bruises which suggested domestic abuse. The report at the time stated that Argentino’s injuries were consistent with being hit with a stationary object, while the forensic pathologist suggested that the case be investigated as a homicide, however no one was ever charged at the time.
An investigation into the case was reopened last year when the same publication released an in-depth story on the alleged murder, including running the autopsy from the death of Argentino, which labeled it a homicide. Argentino’s sister Lorraine has for years, led a crusade to get Snuka charged with the crime. 72-year-old Snuka, who is currently battling stomach cancer, was arrested at his home in New Jersey this morning and was arraigned earlier this afternoon, before being sent to county jail with his bail set at $100,000.
In response to the story, WWE issued the following statement, “WWE expresses its continued sympathy to the Argentino family for their loss. Ultimately this legal matter will be decided by our judicial system.”