What happened and when was Marilyn Monroe killed
Marilyn Monroe died in the early hours of August 5, 1962. She was discovered unresponsive around 4:25 a.m. Los Angeles time at her home at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Police Department arrived shortly after and pronounced her dead at the scene. The initial call did not explicitly reference suicide, but subsequent official investigation concluded she had died from an acute barbiturate overdose. This summary clarifies the timeline, status, and key facts of her death.
Official timeline of Marilyn Monroe's death
Below is a compact, source-aligned sequence of when key events occurred on and around the night of August 4–5, 1962, and the immediate aftermath.
| Date or time | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| August 4, 1962 — evening | Monroe last seen alive by close friends and staff | Establishes last confirmed alive timeframe |
| Early August 5, 1962 — ~4:25 a.m. | Police and paramedics called to 12305 Fifth Helena Drive | Time of discovery reported in official calls |
| August 5, 1962 — shortly after 4:25 a.m. | Los Angeles Police Department arrives; Monroe pronounced dead at scene | Preliminary on-scene determination |
| August 5, 1962 — afternoon | Coroner’s office arrives; body transported to Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office | Formal custody and initial investigative steps begin |
| August 5, 1962 — evening | Autopsy performed; cause listed as acute barbiturate intoxication | Medical determination of intoxication as immediate cause |
| August 6, 1962 — morning | Coroner’s inquest begins; focuses on circumstances and intent | Legal process to establish manner of death |
| August 8, 1962 — morning | Coroner’s jury returns verdict: suicide; Marilyn Monroe declared dead at 5:30 a.m. on August 5, 1962 | Official legal cause and time of death recorded |
Cause and manner of death
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office determined the cause of death was acute barbiturate intoxication. The findings noted a combination of chloral hydrate and pentobarbital (Nembutal) in concentrations sufficient to impair consciousness and respiration. The official manner of death was ruled suicide based on the circumstances, toxicology, and scene assessment. No evidence of foul play was found in the subsequent investigation by multiple law enforcement and medical examiners.
Key investigative facts and status clarifications
Clarifying status and common questions helps distinguish verified findings from speculation:
- Status at discovery: Unresponsive, not breathing, without pulse; declared dead at scene by responding physicians.
- Immediate classification: Accidental/prescription-related death under investigation; later determined suicide by coroner’s jury.
- Scene details: Empty pill bottles and residue consistent with self-administered barbiturates and chloral hydrate noted.
- Official investigations: Multiple reviews by LAPD and coroner over following weeks; consistent verdict of suicide with no evidence of homicide.
- Recorded time of death: Approximately 5:30 a.m. on August 5, 1962, per coroner’s official findings.
Context on Monroe’s final days and contributing factors
In the days before her death, Monroe was reportedly dealing with health issues related to her menstrual cycle, bronchitis, and sinus problems, for which she received prescriptions from her physician. Toxicology reports indicated barbiturate levels consistent with therapeutic dosing prescribed for insomnia, but the combination with other sedatives likely led to dangerous central nervous system depression. Her death is not classified as a suspected homicide; agencies concluded the evidence pointed to an intentional overdose.
Common questions about the date, status, and aftermath
Because details circulate widely and misinformation persists, it is useful to address recurring points directly. The status of the investigation has remained consistent: suicide with no indicated external involvement. Questions about exact timing, prescription records, and whether any individuals were criminally charged typically refer back to the same evidentiary record. No credible body has reversed or materially altered the coroner’s findings in the decades since.