Why Did My Grandmother Claim William Shatner was a Killer?

It's not uncommon for people to convey stories and opinions from an elder family member, as seen in your grandmother's assertion about William Shatner. The question often comes up when discussing the tragic death of Shatner’s wife, Nerine, in 1999. However, the answers to this query require a nuanced understanding of the circumstances surrounding her death.

Tragedy in 1999

On the evening of April 22, 1999, Nerine Shatner, the beloved wife of William Shatner, was found in their swimming pool at their Glendale, California home. The discovery touched the hearts of fans and friends alike, leading to a public and media-interest filled investigation.

The initial response from law enforcement was swift and thorough, as any death under mysterious circumstances usually is. A 911 call was made, and it was a desperate one. William Shatner, who was with his wife at the time, recounted his panic in a recorded call to the emergency services:

ldquo;911, therersquo;s a body in my pool.rdquo;

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The toxicity reports shortly afterward confirmed that Nerine Shatner was indeed drunk when she drowned. The police found no signs of foul play or suicide, and the official cause of death was ruled an unfortunate accident.

Tabloid Intrigue and Rumor

Following the tragedy, a tabloid approached William Shatner with an intriguing offer. They proposed a story that would exclusively implicate Shatner in the death of his wife. In exchange for his exclusive testimony, the tabloid offered to help him establish the Nerine Shatner Foundation, a charitable organization aimed at supporting people with alcoholism.

The story of the tabloid gained traction, and some people continued to believe the rumors of murder. However, it's important to remember that the original investigation, and subsequent evidence, did not support such claims.

William Shatner on the Topic

William Shatner, faced with the press and rumors, was vocal about the grief and shock he experienced. In a candid and somber demeanor, he addressed the issue:

ldquo;It's a terrible story, it's never, ever, ever what you want to happen, and it's certainly not what was. The police had to rule every possible scenario, and in his typical thoroughness, he ruled murder as a potential scenario. It wasn't, but the 911 call is thrown about a lot. It's a terrible way to go for a person, it's a terrible way to go for a family.rdquo;

In addition to his statements, Shatner created a song, a spoken word piece, to express his feelings about the incident:

ldquo;Everybody was saying 'it's going to get worse, it's going to get worse.' I had no idea. I started writing a song that became a poem, and that became a spoken word piece, and it was like I had to share this, it was like something in me was coming out. And it was all out in public, there was no censoring.rdquo;

A Deeper Dive into the Investigation

Given the public and media interest, the police had to investigate every possible angle, including the possibility of murder. Laws require thorough investigations to ensure that all possibilities are considered, especially in high-profile cases. This due diligence is what led to the consideration of the most dramatic scenarios during the investigation.

It's crucial to consider the complexity of such investigations, where multiple outcomes must be ruled out, many of which are both unthinkable and unlikely. The police, in their role, cannot ignore any plausible explanation until it is confirmed definitively. In this case, the investigation found no substantial evidence to indicate that William Shatner was involved in his wife's death.

When your grandmother suggests that William Shatner was a killer, it's worth remembering:

No evidence supports the idea that Shatner was involved. The police considered all possibilities, including a preconceived narrative by the tabloid. The death was officially ruled an accident, with the contributory factor being alcohol poisoning.

If your grandmother’s statements are derived from a personal belief or folklore, it makes it even more important to question the source of her information and seek a more factual understanding of the event.

A Final Thought

As our mind often tends to construct narratives around events we find inexplicable, it's essential to seek out the facts and understand the context of tragic events. In the case of William Shatner’s wife, the story has been investigated thoroughly, and the official findings have been in the public domain for many years.

So, if your grandmother ever broaches the subject again, you might want to ask her what specifically led to her belief that William Shatner was involved. In doing so, you'll show respect for her perspective while also encouraging a deeper exploration of the truth.

On the other hand, it might be appropriate to mention that Jimmy Doohan, another beloved character actor known for his service in WWII, could have been a factor in any confusion your grandmother might have. Jimmy Doohan had a military background, and it's often the case that people confuse similar but distinct events.

The complexities of the world can be nuanced, and it's important to approach such topics with an open mind and a commitment to understanding the full story.