Robert John Bardo, the man infamously known for the 1989 murder of actress Rebecca Schaeffer, was the victim of a violent attack within Mule Creek State Prison. The 37-year-old inmate sustained multiple stab wounds in an incident that has raised questions about the safety of high-profile prisoners within the California correctional system.
On Friday morning, at approximately 6:20 a.m., Bardo was attacked in the prison yard as inmates were moving towards breakfast, according to officials from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. He suffered a reported 11 stab and puncture wounds in the assault. Prison authorities swiftly responded to the scene, recovering two inmate-manufactured weapons. Sgt. Chris Weathersbee of Mule Creek State Prison stated that while Bardo’s notoriety could be a factor in the attack, an investigation is underway to determine the precise motive.
Following the stabbing, Bardo was immediately airlifted to UC Davis Medical Center. He was treated for his injuries and stabilized before being returned to Mule Creek State Prison. The suspect in the attack has been identified as a 49-year-old inmate who is currently serving an 82-years-to-life sentence for second-degree murder.
Robert John Bardo is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the murder of Rebecca Schaeffer. Schaeffer, a rising star known for her role in the sitcom “My Sister Sam” and her previous career as a teenage model, was tragically killed at her Los Angeles home on July 18, 1989. Bardo had been stalking Schaeffer for years, fueled by an obsessive fixation. He obtained her home address through a private investigator who illegally accessed records from the Department of Motor Vehicles. On that fateful day, Bardo confronted Schaeffer at her doorstep and fatally shot her.
The murder of Rebecca Schaeffer sent shockwaves through Hollywood and the nation, highlighting the dangers of stalking and celebrity obsession. The case played a significant role in the subsequent enactment of anti-stalking laws in California and across the United States. Schaeffer’s promising career and life were cut short by Bardo’s actions, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and prompting crucial legal reforms to protect individuals from stalking and harassment. Bardo, housed in a maximum-security unit designed for sensitive needs inmates, including those with high notoriety, now finds himself at the center of another violent incident, this time as the victim.
