Disclaimer: This article contains mentions of death and suicide. Reader discretion is advised.
Netflix recently released a new docuseries titled American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders, which explored a shocking government conspiracy. Reportedly, the production process and making of this project was risky because the journalist who originally pursued the story died under indescribable circumstances.
According to Tudum by Netflix, in August 1991, journalist Danny Casolaro went to Martinsburg, West Virginia, to meet an unknown source. However, on August 10, authorities discovered his lifeless body in the bathtub of his hotel room. From the surface, it looked like Casolaro took his own life. Although officials soon informed his family members of his passing, the case took an unexpected turn.
Before his death, Casolaro apparently informed his brother that if something were to happen to him, he should be aware that it was not accidental. Gradually, people began to wonder if the journalist’s death was murder or suicide. His close friend, Benjamin Mason, was the last person to see him alive.
In a conversation with The Washington Post, he stated, “He had been researching this thing for a long time and was very excited about the information he was finally getting. He was in good spirits and very excited about the source he was going to see in West Virginia.”
According to the official trailer of this docuseries, the synopsis reads, “When journalist Danny Casolaro was found dead in a hotel bathtub, police ruled it a suicide. But his family and colleagues believe he may have been murdered for investigating a conspiracy he called ‘The Octopus.'”
It continues, “A hidden organization connected to stolen government spy software. A string of unsolved murders, and some of the biggest political scandals of the 20th century. Years later, researcher Christian Hansen pushes to uncover the secrets behind Casolaro’s death, and the story that killed him.”
When and how did Danny Casolaro die?
Danny Casolaro was a freelance journalist from McLean, Virginia. Born on June 15, 1947, Casolaro grew interested in the INSLAW case in the early 90s. He believed that the company was involved in a large global conspiracy. Furthermore, he linked this conspiracy to the Iranian hostage crisis, the Iran-Contra affair, and more.
According to People Magazine, before traveling to West Virginia, he informed several friends and family members that he had finally cracked the case. Interestingly, he even told one of his friends that he was going to “meet the head of Octopus.”
Tragically, on the morning of August 10, 1991, housekeepers of his hotel discovered his naked dead body in his bathtub. Reports suggest that his wrists were slashed multiple times. Furthermore, there was no sign of forced entry. He had also left a suicide note, and due to the given circumstances, authorities ruled his death as suicide.
The outlet reported that people who were close to the journalist did not believe that he could commit suicide. His brother, Dr. Anthony Casolaro, stated, “He was always upbeat and positive. He was not depressive. He was just not the type of guy to kill himself.”
Wendy Weaver, who dated Casolaro for seven years, stated that the journalist hated the sight of blood. She said, “Danny hated the sight of blood. Additionally, he didn’t like to be seen naked. To be found in a tub, naked — that’s not Danny.”
At the time of his death, Danny Casolaro was 44 years old.
