Ice cold case heats up as Grand Jury investigates mystery death of wrestling great JIMMY “SUPERFLY” SNUKA's girlfriend in 1983.
Lehigh County, Pa. District Attorney Jim Martin made the decision to reopen the case after a local newspaper published the never before seen autopsy report and police interviews from the time of the original incident.
"I think it's important to have a grand jury take a look at it and we'll see what they think," Martin said.
Nancy L. Argentino, the girlfriend of then-married 1980's grappling titan Jimmy Snuka, was rushed to the hospital from his motel room on May 10, 1983. Snuka had returned from a World Wrestling Federation taping at the Allentown fairgrounds only to find Nancy gasping for air and oozing yellow fluid from her mouth and nostrils. Hours later, Argentino was declared dead by hospital staff.
According to the never-released autopsy, Argentino died of traumatic brain injuries consistent with a moving head striking a stationary object. Two dozen cuts and bruises on Argenetino indicate possible domestic abuse may have played a contributing factor in the cause of death, according to the autopsy report.
Forensic pathologist Isidore Mihalakis determined at the time that it should be investigated as a possible homicide. But it wasn't.
Snuka told police originally that he had shoved Argentino, causing her to fall, but later recanted saying investigators had misunderstood him. What Snuka maintains is that they had stopped their car so Nancy could relieve herself by the side of the road. Snuka said that she then slipped, banging her head on the ground.
Now, a grand jury will weigh the evidence and determine whether charges are warranted nearly 31 years later. There is no statute of limitations on homicide in Pennsylvania.
Nancy's younger sister Louise Argentino-Upham said, "Praise God that maybe justice will be done."
The District Attorney wouldn't say if there is any new evidence in the case or not. Nor would he confirm that Snuka is a possible focal point of the new investigation.
Snuka has yet to respond to media queries regarding the new probe.
DEVELOPING….
