‘Dateline NBC’: Where is Victor Lawrence Paleologus now? Serial killer attempted attacking ‘Star Trek’ actress Cathy DeBuono
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Victor Lawrence Paleologus is incarcerated in the California Institution for Men in Chino, California. His plans, as evidenced by his criminal actions, revolved around deceiving and victimizing young women, often aspiring actresses, through sinister schemes promising them roles in movies.
Paleologus' criminal activities spanned over several years and involved a pattern of luring women under false pretenses, such as offering them auditions for James Bond or Disney movies. His modus operandi typically involved approaching women in public places and convincing them to meet him for auditions or rehearsals.
Paleologus, a predator with a history of targeting young women, also attempted to victimize Cathy DeBuono, an actress who later appeared on 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'.
In the late 1990s, he employed a deceptive scheme to lure women, often under the guise of offering them roles in movies such as James Bond or Disney productions. DeBuono became one of his targets when he approached her with promises of an audition for a James Bond movie.
Fortunately, DeBuono exercised caution and brought a male companion with her to the meeting, a precaution that potentially saved her from harm. When DeBuono and her companion arrived at the designated location, which Paleologus claimed was his office, they were met with an unsettling situation.
Despite DeBuono's vigilance, Paleologus's intentions became apparent when he suggested they enter what appeared to be an abandoned building for a drink. Sensing danger, DeBuono asked Paleologus to show his identification, prompting him to become agitated.
Realizing that she was in a precarious situation, DeBuono quickly pointed out her companion waiting in the car. This action likely thwarted Paleologus's plans, as he abruptly canceled the encounter and walked away. 'Dateline NBC's new episode titled 'The Girl with Hibiscus Tattoo' features Paleologus' most brutal killing in depth.
Who is Victor Lawrence Paleologus?
Victor Lawrence Paleologus is a convicted criminal known for his predatory behavior and violent crimes, particularly targeting young women in Southern California. Born into a family with Greek heritage, Paleologus grew up amidst the diverse landscape of Los Angeles, but his upbringing belied the dark intentions that would later come to light.
Paleologus's criminal history spans over a decade and is characterized by deception, manipulation, and violence. He first came to law enforcement's attention in 1989 when he attempted to rape Christine Kludjian, posing as a music executive to lure her into a hotel room where he had hidden ropes with the intention of restraining her. Although Kludjian managed to fight him off, Paleologus received minimal punishment, signaling the beginning of a troubling pattern of leniency in the justice system.
Undeterred by his initial brush with the law, Paleologus continued to prey on unsuspecting women, often masquerading as a Hollywood producer or casting agent to gain their trust. His modus operandi involved promising aspiring actresses auditions for coveted roles in movies, particularly those in the James Bond franchise, in exchange for compliance with his demands.
Despite his escalating criminal behavior, Paleologus managed to evade significant consequences for several years. In 1991, he attempted to drug Elizabeth Buzzini's drink but fled before facing charges. Similarly, in 1998, he attempted to rape Heather Maher, marking a disturbing escalation in his predatory conduct.
However, it was in 2003 that Paleologus committed his most heinous crime, targeting 21-year-old Kristi Johnson. Under the guise of offering her a Bond movie audition, Paleologus lured Kristi to a secluded location where he bound and fatally strangled her. The discovery of Kristi's body prompted a widespread investigation, leading to Paleologus's arrest and subsequent conviction.
Why did Victor Lawrence Paleologus ask victims to wear specific outfits before killing them?
Victor Lawrence Paleologus, a convicted criminal with a history of predatory behavior, often instructed his victims to wear specific outfits before luring them into dangerous situations. This seemingly innocuous request was part of Paleologus's manipulative tactics to gain control over his victims and facilitate his violent intentions.
To further deceive his victims and create an illusion of legitimacy, Paleologus would specify certain attire for them to wear to the supposed auditions. These outfits typically included items like a white blouse, a black miniskirt, nylon stockings, and stiletto heels. By dictating their clothing choices, Paleologus exerted a subtle form of control over his victims, ensuring they complied with his instructions and felt obligated to participate in the auditions.
How did Victor Lawrence Paleologus kill Kristi Johnson?
Victor Lawrence Paleologus lured Kristi Johnson, a 21-year-old aspiring actress, under the pretense of auditioning for a movie role, specifically a part in a James Bond sequel. This manipulation tactic was a part of Paleologus's modus operandi, where he would prey on vulnerable young women by posing as a Hollywood producer or casting agent.
On February 15, 2003, Kristi went to meet Paleologus at a location he had specified, likely believing she was taking a step toward her dream of stardom. However, this meeting would tragically end in her demise.
Once Kristi arrived at the designated location, Paleologus likely used his deceptive charm to disarm her before swiftly transitioning to violence. The exact details of the encounter remain unclear, but it's believed that Paleologus restrained Kristi, possibly using ropes or other means, to incapacitate her and prevent any resistance.
Ultimately, Paleologus's intent was to exert control over Kristi, and in doing so, he resorted to the ultimate act of violence. He strangled Kristi to death, ending her life in a senseless and brutal manner.
After committing this heinous crime, Paleologus callously disposed of Kristi's body, leaving her abandoned in the Hollywood Hills. Her lifeless remains were later discovered by hikers.
What sentence was announced to Victor Lawrence Paleologus for killing Kristi Johnson?
Victor Lawrence Paleologus, the perpetrator behind the tragic murder of Kristi Johnson, faced justice through the legal system following his heinous crime. After being apprehended and charged with Kristi's murder, Paleologus went through legal proceedings that ultimately led to his sentencing.
In September 2006, Paleologus stood trial for the murder of Kristi Johnson. During the trial, compelling evidence was presented, including testimonies from witnesses who had encountered Paleologus under similar circumstances, as well as circumstantial evidence that pointed to his guilt. This evidence, coupled with the lack of a viable defense, painted a damning picture of Paleologus's culpability in Kristi's death.
Faced with overwhelming evidence against him and the prospect of a harsher penalty, Paleologus and his defense team opted to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution. In exchange for admitting his guilt and avoiding the death penalty, Paleologus agreed to plead guilty to the murder of Kristi Johnson.
As part of the plea agreement, Paleologus received a sentence of 25 years to life in prison. This sentencing meant that Paleologus would spend a minimum of 25 years behind bars before becoming eligible for parole consideration.
