Judith Eva Barsi was an actress from the United States who began her career in television, appearing in commercials and television series as well as the 1987 film Jaws: The Revenge.
Her father, József Barsi, murdered Judith and her mother, Maria, in their home in July 1988 in a double murder-suicide.
Judith Eva Barsi Death Story- Child Star Murder By Abusive Father Jozsef Barsi
Hollywood child star Judith Eva Barsi had a bright future ahead of her. But with Judith’s growing professional success, her father, József, became increasingly enraged and threatened to kill himself, his wife, and his daughter.
József’s drinking resulted in three drunk driving arrests, and he always had an abusive nature at home. Judith’s mother, Maria, reported his threats and physical violence to the police in December 1986. But she decided not to press charges against him after the police found no physical evidence of abuse.
Her father allegedly stopped drinking after the incident with the cops but continued to threaten them. His threats included cutting their throats and torching the house. In an attempt to keep Maria from leaving the country with Judith, he allegedly hid a telegram informing her that a relative in Hungary had died.
The child actress told a friend that her father threw pots and pans at her, causing a nosebleed. Judith began to gain weight due to her abuse and developed compulsive behaviors.
What Happened To Judith Eva Barsi?
Maria Barsi took Judith Eva Barsi to a child psychologist in May 1988. The child psychologist identified severe physical and emotional abuse and reported her findings to child protective services.
The investigation was terminated after her mother informed the case worker that she planned to file for divorce from József and that she and Judith would relocate to a Panorama City apartment she had recently rented from him as a daytime haven.
Her mother’s friends urged her to carry out the plan, but she was hesitant due to her fear of losing her family home.
The bodies of Barsi, her mother Maria, and her father József were discovered dead in an apparent murder-suicide on July 28, 1988, according to the Los Angeles Times.
According to the article, Police Lt. Warren Knowles stated that József poured a flammable liquid, most likely gasoline, on the bodies of Maria and Judith. Judith and Maria were buried in adjacent plots at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Where Is Judith Eva Barsi’s Killer Now?
Her father, József, killed Judith Eva Barsi. József’s body was discovered in the garage, having died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Eunice Daly, a neighbor, reported hearing a gunshot around 8:30 a.m. on July 27, prompting her to call the police.
There isn’t much information available about where her father was laid to rest for his funeral.