Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka charged in girlfriend's 1983 death

Legendary professional wrestler Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka was arrested today in connection to the death of ex-girlfriend Nancy Argentino in 1983. He was charged with third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.

After 30 years Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin re-opened the case last year prompted in part by a Morning Call story which revealed a never-before-seen autopsy report labeling the case a homicide.

Argentino’s death has always been clouded in mystery. The coroner’s report stated that Argentino died of traumatic brain injuries consistent with a moving head striking a stationary object. Her body was found with a clear history of physical abuse. Snuka was questioned but never charged. You’re all probably thinking the same thing: How was this guy not arrested thirty years ago? The evidence was all there thirty years ago. Snuka was even charged with assaulting Argentino less than four months before her death.

Well he claims he is innocent. He even wrote about it in his autobiography, although he called Argentino his “East Coast Girlfriend”. Snuka was married at the time of her death.

He has never done himself any favors though. Snuka had two different versions as to what happened that night. One is that he pushed Argentino causing her to hit her head. The other is that Argentino had slipped and hit her head in a rest stop bathroom.

It will be interesting to see how this case progresses. It will be hotly debated, as all professional wrestler related deaths are. Comparisons to the terrifying Chris Benoit situation will ultimately be made.

Another one of professional wrestling’s greatest heroes may be proven a fraud.