The Murder of Stephanie Spears | Horrorwood: True Crime in Tinseltown

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When Stephanie Spears began dating Manuel Benitez Velasco in 1996, she had no idea he was former child actor Mark Everett. Manny, as we'll refer to him in this episode, co-starred in several TV shows and movies, most notably "Pee Wee's Big Adventure." Once the spotlight faded, however, Manny's path took a dark and dangerous turn.

Episode Sources:

“The Chilling Story of Pee Wee Actor Mark Everett - Murderer” - Dearly Departed Tours with Scott Michaels

“Former Child Star Now Man Wanted For Murder” America’s Most Wanted, Dec. 27, 2008

“SoCal man killed by cops was 2004 murder suspect” by Raquel Maria Dillon, AP, Dec. 24, 2008

“Child Star Turned Fugitive Killed During Standoff” America’s Most Wanted, Dec. 23, 2008

“Ex-child actor killed after taking son hostage” NBC News, Dec. 23, 2008

“Fugitive ex-actor killed after hostage drama” by Greg Risling, SF Gate, Dec. 25, 2008

“El otro 'hijo secreto' de El Cordobés” El Economista, Apr. 2, 2016

“Manuel Benítez El Cordobés: la trágica historia de su hijo que murió tiroteado” Pronto, Aug. 7, 2021

“La dramática historia del hijo del Cordobés: mató a su pareja y murió en un tiroteo” Chic, Mar. 5, 2016

“Police kill man sought in ’04 slaying” by Greg Risling, The Seattle Times, Dec. 25, 2008

“Actor Killed by Cops Was '04 Slaying Suspect” NBC Washington, Dec. 23, 2008