The Playboy Murders: Who Was Melonie Haller & What Happened?

Melonie Haller, American actor and model, was found bloodied and injured on April 13, 1980, on a Manhattan-bound train after she had attended a dinner party at the Southampton mansion of business promoter Roy Alexander Radin.

Haller alleged that she was brutally beaten, raped, and forced to participate in sexual games that were recorded by Radin and his associates. Horror in the Hamptons, the sixth episode of The Playboy Murders Season 2, will provide insight into the extensively publicized case when it airs on February 19, 2024, at 10 PM EST.

The episode synopsis is as follows:

“Actress Melonie Haller is poised for stardom after appearing in the television series ‘Welcome Back, Kotter’ and a pictorial in the March 1980 edition of Playboy; eager for her next role, she goes to a party in the Hamptons that turns into a violent “Takes a turn.”

What became of Melonie Haller and who was she?

American-born Melonie Haller was born in 1959. After graduating from the Juilliard School in New York City, he pursued a career in acting. She was best known for her role as Angie Grabowski in the third season of the American sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter starring Gabe Kaplan, John Travolta, and Robert Hughes.

Haller was also seen in The Love Machine and The French Connection in 1971 and starred in Hollywood 90028 in 1973. Melonie Haller additionally appeared in the March 1980 issue of Playboy magazine and her story would soon be included in Investigation Discovery’s The Playboy Murders.

On April 12, 1980, Melonie Haller received an invitation to a dinner party at the Long Island residence of Roy Alexander Radin, an American show business entrepreneur and film producer. He was introduced to Radin through photographer Ronald Sisman.

The Los Angeles Times reported that Haller went to the dinner to resurrect her acting career by going on a date with Robert McKeage, a New Jersey-based business consultant. However, Melonie Haller was found unconscious and bleeding on a commuter train bound for Manhattan at 9 a.m. local time on April 13, 1980, by a train conductor. He was reportedly dropped off on a train headed to the city by Ray Wonters, an employee of Radin.

According to The New York Times, the 25-year-old New York City model and actor claimed she was assaulted and raped at Roy Radin’s 72-room waterfront mansion on Meadow Lane in Southampton. She signed a statement with the Southampton Village Police, stating that Roy Radin had forced her to have sex. According to the Los Angeles Times, she spoke to Suffolk County Police Detective, Lee Roman, saying:

“I was beaten. They threw me on the train as if I was a commodity. They beat and kicked me.”

Melonie Haller further stated that they participated in sexual games, which were recorded on a camera whose lens was broken during the struggle. He mentioned seeing a gun in Radin’s bedroom along with a large amount of cocaine.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Meloni was also brutally beaten by Robert McKeage and the two allegedly fought at Radin’s residence on Saturday. As Suffolk County police officers were preparing to raid Roy Radin’s mansion, he reportedly ordered his staff to ensure a thorough cleaning of the house. However, officers searching the home found a pistol in his closet and arrested him for illegal possession of a gun.

In 1981, according to the New York Times, Robert McKees pleaded guilty to allegedly assaulting Melonie Haller and was later sentenced to 30 days in jail. On the other side, Roy Radin admitted to possessing a gun and was sentenced to probation and a $1,000 fine.

Dorothy Stratten: Who Was She?

Dorothy Stratten, born Dorothy Ruth Hoogstraten, was a Canadian model and actress who rose to fame as a Playboy Playmate in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Born on February 28, 1960, in Vancouver, British Columbia, she rose to prominence after being named Playboy’s Playmate of the Month in August 1979 and later Playmate of the Year in 1980.

Stratton’s striking beauty and charm captured the attention of audiences around the world, leading to her starring roles in films and television shows. Tragically, Stratton’s promising career ended when she was murdered in August 1980 at the age of 20 by her estranged husband and manager Paul Snyder.

His untimely death shocked the entertainment industry and attracted widespread media attention. Despite his short life, Stratton’s legacy is remembered through films, books, and songs inspired by his story. He is an iconic figure whose life and tragic death shed light on the darker aspects of fame and relationships.

Name Dorothy Stratten
Born February 28, 1960
Aged 20
Place of Birth Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Died August 14, 1980
Cause of Death Gunshot wound
Occupations Model, actress
Spouse Paul Snider (m. 1979; Sep. 1980)

Early Life of Dorothy Stratten

Dorothy Stratton was born Dorothy Ruth Hoogstraten on February 28, 1960, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She grew up in an ordinary home, the daughter of Simon and Nelly Hoogstraten, who immigrated to Canada from the Netherlands. Stratton had a younger brother, John Arthur, born in 1961, and a sister, Louise, born in May 1968.

Stratton worked part-time at the neighborhood Dairy Queen while attending Centennial High School in Coquitlam throughout her adolescent years. It was during this time that she met Vancouver-based club promoter and broker Paul Snyder, who later became her husband and manager.

Snyder, who was 26 at the time, introduced Stratton to the world of modeling and entertainment and began her journey to fame. Despite her humble beginnings, Stratton’s effortless beauty and talent immediately caught the attention of industry insiders, catapulting her into the spotlight and ultimately setting the stage for her rise to stardom. However, behind the glamor and success, Stratton’s personal life was full of turmoil and tragedy, which ultimately led to her untimely death at the age of 20.

Career of Dorothy Stratten

Dorothy Stratten was a Canadian model and actress who rose to prominence as a Playboy Playmate. Born in Vancouver in 1960, she began her career working part-time at a local Dairy Queen, where she caught the attention of Paul Snyder, who later became her husband and manager.

Stratton’s breakthrough came when Snyder sent her nude photos to Playboy, which led to her being named Playmate of the Month for August 1979 and later Playmate of the Year in 1980. Stratton’s success in Playboy opened doors for her in the entertainment industry.

She appeared in several television shows and films, including “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” and “They All Laughed”. Despite his illustrious career, his life was tragically cut short when he was murdered by Snyder in 1980 at the age of 20.

The story of his fame and untimely death has inspired films, books, and songs, highlighting the dark side of fame and the dangers of toxic relationships in the entertainment industry.

Is Paul Snider a Person?

Paul Snyder was a Canadian nightclub promoter and broker, best known as the husband and manager of Dorothy Stratton, a Playboy model and actress. Born in Vancouver in 1951, Snyder met Stratton while she was working part-time at Dairy Queen while attending high school.

In 1979, she sent nude photos of Stratton to Playboy, which resulted in her becoming a Playmate and ultimately Playmate of the Year in 1980. Despite Stratton’s success, Snyder’s career ventures often led to financial instability, and he relied on Stratton for support.

As Stratton’s career flourished, her relationship became strained and she began an affair with film director Peter Bogdanovich. In a fit of jealousy and frustration, Snyder murdered Stratton in 1980 before taking his own life.
Snyder’s tragic actions left a dark legacy on Stratton’s promising career. Her character has been portrayed in various films, including “Death of a Centerfold: The Dorothy Stratton Story” and “Star 80”, which highlight the toxic dynamics of their relationship and its subsequent devastating consequences.

Death of Dorothy Stratten

On August 14, 1980, Dorothy Stratton passed very tragically in Los Angeles, California.
At just 20 years old, Stratton, a Canadian model and actress, was brutally murdered by her estranged husband Paul Snyder. Her death’s circumstances exposed a horrifying story of envy and domestic abuse.

Snyder, who was her manager and husband, became increasingly possessive and controlling as Stratton’s career progressed. Despite their separation and Stratton’s budding relationship with film director Peter Bogdanovich, Snyder had strong feelings of resentment and jealousy.
On that fateful day, Stratton went to Snyder’s home to discuss their divorce settlement. However, driven by anger and a twisted sense of ownership, Snyder fatally shoots Stratton before turning the gun on himself.

The sad event stunned the entertainment world and spurred discussions on the negative aspects of celebrity and unhealthy relationships. Stratton’s death inspired films, books, and songs highlighting the devastating impact of domestic violence and the need for greater awareness and support for victims.
His untimely demise is a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by individuals trapped in abusive relationships, even amidst the glitz and glamour.