WWE legend Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka charged with third-degree murder

MANILA, Philippines – WWE legend Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka was charged with third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter on Wednesday, September 2 (Tuesday, U.S time) after a Lehigh County grand jury determined that he assaulted and left to die former 23-year-old girlfriend Nancy Argentino at a Pennsylvania motel in May 1983.

According to multiple reports, Snuka’s autobiography – “Superfly: The Jimmy Snuka Story” – helped authorities of Lehigh County piece together information for an indictment in the 32-year-old cold case.

“His assaultive acts and his failure to act to obtain medical attention resulted her in hear death.” the grand jury, who recommended he be charged with homicide, wrote in a July 17 presentment, according to The Morning Call.

The report also indicates that the 72-year-old Snuka, who lives in Camden County, New Jersey, and is recovering from stomach cancer surgery, surrendered to authorities in Allentown and was sent to Lehigh County jail. He was placed under $100,000 bail, which he later paid.

Snuka is looking at a maximum sentence of 20 to 40 years in prison.

Charging Snuka came following the grand jury listened to testimonies from 20 witnesses and Lehigh County detective Gerald Procanyn, who investigated the case in 1983 and was present when Argentino was rushed to the hospital.

The grand jury also took a look at police reports, medical and autopsy evidence, and statements made by Snuka in media interviews and in his 2012 autobiography, which included notes about how the former wrestler’s life became a “little crazy” in 1983 due to use of alcohol, steroids, and cocaine, per The Morning Call.

“I think that’s it’s been a long road,” said Louise Argentino-Uphan, the victim’s sister. “They did the right thing in the face of all the evidence.”

The WWE also issued a statement to PWInsider.com, saying it “expresses its continued sympathy to the Argentino family for their loss. Ultimately this legal matter will be decided by our judicial system.” – Rappler.com