John Thomas Sweeney is a name tragically etched into American crime history. He is known not for celebrity or achievement, but for the brutal killing of rising actress Dominique Dunne in 1982. At the time of the murder, Sweeney was a promising young chef, but his life took a dark turn when his relationship with Dunne ended in violence. The case shocked Hollywood and the public alike, sparking nationwide discussions about domestic violence and judicial accountability. Decades later, many ask: Is John Sweeney still alive?
This article provides a clear and factual update on Sweeney’s current status while exploring the murder, trial, sentencing, public reaction, and the legacy of Dominique Dunne’s tragic death.
Is John Sweeney Still Alive in 2025?
Yes, John Thomas Sweeney is still believed to be alive as of 2025.
Now in his early 70s, Sweeney has lived largely out of the public eye since his release from prison in the mid-1980s. While there has been no recent public record confirming his exact whereabouts or status, there have been no official reports of his death. He has since changed his name to John Maura and has avoided interviews, public appearances, and any known social media presence.
Who Was Dominique Dunne?
Dominique Dunne was an up-and-coming American actress, born on November 23, 1959, and best known for her role as the teenage daughter in the 1982 horror classic Poltergeist. The daughter of famed writer Dominick Dunne and sister of actor Griffin Dunne, she was raised in a family immersed in Hollywood.
Dominique was seen as a rising talent, admired for her intelligence, beauty, and emotional depth. Tragically, her promising career was cut short at the age of just 22.
The Relationship Between Dominique Dunne and John Sweeney
Dominique Dunne met John Sweeney in 1981. At the time, he was the head chef at the upscale restaurant Ma Maison in Los Angeles. Their relationship initially seemed romantic but quickly turned volatile. Friends, family, and even co-stars later testified that Sweeney was controlling, jealous, and abusive.
Warning Signs of Abuse:
- Isolating Dominique from her friends and family
- Episodes of physical violence
- Repeated breakups and reconciliations
In the weeks leading up to her death, Dunne had ended the relationship and was attempting to move on. Sweeney, however, could not accept the breakup and began stalking and harassing her.
The Night of the Murder
On the night of October 30, 1982, Sweeney went to Dominique Dunne’s home in West Hollywood. They argued outside her house, and according to court records, he strangled her with his hands for several minutes until she fell unconscious.
Aftermath:
- Dunne was found unresponsive in her driveway by a friend.
- She was placed on life support and remained in a coma for several days.
- She was declared brain-dead and passed away on November 4, 1982.
The violent and public nature of the crime shocked the entertainment industry and ignited public outrage.
Trial and Sentencing
John Sweeney was arrested at the scene and charged with second-degree murder. His trial took place in 1983 and quickly became controversial for several reasons.
Key Points of the Trial:
- The judge, Burton S. Katz, ruled that prior instances of abuse could not be presented to the jury.
- Prosecutors were prevented from introducing key testimony about Sweeney’s violent past.
- The defense argued the killing was not premeditated but a “crime of passion.”
Verdict and Sentence:
- Sweeney was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and misdemeanor assault.
- He was sentenced to 6½ years in prison, of which he served only 3½ years before being released in 1986.
The verdict and short sentence were met with public outrage, with many criticizing the justice system for failing to recognize the seriousness of domestic violence.
Public and Family Reaction
Dominique Dunne’s parents, particularly her father Dominick Dunne, became outspoken advocates for victims’ rights and judicial reform following the trial. Dominick wrote extensively about the case in Vanity Fair and other publications.
Legacy of Advocacy:
- The family campaigned against lenient sentencing for violent offenders.
- They supported victims’ advocacy organizations and pushed for domestic abuse awareness.
- Dominique’s story became a touchstone case for discussions on intimate partner violence in the U.S.
Their efforts helped reshape public perception of domestic abuse and played a role in the evolution of legal protections for victims.
What Happened to John Sweeney After Prison?
After his release in 1986, John Sweeney legally changed his name to John Maura in an effort to avoid public scrutiny.
Reported Facts:
- He briefly worked at a restaurant in the Pacific Northwest.
- Once identified, protests and petitions forced his resignation.
- He has since disappeared from the public eye.
As of 2025, there are no confirmed public sightings or interviews with Sweeney under his new identity. His status is presumed alive but in seclusion, living a quiet life far from public knowledge or media coverage.
Cultural and Legal Impact of the Case
Dominique Dunne’s murder and the subsequent trial helped highlight systemic flaws in how the justice system handles domestic violence and female victims.
Key Influences:
- Media attention on victim-blaming and judicial leniency
- Greater scrutiny of judges’ roles in suppressing evidence of abuse
- Inspired changes in public prosecution strategies in domestic violence cases
Many consider the case a landmark in the broader movement toward legal reform in domestic violence law and sentencing policy.
Remembering Dominique Dunne
Dominique Dunne is remembered not only for her talent but for the tragic circumstances of her death, which ignited a national conversation about abuse, women’s safety, and the limitations of the justice system.
Ways She Is Honored:
- Her Poltergeist performance remains iconic in horror cinema.
- Documentaries and articles regularly recount her life and case.
- Victim advocacy groups cite her story as a cautionary tale and rallying point.
Her legacy continues to inspire efforts to prevent intimate partner violence and support survivors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is John Sweeney still alive in 2025?
Yes, John Sweeney (now known as John Maura) is believed to be alive. He is living privately, with no confirmed public appearances in recent years.
Where is John Sweeney now?
His exact location is unknown. He reportedly worked briefly under his new name in the food industry after prison but withdrew from public life following backlash.
How did Dominique Dunne die?
She was strangled by her ex-boyfriend, John Sweeney, outside her home on October 30, 1982. She passed away on November 4, 1982, after being in a coma.
How long was John Sweeney in prison?
He served about 3½ years of a 6½-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter and misdemeanor assault.
Was John Sweeney convicted of murder?
No. Despite being originally charged with second-degree murder, he was convicted only of voluntary manslaughter, a lesser charge.
Has John Sweeney ever spoken publicly?
No. Since his release, he has not made any public statements or given interviews about the case.
Conclusion
So, is John Sweeney still alive? Yes, but he lives in obscurity under a new name, far removed from the public eye. While he served only a few years in prison, the consequences of his actions have echoed for decades. The murder of Dominique Dunne remains a chilling reminder of how domestic violence can escalate and how justice can sometimes fall short.
In 2025, Dominique’s memory continues to inspire advocacy, awareness, and change. And while her life was stolen far too soon, the outcry that followed her death helped awaken a society to the urgent need for stronger protections, accountability, and justice for victims everywhere.