If he were still alive today, Jess Kimball would have lunch with Dominick Dunne, a man who inspired her. In short, although they never met, Jess views Dominick Dunne as a mentor.
Jess Kimball, of Fatal Distraction, Fatal Enemy, and Flight 12: A Jess Kimball Thriller is alone in the world. Her son, Peter, was kidnapped as an infant when Jess was in college. She’s looking for her son while working as a victim’s rights advocate, crusading for justice, working as one of the country’s top journalists at Taboo Magazine.
- In a sense, Dominick Dunne was also alone in the world. He lost his Hollywood career and his marriage, and three of his daughters (two died in infancy.) Though he came from a large family, his route to success was self-propelled.
- Dunne grieved the loss of a child to crime. His daughter, actress Dominique Dunne, was killed at age 22. Allegedly strangled by an ex-boyfriend. For Dominick Dunne, this was not only heartbreaking, but also, a heartbreaking failure of the justice system.
- Dunne was passionate about the hunt for justice. During the trial of the man accused of killing his daughter, Dunne kept a journal. His writings were published in Vanity Fair Magazine. The article was called “Justice: A Father’s Account of the Trial of his Daughter’s Killer.”
- Dunne traveled in pursuit of journalistic excellence and justice. He covered the trials of O.J. Simpson, Michael Skakel, the Menendez brothers, and many others.
Dunne would have been a fascinating man to know. From his award-winning service in World War II to his career in Hollywood and celebrity friendships (Humphrey Bogart, Elizabeth Taylor, and Dennis Hopper, to name a few), there would be plenty for Jess to discuss over lunch.
If you could ask Dominic Dunne one question, what would it be?
I always watched Dominick Dunne’s tv program.
True crime stories are fascinating, aren’t they, Lucy?
My question would have been what do you think happened to Natalie Wood?
I’d love to hear the answer to that one too, Jen.
I really like what you guys are usually up too. This type of clever work and
reporting! Keep up the awesome works guys I’ve added you guys to my personal blogroll.
Many many thanks!
my one question to mr. dunne would be: which question does he think is the most important question to ask (and have answered) in any investigation?
A wise use of the question opportunity, Jen. I support this.