Heidi Fleiss--The Million Dollar Madam

Murder

Wendy Tarr, victim

Eighteen-year-old Wendy Tarr moved from her hometown of Collinsville, Illinois, to Los Angeles, hoping to make it big as a model or actress. In 1989, Heidi befriended Wendy and the two spent a great deal of time together. That October, Wendy began a new job renting out apartments in a crime-infested neighborhood in central Los Angeles.

On October 2, a man entered the rental office where Wendy was working, allegedly looking to rent property. The man filled out a rental application and then left the office. According to Heidis book, he returned to the office a short time later with a .38-caliber pistol and tried to rape Wendy. In the struggle, the mans gun went off, shooting her in the face at close range.

When Wendys body was discovered she was immediately taken to County USC Medical Center. Surgeons worked for hours to try to save the young womans life. However, Wendy remained in a comatose state and would never awaken.

At the hospital, Heidi loyally waited by Wendys side for three days hoping her friend would pull through. On October 5, Wendy succumbed to her wounds. Heidi was determined to bring the killer to justice.

Heidi claimed that the police were aware of the killers identity. The man, identified as James Edward Noel, 43, had been tied to many other rape cases before Wendys death.

James Edward Noel, mugshot

Taking matters into her own hands, Heidi wrote a letter to the popular television program Americas Most Wanted. She appealed to them to air a segment about Wendys case, hoping that it would prompt the police to arrest Noel. They accepted, and it aired on February 5, 1990.

John Walsh

Heidis plan was a success. The day after the segment aired on television Noel turned himself in to authorities. He confessed to the first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison, with no chance of parole.

Heidi and Wendys family were relieved that Noel was locked away for good. Moreover, Wendys parents were grateful that Heidi went to such lengths to rekindle the investigation. If not for Heidis diligence, it is very likely that Noel would have committed more crimes. Unfortunately, her contribution to Wendys case would be overshadowed by Heidis illegal activities, which later caught national headlines.