Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"John DuPont was still careless, dangerously lonely, completely devoid of social skills and mentally ill. Cool. Great combo." — Ed Larsen
"Considering his behavior, I'd put John's emotional intelligence by the time he murdered someone just before he turned 60. I put him on the level of a disturbed seven-year-old, if of course that disturbed seven-year-old had nearly unlimited funds to do whatever he wanted." — Ed Larsen
"And since John Dupont was obscenely wealthy, the media naturally tried as hard as they could to pinpoint an exact moment when he, quote unquote, changed." — Marcus Parks
This episode delves into the tragic and violent life of John du Pont, heir to the vast du Pont fortune. The narrative traces his early life, marked by parental divorce and a lonely upbringing on an expansive estate, which fostered profound social awkwardness and a disconnect from reality. Despite immense wealth, du Pont struggled with various pursuits, including ornithology and swimming, ultimately failing to achieve his Olympic aspirations. His life took a particularly dark turn following a severe horseback riding accident that led to the removal of his testicles and subsequent hormone treatments, which, combined with other factors like alcohol and drug use, exacerbated his mental health issues, including schizophrenia.
Du Pont's obsession with wrestling emerged as a significant, albeit destructive, focus. He leveraged his fortune to establish wrestling programs and facilities, attracting elite athletes like the Schultz brothers, Dave and Mark. While initially seen as a patron of the sport, his erratic behavior, paranoia, and controlling nature became increasingly apparent. His deep-seated insecurities and a distorted sense of entitlement, fueled by his wealth, manifested in manipulative tactics and a disregard for the well-being of those around him. This eventually escalated to violent incidents, including brandishing weapons and physical altercations, leading to a strained relationship with Dave Schultz.
The narrative culminates in the murder of Dave Schultz on January 26, 1996. The episode explores the complex circumstances surrounding the event, highlighting du Pont's paranoia, his erratic behavior leading up to the murder, and the subsequent standoff with law enforcement. Despite a defense based on mental illness, du Pont was found guilty of murder but mentally ill, leading to a prison sentence. The episode concludes by reflecting on the broader implications of wealth, mental health, and the systems that can enable such destructive behavior.