The Tragic Murder Of Jenny Maxwell Explained
Christopher Harper
Published Oct 25, 2026
In the early 1960s, Jenny Maxwell was a rising star in Hollywood, known for her roles alongside Elvis Presley and Jimmy Stewart. However, her promising career took a tragic turn, culminating in her murder in 198Investigated by her cousin, Buddy Moorehouse, her story reveals hidden secrets that remained buried in LAPD files for nearly four decades.
Early Life and Career
Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1941 to Norwegian immigrants, Jenny Maxwell, originally Myksvoll, was discovered by director Vincente Minelli in 195She swiftly entered the entertainment scene, landing TV roles and starring in films like “Blue Hawaii” with Elvis Presley. Despite her career success, Maxwell faced personal struggles, including a tumultuous marriage and battles with addiction.
Turbulent Personal Life
Maxwell’s private life was marked by a rocky marriage at a young age, divorce, and custody challenges. Her decision to leave acting in the late 1960s was an attempt to focus on raising her son. In 1970, she married Ervin “Tip” Roeder, a divorce attorney significantly older than her. The marriage, driven by financial motives, proved tumultuous, leading to their separation in 1981.
Tragic End
On June 10, 1981, Jenny Maxwell and Tip Roeder were found dead in her condo building’s lobby. The official narrative suggested a botched robbery, but suspicions arose within Maxwell’s family, hinting at a possible mob involvement. Moorehouse’s investigation uncovered LAPD files, challenging the robbery theory and pointing toward a more sinister plot.
Buddy Moorehouse’s Investigation
In 2019, Buddy Moorehouse, Jenny Maxwell’s cousin, delved into LAPD archives to unravel the truth. Contrary to the widely accepted robbery theory, Moorehouse’s findings, outlined in his self-published book “Murder of an Elvis Girl: Solving the Jenny Maxwell Case,” suggested a darker narrative. LAPD detectives had theorized that Tip Roeder orchestrated a hitman to murder Maxwell, ensuring he could evade alimony payments. The hitman’s unintended killing of Roeder himself solidified this theory.
LAPD’s Unofficial Conclusion
Although the case remained officially unsolved, LAPD detective Mike Thies, who worked on the case, was convinced of Roeder’s involvement in Maxwell’s murder. The LAPD’s theory centered on the bitter divorce, suspecting Roeder of orchestrating the killings to escape financial obligations. Despite being unable to apprehend a suspect, the LAPD considered the case effectively solved.
Legacy and Revelation
Jenny Maxwell’s life and tragic end underscore the complexities of fame, personal struggles, and the darker side of Hollywood. Buddy Moorehouse’s investigation brought hidden truths to light, challenging the initial narrative and revealing the LAPD’s unofficial conclusion. “Murder of an Elvis Girl” stands as a testament to a Hollywood starlet whose promising career was overshadowed by an unresolved and mysterious demise.
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