The Tragic, Controversial Life Of John J. Collett: Kim Richards' Fiance And A Dark Past

13 Jul, 2025

In the glitzy world of reality television, where personal lives are laid bare for public consumption, few stories carry the weight of tragedy and controversy quite like that of John J. Collett. While his name might not immediately ring a bell for everyone, for fans of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," he is forever linked to star Kim Richards as her ill-fated fiancé. Yet, Collett's story extends far beyond a celebrity romance; it's a complex tapestry woven with threads of love, ambition, alleged fraud, and a shocking, violent end that left a lasting impact on those he knew.

Who Was John J. Collett? A Life Cut Short

Born in 1962, John J. Collett was a commodities salesman from Agoura Hills, California. By all accounts, he was a man with a keen interest in the financial world, but his path would ultimately intersect with both the bright lights of Hollywood and the shadowy corners of alleged white-collar crime. His connection to the public eye came primarily through his relationship with Kim Richards, a former child actress who had transitioned into the reality television spotlight. At the time of their engagement, Richards was 27 and Collett was 29, a promising young couple seemingly on the cusp of a bright future together.

The Love Story with Kim Richards

Their romance, though tragically brief, was described by those close to them as genuine. According to John's mother, Jan Collett, their meeting was serendipitous. "He was leaving an AA meeting and Kim was driving to a meeting," she recounted, highlighting a shared journey towards sobriety that may have forged an initial bond. It wasn't a fleeting infatuation for Collett; he had reportedly harbored a crush on the former child actress for years before they finally met. Their connection blossomed quickly, leading to an engagement that signified a deep commitment. For Richards, it was love at first sight, a sentiment seemingly reciprocated by Collett, who, at 29, was planning to marry the woman he admired.

The Shocking Murder: A Public Tragedy

The fairy tale, however, was brutally cut short. On October 28, 1991, in broad daylight, John J. Collett was gunned down by a hitman. The scene of the crime was chillingly mundane: outside Brent's Delicatessen in Agoura Hills, a seemingly ordinary spot for a casual meal. He was shot at point-blank range, a sudden and violent act that sent shockwaves through his personal and professional circles.

A Call That Ended in Horror

Adding another layer of profound trauma to this already devastating event was the fact that Kim Richards was on the phone with Collett at the very moment he was murdered. She reportedly heard the fatal shots, an experience that would undoubtedly haunt anyone for a lifetime. Richards herself was later tasked with the heartbreaking duty of identifying his body, cementing the tragedy as a deeply personal one for her. The incident was widely reported as a "murder-for-hire gone wrong," hinting at a calculated plot rather than a random act of violence.

Justice Served, But Questions Remain

While the immediate aftermath was shrouded in grief and confusion, the wheels of justice eventually turned. Two years after Collett's death, his killer, Marva DeCarlo Johnson, was apprehended and sentenced to a 30-years-to-life prison term. This conviction brought some closure to the Richards family and Collett's loved ones, but it didn't erase the underlying questions about why such a brutal act occurred.

The Darker Side: Allegations of Fraud and Financial Misconduct

The "murder-for-hire" aspect of Collett's death strongly suggested a motive rooted in his professional life, and indeed, investigations quickly uncovered a troubling side to his commodities business. John J. Collett was not merely a salesman; he was identified as a central figure in what was described as one of the country's largest scams.

A Vast Investment Scheme

The scale of the alleged fraud was staggering. It involved approximately eight thousand elderly investors, who collectively suffered nearly $150 million in losses. This massive scheme targeted vulnerable individuals, preying on their trust and financial security. At the time of his death, Collett was reportedly under investigation for his involvement in these activities. Furthermore, he was among six defendants named in a pending civil suit, presumably related to the very same investment scam. This paints a stark picture of a man living a dual life: one as a loving fiancé to a public figure, and another embroiled in serious financial misconduct that victimized thousands.

The Unspoken Motive

While the specifics of the "murder-for-hire gone wrong" were tied to his business dealings, the precise link between the scam and his assassination has always been a subject of speculation. It's widely inferred that his involvement in such a large-scale fraudulent operation likely put him in contact with dangerous individuals or led to circumstances that culminated in his violent demise. The tragic end of his life, therefore, became inextricably linked to the controversies surrounding his professional conduct, leaving a legacy of unanswered questions about the full scope of his activities and the ultimate reasons behind his murder.

A Legacy of Mystery and Tragedy

John J. Collett's story is a poignant reminder that appearances can be deceiving and that even lives intertwined with public figures can harbor profound complexities. His brief existence was marked by a passionate romance with Kim Richards, a love that ended in the most brutal way imaginable. Simultaneously, his life was shadowed by serious allegations of financial fraud, a vast scheme that devastated thousands of innocent lives. The circumstances of his murder, a calculated hit, underscore the dangerous world he may have inhabited due to his business dealings.

Ultimately, John J. Collett remains a figure of tragic intrigue. His life, though short, left an indelible mark on those who loved him, particularly Kim Richards, who has openly spoken about the profound impact of his loss. His story serves as a stark chapter in the annals of true crime, a narrative of a man whose pursuit of wealth allegedly led to widespread suffering and, ultimately, to his own violent and untimely end.

John J. Collett's life was a complex blend of romance with reality TV star Kim Richards, involvement in a massive investment scam that defrauded thousands, and a shocking murder-for-hire in 1991, leaving behind a legacy of both personal tragedy and unresolved controversies.

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