John Eleuthère du Pont (22 November 1938 – 9 December 2010) was an American convicted murderer. He was a multimillionaire and member of the prominent du Pont family.
Early life
John E. du Pont was born on 22 November 1938 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His parents were businessman William du Pont, Jr. and to Jean Liseter Autin. He studied at Haverford School, at the University of Miami, and at Villanova University.
Early career
He was an ornithologist and conchologist, publishing several books on birds; a philatelist, coach, and sports enthusiast. As a philanthropist, he founded and directed the Delaware Museum of Natural History, which opened in 1972. He also contributed to Villanova University and other institutions.
Dave Schultz's murder
On 26 January 1996, du Pont was seen shooting Dave Schultz dead in the driveway of Schultz's home on du Pont's estate. Schultz's wife Nancy and du Pont's head of security were present and witnessed the crime. The security chief was sitting in the passenger seat of du Pont's car when du Pont fired three bullets into Schultz. Police did not establish a motive. Schultz was a longtime friend of du Pont who had repeatedly tried to help him, but shot him after he reportedly said Schultz did not like du Pont.
Personal life
John E. du Pont married Gale Wenk in 1983. They annulled their marriage ninety days later.
Death
John E. du Pont died on 9 December 2010 in Somerset, Pennsylvania from COPD, aged 72. Du Pont was buried in his red Foxcatcher wrestling singlet, in accordance with his will.
Pop culture
J. E. du Pont is portrayed by Steve Carell in the 2014 movie Foxcatcher.
References
Other websites
"LIFE photos" , LIFE, US Olympic pentathlete, August 1967. "flickr", Collector, May 2008. "How About At Your Place?" Said the Colonel", LIFE, Aug 4, 1967
