American Crime Story is returning to FX this week, following up its Emmy-winning O.J. Simpson-themed first season with another high profile case from the ’90s — the shocking murder of fashion designer Gianni Versace.
The crime dominated headlines when it happened in 1997 and is still just as intriguing today. Police never got an official reason as to why serial killer Andrew Cunanan murdered the designer, leaving the crime’s motive up for interpretation.
As Ryan Murphy prepares to unleash his depiction of the tale on Wednesday night, let’s take a look at some of the characters connected to the infamous assassination.
Who Was Versace?
The Italian-born designer (played by Édgar Ramírez in the series) built a fashion empire that was celebrated by A-list celebrities including Madonna, Naomi Campbell, and Princess Diana.
Versace was openly gay and lived with his partner Antonio D’Amico (played by Ricky Martin). The couple first met in 1982 and lived together up until Versace’s death in 1997.
The fashion mogul was shot on the steps outside his Miami Beach home on July 15, ending his life at the age of 50.
Who Was Andrew Cunanan?
Darren Criss will take on the role of Andrew Cunanan, the 27-year-old serial killer who shot four other men before eventually murdering Versace in broad daylight.
Born in California, Cunanan spent most of his time in San Francisco’s gay community, reportedly dealing drugs and trading sex for money.
He flew to Minneapolis in April 0f 1997 and killed his first victim, former naval officer Jeffrey Trail, with a hammer. Trail’s body was found by police at the apartment of Cunanan’s ex-boyfriend, David Madson, who then became the serial killer’s second victim.
Cunanan then traveled to Chicago to kill 72-year-old real estate developer Lee Miglin, whose corpse showed severe signs of torture. Five days later he killed his fourth victim: 45-year-old cemetery caretaker William Reese. Cunanan stole Reese’s truck and drove to Miami.
He lived in the city for two months before murdering Versace, who was returning home from his daily walk to a nearby cafe. As the designer walked up his front steps, Cunanan came from behind and shot him twice in the head.
Investigators never caught Cunanan, who shot himself in the head on a Miami houseboat eight days after killing Versace.
Who is Donatella Versace?
Versace’s sister, Donatella, was entrusted with his fashion house after his death and remains the brand’s artistic director today. Her daughter, Allegra, was also given 50% of Versace’s company in his will.
Donatella Versace will be played by Penélope Cruz when The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story premieres Wednesday at 10 pm on FX.
