The Playboy Murders: Unraveling the Mystery Surrounding Sandy Bentley – In the late ’90s, the Bentley twins, Sandy and Mandy, rose to fame as Playboy Playmates, living in the iconic Playboy Mansion with Hugh Hefner. However, their journey took a dark turn involving a high-profile affair, stolen jewels, and a brutal double murder. The Investigation Discovery episode “Double Trouble” delves into the unsolved murder of Sandy Bentley’s boyfriend, Michael Tardio, shedding light on a tale of fame, fortune, and tragedy.
Who is Sandy Bentley?
Sandy Bentley, born on May 18, 1978, in Joliet, Illinois, gained fame alongside her identical twin, Mandy Bentley, as the Bentley twins. Their May 2000 Playboy cover shoot catapulted them into the spotlight, leading them to live with Hugh Hefner in the Playboy Mansion after his split with Kimberley Conrad.
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Playboy Mansion and On-Screen Appearances:
Living in the Playboy Mansion brought the Bentley twins not only Playboy fame but also appearances on popular shows like Two and a Half Men, Sex and the City, and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Their time in the mansion coincided with a period of cautiousness from Hefner, following his previous relationship, as shared by former Playmate Holly Madison.
Affair with Mark Yagalla:
During her time with Hefner, Sandy Bentley was allegedly involved with Mark Yagalla, a former hedge fund manager. Yagalla showered her with valuable gifts, but their story took a dark turn when he was arrested for running a Ponzi scheme, leading to a court order for Bentley to return the received assets.
The Murder of Michael Tardio:
Sandy Bentley, now romantically involved with Michael Tardio, collaborated with him to sell the jewelry received from Yagalla. Tragically, on September 2, 2002, Tardio and his friend, Chris Monson, were found shot to death, their car burned and riddled with bullets in Studio City, California. The jewelry was missing, and the murders remain unsolved.
The Playboy Murders Episode:
The Bentley twins, Sandy and Mandy, were known for their beauty and style while living in the mansion with Hugh Hefner. After the relationship ended with them, Holly recalls moving into the house and Hefner being more cautious and careful with his girlfriends moving forward.… pic.twitter.com/xn2ZBYObiG
— Investigation Discovery (@DiscoveryID) January 22, 2024
The Investigation Discovery episode “Double Trouble,” which aired on January 22, 2024, explores the unsolved murder of Michael Tardio. The synopsis hints at the Bentley twins’ fall from grace, stolen jewels, a mysterious buyer, and the brutal Hollywood hills double murder.
Conclusion:
The Playboy Murders: Unraveling the Mystery of Sandy Bentley navigates a tale of glamour, betrayal, and tragedy. The unsolved murder of Michael Tardio remains a haunting chapter in the Bentley twins’ journey, leaving questions unanswered and a dark legacy in the shadow of Hollywood hills.
