Victor Paleologus, a man who posed as a well-connected figure in Southern California’s entertainment industry, was convicted of assaulting and attempting to rape multiple women in the late 1980s and early 2000s. He pleaded guilty to some charges and was later sentenced to 25 years to life for the murder of Kristi Johnson, a young woman he lured into vulnerable situations. Paleologus continued to insist on his innocence even after his guilty pleas but is scheduled to appear before California’s parole board next year.
Cathy DeBuono, who encountered Paleologus years before Johnson’s murder, believed he might eventually become eligible for parole. She launched a campaign to determine if he had changed and connected with other survivors and Johnson’s family to prepare for his parole hearing. DeBuono’s efforts revealed more details about Johnson’s murder and helped them build a case against Paleologus for his possible release from prison.
DeBuono first encountered Paleologus when he approached her at a mall and offered her a role in a James Bond movie. She identified several red flags in her interactions with him, which later helped her recognize his true nature as a serial predator. Paleologus had a history of assaulting and attempting to rape women, often under the guise of being a Hollywood producer or connected to the entertainment industry.
The case against Paleologus included testimonies from several women who survived encounters with him, detailing his violent and predatory behavior. Despite his claims of innocence, evidence presented at his murder trial pointed to his involvement in Johnson’s death. Paleologus eventually pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison, although he continued to maintain his innocence.
DeBuono’s efforts to uncover more information about Paleologus led her down a path of contacting him in prison, seeking his DNA, and engaging in conversations about his crimes. His admission to some of the details surrounding Johnson’s murder provided crucial evidence for the survivors to challenge his potential parole. Despite setbacks in connecting Paleologus to additional crimes, DeBuono and others remain committed to keeping him behind bars.
Paleologus’ parole hearing was initially scheduled for 2021 but was postponed at his request to allow him more time to complete self-help programs and parole plans. DeBuono and others involved in advocating for justice for Johnson and the survivors continue to monitor the situation and prepare for his hearing, now set for November 2025. Their efforts reflect a commitment to ensuring that Paleologus remains incarcerated and that justice is served for his victims.
