Fashion icon Gianni Versace was tragically shot and killed on the steps of his lavish Miami Beach mansion on the morning of July 15, 1997, in a shocking crime that stunned the fashion world and the public alike.
The 50-year-old designer, famed for his bold and glamorous creations, left his Ocean Drive residence around 8:30 a.m. to purchase his morning magazines from a nearby newsstand—a simple errand he typically entrusted to an assistant. As Versace returned home and climbed the steps of his Casa Casuarina mansion, he was shot at point-blank range in the head and neck. He was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Authorities quickly linked the murder to Andrew Cunanan, a 27-year-old fugitive already on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list. Cunanan was suspected in at least four other murders across the United States in a deadly spree that spanned several states.
Versace’s killing marked the violent climax of Cunanan’s months-long rampage, which had left law enforcement scrambling for clues and the public in fear. Following an intense manhunt, Cunanan took his own life eight days later on a houseboat docked in Miami Beach, just blocks from Versace’s residence.
The murder of Gianni Versace rocked both the fashion industry and popular culture, robbing the world of one of its most creative and influential designers. Versace had built a fashion empire renowned for luxurious fabrics, vivid colors, and daring designs that redefined modern glamour and celebrity style.
His death left an indelible mark on fashion, with tributes pouring in from designers, celebrities, and fans worldwide. Versace’s sister, Donatella Versace, ultimately stepped in to lead the fashion house, preserving his legacy and ensuring that the brand bearing his name remained an icon of style and innovation.
The assassination of Gianni Versace remains one of the most notorious crimes of the 1990s—a tragic end for a visionary whose designs continue to influence fashion today.
