Amy Fisher: A True Crime Celebrity of the 1990s

Amy Fisher, also known as the “Long Island Lolita,” became infamous in the early 1990s for her involvement in a highly publicized crime. Fisher was a 17-year-old high school student when she began a sexual relationship with Joey Buttafuoco, a married man who was twice her age. In May 1992, Fisher went to Buttafuoco’s home and shot his wife, Mary Jo, in the head. Mary Jo survived the attack but was left partially paralyzed.

The incident became a media sensation, with Fisher’s young age and attractive appearance garnering significant attention. The media dubbed her the “Long Island Lolita” and her story became a symbol of teenage recklessness and violence. Fisher was ultimately convicted of first-degree assault and sentenced to 5-15 years in prison.

Fisher’s crime was shocking in its brutality and senselessness. Her relationship with Buttafuoco, which began when she was just 16 years old, was deeply inappropriate and predatory. The fact that she was able to acquire a gun and use it to commit such a heinous act of violence was a stark reminder of the dangers of easy access to firearms.

Fisher’s story also highlights the difficulties of being a young woman in a society that often sexualizes and objectifies them. She was portrayed in the media as a seductive and manipulative teen, rather than as a victim of a man who was exploiting her vulnerability and naivety. Her actions were undoubtedly wrong and criminal, but it is important to recognize the larger cultural forces that may have contributed to her poor judgment and decision-making.

In the years since her release from prison, Fisher has attempted to move on from her past and rebuild her life. She has worked as a writer and television personality, and has spoken openly about her experiences and regrets. While her crime will always be a part of her legacy, Fisher’s story can serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of youth and the consequences of poor choices.

Amy Fisher’s crime and the subsequent media attention it received also resulted in several portrayals of her story in popular culture. In 1993, two television movies were released about the incident, one starring Drew Barrymore as Fisher, and the other starring Alyssa Milano. These movies were criticized for their sensationalized depictions of the events and their portrayal of Fisher as a seductive and manipulative teenager. In the years since, Fisher has been referenced in several other films and TV shows, including an episode of “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” and the reality show “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.” While these portrayals have varied in their accuracy and sensitivity, they have all contributed to Fisher’s legacy as a figure of infamy and sensationalism. It is important to remember that these portrayals are often heavily fictionalized and dramatized, and that the real Amy Fisher is a complex and multifaceted person whose story is much more than a mere tabloid headline.

Amy Fisher’s crime and subsequent media attention also brought a level of public ridicule and mockery. Her nickname, “Long Island Lolita,” became a popular phrase used to describe young women who were seen as sexually promiscuous or inappropriate. Fisher’s physical appearance was also subject to scrutiny and ridicule, with many tabloids and television shows mocking her for her looks and perceived lack of intelligence. This kind of public shaming and bullying can have lasting effects on a person’s mental health and well-being, and can further stigmatize individuals who have been involved in criminal activity. While Fisher’s actions were certainly wrong and deserved condemnation, it is important to remember that she was also a young woman who made mistakes and may have been influenced by larger cultural forces beyond her control. The media’s treatment of Fisher highlights the need for a more compassionate and nuanced approach to discussing issues related to crime and punishment, and the importance of treating all individuals, regardless of their actions, with dignity and respect.

What about the Victim?

Mary Jo Buttafuoco, the victim of Amy Fisher’s crime, was a 37-year-old mother of two when she was shot in the head by Fisher. The attack left her partially paralyzed and with significant hearing loss. Mary Jo’s husband, Joey Buttafuoco, was having an affair with Fisher at the time of the shooting and was widely criticized for his role in the incident. Mary Jo has been praised for her resilience and strength in the face of such a horrific ordeal, and for her efforts to move on with her life despite the ongoing media attention and scrutiny. She has also been vocal about her forgiveness of Fisher and her desire to move past the incident. Mary Jo’s story serves as a reminder of the real and lasting impact that violent crimes can have on individuals and families, and the importance of supporting and advocating for victims of crime.

Joey Buttafuoco’s marriage with Mary Jo was significantly strained by his affair with Amy Fisher and the subsequent shooting. Mary Jo forgave her husband and chose to stay with him, but the incident had a lasting impact on their relationship. The media attention and scrutiny that followed the shooting made it difficult for the couple to move on and regain a sense of normalcy. In 2003, after nearly 26 years of marriage, the couple officially divorced. Despite the end of their marriage, Mary Jo has stated that she still cares for her ex-husband and wishes him the best.

Joey Buttafuoco didn’t avoid criminal consequences

Joey Buttafuoco, the man at the center of the Amy Fisher scandal, faced legal and personal repercussions in the aftermath of the shooting. He was charged with statutory rape after it was revealed that he had been having a sexual relationship with Fisher when she was underage. He eventually pleaded guilty to one count of statutory rape and served several months in prison. Following his release, Buttafuoco continued to attract media attention and controversy, including several more criminal charges and arrests for various offenses.