Justin Bieber is no stranger to media attention, but a recent docuseries is revisiting one of the most disturbing chapters of his past—a gruesome murder plot that nearly became reality during the height of his teen fame.
In a shocking turn of events, Hollywood Demons, an Investigation Discovery series, will explore the sinister plan to kidnap, mutilate, and murder Justin Bieber in its April 28 episode, titled Stalking the Stars. The chilling case is once again making headlines, reigniting public concern and curiosity.
The plot was originally hatched in 2012 by Dana Martin, an inmate serving two life sentences for the rape and murder of a teenage girl. According to Entertainment Weekly, former corrections officer Edgar Pinon shares new, haunting details in the episode, including a private conversation he had with Martin inside a New Mexico prison.
“One morning, he wanted to talk to me personally,” Pinon reveals. “He started by showing me his tattoo of Justin Bieber and then described a hit list.” Martin had recruited two associates—Mark Staake and Tanner Ruane—to carry out the horrific plan.
The two men were intercepted after crossing into Canada by mistake. Law enforcement found pruning shears, neckties, and other tools intended for castration and murder. Audio recordings from the investigation revealed Ruane referring to Bieber as a “dog” and confirming their use of handheld clippers for the act.
Martin’s motivation? A disturbing mix of obsession and a twisted desire for recognition. “I’m a nobody in prison. I want Justin Bieber to know who I am,” he later confessed.
Pinon adds, “My impression is that Dana just wanted to be acknowledged by Bieber. He didn’t just want to hurt him—he wanted to be remembered.”
The resurfacing of this story comes shortly after Bieber shocked fans by sharing disturbing footage of aggressive paparazzi behavior, highlighting the extreme invasions of privacy he’s endured throughout his career.
With Hollywood Demons diving into the dark world of celebrity-obsessed crimes, this episode is a chilling reminder of the dangers fame can attract. The finale airs April 28 on Investigation Discovery and will be available for streaming on Max.
