Robert Wagner Cuffed on 'NCIS' as LA Cops Say He's Not a Suspect in Wife's Death

Last week the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept. announced they are re-examining the drowning death of movie star Natalie Wood. The news led to frenzied speculation as to whether her husband, actor Robert Wagner, would now be named a suspect in her death, which has always been shrouded in mystery.

At a press conference Friday, a sheriff's spokesman told reporters that Wagner is not a suspect. "Her death was ruled an accident, an accidental drowing. And that's what it is. If, at the end of it, our investigation points to something else, then we'll address that."

However, over the last few days CBS viewers could have been forgiven for being rather confused about Wagner's status because he keeps appearing on screen in handcuffs. That's because, in a collision of art and life, the network's been promoting tomorrow night's episode of 'NCIS,' in which his character is accused of murder. After being asked if they'd considered postponing the episode, a CBS source told The Wrap that it "is running as scheduled."

CBS also aired a '48 Hours' investigation into Wood's death Saturday night. It was originally due to air Thanksgiving weekend to mark the 30th anniversary, but the network brought it forward because of the new investigation.

This is the third season that Wagner has appeared on 'NCIS,' in the perfectly cast recurring role of Anthony DiNozzo's dad. In another odd coincidence, Michael Weatherly, who plays DiNozzo, has actually played Wagner onscreen ... in a TV movie about Natalie Wood's death.

In 2004 he starred opposite Justine Waddell as Wood in ABC's 'The Mystery of Natalie Wood.' When AOL TV wondered if he'd asked Wagner whether he'd seen the movie, Weatherly said "No. We didn't really talk about that."

'NCIS' airs Tuesdays, 8PM ET on CBS.

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