Joe Pesci's ex-wife, Claudia Haro, is central to one of Hollywood's darkest real-life crime stories. While Pesci built a legendary career playing mobsters in films like Goodfellas and Casino, his former spouse's life took a genuinely criminal turn years after their divorce. Haro, a former actress and model who appeared alongside Pesci in Martin Scorsese's Casino, was later convicted for orchestrating the attempted murder of her second husband, stuntman Garrett Warren.
This case exposes the grim side of celebrity culture, moving far beyond standard Hollywood gossip into a web of custody battles, familial conspiracy, and attempted assassination. Understanding the complete timeline requires looking past the tabloid headlines to examine how a promising 1990s film career collapsed into a prison sentence.
Marriage to Joe Pesci and 1990s Film Career
Claudia Haro met Joe Pesci in the early 1980s while working as a model. The pair married on September 7, 1988. During their marriage, Haro transitioned into acting, securing minor roles in several high-profile films. Because of her connection to Pesci, she landed parts in projects like Jimmy Hollywood (1994), With Honors (1994), Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994), and Scorsese's Casino (1995), where she played the character Trudy.
The couple welcomed a daughter, Tiffany Pesci, during their union. Though their marriage ended in divorce in 1992, Pesci and Haro maintained an unusual dynamic. Industry reports and legal proceedings noted that Haro lived in Pesci's guest house intermittently after their split, and the two actors remained on relatively amicable terms for years. As reported in latest articles by The Hollywood Reporter, the implications are worth noting.
The Second Marriage and Bitter Divorce
Following her split from Pesci, Haro married Hollywood stuntman Garrett Warren in March 1998. The couple had a daughter, Kaylie, later that year. However, the marriage deteriorated rapidly, leading to a contentious separation in 2000 and a fierce custody battle over their young child.
The legal friction intensified when the courts granted joint custody, a decision Haro opposed. According to court documents and police investigations, the hostility surrounding the custody agreement prompted Haro to plot against her ex-husband.
The Attempted Assassination of Garrett Warren
On the evening of May 20, 2000, Garrett Warren answered a persistent knock at the door of his home in Westlake Village, California. A gunman posing as a delivery or car-troubled stranger opened fire, striking Warren four times—in the chest, neck, hip, and right eye. Miraculously, Warren survived the attack, though he lost sight in his right eye.
Los Angeles County investigators struggled to find immediate answers, but the case broke open years later through a complex chain of familial connections. Police uncovered that Haro had enlisted her younger brother, Manuel Haro, to help arrange the hit. Manuel connected with a restaurant owner, who hired a professional gunman named Jorge Hernandez to carry out the shooting.
Arrest, Trial, and Prison Sentence
Authorities arrested Claudia Haro in December 2005, more than five years after the shooting. The investigation revealed detailed financial and communication links between the conspirators.
In April 2012, facing overwhelming evidence, Haro pleaded no contest to two counts of attempted murder and a principal firearm charge. A Los Angeles court sentenced her to 12 years and four months in prison. Joe Pesci reportedly attended the sentencing hearing to support his family and was visibly shaken by the proceedings.
Haro served her sentence at the California Institution for Women in Chino. She was released on parole in August 2019 after serving roughly seven years behind bars. Her brother Manuel and the gunman received much harsher prison terms, with the shooter sentenced to decades behind bars.
Where Is Claudia Haro Today?
Since her release from prison, Claudia Haro has maintained a strictly private life. She does not maintain a public social media presence and has avoided the spotlight entirely. Her daughter Tiffany Pesci has pursued modeling and creative work, keeping a low profile while navigating her family's complex history. Meanwhile, Joe Pesci has continued selective acting projects, maintaining a quiet life away from traditional Hollywood circles. Detailed coverage of the trial history and legal filings can be found via archives on Wikipedia.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Claudia Haro married to Joe Pesci?
They were married from September 1988 until their divorce was finalized in 1992. They share one daughter named Tiffany.
Why was Claudia Haro sent to prison?
She was convicted for her role in organizing the May 2000 shooting of her second husband, stuntman Garrett Warren. She pleaded no contest to attempted murder charges in 2012.
How long did Claudia Haro serve in prison?
She received a sentence of 12 years and four months. She served approximately seven years at the California Institution for Women before being paroled in August 2019.
Did Joe Pesci face any charges regarding the incident?
No. While Joe Pesci attended her sentencing hearing out of loyalty to their shared family, law enforcement found no evidence connecting him to the conspiracy against Garrett Warren.
This video provides further context on Joe Pesci's life and career choices following his high-profile Hollywood relationships: Why Joe Pesci Never Remarried After His Divorce
