"And he provided work for me. I read plans. The jury could have recommended a life sentence for the convictions, which also included conspiracy to commit murder and two counts of soliciting a crime. When Robert Schwartz was found dead at his home, investigators have reason to believe his death was The police took his statement. "How I knew he was dead?". His body was discovered two days later. But her one-time friends, April Cox and Patrick Olive, who helped her manage the Schwartz properties, say Becky could also be a tough cookie. [3] In March 2004, the conditions of Schwartz and Lopez's release were modified to allow the two to have contact with each other. But Stragaj insists he didn't do itthat Becky was the culprit. Leo Stragaj awaits trial as the only person charged. In 2011, Ben was arrested and convicted of stealing jewelry from the Schwartz home. "And if you cross her then, you know, you're basically gone," Patrick Olive said. According to Katherine, Clara wanted her father dead and talked about the money she would inherit if that became a reality. "I think I was preyed on by the most calculated, malicious, vindictive, pathological liar of a woman I have ever met in my entire life," she said. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Stragaj is also believed to have moved the victim's money to new accounts and is suspected of spending the victims money on herself, filing fraudulent tax returns in the victim's name, as well as pawning and selling the victim's deceased husband's jewelry, the email said. "He said, 'I'm going home. Booking photos courtesy of the Pinellas County Jail. I really did. "I kept telling him -- I said, 'it's like you've checked out of our marriage and I don't understand. "This is a woman whose son was killed by a drunk driver. Carter says she bought them houses, cars, clothing, and jewelry for herself. "And then staged the scene to look like a burglary?" The Perfect Murder examines the brutal and bizarre killing of scientist Robert Schwartz, who was murdered in his own home. I mean, that's crazy," Stragaj explained. But friends and colleagues of Dr. Schwartz have always suspected Becky was involved. But still, I can't see Leo hurting Dr. Schwartz. But they live in fear, as she told her friend in another text: Dana Nichols (reading aloud in court): I said, "I am scared to talk to the detectives and -- and police I would hope if Becky came after me or sent someone after me, she wouldn't hurt Kendall. "She's got something to hide. [29] The events of the murder were also covered in an episode of Forensic Files titled "Office Visit", which aired on January 22, 2010, on truTV.[30]. "Did you remove the hard drive from that security camera" Van Sant asked. Her son, Eric, even got a Verizon store to run in Wisconsin. Soon, the police went about chasing every lead possible. He never mentioned anything -- anything in his statement to the police about Rebecca Schwartz being in any way responsible for the death of her husband," said DeVlaming. [9] In December 2001, one month after Stidham joined the practice, the DEA raided the office and Schwartz was indicted by a federal grand jury on 77 counts of illegally obtaining prescription medicine. WebIn 1961, 21-year-old Steven Schwartz robbed and murdered a dentist in Hobbs, New Mexico. Investigation Discoverys The Perfect Murder: The Devil Made Me Do It focuses on how the police zeroed in on four people who had a role to play, which shockingly included Roberts daughter as well. That's why I'm here," he said of being incarcerated. She alleged that Robert was planning on making sure she did not come back. Kyle later stated that he had to do something once Clara told him about that. I said, 'What the hell did you do?' So I had no hate for him. But could a shocking incident deep in Dr. Schwartz's past have played a role in his murder? [3], Prosecuting attorney Sylvia Lafferty pointed to Schwartz's cell phone records, which showed that he received calls from a payphone at a Denny's across the street from Stidham's office. He sustained injuries to his eye sockets and tear ducts and suffered nasal damage and facial fractures that required plastic surgery. "From the house. So, lets find out what happened to her then, shall we. Kyle provided a full confession to the authorities once he was arrested, saying he committed the murder because he thought Robert was abusing Clara. And, deVlaming points out, even Stragaj's alibi was shot down by police, who checked his cell phone records. He is obsessed with movies, comic books, and television shows, and he spends much too much money on collectibles. Dana says Ben has gotten past his drug problems and the two of them have settled down with their daughter, Kendall. Police say Lola Stragaj, 38, was brought into custody on Wednesday following an investigation into the possible exploitation of an elderly woman. According to the Tampa Bay Times, Dr. Steven Schwartzs brother, James Schwartz, filed suit against her on behalf of the doctors three adult children. Many individuals took the stand, including ex-girlfriends, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances, many of whom confirmed that Schwartz often talked about his hatred for Stidham. [5] The following day after a conversation in which Schwartz denied to her that he was involved in the murder, Goldberg telephoned the police to report her suspicions and indicated that a man named "Bruce" had joined them while they were at dinner. "She asked me to find somebody," said Stragaj. She said she had left the house that morning without her handbag. Van Sant asked. "Patients, colleagues -- a great career," Van Sant noted. "Why would he do that?" Stragaj says when he picked up the handbag he saw a knife inside. "money was her way of connecting.". And Becky seduced her new boyfriend with expensive gifts, too. They started with his family, and Clara Schwartz, his youngest daughter, was discovered quickly. Your IP: Stickers Available To Alert Responders To People With Special Needs, Pinellas African American Heritage Celebration Set For Feb. 25, An Amazingly Kind Soul: FL Star Student, Ross Hosts Fundraiser For Boys & Girls Club, Social Security Seminar at Countryside Recreation Center, Taxes in Retirement Seminar at Largo Community Center, Shen Yun Classical Dance with Live Orchestra, Proven Strategies for the Care of Aging People, FL Democratic Party Would Be Eliminated Under Proposed Law, Extorting Nude Photos From Minor Leads to 19-Year-Old's Arrest: Police, 2023 Hurricane, Tropical Storm Names Released For Atlantic Season, FL Man AKA Sedition Panda Charged In Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol Breach: DOJ. Robert Schwartzs tragic death was the consequence of a well-planned murder attempt. "Steve was your classic gentle giant a guy who had the heart of a bear," Dr. Patton said. What Happened In Celina Petersen South Park Murder Case? As per the Tv9 Telugu, the orthopedic surgeon took the extreme step due to a family dispute, reports said. Van Sant asked Carter. "I believe that both Leo Stragaj and Rebecca Schwartz were involved in his murder and caused his death on that date," said Carter Schwartz. 13400 E. 15 Mile Rd Sterling Heights, Michigan 48312 USA. "Rebecca Schwartz is a victim, just like her husband. Kyle, Michael, and Katherine had been apprehended by February 2002. Becky and the family did everything from vacations in Florida, to sports events, to lavish parties -- all paid for by Becky. Only later did I find out she held a private funeral or service, if you would, at -- at the house to which I was not invited," said Carter. But when Schwartz's colleagues planned one. "I don't think he was a badass kid at all. [26], Brian Stidham's widow, Daphne Stidham, filed a wrongful death suit in 2005 against the medical complex where her husband was murdered, alleging that the conditions at the complex aided the killer. He says his relationship with her was "always uneasy.". said Dr. Patton. [3] Stidham told friends that his partner (Schwartz) had been acting "weird" and that he needed to remove himself from the situation. And -- you know, and then I think she was gone after she drank the beer. "immigration told me any contact with police will send you back," he told Van Sant. "And when you present this information, is this jaw dropping to your dad?" WebThe incident appeared to be targeted, according to investigators. Pima County paid the entire amount on behalf of Paul Skitzki. [3] Other reports suggest that Schwartz was planning to open a plastic surgery practice[8] or, at least, another office on the north side of the city. Back then, Dyer was 20 years old, a former high school football star and a buddy of Steven Schwartz. "When you heard the news that your father had killed a man, how shocking was that for you?" WebDr. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. They interviewed Becky and Ben. She stated in one of the messages that she didnt want the murder to be linked to her if Kyle was the perpetrator. Stragaj says he was set up by Schwartzs second wife Rebecca Becky Schwartz. James Cecil, a local auctioneer in Hobbs for decades, was a patient of Dr. Cook back then. The police talked to Leo Stragaj. "I just -- think he was just a great gentleman.". "Your DNA was on the victim. ", "Yeah," Carter replied, "Certainly cannot. If not, here's a few bucks a month for your phone bill.'". The murder weapon was believed to be a 27-inch sword, and the nature of the crime startled many. [5], In 2001, Stidham answered an ad Bradley Schwartz had placed in a trade journal seeking someone to care for the pediatric patients in his Tucson ophthalmology practice,[6] Arizona Specialty Eye Care. Carter Schwartz was on the way home after travelling in Japan when he got word of his father's murder. Defense attorneys said the game was only an escape for a girl with a sad social life. "My theory is that Dr. Schwartz was gonna retire. While Patrick never went through with it, she soon found Kyle Hulbert, a man with a history of mental illness, to help her with the plan. "Very," he replied. He provided food for my family.". That "hidden information," Carter says, is that Becky was moving money from their joint bank accounts. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Before and after photos from space show storms effect on California reservoirs, Dramatic before and after photos from space show epic snow blanketing SoCal mountains, The chance of a lifetime: Five friends ski the tallest mountain in Los Angeles, Shocking, impossible gas bills push restaurants to the brink of closures, Review: A reimagined Secret Garden fails to flower anew at the Ahmanson Theatre, A $150,000 executive protection dog? Carter always believed the main reason Becky was with his father was because she wanted to spend his money. "Well, that's one possibility," he replied. "Was there money involved in this? "she didn't have five children.". Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. World Expert So, I had to go and buy materials or dump a trailer. She remains incarcerated at Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women in Troy, Virginia, and will be eligible for release in 2043. Schwartz decided to rob a local dentist, Dr. Victor Cook. The wrongful death lawsuit claims their stepmother and Stragaj conspired to murder Schwartz, whose estate is worth at least $10 million, for financial gain. The lawsuit also claims that Becky Schwartz was embezzling funds from her husbands medical practice. A complaint was filed against her by the Arizona State Bar as a result of her involvement with Bradley Schwartz's drug fraud. Robert was born on May 13, 1944. Robert was stabbed and slashed more than thirty times and had an X carved on his back. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Robert was a well-known scientist who pioneered biometrics and DNA studies. He is still held at the River North Correctional Center in Independence, Virginia, according to records. The death of a distinguished scientist in his secluded farmhouse prompted a lengthy inquiry by the authorities. ", And strangely, Becky never wanted a memorial service. "And her boat name was 'Exit Strategy.' Deposition attorney: She walked over to Meredith and leaned down and whispered in her ear, "I wish you would have died.". Cecil said. Ten months after the murder Leo Stragaj was arrested, but police kept looking for evidence. "I had nothing against the man. Clara was convicted of first-degree murder in her father's death. "What is the most important thing to Becky Schwartz?" It was a horrific incident. WebAs a 22-year-old pre-med student dropout in 1961, Schwartz (and others) robbed and killed a dentist, Dr. V.G. Where is Lloyd Averys Killer Kevin Roby Now? He was taken away with such haste that his shirt was on backwards. [5][21] Schwartz was with his girlfriend in a public restaurant but there are cell phone records linking Schwartz's cell phone to a convenience store pay phone, where Bigger allegedly visited that evening, and to Bigger's hotel, which was paid for by Schwartz. Michele, her sister, said in court, Its been nothing but a nightmare since the first day I found out. "A grieving widow is standing on a doorstep of the police department every morning, saying, 'Have you made any progress finding out who violently shot strangled and stabbed my husband?'" Flick, a reporter who covered the case for the Tucson Citizen, wrote a best-selling, true-crime book published in 2018 titled "Toxic Rage: A Tale of Murder in Tucson" (WildBlue Press). Becky had two sons from her previous marriages, including Ben. "It happened the day before Thanksgiving of 1961, November" said Phillip Dyer. So who killed Dr. Schwartz? Van Sant asked. 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