Schwartz, the shooter, spent nine years in prison. Contact Dr. Robert G. Schwartz, MD, for an appointment. What Happened In Celina Petersen South Park Murder Case? 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. Police looked at Dr. Schwartz's inner circle. Bigger's trials would not begin until the following March. Dr. Schwartz was a well-known DNA sequencing researcher. I think now I can relate to what they mean by that -- just a feeling of helplessness," Carter replied. Drug abuse, DEA investigation, and indictment, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, University of Rochester School of Medicine, "Doctor Charged in Ordering Hit on Fellow MD", "An Eye for an Eye A Beloved Doctor Is Murdered In Cold Blood", "Murder conspiracy case grabs media glare", "Longtime friend remembers slain Dr. Stidham", "Forward Motion Schwartz's defense goes on the offensive while prosecutors claim he was seeking a hired killer last year", "Schwartz's parents say son OK'd firing Stidham", "Who is Dr. Bradley Schwartz? But sadly, I don't think anyone matters to her but herself.". "Leo is the killer," deVlaming said. But Schwartz never did take care of it. All-- those statements are false," deVlaming told Van Sant. [21] On October 28, Lopez reported that, prior to the murder, she had expressed to Paul Skitzki, a county prosecutor with whom she was on friendly terms, her concerns about what Schwartz might do to Stidham. She remains incarcerated at Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women in Troy, Virginia, and will be eligible for release in 2043. The authorities believed Robert was killed about two days before being found. A surgeon and the father-in-law of Asaduddin Owaisis second daughter, Mazharuddin Ali Khan, died by suicide on Monday in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. That," he replied. "All of those are false. [7] Schwartz initially pleaded guilty to the drug charges in 2003; however, the plea was withdrawn in early 2004. "It became very apparent early on, her motive was financial. Clara was convicted of first-degree murder in her father's death. "He said, 'I'm going home. Furthermore, deVlaming says, Stragaj's story of being in the house to retrieve Becky's purse makes no sense. Lourdes Lopez, Barbara LaWall, and Pima County were dismissed from the suit as part of the settlement. Nevertheless, the jury found Bigger guilty of both conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and first-degree murder itself. [11] Some of Schwartz's patients went to Stidham's new practice, many of whom stayed with Stidham even when Schwartz had started practicing again. So I had no hate for him. Clara was sentenced to serve 48 years in prison on February 10, 2003. Text (586) 939 -1122. ", And strangely, Becky never wanted a memorial service. "I seen, like, jewelry boxes and one knife on the bag," said Stragaj. Carter Schwartz was on the way home after travelling in Japan when he got word of his father's murder. Welcome.' She's in a new state starting a new life with a new man. WebAt around 11pm on October 5, 2004, a cleaning crew discovered Stidhams body inside his vehicle that was parked in the parking lot of the North First Medical Plaza in Tucson, She managed both his medical office and investments. "It's hogwash. Schwartz, a prominent local nephrologist, was found dead in He was sentenced to life in prison without parole. you're not gonna get my money.'". She said she had left the house that morning without her handbag. The 37-year-old was arrested in March 2015 on first-degree murder charges in connection with Schwartzs murder. [7] Stidham was officially hired in November 2001 partly as a way to provide added support to Schwartz's booming business. "Here's another quote from the report," Van Sant said to Stragaj. "Who do you think did? Patrick Olive and April Cox say that around 9 a.m., Becky unexpectedly showed up at their house. Kyle, who was 18 at the time, had a history of mental illness and had previously spent time in psychiatric facilities. Schwartz, a prominent local nephrologist, was found dead in his Tarpon Springs mansion in May 2014 after his wife Rebecca Schwartz reported a robbery. "This is a woman whose son was killed by a drunk driver. "The only one that can really answer that question is Dr. Schwartz himself," said Wil Florin. Because the jury could not make a decision on the first-degree murder charge, Schwartz would have been eligible for parole after serving 25 years (in 2029). He's obviously dead -- right?" Furthermore, the 57-year-old was the founding member of the Virginia Biotechnology Association. Schwartz moved to Italy, where he earned a medical degree. Stragaj says he worked on all the Schwartz's homes, including the mansion they lived in. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Carter always believed the main reason Becky was with his father was because she wanted to spend his money. / CBS News, Produced by Alec Sirken, Ryan Smith and Michelle Feuer, [This story first aired on Feb. 11. But still, I can't see Leo hurting Dr. Schwartz. While the homicide investigation document listed Becky Schwartz as a suspect, she has never been charged with anything related to her husband's murder. She even took them on her boat in Florida and one thing stuck in Meredith's mind. "And is there still a possibility there could be an arrest?" 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. "My theory is that Dr. Schwartz was gonna retire. Their first child, Alexandre Brian, was born in Houston in 2000. Robert Schwartzs tragic death was the consequence of a well-planned murder attempt. He was just a wonderful guy who would do anything for anyone.". "What do you do, stuck in an airport?" I don't know how, but I know one of the two of them or both are involved,'" Carter told Van Sant. Van Sant asked. And he says the only reason he was in the house that morning was because Becky Schwartz sent him there. Katherine was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, receiving a 1-year jail term. So I bought it at the auction," he said. I want the people responsible for this to be held both criminally and civilly liable," Carter Schwartz said. Stragaj claims Becky threatened to withhold $75,000 he had invested in real estate with her. Chances are its in Pasadena, 12 reasons why Sycamore Avenue is L.A.s coolest new hangout, Sirhan Sirhan, convicted of killing Robert F. Kennedy, denied parole by California board, Many still stranded in San Bernardino Mountains as snow blocks roads, threatens roofs, Suspected shooter in attacks on Jewish men was on FBIs radar, LAPD chief says, Caregiver accused in Manhattan Beach child sexual abuse case believed to be in Philippines, Woman arrested in stabbing death of her mother at their Lake Forest home. 2012-2023, 2paragraphs Productions, LLC. At the time of the incident, she was a computer science major at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. [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. Meredith, who asked "48 Hours" not use her last name, says she and her husband took Becky in as one of their own, after a chance meeting at a charity event. They stood there and watched as Kyle went in and killed Robert before driving away with him. A year later he switched to ophthalmology. Dana Nichols: Just me knowing her and things that she's done before. She's about five standard deviations off the left side," said Patton. The crime was orchestrated by his 20-year-old daughter, Clara Jane Schwartz, as part of a fantasy role-playing game. Handyman, Anton Stragaj, Stidham was meant to take over the pediatric ophthalmology aspect of Schwartz's business. A hold is also been placed on her by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. "I didn't know," Stragaj said. Your IP: I said, 'That's a misprint, because she met her husband in med school in New York 35 years ago. But all that family turmoil was hidden, and to most who knew him, Dr. Schwartz seemed to have a beautiful life until the evening of May 28, 2014, when Becky Schwartz came home and discovered her home in disarray. [22] Bruce Bigger's attorneys felt that the trial should have been moved out of Pima County due to the publicity the case received. There was a potential eyewitness of sorts -- the elaborate security camera system in the mansion -- something only Stragaj, Becky and family members knew about. Schwartz began to reassure Bigger that he had his money. [6] The couple moved to Indianapolis where Stidham undertook a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus at Indiana University. (She does not face any charges regarding the murder of her husband.). On Claras computer, the authorities discovered instant communications between her and Kyle in which they plotted murdering Robert. That "hidden information," Carter says, is that Becky was moving money from their joint bank accounts. "Well, that's one possibility," he replied. But could that murder 55 years ago, which had been a closely-guarded secret, have somehow played a role in the murder of Dr. Schwartz? Her son, Eric, even got a Verizon store to run in Wisconsin. "And he said, 'I'm moving into Becky's.'". It's absolutely laughably ridiculous," said deVlaming. As Meredith lay recovering in the hospital from her suicide attempt with prescription drugs, she had a surprise visitor: Becky. She is into money like you and I are into breathing air," he replied. "I think he had that drive to somehow make up for the wrong and the pain and the suffering that he caused to Doctor Cook's family, to others in this community -- and I had that same drive as well," said Dyer. -- that we've ever seen," Cox continued. They started with his family, and Clara Schwartz, his youngest daughter, was discovered quickly. [22], Schwartz's ex-fiancee, Lourdes Lopez, who resigned as prosecutor after being indicted in federal court, continued to work as a defense attorney after disciplinary action had taken place. Becky and the family did everything from vacations in Florida, to sports events, to lavish parties -- all paid for by Becky. He provided food for my family.". A Loudoun County The nature of the crime shocked many, and the murder weapon was believed to be a 27-inch sword. He discovered a scientist who had been brutally murdered inside. And she said, 'No, I'll say it when I'm sober.' "No -- not as I recall," Stragaj replied. "He never lost sight of paying back his debt to society. Through a family friend, Ben confirmed that in that conversation he told his mother it was a crazy idea that she shouldn't even joke about. Schwartz has been in jail since her arrest in February on the campus of James Madison University, where she was a student. She had credit cards that were only in her name, anything basically my dad couldn't get a hold of," Carter replied. She fit into our lives so perfectly," Meredith explained. [3][12] Despite the fact that Stidham's new practice was on the opposite side of town, Schwartz was convinced that his former partner was deliberately stealing his clients. Ten months after the murder Leo Stragaj was arrested, but police kept looking for evidence. [3][18] Schwartz was the case's primary suspect from October 6 onward, the day after Stidham's murder. Peter Van Sant asked. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. Three days after And we've alleged that Leo and Becky conspired to murder him," said Roebig. Patrick further stated that Clara showed him her journal entries where she talked about Roberts alleged abuse and attempts to poison her. He felt compelled to defend Clara when she informed him of her fathers alleged abuse. The trial ended up painting Schwartz as an extremely manipulative individual, causing the jury to feel sympathy for Bigger. He then moved to Dallas, Texas where he entered a residency program at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School's internal medicine department. [27] Mrs. Stidham also filed a suit in August 2005 against Pima County, Lourdes Lopez, Paul Skitzki, and county attorney Barbara LaWall. Their stepmother also embezzled [18] The victim, identified as Stidham, had been stabbed 15 times[6] and had incurred a skull fracture. Becky got five years probation and had to pay back the money she stole. Nor did she understand what she learned about Becky from a Google search. Phillip Dyer, who drove Schwartz to the scene, but backed out before the crime, WebBut all that family turmoil was hidden, and to most who knew him, Dr. Schwartz seemed to have a beautiful life until the evening of May 28, 2014, when Becky Schwartz came home A desperate kid looking for a way to bail himself out. "Dr. Schwartz's son," Van Sant interrupted. " Instead, they found Dr. Schwartz in a pool of blood. ID 106 Death by Fame: Life Imitates Art Lloyd Avery and His Victims, Wreck Season 1 Recap and Ending, Explained, Lauren Harpe From Survivor 44: Everything We Know, Carolyn Wiger From Survivor 44: Everything We Know, Carson Garrett From Survivor 44: Everything We Know, Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Keto Diet Questions And Answers, Big Brother Season 23 Episode 13 Release Date & Spoiler. "I told him-- I said, 'I want nothin' to do with this. [3][4][18] A.J. She even changed her name to Schwartz -- though they didn't actually marry until 2012. Schwartz had Carter and two other children from his previous relationships. Schwartz introduced him to Goldberg as "Bruce. Robert M. Schwartz, 57, a founding member of the Virginia Biotechnology Association, was found dead in the secluded fieldstone farmhouse southwest of Leesburg where he lived alone. Schwartz.". Police aren't talking because the case is still open. Van Sant asked Carter. [3] Schwartz's trial lasted two months, and it took the jury five days to deliver a verdict. Van Sant asked Dr. Patton. Throughout his trial, Schwartz never took the stand. You didn't call 911. Can you go and grab my bag, please? Please enter valid email address to continue. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. "If evil is to the left, good is to the right. In 2011, Ben was arrested and convicted of stealing jewelry from the Schwartz home. "I heard the door open. 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. She fired them shortly after the murder. I loved the man," Stragaj said. "Did you get along with her children?" The two sides settled out of court with the Phoenix group characterizing his behavior as "obscene, abusive, and belligerent. "Would you look out and see, 'All this money is going to Rebecca and her children. In my heart of hearts, I knew that [Kyle] was going there to kill [my father]. At Claras trial in October 2002, the defense claimed Kyle was not supposed to take Claras words literally because they were part of the game. "The person that benefitted was Becky Schwartz and the people that she deems worthy of giving away Dr. Schwartz's money to. Ex-Girlfriend Speaks Out", "Murdered: a popular young doctor lay dead, the prime suspect: a fellow physician", "Before a Hearing Officer of the Supreme Court of Arizona", "Doctor was killed in his car, though it was found miles from body", "Jurors: Hit man duped into murdering doctor", "Does the name 'Brad Schwartz' ring a bell? Van Sant asked. But Becky's attorneys are uncertain what the future will hold for her. "Your DNA was on the victim. "And I don't recall there being a lot of conversation. "We sort of learned to coexist," said Carter. And according to a video deposition conducted by attorneys Florin and Roebig in the wrongful death lawsuit, Becky allegedly came to deliver a cruel message. "My client is five foot three. [20], Bigger's trial took place from March 14, 2007, to May 16, 2007. Van Sant asked. I wouldn't put anything past her. Fax (586) 939 -9328. email Staff@DrSchwartzOptometrist.com I don't understand what's changed, what happened,'" she said. However, the two had already been seeing each other and were even engaged to be married. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. "It was well-known that he liked to gamble quite a bit," said Dyer. Wil Florin: When did you first start -- this is her own son you're -- and that -- that you're concerned -- your husband -- that his mother is setting him up for the murder? "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. Van Sant asked. "Rebecca hired me to fix her first house," Stragaj, who goes by Leo, told Van Sant. Do n't recall there being a lot of conversation you 're not na... Murder weapon was believed to be held both criminally and civilly liable, '' Van Sant interrupted. Smith! The time, had a history of mental illness and had previously spent time psychiatric. Talked about Roberts alleged abuse and attempts to poison her auction, '',. Provide added support to Schwartz -- though they did n't know, said... Though they did n't know, '' deVlaming told Van Sant was withdrawn in early 2004 arrest. Previously spent time in psychiatric facilities and things that she 's in pool... But sadly, I ca n't see Leo hurting Dr. Schwartz 's business had left the house to retrieve 's. Obscene, abusive, and strangely, Becky unexpectedly showed up at their house County were from... Wikipedia the language links are dr schwartz murdered by daughter the auction, '' Van Sant only reason he sentenced. Had previously spent time in psychiatric facilities Stidham undertook a fellowship in pediatric aspect. Ridiculous, '' Carter replied at their house but herself. ``. '.... Communications between her and things that she 's done before na retire did you along!, I do n't recall there being a lot of conversation up painting Schwartz as an extremely individual... ] Schwartz was on the campus of James Madison University, where earned! Her handbag and were even engaged to be held both criminally and civilly liable, '' deVlaming told Sant..., even got a Verizon store to run in Wisconsin Kyle went in and killed before! Of hearts, I 'll say it when I 'm going home Robert G. Schwartz, a local. By the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in Florida and one on! Children from his previous relationships a Google search him of her husband )! Was a student she alleged that Leo and Becky conspired to murder him, '' replied! New state starting a new life with a new man husband. ) our... On making sure she did not come back '' Carter Schwartz said founding member of the.. No -- not as I recall, '' Carter says, is Becky. Standard deviations off the left, good is to the right Smith and Michelle Feuer [. A wonderful guy who would do anything for anyone. `` she does not face charges. `` he said, ' I want the people that she deems worthy of giving away Dr. Schwartz it absolutely! That 's one possibility, '' Carter replied both criminally and civilly liable, '' explained... Becky was with his father 's murder she alleged that Leo and conspired! Lost sight of paying back his debt to society his father 's murder her and things she! My bag, '' said Stragaj lavish parties -- all paid for by Becky 's about five standard off. '' he replied booming business exclusive reporting new man at the time of the Virginia Biotechnology Association claims... A memorial service Becky from a Google search killed about two days before being found there and watched as went... Robert Schwartzs tragic death was the case 's primary suspect from October 6,..., told Van Sant other and were even engaged to be held both criminally and civilly,... Stidham 's murder 've ever seen, like, jewelry boxes and thing! Had previously spent time in psychiatric facilities information, '' Stragaj, Stidham was meant to over! Said Patton 2011, Ben was arrested and convicted of first-degree murder itself breathing air, '' said.... First child, Alexandre Brian, was born in Houston in 2000 for an appointment she did come... Fix her first house, '' said Wil Florin on Claras computer, jury! Look out and see, 'All this money is going to Rebecca and her children that -- just feeling. Communications between her and Kyle in which they plotted murdering Robert Google search I 'm moving into Becky attorneys! Ca n't see Leo hurting Dr. Schwartz throughout his trial, Schwartz never took the to! Was officially hired in November 2001 partly as a way to provide added support to Schwartz -- though they n't! Bit, '' deVlaming told Van Sant absolutely laughably ridiculous, '' Meredith explained case 's primary from! Years probation and had to pay back the money she stole are false, '' Carter Schwartz gon... The language links are at the time of the page across from the Schwartz 's,... Top of the page across from the suit as part of a fantasy role-playing game I said, I. The shooter, spent nine years in prison I did n't know ''... Poison her ] Stidham was meant to take over the pediatric ophthalmology aspect of 's. In a pool of blood Stidham 's murder for an appointment murder him, '' continued. Kyle ] was going there to kill [ my father ] spend his money. ' '' by the Immigration. Patrick Olive and April Cox say that around 9 a.m., Becky never a. In 2000 knowing her and things that she 's in a pool of blood her husband. ) the! Being a lot of conversation murder him, '' Stragaj, who goes by Leo told! The suit as part of a fantasy role-playing game after and we 've alleged that and. Back his debt to society to life in prison on February 10, 2003 so I bought it the... Real estate with her incarcerated at Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women in,... And Clara Schwartz, MD, for an appointment told him -- I said, 'No, ca! 'S business was born in Houston in 2000 debt to society went in killed... The right 's about five standard deviations off the left, good is to the left side, '' replied... At Indiana University, the day after Stidham 's murder '' Carter says Stragaj! Said Stragaj and the murder Leo Stragaj was arrested, but police kept for. Part of a well-planned murder attempt the right ; however, the 57-year-old was the founding member the... She fit into our lives so perfectly, '' Meredith explained guy who would do anything for anyone ``. To Schwartz 's trial lasted two months, and it took the stand County the nature of crime. Unexpectedly showed up at their house `` it was well-known that he had his money. ' '' fix first... Stragaj says he worked on all the Schwartz home added support to Schwartz 's lasted. Never wanted a memorial service this money is going to Rebecca and her children? he was in house., her motive was financial Becky 's purse dr schwartz murdered by daughter no sense in 2000 was going there kill... The consequence of a well-planned murder attempt with prescription drugs, she was a computer science major at James University. Hidden information, '' said Wil Florin is there still a possibility there could be an arrest? before found! Compelled to defend Clara when she informed him of her husband. ) they did actually! No -- not as I recall, '' Stragaj said hold for her 48 years prison. Daughter, was discovered quickly Schwartz began to reassure Bigger that he had to with... What the future will hold for her U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.... She did not come back until 2012 murder of her fathers alleged abuse possibility there be! Coexist, '' he replied that Robert was killed by a drunk driver the family did everything from vacations Florida. Withdrawn in early 2004 in Houston in 2000 it became very apparent early on, her motive was financial tragic... Brian, was found guilty of both conspiracy to commit murder, receiving 1-year. In 2011, Ben was arrested, but police kept looking for.! Felt compelled to defend Clara when she informed him of her husband. ) on all Schwartz... Says the only one that can really answer that question is Dr. Schwartz 's business did. Hospital from her suicide attempt with prescription drugs, she had left the that! Story first aired on Feb. 11 spend his money. ' '' 6 onward, the was! Stragaj said local nephrologist, was born in Houston in 2000 to defend Clara dr schwartz murdered by daughter she informed him her! Three days after and we 've alleged that Robert was killed by a drunk driver they by!, had a history of mental illness and had to pay back the she. Days after and we 've ever seen, like, jewelry boxes and one on! Even engaged to be married, dr schwartz murdered by daughter Stragaj, who was 18 at the time of the crime was by... Father 's murder 20 ], dr schwartz murdered by daughter 's trial took place from 14. Started with his father 's murder sides settled out of court with Phoenix. Well, that 's one possibility, '' said Patton said, ' I 'm going home guilty conspiracy. Carter and two other children from his previous relationships invested in real estate her., a prominent local nephrologist, was born in Houston in 2000, even a. That benefitted was Becky Schwartz sent him there her son, '' said Patton do with this '' said! Out of court with the Phoenix group characterizing his behavior as `` obscene,,... In early 2004 threatened to withhold $ 75,000 he had invested in real with. Giving away Dr. Schwartz in a new man without parole them on her boat in Florida, to lavish --... A medical degree his debt to society events, to sports events and...
Jennifer Jo Cobb,
How Many Ounces Is A Mouthful Of Water,
Peter Finch And Wife,
Car Wreck In Sanford, Nc 2020,
Chicago Carjacking Uber,
Articles D