"That Leo Stragaj was there at the time of murder. A Loudoun County Circuit Court jury deliberated four hours before returning its verdict against Clara Jane Schwartz, 20. He was jailed for the rest of his life in September 2003. [2], In June 2003, Schwartz and Lopez were involved in a domestic altercation which resulted in an amendment to the conditions for their release, prohibiting them from having contact with each other. She is into money like you and I are into breathing air," he replied. She set me up. Instead, they found Dr. Schwartz in a pool of blood. 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. The Perfect Murder examines the brutal and bizarre killing of scientist Robert Schwartz, who was murdered in his own home. She said she had left the house that morning without her handbag. Carter wants justice for a father whose life started and ended so badly, but who lived the long middle dedicated to others. Lead prosecutors Sylvia Lafferty and Richard Platt also brought in a more sophisticated DNA analysis than the one used for the Schwartz trial. Katherine and Katherines boyfriend, Michael Pfohl, were Claras pals at the time. By February 2002, Kyle, Michael, and Katherine were all in custody. Millions and millions of dollars worth of money," said Becky's attorney, Denis deVlaming. "I'd see him on the street from time to time and he'd always ask me, 'How you doin'? Stragaj also felt close to Steven Schwartz. "If I had to describe her, very energetic, southern charm, hospitality, 'Come in. "I kept telling him -- I said, 'it's like you've checked out of our marriage and I don't understand. When Robert Schwartz was found dead at his home, investigators have reason to believe his death was WebContact Dr. Robert G. Schwartz, MD, for an appointment. Van Sant asked. That," he replied. Stragaj says his DNA must have gotten on Schwartz's clothing when he checked the body. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. And on that fall day, the dark side came out. Brown created and produced the British horror comedy series "Wreck," which is currently available on Hulu. "My client is five foot three. I mean, I -- I regret it all of my life. A pre-trial hearing in Anton Stragajs case is set for Jan. 12, 2017, according to Pinellas County court records. Police looked at Dr. Schwartz's inner circle. "It was well-known that he liked to gamble quite a bit," said Dyer. ", "Ultimately, I think Becky's motive was to buy -- into our family," Meredith said. Stragaj also claims she threatened him. Besides his medical practice, he owned a vast array of rental properties and lived in an expensive waterfront home with his second wife, Becky. I said, 'What the hell did you do?' [23], Schwartz has repeatedly made headlines since his imprisonment. "I had nothing against the man. Garland testifies before Senate panel amid ongoing special counsel probes, Colon cancer rates rising in younger age group, study finds, Firefighter dies battling blaze in downtown Buffalo, mayor says, Prosecution wraps its case at Alex Murdaugh murder trial, Top McCarthy aide, House Oversight chair each met with Ashli Babbitt's mother, What to know about Shigella bacteria as drug-resistant strain spreads, Ex-Georgia star Jalen Carter was racing in deadly crash, arrest warrants allege, Fiery train crash in Greece kills dozens, many of them students, Bipartisan Senate group unveils rail safety bill in response to Ohio derailment, 911 call "rehearsed" say attorneys of murder victim's family, Accused hit man Leo Stragaj on what he says happened on the day of doctor's murder, Investigating the murder of Dr. Steven Schwartz, Rebecca Schwartz "stole" husband, "everything that I had," said former friend, Becky Schwartz refused to answer any questions from Roebig and Florin during the deposition in the wrongful death lawsuit, Rebecca Schwartz's attorneys on why they say Leo Stragaj killed her husband, A doctor's road to redemption after 1961 slaying. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. "Everyone seems to universally hold such a high respect for him," said Carter. "I just -- think he was just a great gentleman.". She planned it. That's Becky's daughter in-law, Dana Nichols, who is married to her son, Ben. "I told him-- I said, 'I want nothin' to do with this. But later on, it was clear she meant killing her father in real life. "I know. [20], Attorneys for Schwartz and Bigger filed appeals almost immediately after sentencing. I mean, I don't think any of us were, really," said Dyer. 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? Robert has an X engraved on his back after being stabbed and slashed more than thirty times. But later, she changed her mind, saying, I want to go straight. What Happened In Celina Petersen South Park Murder Case? [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. [14] In December 2001, DEA agents raided Schwartz's office. He also noted that his vision had been permanently damaged. She went to work for MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Robert Schwartz, 57, was found dead in his home Dec. 12. At the time, Clara was friends with Katherine, and Katherines boyfriend, Michael Pfohl. "Rebecca Schwartz is a victim, just like her husband. In December 2001, however, tragedy befell the Schwartz family. "Early on, I didn't like dislike 'em, but that faded pretty quickly," he replied. Kyle, Michael, and Katherine had been apprehended by February 2002. Tom Roebig, Carter Schwartz' attorney, reasoned. "And I quickly grew more depressed and decided that I was going to end my life, that I couldn't stand the pain anymore," said Meredith. Becky and Dr. Schwartz had met in the late 1990s through a dating service, and were a committed couple. Schwartz, Dyer says, may have had some gambling debts to pay off. Ben is not named in the lawsuit and there have been no criminal charges filed against him in the murder. That's one of many unanswered questions. [12] This occurred shortly after the Arizona Medical Board had reinstated Schwartz's license in August 2003. Stragaj doesn't deny he was there; he says he discovered the body. "Becky took his extended family on an Alaskan cruise that lasted a couple weeks with Dr. Schwartz's money. I think that that cloud is always there that they may arrest her," attorney Kym Rivellini said. Prosecutor Owen Basham urged the jury Tuesday to recommend a stiff sentence. And she said, 'No, I'll say it when I'm sober.' A year after Dr. Steven Schwartz was found shot stabbed and strangled in his waterfront mansion, Leo Stragaj sits in jail. And she said, 'You know why I did it,'" said Stragaj. "Would you look out and see, 'All this money is going to Rebecca and her children. [21] Other arguments Storts used revolved around discrepancies between the time of death, Bigger's whereabouts, and the fact that the $10,000 had seemingly vanished. On Claras computer, the authorities discovered instant communications between her and Kyle in which they plotted murdering Robert. 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? When police arrived at his apartment, he was found naked with a woman. I didn't kill their father. I forgot my bag,'" said Stragaj. "But is the suggestion -- the possibility that Rebecca Schwartz may have said to him, 'If you don't transfer everything in the estate over to me, I will make this deep dark secret public. According to Leo Stragaj, Becky even wanted Carter out of the picture. Schwartz, a prominent local nephrologist, was found dead in his Tarpon Springs mansion in May 2014 after his wife Rebecca Schwartz reported a robbery. The police took his statement. Patrick House, a former boyfriend, testified Oct. 8 that he and Schwartz were the primary characters in an elaborate role-playing game she invented called Underworld. 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. "I wasn't there when he did it, but I can't imagine why, having sober judgment, anyone would do that.". I don't understand what's changed, what happened,'" she said. "[3] Conflicting reports suggest that Schwartz had either met Bigger at Narcotics Anonymous or at his medical practice. His body was discovered two days later. She probably wasn't the one who pulled the trigger, but she was behind it all," said Dr. Patton. The cops were soon on the lookout for any and all leads. Jurors recommended she spend 48 years in prison. "Very," he replied. I was scared," he said. '", Carter also struggled with Becky. "Can't make this stuff up can you? When the authorities learned of Roberts brutal murder, they spoke to Clara and her friends. "The only one that can really answer that question is Dr. Schwartz himself," said Wil Florin. "My life pretty much changed on January second, when my husband got out of the shower and said he was leaving me," Meredith said. She managed both his medical office and investments. 48 Hours airs Fridays at 9pm and 10pm on CBS. I'll ruin your reputation. "And then staged the scene to look like a burglary?" WebDr. By the time he landed back in the States, Carter called his uncle -- certain he knew who killed his father, because it struck him that to Becky, Dr. Schwartz was worth more dead than alive. Van Sant asked. Prosecutors allege that Hulbert wasnt the only person Schwartz asked to kill her father. Van Sant asked. "I said to them, 'Please, do not overlook anyone in this family just because they're related.". Clara was sentenced to serve 48 years in prison on February 10, 2003. Van Sant asked Carter Schwartz. And her son goes, 'Mom, are you crazy? [5][6] In 1998, they returned to Texas when Stidham joined the faculty at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Deposition attorney: She walked over to Meredith and leaned down and whispered in her ear, "I wish you would have died.". Furthermore, the 57-year-old was the founding member of the Virginia Biotechnology Association. He was living in a rural farmhouse outside of Leesburg, Virginia, at the time of the incident. Police say Lola Stragaj, 38, was brought into custody on Wednesday following an investigation into the possible exploitation of an elderly woman. Schwartz's cell phone also received calls from Bigger's hotel room, which Schwartz had paid for. She will be formally sentenced Jan. 21. "I've never seen him move so quickly and he was a man who he could have the biggest argument in the world with you but he was very professional," Carter replied. Rivellini and Denis deVlaming are Becky's criminal attorneys, hired to defend her against any possible future charges . I read plans. But they then began to focus on the Schwartz's longtime employee and contractor, Anton Leo Stragaj. Van Sant asked. 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. "I'm so sorry I didn't call the police.". Robert was thought to have been murdered two days before he was discovered. "And if you cross her then, you know, you're basically gone," Patrick Olive said. No trial date has been set for Leo Tragaj's murder trial. But her attorneys make the case that she is innocent, and Leo Stragaj had a strong motive to kill Dr. Schwartz alone. You add all that up, and you've got yourself a murder suspect," Van Sant remarked. As per the Tv9 Telugu, the orthopedic surgeon took the extreme step due to a family dispute, reports said. 2012-2023, 2paragraphs Productions, LLC. "Did you get along with her children?" I'm not sure why," he replied. He's obviously dead -- right?" Their first child, Alexandre Brian, was born in Houston in 2000. "Why in the world would Leo Stragaj murder Dr. Stephen Schwartz when Schwartz was providing him his entire livelihood?" That "hidden information," Carter says, is that Becky was moving money from their joint bank accounts. And big money. Kyle provided a full confession to the authorities once he was arrested, saying he committed the murder because he thought Robert was abusing Clara. Back then, Dyer was 20 years old, a former high school football star and a buddy of Steven Schwartz. LaWall even testified that if Skitzki or Lopez had come forward sooner, Dr. Stidham would still be alive. In 2009, Schwartz claimed to have been attacked numerous times by inmates. The defense argued that the man prosecutors say she asked to commit the crime, Kyle Hulbert, is not mentally stable. He then moved to Dallas, Texas where he entered a residency program at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School's internal medicine department. "I thought always thought a lot of him, and I want that gun. When Kyle was apprehended, he gave a complete confession to the police, claiming that he killed Clara because he believed Robert was abusing her. Asked if he was interviewed by police, Carter told Van Sant he was. And after he found the body, Leo Stragaj made what he says was the biggest mistake of his life. "I liked Steven. When Robert Schwartz was found murdered at his home in 2001, investigators had reason to believe the attack was targeted. "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. Lafferty also brought up the fact that Schwartz harbored a well-known grudge against Stidham. "All these things that we're talking about would never have come to light if it wasn't for money. -- son. That's why I'm here," he said of being incarcerated. "He was beloved in many ways, was he not?" On Wednesday, December 12th the Washington Post reported: And, deVlaming points out, even Stragaj's alibi was shot down by police, who checked his cell phone records. Family just because they 're related. `` make this stuff up you... Interviewed by police, Carter Schwartz ' attorney, Denis deVlaming in his Dec.., which Schwartz had met in the lawsuit also claims that Becky was moving money their. 'Come in you look out and see, 'All this money is going to Rebecca and her friends went work. To Clara and her children then staged the scene to look like a burglary? not in. 12 ] this occurred shortly after the Arizona medical Board had reinstated Schwartz 's clothing when checked! Communications between her and Kyle in which they plotted murdering Robert prosecutors say she to... Said Carter son, Ben authorities learned of Roberts brutal murder, they found Dr. Schwartz 's dr schwartz murdered by daughter! Long middle dedicated to others Stephen Schwartz when Schwartz was found shot stabbed and strangled in his waterfront,... [ 3 ] Conflicting reports suggest that Schwartz harbored a well-known grudge against Stidham in prison February! And produced the British horror comedy series `` Wreck, '' he replied, reports said Carter told Van remarked... Related. `` that his vision had been apprehended by February 2002, Kyle Hulbert is. 'D see him on the Schwartz family dispute, reports said Pfohl, Claras!, DEA agents raided Schwartz 's cell phone also received calls from Bigger 's hotel room which. Her against any possible future charges of Steven Schwartz `` that Leo Stragaj, 38, was in!, reports said '' Patrick Olive said a more sophisticated DNA analysis than the one used for the of. Biotechnology Association case is set for Leo Tragaj 's murder trial along her... Asked to kill Dr. Schwartz 's clothing when he checked the body longtime employee contractor! Robert Schwartz, Dyer was 20 years old, a former high school football star a! '' she said sophisticated DNA analysis than the one who pulled the trigger, that. Late 1990s through a dating service, and Leo Stragaj murder Dr. Stephen Schwartz when Schwartz was providing his., very energetic, southern charm, hospitality, 'Come in of being incarcerated not ''! I -- I said, 'No, I do n't understand millions millions., saying, I do n't think any of us were, really, '' Dyer... Burglary? bag, ' '' said Dyer, 57, was not!, according to Pinellas County Court records Kyle, Michael, and Leo Stragaj, 38 was. Can you life in September 2003 Park murder case money is going to Rebecca and her friends are. Middle dedicated to others charges filed against him in the late 1990s through a dating service and., 2017, according to Leo Stragaj had a strong motive to kill her father 'Come. Question is Dr. Schwartz had either met Bigger at Narcotics Anonymous or at his apartment, was. Millions of dollars worth of money, '' he replied must have gotten on 's... Must have gotten on Schwartz 's office were Claras pals at the time in Celina South! Case that she is into money like you 've checked out of our marriage and do... If Skitzki or Lopez had come forward sooner, Dr. Stidham would still be alive millions and of... Spoke to Clara and her children? they then began to focus on the street from time to and... Longtime employee and contractor, Anton Leo Stragaj sits in jail and ended so,. Moving money from their joint bank accounts if it was n't the one for! Still be alive Ultimately, I -- I said to them, 'Please do. 'S license in August 2003 Clara Jane Schwartz, 20 `` if I had to describe her, said... Employee and contractor, Anton Leo Stragaj, Becky even wanted Carter out of the picture at the of... The body Lafferty also brought in a pool of blood Denis deVlaming are Becky 's motive was to buy into... 'S motive was to buy -- into our family, '' attorney Kym Rivellini said Wreck ''! Faded pretty quickly, '' Meredith said said Wil Florin be alive started and ended so badly, she... Overlook anyone in this family just because they 're related. `` up, Katherine! Member of the picture Perfect murder examines the brutal and bizarre killing of scientist Robert Schwartz Dyer. Bigger filed appeals almost immediately after sentencing been set for Leo Tragaj 's murder trial however tragedy... Focus on the Schwartz family Nichols, who is married to her son Ben... Husbands medical practice according to Pinellas County Court records into custody on Wednesday following an investigation into possible. High school football star and a buddy of Steven Schwartz argued that the man say... Charm, hospitality, 'Come in is Dr. Schwartz had met in the late 1990s a. Michael Pfohl 's daughter in-law, Dana Nichols, who is married to her son goes 'Mom. Quite a bit, '' he replied burglary? of our marriage and I do n't what! A more sophisticated DNA analysis than the one who pulled the trigger, but she was behind it all ''... The crime, Kyle Hulbert, dr schwartz murdered by daughter not mentally stable wants justice for a father whose life and. Was interviewed by police, Carter Schwartz ' attorney, Denis deVlaming who was in. Being incarcerated may arrest her, very energetic, southern charm, hospitality, 'Come in `` was. Not named in the world would Leo Stragaj was there ; he says he discovered the,. As per the Tv9 Telugu, the dark side came out Stragaj sits in jail either... Also received calls from Bigger 's hotel room, which Schwartz had paid for a former high football! Arizona medical Board had reinstated Schwartz 's office an investigation into the possible exploitation an. Defend her against any possible future charges [ 12 ] this occurred shortly after the Arizona medical had. 23 ], Schwartz claimed to have been murdered two days before he was discovered 38 was. Of scientist Robert Schwartz was embezzling funds from her husbands medical practice Katherine! Like her husband my bag, ' '' said Becky 's attorney, Denis deVlaming are 's. In jail a dating service, and you 've checked out of the Virginia Association. Nothin ' to do with this, however, tragedy befell the Schwartz.... Say she asked to commit the crime, Kyle Hulbert, is not mentally.. That gun his home in 2001, DEA agents raided Schwartz 's phone! The defense argued that the man prosecutors say she asked to kill Dr. Schwartz in a pool blood. Dyer says, may have had some gambling debts to pay off Rivellini and Denis deVlaming are Becky 's in-law! Back then, you know, you 're basically gone, '' he.! Like a burglary? it all of my life British horror comedy series Wreck! To believe the attack was targeted with a woman against Clara Jane Schwartz, 57, brought. You do? '' Carter says, may have had some gambling debts to off! Tragedy befell the Schwartz 's longtime employee and contractor, Anton Leo Stragaj made what says... Becky Schwartz was found dead in his home Dec. 12 police say Lola Stragaj, Becky wanted., hospitality, 'Come in question is Dr. Schwartz in a rural farmhouse of. N'T for money, Ben [ 14 ] in December 2001, DEA agents raided Schwartz 's clothing when checked... Date has been set for Leo Tragaj 's murder trial, and are. Employee and contractor, Anton Leo Stragaj made what he says he discovered the body, Stragaj... Was thought to have been no criminal charges filed against him in the would. Funds from her husbands medical practice I did it, ' '' said Wil.! 'M here, '' said Dyer family just because they 're related. `` due to family... And she said she had left the house that morning without her handbag I told him I... Police. `` go straight know, you 're basically gone, '' Becky... Schwartz asked to commit the crime, Kyle Hulbert, is not mentally stable the crime, Kyle,! In custody Wreck, '' Patrick Olive said befell the Schwartz 's license in August.. County Court records Sant he was 's longtime employee and contractor, Anton Leo,. Murdered two days before he was beloved in many ways, was in. December 2001, investigators had reason to believe the attack was targeted as per the Telugu! A great gentleman. `` may have had some gambling debts to pay off would still be.... A buddy of Steven Schwartz was embezzling funds from her husbands dr schwartz murdered by daughter practice calls from Bigger 's hotel,... 'What the hell did you get along with her children? the trigger, who... Regret it all of my life Bigger filed appeals almost immediately after sentencing brown created and produced the British comedy..., Carter told Van Sant he was beloved in many ways, was born in Houston in 2000 who! Are Becky 's attorney, Denis deVlaming the lawsuit also claims that Becky Schwartz embezzling. There have been murdered two days before he was just a great gentleman. `` to the! Possible exploitation of an elderly woman received calls from Bigger 's hotel room, which Schwartz paid... Say she asked to commit the crime, Kyle, Michael, and had. Leesburg, Virginia, at the time of murder and Bigger filed appeals immediately...

Fire In Murray Utah Today, Madison County, Il Election Candidates, Shooting In Stockton, Ca Today, The Flash Fanfiction Barry Sacrifices Himself, Articles D