"He was beloved in many ways, was he not?" So, if youre curious about what transpired, dont worry. 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. She said she had left the house that morning without her handbag. Their trials are set for early next year. "Rebecca handles the business and she called me 'son' for four years," he said. And big money. A father of two daughters, a dog lover, a gym rat, a coffee connoisseur, and an all-around doughnut snob. She fit into our lives so perfectly," Meredith explained. Dr. David Brian Stidham, a 37-year-old pediatric ophthalmologist, was found stabbed and beaten to death outside his office on Oct. 5. [3], The investigation eventually revealed that Schwartz hired Bigger for $10,000 to help him murder Stidham. [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. A Loudoun County Circuit Court jury deliberated four hours before returning its verdict against Clara Jane Schwartz, 20. In September 2001, she met Kyle Hulbert, an adolescent from Maryland, during a Renaissance Fair. The death of a distinguished scientist in his secluded farmhouse prompted a lengthy inquiry by the authorities. "Well, that's one possibility," he replied. So, if youre wondering what happened, weve got you covered. 88.218.193.20 The crime was orchestrated by his 20-year-old daughter, Clara Jane Schwartz, as part of a fantasy role-playing game. But when Schwartz's colleagues planned one. The series, created Carolyn Wiger From Survivor 44 -CBS has debuted the 44th season of the renowned reality television series "Survivor" Diverse strangers attempt to survive in Contestant Carson Garrett From Survivor 44 -Since its launch in 2000, the CBS reality competition series 'Survivor,' developed by Charlie Parsons, has been a Where is Kevin Roby Now? DeVlaming denies Stragaj's claims that Becky ever asked him to kill Schwartz or his son, Carter. "Yeah, that was definitely not normal," said Olive. " "You are telling me that Rebecca Schwartz asked you to find someone to murder her husband," Van Sant queried. More than three years have passed since Dr. Schwartz's murder, and Becky Schwartz splits her time between Florida and Wisconsin. He is obsessed with movies, comic books, and television shows, and he spends much too much money on collectibles. The police took his statement. "[3] Conflicting reports suggest that Schwartz had either met Bigger at Narcotics Anonymous or at his medical practice. 'Locations and associated times given by [you] did not match cell phone tower.'". Stragaj says he immediately knew Becky was behind the killing because, he claims, six months earlier, she asked if he could arrange to have her husband killed. That's why I'm here," he said of being incarcerated. Bigger's trials would not begin until the following March. WebDr. Schwartz decided to rob a local dentist, Dr. Victor Cook. 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. 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. "[7] Schwartz would later take Bigger to an automated teller machine (ATM) and then check him into a hotel. "Said, 'No, you'll have to shoot me. Katherine was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, receiving a 1-year jail term. "And he provided work for me. "She's just trying to lay low and find a path.". Bigger reportedly met up with the two at the restaurant. "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?'" He was sharp. "What I want more than anything is for justice to be served. Robert was stabbed and slashed more than thirty times and had an X carved on his back. "And what he described to me -- he said, 'I shot the man between the eyes,' and he did this," Dyer said, pointing between his eyes. "It became very apparent early on, her motive was financial. [27] Mrs. Stidham also filed a suit in August 2005 against Pima County, Lourdes Lopez, Paul Skitzki, and county attorney Barbara LaWall. I don't understand what's changed, what happened,'" she said. I mean, I -- I regret it all of my life. He is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, who has achieved a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Surgery of the Hand issued by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Throughout his trial, Schwartz never took the stand. What individual would tell somebody that could turn them in, to go pick up the murder weapon that could be turned into the police to get your DNA, (laughs) your fingerprints? Becky's son, Ben, had ongoing drug issues, according to Carter. "And he said, 'I'm moving into Becky's.'". But a shocking incident long in Dr. Schwartz's past may provide a clue. "I figure that's why Schwartz went there, to rob him.". [22] Bruce Bigger's attorneys felt that the trial should have been moved out of Pima County due to the publicity the case received. WebOn the night of the murder, Schwartz was with Lisa Goldberg, a girlfriend he had recently begun seeing after meeting her on an online dating service. "Money. A neighbour stopped by Roberts house on December 10 to see if he was okay because he hadnt turned up for work. WebOur Office. Patrick stated that he met Clara in June 2001 at a festival in Leesburg, Virginia. And I was, like, what? I said, 'What the hell did you do?' Dana says she and others believe Becky had to be involved in Dr. Schwartz's murder: Dana Nichols: The only thing I can think is that she shot him first. He was living in a rural farmhouse outside of Leesburg, Virginia, at the time of the incident. If not, here's a few bucks a month for your phone bill.'". Being betrayed by her husband and her best friend was just too much. His body was discovered two days later. Robert Schwartzs tragic death was the consequence of a well-planned murder attempt. Boxer Eddie Leal Murder Case Where Is Manuel Guzman These Days? But one thing, I didn't kill their father. But could a shocking incident deep in Dr. Schwartz's past have played a role in his murder? But he was very good at his job, and paid more than $100,000 a year by Dr. Schwartz. A pre-trial hearing in Anton Stragajs case is set for Jan. 12, 2017, according to Pinellas County court records. Rebecca Schwartz: I walked in the bedroom, into the closet and all the drawers were opened. "I wasn't there when he did it, but I can't imagine why, having sober judgment, anyone would do that.". Today, Dyer is an adjunct professor of criminal justice at Youngstown State University in Ohio. "And her boat name was 'Exit Strategy.' "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. "I'd see him on the street from time to time and he'd always ask me, 'How you doin'? "And greedy, just greedy to the point of it being absurd almost," said Carter Schwartz. But tragedy struck the Schwartz family in December 2001. A year after Dr. Steven Schwartz was found shot stabbed and strangled in his waterfront mansion, Leo Stragaj sits in jail. He was taken away with such haste that his shirt was on backwards. [12] This occurred shortly after the Arizona Medical Board had reinstated Schwartz's license in August 2003. He said that Clara created a fantasy role-playing game called Underworld, where he played an assassin and a bard. I want the people responsible for this to be held both criminally and civilly liable," Carter Schwartz said. Because unbeknownst to him, his father had already changed his estate plan a year earlier, leaving his entire fortune to Becky and nothing for his own children. Spiky TV's senior news writer is Stephan Gibbs. "I know. A surgeon and the father-in-law of Asaduddin Owaisis second daughter, Mazharuddin Ali Khan, died by suicide on Monday in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. WebMurder On December 8, 2001, Robert Schwartz was stabbed to death with a sword at his Leesburg, Virginia farmhouse. "I think most of us that were involved, that it was a horrendous, despicable and deplorable act," said Dyer. "Would you look out and see, 'All this money is going to Rebecca and her children. Becky Schwartz wouldn't speak with "48 Hours." Your own children will learn that you are a murderer,'" Van Sant asked Florin. "And if you cross her then, you know, you're basically gone," Patrick Olive said. "And when you present this information, is this jaw dropping to your dad?" Van Sant asked Carter. Then, in August 2001, she began dating Patrick House, who later testified against her at trial. Schwartz introduced him to Goldberg as "Bruce. Investigators later learned that Michael, then 21, and Katherine, then 19, drove Kyle to Roberts house on December 8, 2001. Kyle was found guilty of his part in the crime in the end. [20] Schwartz was provided with a court-appointed defense attorney named Brick Storts. I think now I can relate to what they mean by that -- just a feeling of helplessness," Carter replied. "Yes, sir. Prosecutors allege that Hulbert wasnt the only person Schwartz asked to kill her father. She continues to work as a paralegal. Money. "Here's another quote from the report," Van Sant said to Stragaj. Its hard enough it was my father, but on top of that to have my sister committing such a horrible crime. In February 2003, then 20 years old, Clara was sentenced to serve 48 years behind bars. I'm leaving,'" said Dyer. [3][14] Schwartz had also developed a drug problem that began in 2000 when he received Vicodin for chronic back[3] and jaw pain. Carter went to medical school, following in his father's footsteps. On the morning of December 10, a neighbor went by Roberts home to check on him since he hadnt shown up for work. He was in his 70s. Lourdes Lopez, Barbara LaWall, and Pima County were dismissed from the suit as part of the settlement. said Dr. Patton. And that became a problem for Carter. [7] Schwartz initially pleaded guilty to the drug charges in 2003; however, the plea was withdrawn in early 2004. The nature of the phone discussions had changed over the course of the night. Katherine later told the police that Clara constantly talked about Robert allegedly poisoning her food, physically abusing her, and how he pulled her underwater in their pool. The cops were soon on the lookout for any and all leads. DeVlaming says this case is about greed, but it's the greed of the Schwartz children in trying to pin the murder on Becky so they can get their father's money instead of her. 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. He provided food for my family.". He founded the Virginia Biotechnology Association where he worked on DNA sequencing for 15 years. I was scared," he said. 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. The defense argued that the man prosecutors say she asked to commit the crime, Kyle Hulbert, is not mentally stable. To say Steven Schwartz's life was extraordinary, as his son, Carter, does, is an understatement. Robert Schwartz, 57, was found dead in his home Dec. 12. He look out for us," said Stragaj. [9] The trial officially ended on May 2, 2006. 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. Stragaj also felt close to Steven Schwartz. "How I knew he was dead?". That that's how his DNA got there. As Meredith lay recovering in the hospital from her suicide attempt with prescription drugs, she had a surprise visitor: Becky. I'm sure she planned it for a long time.". [3], On October 15, police captured Bigger who was hiding just outside Tucson. One year later when his contract expired, the group sued him for violating a restrictive covenant when he opened his own practice less than 200 yards away. Van Sant asked. "Her. Family friend Anton Leo Stragaj, who was hired to manage the 38 rental properties owned by Schwartz, was charged with first-degree murder. They waited as Kyle went in and killed Robert and drove away with him after that. And her son goes, 'Mom, are you crazy? "I had nothing against the man. And -- you know, and then I think she was gone after she drank the beer. "And why would she want you dead?" She probably wasn't the one who pulled the trigger, but she was behind it all," said Dr. Patton. "She said, 'I had a little fight with Dr. Schwartz. "Dr. Schwartz's son," Van Sant interrupted. " And he was going to be replaced with somebody far less expensive," deVlaming replied. When the authorities learned of Roberts brutal murder, they spoke to Clara and her friends. "What does the DNA evidence tell you?" I said, 'That's impossible.' Where is Lloyd Averys Killer Kevin Roby Now? "Your DNA was on the victim. Money. [16] Schwartz attended rehab later that year and admitted that he had a drug problem. "Who do you think did? "It turned out Rebecca had canceled any services, any ceremonies, any remembrances for my father. WebThe incident appeared to be targeted, according to investigators. [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. Robert has an X engraved on his back after being stabbed and slashed more than thirty times. Van Sant asked Dr. Patton. "I mean, you're just outta the picture.". The trial ended up painting Schwartz as an extremely manipulative individual, causing the jury to feel sympathy for Bigger. And that something is her involvement in the murder," said Florin. I didn't call the police that day. Van Sant asked deVlaming. Becky and the family did everything from vacations in Florida, to sports events, to lavish parties -- all paid for by Becky. The murder weapon was believed to be a 27-inch sword, and the nature of the crime startled many. She had credit cards that were only in her name, anything basically my dad couldn't get a hold of," Carter replied. And I looked at that and I looked at my husband and I said, 'Isn't that weird? "Can't make this stuff up can you? While Dyer walked away from his car, Schwartz went ahead with his plan. He was bright. Carter Schwartz was on the way home after travelling in Japan when he got word of his father's murder. Ten months after the murder Leo Stragaj was arrested, but police kept looking for evidence. Kyle, who was 18 at the time, had a history of mental illness and had previously spent time in psychiatric facilities. Police aren't talking because the case is still open. So I bought it at the auction," he said. "I loved Dr. Schwartz," he told Van Sant. Becky was also deposed in that wrongful death suit, but refused to answer any questions from Roebig and Florin. I think he turned it into a positive. "Kitchen knife.". The authorities believed Robert was killed about two days before being found. "And why in the world would she want her husband dead?" 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. A desperate kid looking for a way to bail himself out. The murder? Instead, they found Dr. Schwartz in a pool of blood. But as for Dr. Schwartz's dark past. [20], Schwartz and Bigger were both charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. She had also met a teenager named Kyle Hulbert at a Renaissance Fair in Maryland in September 2001. Van Sant asked Carter. [8] Early on, Storts suggested that the attorney-client relationship between Schwartz and Lopez precluded the case from going to trial. "There's some folks who think that his past was being used against him," said Florin. "Is she worried or afraid that she'll be arrested for the murder of her husband? Behind it all, '' Van Sant interrupted. understand what 's changed, what happened, weve got covered. Rental properties owned by Schwartz, was charged with first-degree murder motive was financial boxer Eddie Leal murder case is. Has an X carved on his back since he hadnt shown up for work time, had little! Said Olive. himself out a festival in Leesburg, Virginia farmhouse two at the time the! Occurred shortly after the Arizona medical Board had reinstated Schwartz 's license August. Canceled any services, any remembrances for my father, but police kept looking for a way to himself. To help him murder Stidham have to shoot me had a drug problem without. 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