[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. Wil Florin: You were present, were you not, in the home at the time of Dr. Schwartz's murder and took part in the murder of Dr. Schwartz, did you not? And big money. I'm sure she planned it for a long time.". WebThats until the beloved doctor, 74-year-old Steven Schwartz, was found murdered in the couple's sprawling waterfront Tarpon Springs home. "She's got something to hide. WebOur Office. "I believe that both Leo Stragaj and Rebecca Schwartz were involved in his murder and caused his death on that date," said Carter Schwartz. "'Analysis of cell phone activity failed to support his alibi,' -- your alibi. "Your DNA was on the victim. Pima County paid the entire amount on behalf of Paul Skitzki. Text (586) 939 -1122. [6] The couple moved to Indianapolis where Stidham undertook a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus at Indiana University. 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. "The person that benefitted was Becky Schwartz and the people that she deems worthy of giving away Dr. Schwartz's money to. Clara was the youngest of Roberts three children; she had an older brother and sister. "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. Deposition attorney: She walked over to Meredith and leaned down and whispered in her ear, "I wish you would have died.". He felt compelled to defend Clara when she informed him of her fathers alleged abuse. [12] This occurred shortly after the Arizona Medical Board had reinstated Schwartz's license in August 2003. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. "I never saw Becky grieving for her husband or her loss," said Meredith. So I had no hate for him. LaWall even testified that if Skitzki or Lopez had come forward sooner, Dr. Stidham would still be alive. The murder weapon was believed to be a 27-inch sword, and the nature of the crime startled many. 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. Police arrived and quickly entered the home looking for a possible intruder. But friends and colleagues of Dr. Schwartz have always suspected Becky was involved. At the time, Clara was friends with Katherine, and Katherines boyfriend, Michael Pfohl. Carter says he often needed money. Contact Dr. Robert G. Schwartz, MD, for an appointment. 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. She even changed her name to Schwartz -- though they didn't actually marry until 2012. [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. She said she had left the house that morning without her handbag. "The boyfriend has had a plane bought for him," Florin explained. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a159b8aee1210a8 Van Sant asked. July 29, 2017 / 11:25 PM The Perfect Murder: The Devil Made Me Do It, a documentary produced by Investigation Discovery, focuses on how the police narrowed down four suspects, one of them was Roberts daughter. Their trials are set for early next year. "From the house. "My theory is that Dr. Schwartz was gonna retire. Michael earned 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder. "I thought always thought a lot of him, and I want that gun. Rebecca Schwartz: I walked in the bedroom, into the closet and all the drawers were opened. "Would you look out and see, 'All this money is going to Rebecca and her children. Kyle, Michael, and Katherine had been apprehended by February 2002. 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). Where did it go?" Lourdes Lopez, Barbara LaWall, and Pima County were dismissed from the suit as part of the settlement. 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. Lead prosecutors Sylvia Lafferty and Richard Platt also brought in a more sophisticated DNA analysis than the one used for the Schwartz trial. 48 Hours: Who Was Susan Bermans Mob Boss Father? "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. Clara allegedly used Kyle to do her will, according to the prosecution. Stragaj says his DNA must have gotten on Schwartz's clothing when he checked the body. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. "No -- not as I recall," Stragaj replied. Becky and Dr. Schwartz had met in the late 1990s through a dating service, and were a committed couple. They looked into his family first and soon learned of his youngest daughter, Clara. And then -- and did the rest in a crazy, violent rage, unless Leo helped her finish the job. [7] The case was transferred from Pima County to Pinal County because of the nature of Lopez's past work relationship with Pima County. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. One of these phone calls included Bigger repeatedly asking, "Where is my money? James Cecil, a local auctioneer in Hobbs for decades, was a patient of Dr. Cook back then. "We sort of learned to coexist," said Carter. But one thing, I didn't kill their father. Van Sant asked. Both the prosecution and the defense attacked Schwartz's character. "I kept telling him -- I said, 'it's like you've checked out of our marriage and I don't understand. "Basically, 'if you get better, call me. "I said to them, 'Please, do not overlook anyone in this family just because they're related.". And me and my siblings are kind being left out here.'" Where is Lloyd Averys Killer Kevin Roby Now? Clara had spent a lot of time talking about how her father, Robert, was an abusive man who tried to kill her by poisoning her meals. "And -- if Dr. Schwartz was outta the picture that perhaps Rebecca Schwartz would keep him on.". "And he said, 'Let me borrow $300 outta your paycheck.' She had also met a teenager named Kyle Hulbert at a Renaissance Fair in Maryland in September 2001. And that he was the killer," said deVlaming. Siberia (2018) Thriller Movie Recap And Ending Explained. [24][25] Another inmate was convicted of aggravated assault for beating up Schwartz. "I know. "[7] Schwartz would later take Bigger to an automated teller machine (ATM) and then check him into a hotel. WebThe murder of Robert Schwartz occurred on December 8, 2001, in Leesburg, Virginia. She faces one count of exploitation of the elderly and one count of fraudulent use of personal identification, jail records indicate. He is still held at the River North Correctional Center in Independence, Virginia, according to records. Throughout his trial, Schwartz never took the stand. 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. One of them, Katherine Inglis, provided extensive information regarding Claras involvement with the slaying. [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. Patrick further stated that Clara showed him her journal entries where she talked about Roberts alleged abuse and attempts to poison her. On Claras computer, the authorities discovered instant communications between her and Kyle in which they plotted murdering Robert. "One of, if not the worst moment of my life," said Carter. -In the 1991 film "Boyz N the Hood," actor Lloyd Avery made his acting debut as a member of Robert Schwartz Murder Case Where Are His Killers Now? "I heard the door open. Within a day or so after Robert was located, Claras friend, Katherine Inglis, claimed Clara was involved with her fathers murder. Lola Stragaj is accused of befriending an elderly woman with cognitive disabilities and then bilking her out of nearly $100,000. Stragaj said, "I think she murdered him.". [14] In December 2001, DEA agents raided Schwartz's office. Kyle, who was 18 at the time, had a history of mental illness and had previously spent time in psychiatric facilities. "I'd see him on the street from time to time and he'd always ask me, 'How you doin'? He was just a wonderful guy who would do anything for anyone.". Minutes later Schwartz, driving the car, pulled up to Dyer on the street. When police arrived at his apartment, he was found naked with a woman. [3][14] Schwartz had also developed a drug problem that began in 2000 when he received Vicodin for chronic back[3] and jaw pain. Stragaj says he worked on all the Schwartz's homes, including the mansion they lived in. You're not alone", "Conviction upheld in Tucson doctor's slaying", "Schwartz cites prison assaults, sues state", "Inmate Schwartz files claim vs. state, citing four beatings", "Ex-county prosecutor disbarred by state Supreme Court", Bradley Schwart's profile at the Arizona Department of Corrections, Bruce Bigger's profile at the Arizona Department of Corrections, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Murder_of_Brian_Stidham&oldid=1141816162, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 26 February 2023, at 23:39. [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. Used, Florin theorizes, by Becky Schwartz to blackmail her own husband for millions. The result was one that reportedly pleased the state bar. 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. 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? 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'm not sure why," he replied. If not, here's a few bucks a month for your phone bill.'". "Here's another quote from the report," Van Sant said to Stragaj. [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. [3][20] Bigger's appeal suggested that he was not afforded a fair trial on account of the copious amount of media coverage surrounding the case. That "hidden information," Carter says, is that Becky was moving money from their joint bank accounts. The Perfect Murder examines the brutal and bizarre killing of scientist Robert Schwartz, who was murdered in his own home. The car was later found at an apartment complex over six miles away. He sustained injuries to his eye sockets and tear ducts and suffered nasal damage and facial fractures that required plastic surgery. [7] Stidham was officially hired in November 2001 partly as a way to provide added support to Schwartz's booming business. "She's just trying to lay low and find a path.". But he was very good at his job, and paid more than $100,000 a year by Dr. Schwartz. 13400 E. 15 Mile Rd Sterling Heights, Michigan 48312 USA. Bigger's defense attorney, Jill Thorpe, tried to prove that it was Schwartz who had actually physically committed the murder. He look out for us," said Stragaj. And we've alleged that Leo and Becky conspired to murder him," said Roebig. A year after Dr. Steven Schwartz was found shot stabbed and strangled in his waterfront mansion, Leo Stragaj sits in jail. Becky Schwartz wouldn't speak with "48 Hours." "And why would she want you dead?" [7] Schwartz initially pleaded guilty to the drug charges in 2003; however, the plea was withdrawn in early 2004. "He never lost sight of paying back his debt to society. Becky Schwartz: I reassert my rights under Article I Section 9 of the Florida Constitution. "Every single night, seven days a week, we were together.". WebIn 1961, 21-year-old Steven Schwartz robbed and murdered a dentist in Hobbs, New Mexico. He was taken away with such haste that his shirt was on backwards. I said, 'What the hell did you do?' Despite the fact that 83% of the jury pool had been exposed to some of the pretrial media, Bigger's appeal was thrown out by the Arizona Court of Appeals in May 2011. She has a felony conviction for embezzling money from MADD," said Dr. Patton. 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. A hold is also been placed on her by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Van Sant asked. He is obsessed with movies, comic books, and television shows, and he spends much too much money on collectibles. "A knife," Stragaj replied. He says his relationship with her was "always uneasy.". Carter wants justice for a father whose life started and ended so badly, but who lived the long middle dedicated to others. "[5] After some delay, the trial for Schwartz began in March 2006. Largo Police announced Emirjoni "Lola" Como Stragajs arrest Thursday. In fact, according to a police document, one of Schwartz's office workers called police to say: "Rebecca was blackmailing Dr. Schwartz by withholding information that could ruin his career.". At one point, Schwartz asked House when he really would kill her father, but he never followed through, he testified. Please enter valid email address to continue. [14] Schwartz also wrote prescriptions to his office manager, Laurie Espinoza, who would retrieve the medication and give it to Schwartz. But sadly, I don't think anyone matters to her but herself.". His body was discovered two days later. Becky got five years probation and had to pay back the money she stole. WebWho Killed Robert Schwartz? "and now he's gonna pay for it.". [4] In addition to local media outlets, Court TV and CBS's 48 Hours provided coverage to a national audience. Ben is not named in the lawsuit and there have been no criminal charges filed against him in the murder. Clara was convicted of first-degree murder in her father's death. Stragaj, who is from Albania, was working in the U.S. without proper legal status. "Her. He then moved to Dallas, Texas where he entered a residency program at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School's internal medicine department. Van Sant asked. "As I read these stories, you know, he didn't want to give 'em his money," Cecil explained. said Dr. Patton. 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. Leo Stragaj admits he never implicated Becky until the day he was arrested.

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