WebThe 48 Hours episode The Strange Life of Dr. Schwartz investigates the murder of Dr. Steven Schwartz, a 74-year-old a wealthy doctor who was brutally murdered in his "Why would he do that?" [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. A year later he switched to ophthalmology. Doctor Schwartz had a thriving practice as a kidney specialist in Tampa, Florida. Bigger's defense attorney, Jill Thorpe, tried to prove that it was Schwartz who had actually physically committed the murder. Becky's son, Ben, had ongoing drug issues, according to Carter. [7] He worked at a hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania prior to relocating with his family to Tucson in the late '90s. However, the two had already been seeing each other and were even engaged to be married. Robert Schwartzs untimely death was ultimately the result of a cunning plot to have him killed. "Well, that's one possibility," he replied. Deposition attorney: She walked over to Meredith and leaned down and whispered in her ear, "I wish you would have died.". By Express News Service. "It was feeling numb when people describe it. Kyle, who was 18 at the time, had a history of mental illness and had previously spent time in psychiatric facilities. The 81-year-old victim, an email from police said, gave Lola Stragaj power of attorney over her estate and then added her into her will. Brown created and produced the British horror comedy series "Wreck," which is currently available on Hulu. I'm not the man," he said. When I go grab it, I found dead body," Stragaj replied. "And when you present this information, is this jaw dropping to your dad?" He was bright. He is still held at the River North Correctional Center in Independence, Virginia, according to records. [3][5] Stidham began attending Harvard Medical School in 1990 and graduated in 1993. They waited as Kyle went in and killed Robert and drove away with him after that. Police arrested two of Clara Schwartzs friends and found the murder weapon in one of their homes. They started with his family, and Clara Schwartz, his youngest daughter, was discovered quickly. (She does not face any charges regarding the murder of her husband.). "Yeah, that was definitely not normal," said Olive. " "immigration told me any contact with police will send you back," he told Van Sant. And -- you know, and then I think she was gone after she drank the beer. And he says the only reason he was in the house that morning was because Becky Schwartz sent him there. Katherine received a one-year prison sentence after being convicted guilty of a murder conspiracy. But I did notice her, you know, being-- a somewhat of a stressed type of thing, you know, putting her head -- hands on her knees. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Friends said Schwartz's wife died of cancer several years ago and their three children are away at college. DeVlaming says all the evidence points to Leo Stragaj. Becky Schwartz: I reassert my rights under Article I Section 9 of the Florida Constitution. [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]. 2012-2023, 2paragraphs Productions, LLC. 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? [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. WebThe murder of Robert Schwartz occurred on December 8, 2001, in Leesburg, Virginia. And as time went on, Meredith felt Becky was becoming a little too close to her own husband. So, I had to go and buy materials or dump a trailer. Leo Stragaj admits he never implicated Becky until the day he was arrested. "As I read these stories, you know, he didn't want to give 'em his money," Cecil explained. 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. Stragaj says he has an alibi and insists he is not the killer. "And greedy, just greedy to the point of it being absurd almost," said Carter Schwartz. Van Sant asked Carter Schwartz. Michael, 21, and Katherine, 19, drove Kyle to Roberts house on December 8, 2001, according to investigators. Is-- is this -- drink talk and not -- what was that?' Stragaj also claims she threatened him. "And -- if Dr. Schwartz was outta the picture that perhaps Rebecca Schwartz would keep him on.". Schwartz, a prominent local nephrologist, was found dead in "My guess is because I was finding this information out that she had kept hidden for years," he replied. Carter went to medical school, following in his father's footsteps. 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. "Patients, colleagues -- a great career," Van Sant noted. "Your DNA was on the victim. How's your teeth doin'?'" by 2Paragraphs in Culture | February 11, 2017, Dr. Steven Schwartz with his wife Becky (48 Hours/CBS image), The 48 Hours episode The Strange Life of Dr. Schwartz investigates the murder of Dr. Steven Schwartz, a 74-year-olda wealthy doctor who was brutally murderedin his Florida mansion. At one point, Schwartz asked House when he really would kill her father, but he never followed through, he testified. Dana Nichols: Just me knowing her and things that she's done before. "I kept telling him -- I said, 'it's like you've checked out of our marriage and I don't understand. What followed was a startling tale of deception and fantasy, which the authorities discovered. The car was later found at an apartment complex over six miles away. "'And if you say anything, you're never gonna see a house or you're never gonna see a penny,'" said Stragaj. Largo Police announced Emirjoni "Lola" Como Stragajs arrest Thursday. 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? But the hard drive had been removed. "I believe that both Leo Stragaj and Rebecca Schwartz were involved in his murder and caused his death on that date," said Carter Schwartz. Contact Dr. Robert G. Schwartz, MD, for an appointment. But Becky's attorneys are uncertain what the future will hold for her. In addition, the 57-year-old Virginia Biotechnology Association was founded by him. He also noted that his vision had been permanently damaged. Van Sant asked. He was sharp. I didn't kill their father. Stragaj says his DNA must have gotten on Schwartz's clothing when he checked the body. A hold is also been placed on her by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Millions and millions of dollars worth of money," said Becky's attorney, Denis deVlaming. "My life pretty much changed on January second, when my husband got out of the shower and said he was leaving me," Meredith said. At the time of the incident, she was a computer science major at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. As per the Tv9 Telugu, the orthopedic surgeon took the extreme step due to a family dispute, reports said. "I know I went down and grabbed him and shook 'Hey Dr. Schwartz, you OK?'". Phillip Dyer, who drove Schwartz to the scene, but backed out before the crime, WebLEESBURG, Va. A former college student was found guilty Tuesday of first-degree murder for enlisting a friend to kill her scientist father with a sword. Meredith says Becky's lying was soon followed by betrayal. The authorities discovered instant messages between Clara and Kyle on her computer that discussed killing Robert. He was in his 70s. she said. Soon, the police went about chasing every lead possible. [4] Differing reports say his body was found by either a cleaning crew[5] or Christine Rotella, a massage therapist who had returned to the medical plaza to retrieve her forgotten engagement ring. [12] When he received word that Stidham was still recruiting patients, Schwartz became angry and even directly told his girlfriend, Lourdes Lopez, and other friends that he wanted to kill Stidham. She has a felony conviction for embezzling money from MADD," said Dr. Patton. Becky had two sons from her previous marriages, including Ben. In 2007, the Arizona Supreme Court officially disbarred her for her connection to the drug case. "I thought truly we had found a great friend. I mean -- he was intelligent. Clara was the youngest of Roberts three children; she had an older brother and sister. LaWall even testified that if Skitzki or Lopez had come forward sooner, Dr. Stidham would still be alive. Robert was stabbed and slashed more than thirty times and had an X carved on his back. [9] In September 2002, a grand jury issued a 77-count indictment on charges related to Schwartz writing Vicodin and Ritalin prescriptions for two patients (Lopez and Espinoza) who returned the drugs to him for his own use. "Kitchen knife.". "Is she worried or afraid that she'll be arrested for the murder of her husband? She -- she staged this. "I wasn't there when he did it, but I can't imagine why, having sober judgment, anyone would do that.". And, deVlaming points out, even Stragaj's alibi was shot down by police, who checked his cell phone records. Carter says she bought them houses, cars, clothing, and jewelry for herself. Clara had also informed Kyle that she would be spending the holidays with her father in the Virgin Islands. But he was very good at his job, and paid more than $100,000 a year by Dr. Schwartz. I forgot my bag,'" said Stragaj. He claims there was a conversation at a bar along with Becky's son, Ben, a year before Dr. Schwartz was murdered. 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. Clara had pointed him to a chapter in a book about herbal poisons, wanting to make Roberts death look natural. The Christopher Hoefling Murder -The 2017 murder of Christopher Hoefling in Evansville, Indiana is the topic of theInvestigation Discoverydocumentary series"The Murder Tapes" Season 7 Episode Lauren Harpe From Survivor 44 -Since its debut in 2000, 'Survivor' has become one of the most popular television programs ever. He founded the Virginia Biotechnology Association where he worked on DNA sequencing for 15 years. Patrick further stated that Clara showed him her journal entries where she talked about Roberts alleged abuse and attempts to poison her. [14] In December 2001, DEA agents raided Schwartz's office. He was just a wonderful guy who would do anything for anyone.". Van Sant asked. [24][25] Another inmate was convicted of aggravated assault for beating up Schwartz. Boxer Eddie Leal Murder Case Where Is Manuel Guzman These Days? [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. Robert was quite well known in the scientific community, spearheading research in the fields of biometrics and DNA. But they then began to focus on the Schwartz's longtime employee and contractor, Anton Leo Stragaj. WebIn 2016, Schwartzs adult children filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Rebecca Schwartz and Stragaj, claiming they conspired to kill the doctor. Stragaj says when he picked up the handbag he saw a knife inside. Then a student at a university in Virginia, Clara created a roleplaying game called Underworld, with her and Kyle bonding over their mutual interest in witchcraft and occult. And she said, 'No, I'll say it when I'm sober.' Currently, stem cell therapy is not FDA approved. "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. [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. The result was one that reportedly pleased the state bar. They gotta show her as somebody that would participate in the murder, because that's the only way they're gonna profit in this case," he said. So, lets find out what happened to her then, shall we? So, if youre wondering what happened, weve got you covered. 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. Call (586) 939 -1122. The two sides settled out of court with the Phoenix group characterizing his behavior as "obscene, abusive, and belligerent. "If she knew -- which I have every reason to believe she did -- that's entirely possible that was something used against him," Carter acknowledged. The case alleged that the parties involved could have helped prevent Brian Stidham's murder. That's one of many unanswered questions. I'm really short and -- and don't tell my mom. She settled that suit for an undisclosed amount. "It's hogwash. Furthermore, deVlaming says, Stragaj's story of being in the house to retrieve Becky's purse makes no sense. I want the people responsible for this to be held both criminally and civilly liable," Carter Schwartz said. "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. Van Sant asked. 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. [13] While Stidham was still under Schwartz's employ, Schwartz instructed his parents to fire Stidham. "I would say that's a very accurate statement," Carter replied. [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. In 2009, Schwartz claimed to have been attacked numerous times by inmates. "Her. Van Sant asked. "I think you'd have to be willfully ignorant not to see it," he replied. Leo Stragaj awaits trial as the only person charged. While the homicide investigation document listed Becky Schwartz as a suspect, she has never been charged with anything related to her husband's murder. By then, Clara had talked a lot about how Robert was an abusive father who was out to kill her by trying to poison her food. "He was just a good dentist and a good -- become a good friend,' Cecil continued. "Other accounts in only her name. And if she had somebody else helping her," Stragaj replied. [4] Over a two-month period during the summer of 2001, Lopez allowed Schwartz to use her name to fraudulently obtain prescriptions for the controlled substance hydrocodone. I get permits. 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. "This is a woman whose son was killed by a drunk driver. When Robert Schwartz was found dead at his home, investigators have reason to believe his death was "Here's a guy who's been shot, strangled, blood -- why would you touch him at all to begin with? And that something is her involvement in the murder," said Florin. Schwartz introduced him to Goldberg as "Bruce. [3][7] In October 2001, two DEA agents interviewed Lopez as part of a criminal investigation involving Schwartz. Quiet is not a word a Wisconsin woman named Meredith would use to describe her former best friend, Becky. So, if youre curious about what transpired, dont worry. It's too -- hasn't been long enough to do anything.' "If I had to describe her, very energetic, southern charm, hospitality, 'Come in. You didn't call 911. Today, Dyer is an adjunct professor of criminal justice at Youngstown State University in Ohio. Kyle, then 18, had a history of mental illness and had spent time in psychiatric institutions as a child. 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