"It all points to her. He claims there was a conversation at a bar along with Becky's son, Ben, a year before Dr. Schwartz was murdered. Lola Stragaj is accused of befriending an elderly woman with cognitive disabilities and then bilking her out of nearly $100,000. Fax (586) 939 -9328. email Staff@DrSchwartzOptometrist.com I want the people responsible for this to be held both criminally and civilly liable," Carter Schwartz said. Clara had pointed him to a chapter in a book about herbal poisons, wanting to make Roberts death look natural. Clara played the overlord, Lord Chaos, and House acted as an assassin assigned to kill Old Guy -- Clara Schwartzs father. ", "Ultimately, I think Becky's motive was to buy -- into our family," Meredith said. Van Sant asked Carter. "Well, that's one possibility," he replied. "Dr. Schwartz's son," Van Sant interrupted. " "A knife," Stragaj replied. Soon, the police went about chasing every lead possible. Click to reveal Deposition attorney: She walked over to Meredith and leaned down and whispered in her ear, "I wish you would have died.". He faces a charge of first-degree murder in the slaying of Dr. Steven Patlin Schwartz, a 74-year-old doctor found dead inside his Tarpon Springs mansion in 2014. Please enter valid email address to continue. [3] Stidham officially served as Schwartz's associate until October 2002,[17] when Schwartz was indicted on drug fraud charges. But later on, it was clear she meant killing her father in real life. Becky Schwartz: I reassert my rights under Article I Section 9 of the Florida Constitution. They also argued that Robert Schwartz abused his daughter. Stragaj says when he picked up the handbag he saw a knife inside. A former college student was found guilty Tuesday of first-degree murder for enlisting a friend to kill her scientist father with a sword. "The only one that can really answer that question is Dr. Schwartz himself," said Wil Florin. / CBS News, Produced by Alec Sirken, Ryan Smith and Michelle Feuer, [This story first aired on Feb. 11. But he was very good at his job, and paid more than $100,000 a year by Dr. Schwartz. One of them, Katherine Inglis, provided extensive information regarding Claras involvement with the slaying. The police took his statement. And her son goes, 'Mom, are you crazy? Van Sant asked deVlaming. But with a blended family came problems. 13400 E. 15 Mile Rd Sterling Heights, Michigan 48312 USA. Stragaj doesn't deny he was there; he says he discovered the body. "Was there blood on the knife?" "What I want more than anything is for justice to be served. ", "Yeah," Carter replied, "Certainly cannot. "I didn't have the -- you know, the green card, the nothing.". Used, Florin theorizes, by Becky Schwartz to blackmail her own husband for millions. Investigators later learned that Michael, then 21, and Katherine, then 19, drove Kyle to Roberts house on December 8, 2001. Cook in his New Mexico office. Dana says Ben has gotten past his drug problems and the two of them have settled down with their daughter, Kendall. "he was found many times -- on death's door nearly overdosed and she disowned him," Carter explained. 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 trial ended up painting Schwartz as an extremely manipulative individual, causing the jury to feel sympathy for Bigger. "What does the DNA evidence tell you?" Lafferty also brought up the fact that Schwartz harbored a well-known grudge against Stidham. He felt compelled to defend Clara when she informed him of her fathers alleged abuse. "He lied to the police. "[3] Conflicting reports suggest that Schwartz had either met Bigger at Narcotics Anonymous or at his medical practice. The cops were soon on the lookout for any and all leads. But Stragaj insists he didn't do itthat Becky was the culprit. There's speculation that she wanted her husband dead so she could collect on his many millions," Van Sant noted. Carter Schwartz was on the way home after travelling in Japan when he got word of his father's murder. Lead prosecutors Sylvia Lafferty and Richard Platt also brought in a more sophisticated DNA analysis than the one used for the Schwartz trial. "I think you'd have to be willfully ignorant not to see it," he replied. [3] Stidham told friends that his partner (Schwartz) had been acting "weird" and that he needed to remove himself from the situation. 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. "It was well-known that he liked to gamble quite a bit," said Dyer. Kyle, who was 18 at the time, had a history of mental illness and had previously spent time in psychiatric facilities. "And -- if Dr. Schwartz was outta the picture that perhaps Rebecca Schwartz would keep him on.". And I think that -- I think that Leo Stragaj believed that his time with the Schwartzes was limited. 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. Lourdes Lopez, Barbara LaWall, and Pima County were dismissed from the suit as part of the settlement. "Becky took his extended family on an Alaskan cruise that lasted a couple weeks with Dr. Schwartz's money. "I said to them, 'Please, do not overlook anyone in this family just because they're related.". Call (586) 939 -1122. Van Sant asked. Stragaj also felt close to Steven Schwartz. He is obsessed with movies, comic books, and television shows, and he spends much too much money on collectibles. Schwartz's cell phone also received calls from Bigger's hotel room, which Schwartz had paid for. I think that that cloud is always there that they may arrest her," attorney Kym Rivellini said. "And I don't recall there being a lot of conversation. Hulbert, 19, of Millersville, Md., wrote in a confession that he killed Schwartz to protect Clara Schwartz from abuse. What -- what are you saying? WebDaughter Gets 48 Years In Slaying of Her Father By Maria Glod February 11, 2003 Clara Jane Schwartz, a former college student obsessed by vampires, assassins and magic, At one point, Schwartz asked House when he really would kill her father, but he never followed through, he testified. "I'd see him on the street from time to time and he'd always ask me, 'How you doin'? 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. The authorities believed Robert was killed about two days before being found. Patrick further stated that Clara showed him her journal entries where she talked about Roberts alleged abuse and attempts to poison her. What the authorities found out next was a shocking tale of manipulation and fantasy. [16] Schwartz attended rehab later that year and admitted that he had a drug problem. [7][12] A Phoenix-based ophthalmology group had hired Schwartz to open an office in Tucson. Ben is not named in the lawsuit and there have been no criminal charges filed against him in the murder. He was just a wonderful guy who would do anything for anyone.". The murder weapon was believed to be a 27-inch sword, and the nature of the crime startled many. Schwartz, the shooter, spent nine years in prison. Can you go and grab my bag, please? Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Soon, they were led to his youngest daughter, Clara One of these phone calls included Bigger repeatedly asking, "Where is my money? [4] In addition to local media outlets, Court TV and CBS's 48 Hours provided coverage to a national audience. [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. But absurd took on a new meaning with Becky after a tragic car accident 30 years ago that killed her 2-year-old son, Christopher. Only later did I find out she held a private funeral or service, if you would, at -- at the house to which I was not invited," said Carter. Robert Schwartz Murder Case Where is Clara Schwartz Now? She went to work for MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving. "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?'" 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. 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. Wil Florin: What -- did you mean to say she'd planned for a long time? "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. Soon, they were led to his youngest daughter, Clara Schwartz, who seemed to be at the center of it all. Kyle, then 18, had a history of mental illness and had spent time in psychiatric institutions as a child. Schwartz moved to Italy, where he earned a medical degree. Schwartz had recruited Dyer to drive him to and from the dentist's office. The result was one that reportedly pleased the state bar. Furthermore, Clara had also told Kyle that she was going on a trip to the Virgin Islands for Christmas with her father. WebThe incident appeared to be targeted, according to investigators. Dr. Schwartz was a well-known DNA sequencing researcher. Both men also pleaded "not guilty. I turned around and look at him, and his eyes are just bloodshot," said Dyer. Not only her husband who is 16 years younger than Beckybut her teenaged daughter moved in with Becky as well, after Becky lavished her with attention and gifts, Meredith says. "I figure that's why Schwartz went there, to rob him.". Handyman, Anton Stragaj, Stragaj says his DNA must have gotten on Schwartz's clothing when he checked the body. Where did it go?" "Did you get along with her children?" WebThe 37-year-old was arrested in March 2015 on first-degree murder charges in connection with Schwartzs murder. DeVlaming says all the evidence points to Leo Stragaj. She was being held without bond as of Thursday. She's in a new state starting a new life with a new man. "Was there money involved in this? So, if youre curious about what transpired, dont worry. And on that fall day, the dark side came out. Dr. David Brian Stidham, a 37-year-old pediatric ophthalmologist, was found stabbed and beaten to death outside his office on Oct. 5. Largo Police announced Emirjoni "Lola" Como Stragajs arrest Thursday. I said, 'That's a misprint, because she met her husband in med school in New York 35 years ago. 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. Becky Schwartz wouldn't speak with "48 Hours." "[7] Schwartz would later take Bigger to an automated teller machine (ATM) and then check him into a hotel. 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. [3][7], On 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. Joseph Schwartz feels very fortunate to have been providing outstanding care in Northwest Indiana since 1994. 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? I said, 'That's impossible.' The Perfect Murder examines the brutal and bizarre killing of scientist Robert Schwartz, who was murdered in his own home. [13] While Stidham was still under Schwartz's employ, Schwartz instructed his parents to fire Stidham. "Yeah, a large kitchen knife," Stragaj affirmed. [9] The trial officially ended on May 2, 2006. When Robert Schwartz was found dead at his home, investigators have reason to believe his death was Leo Stragaj adamantly denies he killed Dr. Schwartz. After months of testing, investigators made a damning discovery: Stragaj's DNA was on several parts of Dr. Schwartz's clothing. "I would say that's a very accurate statement," Carter replied. Robert was a well-known scientist who pioneered biometrics and DNA studies. Loudoun County on Dec. 8, 2001, and Robert M. I'm not the man," he said. I mean, I -- I regret it all of my life. 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. WebAs a 22-year-old pre-med student dropout in 1961, Schwartz (and others) robbed and killed a dentist, Dr. V.G. He refused to testify last week against his friend, citing his right to avoid self-incrimination. "No -- not as I recall," Stragaj replied. Peter Van Sant asked. They also had witnesses state how she talked about the money she stood to gain once Robert died. Robert was thought to have been murdered two days before he was discovered. By February 2002, Kyle, Michael, and Katherine were all in custody. Van Sant asked. [20], Bigger's trial took place from March 14, 2007, to May 16, 2007. Stidham gave Schwartz 30 days' notice and began making plans to start his own practice across town. "Other accounts in only her name. [27] Mrs. Stidham also filed a suit in August 2005 against Pima County, Lourdes Lopez, Paul Skitzki, and county attorney Barbara LaWall. [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. Dr. Schwartz is six foot three. They also had witnesses testify about how she discussed the money she would get if Robert died. While in Dallas, he met and began dating his neighbor, Daphne Herding,[5] whom he eventually married in a garden ceremony in 1997. Khan practiced as an orthopedic surgeon at Owaisi hospital and had experience of She had nothing to do with the murder itself," said deVlaming. He was taken away with such haste that his shirt was on backwards. -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? "My guess is because I was finding this information out that she had kept hidden for years," he replied. I'm really short and -- and don't tell my mom. Robert Schwartzs tragic death was the consequence of a well-planned murder attempt. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Your IP: I don't know how, but I know one of the two of them or both are involved,'" Carter told Van Sant. "Would you look out and see, 'All this money is going to Rebecca and her children. But tragedy struck the Schwartz family in December 2001. The authorities believed Robert was killed about two days before being found. 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