Becky Schwartz: I reassert my rights under Article I Section 9 of the Florida Constitution. [3], The DNA evidence from Bigger in Stidham's car also provided evidence for the prosecution. But tragedy struck the Schwartz family in December 2001. Stragaj says his DNA must have gotten on Schwartz's clothing when he checked the body. Booking photos courtesy of the Pinellas County Jail. The Perfect Murder: The Devil Made Me Do It focuses on how Clara manipulated three other people into helping with her fathers murder. I don't understand what's changed, what happened,'" she said. [5], Bradley Alan Schwartz was born January 14, 1965[10] in Brooklyn, New York to Henry and Lois Schwartz. 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. [5] The couple subsequently had three children. [12] This occurred shortly after the Arizona Medical Board had reinstated Schwartz's license in August 2003. Michael pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and received 18 years in prison. After her husband was murdered, Becky Schwartz sold the medical practice and decided to start a new life, moving from sunny Florida to the tiny, snowbound town of Winneconne, Wisconsin, near where her son, Eric, was running his Verizon store. Van Sant asked Carter. The death of a distinguished scientist in his secluded farmhouse prompted a lengthy inquiry by the authorities. Is-- is this -- drink talk and not -- what was that?' What the authorities found out next was a shocking tale of manipulation and fantasy. Police arrested two of Clara Schwartzs friends and found the murder weapon in one of their homes. 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? She is into money like you and I are into breathing air," he replied. A father of two daughters, a dog lover, a gym rat, a coffee connoisseur, and an all-around doughnut snob. She's in a new state starting a new life with a new man. The 37-year-old was arrested in March 2015 on first-degree murder charges in connection with Schwartzs murder. -- that we've ever seen," Cox continued. "I thought always thought a lot of him, and I want that gun. Chances are its in Pasadena, 12 reasons why Sycamore Avenue is L.A.s coolest new hangout, Sirhan Sirhan, convicted of killing Robert F. 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Stragaj also felt close to Steven Schwartz. I think now I can relate to what they mean by that -- just a feeling of helplessness," Carter replied. [3] Schwartz's trial lasted two months, and it took the jury five days to deliver a verdict. "What I want more than anything is for justice to be served. "Why would he do that?" '", "Becky has lied about her children," Meredith said. The trial ended up painting Schwartz as an extremely manipulative individual, causing the jury to feel sympathy for Bigger. Stidham gave Schwartz 30 days' notice and began making plans to start his own practice across town. 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. The police took his statement. I said, 'That's impossible.' I read plans. 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. Police arrived and quickly entered the home looking for a possible intruder. Investigators later learned that Michael, then 21, and Katherine, then 19, drove Kyle to Roberts house on December 8, 2001. 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. Schwartz has been in jail since her arrest in February on the campus of James Madison University, where she was a student. Robert Schwartzs tragic death was the consequence of a well-planned murder attempt. Katherine was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, receiving a 1-year jail term. Van Sant asked. [14] In December 2001, DEA agents raided Schwartz's office. He was bright. I think he did everything he could to pay back society," he said. Van Sant asked deVlaming. "It was feeling numb when people describe it. "It became very apparent early on, her motive was financial. 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? Tom Roebig, Carter Schwartz' attorney, reasoned. [3] They also arrested Schwartz the same night. He says he had every reason to keep Steven Schwartz alive. Kyle later indicated that after Clara informed him of the situation, he felt compelled to take action. In the same game, there also existed a character named Old Guy that signified Robert. Both sentences were eventually commuted and both men later went to college. "Her. Patrick further stated that Clara showed him her journal entries where she talked about Roberts alleged abuse and attempts to poison her. [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. And there were bizarre behaviors after Dr. Schwartz's death that fed speculation about Becky's involvement. WebIn 1961, 21-year-old Steven Schwartz robbed and murdered a dentist in Hobbs, New Mexico. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. I mean, I don't think any of us were, really," said Dyer. 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. And when you were interviewed by investigators, you lied to them. Robert Schwartzs untimely death was ultimately the result of a cunning plot to have him killed. "I think you'd have to be willfully ignorant not to see it," he replied. "I mean, you're just outta the picture.". There was a potential eyewitness of sorts -- the elaborate security camera system in the mansion -- something only Stragaj, Becky and family members knew about. [7][14] In November 2003, Schwartz was placed on five years' probation by the Arizona Medical Board for "unprofessional conduct. Schwartz, a prominent local nephrologist, was found dead in Click to reveal 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. All-- those statements are false," deVlaming told Van Sant. Lola Stragaj was booked into the Pinellas County Jail Wednesday, Dec. 14. Kyle was found guilty of his part in the crime in the end. Patrick stated that he met Clara in June 2001 at a festival in Leesburg, Virginia. WebBut 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 That "hidden information," Carter says, is that Becky was moving money from their joint bank accounts. Comprehensive pain management for Greenville, SC & surrounding areas. "And -- if Dr. Schwartz was outta the picture that perhaps Rebecca Schwartz would keep him on.". 2012-2023, 2paragraphs Productions, LLC. When the authorities learned of Roberts brutal murder, they spoke to Clara and her friends. / CBS News, Produced by Alec Sirken, Ryan Smith and Michelle Feuer, [This story first aired on Feb. 11. WebOur Office. And she said, 'You know why I did it,'" said Stragaj. She remains incarcerated at Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women in Troy, Virginia, and will be eligible for release in 2043. After months of testing, investigators made a damning discovery: Stragaj's DNA was on several parts of Dr. Schwartz's clothing. [14] Schwartz also wrote prescriptions to his office manager, Laurie Espinoza, who would retrieve the medication and give it to Schwartz. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. [20], Attorneys for Schwartz and Bigger filed appeals almost immediately after sentencing. [5][6] In 1998, they returned to Texas when Stidham joined the faculty at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Robert Schwartz Murder Case Where is Clara Schwartz Now? I'm gonna take care of this.'". [3] Earlier in the day, Schwartz had engaged in a series of phone calls with Ronald Bruce Bigger. "This looks really bad, though. "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?'" Dana Nichols: Just me knowing her and things that she's done before. "I think I was preyed on by the most calculated, malicious, vindictive, pathological liar of a woman I have ever met in my entire life," she said. What followed was a startling tale of deception and fantasy, which the authorities discovered. "My guess is because I was finding this information out that she had kept hidden for years," he replied. [5], In 2001, Stidham answered an ad Bradley Schwartz had placed in a trade journal seeking someone to care for the pediatric patients in his Tucson ophthalmology practice,[6] Arizona Specialty Eye Care. Schwartz had Carter and two other children from his previous relationships. But later on, it was clear she meant killing her father in real life. And then -- and did the rest in a crazy, violent rage, unless Leo helped her finish the job. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. "She's just trying to lay low and find a path.". [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. "And siphoned to where? Van Sant asked. "Yes, sir. She set me up. "And he provided work for me. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. She has a felony conviction for embezzling money from MADD," said Dr. Patton. When I go grab it, I found dead body," Stragaj replied. At the time of the incident, she was a computer science major at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. WebAs a 22-year-old pre-med student dropout in 1961, Schwartz (and others) robbed and killed a dentist, Dr. V.G. "What is the most important thing to Becky Schwartz?" They also had witnesses testify about how she discussed the money she would get if Robert died. Dr. Schwartz is six foot three. Three days after "Dad was always a role model to me and what I've always told everyone, 'If I could be half the physician he was, that would be a successful life," Carter Schwartz told "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant. Van Sant asked. Asked if he was interviewed by police, Carter told Van Sant he was. 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. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. [24][25] Another inmate was convicted of aggravated assault for beating up Schwartz. [27], According to Bonnie Booth of the American Medical News, the rarity of physician-on-physician crime was the likely reason that the trial drew so much media attention. [7] Schwartz initially pleaded guilty to the drug charges in 2003; however, the plea was withdrawn in early 2004. "Iwell, I told you I don't -- I know what I did. [14] He also became addicted to Ritalin. No trial date has been set for Leo Tragaj's murder trial. Rebecca Schwartz: Hi, somebody I just walked in to my house and somebody robbed my house. "We sort of learned to coexist," said Carter. Furthermore, the 57-year-old was the founding member of the Virginia Biotechnology Association. Kyle, who was 18 at the time, had a history of mental illness and had previously spent time in psychiatric facilities. So who killed Dr. Schwartz? Becky had two sons from her previous marriages, including Ben. By February 2002, Kyle, Michael, and Katherine were all in custody. And me and my siblings are kind being left out here.'" The authorities discovered instant messages between Clara and Kyle on her computer that discussed killing Robert. Van Sant asked. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. By Express News Service. And I said, 'Listen, I'm your man for construction, but I don't know what you're lookin' for.' [18] The victim, identified as Stidham, had been stabbed 15 times[6] and had incurred a skull fracture. In one of the messages, she said that if Kyle committed the murder, she didnt want it to be traced back to her. [23], Schwartz has repeatedly made headlines since his imprisonment. Van Sant asked. Meredith says Becky's lying was soon followed by betrayal. "immigration told me any contact with police will send you back," he told Van Sant. Hulbert and Michael P. Pfohl, who is accused of driving Hulbert to the Schwartz house, each is charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy. "Was there money involved in this? David Brian Stidham (August 13, 1967 October 5, 2004)[1] was a pediatric ophthalmologist stabbed to death in Catalina Foothills, Arizona as the result of a murder-for-hire plot that stemmed from a colleague's professional jealousy. 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. "[13], From early 2001 to May 2004, Schwartz was involved in a romantic relationship with the foster mother of one of his patients, Pima County deputy attorney Lourdes Salomon Lopez. I'm sure she planned it for a long time.". Wil Florin: What -- did you mean to say she'd planned for a long time? "I thought truly we had found a great friend. While Patrick never went through with it, she soon found Kyle Hulbert, a man with a history of mental illness, to help her with the plan. Their stepmother also embezzled To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. Stragaj also claims she threatened him. At the time of the incident, he lived in a farmhouse away from the city in Leesburg, Virginia. Wreck Season 1 Ending Explained -Ryan J. WebOn December 8, 2001, Robert Schwartz was stabbed to death with a sword at his Leesburg, Virginia farmhouse. Bigger's trials would not begin until the following March. Robert has an X engraved on his back after being stabbed and slashed more than thirty times. Stragaj says he worked on all the Schwartz's homes, including the mansion they lived in. "he was found many times -- on death's door nearly overdosed and she disowned him," Carter explained. And she said, 'No, I'll say it when I'm sober.' "I didn't know," Stragaj said. But Schwartz never did take care of it. I want-- I-- I know it looks bad," said Stragaj. "I build. She faces one count of exploitation of the elderly and one count of fraudulent use of personal identification, jail records indicate. Carter wants justice for a father whose life started and ended so badly, but who lived the long middle dedicated to others. The car was later found at an apartment complex over six miles away. Becky was also deposed in that wrongful death suit, but refused to answer any questions from Roebig and Florin. Her boat's name is 'Exit Strategy'?'" She grabs a beer, and come sits on the couch, and drinks a beer," said Cox. "That's like stealing money out of the donation tray at church," Dr. Patton remarked. She had credit cards that were only in her name, anything basically my dad couldn't get a hold of," Carter replied. They started with his family, and Clara Schwartz, his youngest daughter, was discovered quickly. Kyle provided a full confession to the authorities once he was arrested, saying he committed the murder because he thought Robert was abusing Clara. [3] Earlier in the day, The two former criminals pledged to spend the rest of their lives atoning for their terrible act. Your own children will learn that you are a murderer,'" Van Sant asked Florin. [3][7], The relationship between Brian Stidham and Bradley Schwartz began to deteriorate soon after Stidham was hired in November 2001. They also had witnesses state how she talked about the money she stood to gain once Robert died. "Patients, colleagues -- a great career," Van Sant noted. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a159b8aee1210a8 Clara and Katherine had met while the former was in her senior year in high school. Schwartz's wife, Joan, filed for divorce the following month. Nearly $500 was missing from the She even took them on her boat in Florida and one thing stuck in Meredith's mind. And that became a problem for Carter. That's Becky's daughter in-law, Dana Nichols, who is married to her son, Ben. "And he said, 'I'm moving into Becky's.'". I build from scratch," he explained. 13400 E. 15 Mile Rd Sterling Heights, Michigan 48312 USA. ", And strangely, Becky never wanted a memorial service. "she didn't have five children.". Robert was quite well known in the scientific community, spearheading research in the fields of biometrics and DNA. Van Sant asked Carter. 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. Lafferty also brought up the fact that Schwartz harbored a well-known grudge against Stidham. In my heart of hearts, I knew that [Kyle] was going there to kill [my father]. At Claras trial in October 2002, the defense claimed Kyle was not supposed to take Claras words literally because they were part of the game. Money. I'm not the man," he said. "Dr. Schwartz's son," Van Sant interrupted. " It's absolutely laughably ridiculous," said deVlaming. [5] He was killed in his 1992 white Lexus SC400[19] and dragged from his car to make it look like a robbery. It was a horrific incident. But Becky is not saying anything. "I heard the door open. He founded the Virginia Biotechnology Association where he worked on DNA sequencing for 15 years. The defense argued that the man prosecutors say she asked to commit the crime, Kyle Hulbert, is not mentally stable. So, I had to go and buy materials or dump a trailer. She fit into our lives so perfectly," Meredith explained. Clara was convicted of first-degree murder in her father's death. 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. Rivellini and Denis deVlaming are Becky's criminal attorneys, hired to defend her against any possible future charges . "He was my doctor and my wife's doctor. "I loved Dr. Schwartz," he told Van Sant. Clara created a roleplaying game called Underworld while she was a student at a university in Virginia, and she and Kyle became friends because of their shared interest in witchcraft and the occult. A sample of DNA linked to Bigger was found on the radio knob of Stidham's car. [22] Bruce Bigger's attorneys felt that the trial should have been moved out of Pima County due to the publicity the case received.