I want-- I-- I know it looks bad," said Stragaj. You didn't call 911. He's obviously dead -- right?" Police arrived and quickly entered the home looking for a possible intruder. [27] Mrs. Stidham also filed a suit in August 2005 against Pima County, Lourdes Lopez, Paul Skitzki, and county attorney Barbara LaWall. [2] Bradley Alan Schwartz, also a pediatric ophthalmologist, and Ronald Bruce Bigger, a hit man, were arrested and convicted for the murder. (She does not face any charges regarding the murder of her husband.). [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. He took the bag back to Becky that morning and confronted her. One of these phone calls included Bigger repeatedly asking, "Where is my money? "Here's a guy who's been shot, strangled, blood -- why would you touch him at all to begin with? "She's just trying to lay low and find a path.". He was sentenced to life in prison without parole. "Dr. Schwartz's son," Van Sant interrupted. " "All these things that we're talking about would never have come to light if it wasn't for money. 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. His friend and medical partner, Dr. Robert Patton, admired him greatly. In September 2003, he was sentenced to life behind bars. He also noted that his vision had been permanently damaged. Meredith says Becky's lying was soon followed by betrayal. And I looked at that and I looked at my husband and I said, 'Isn't that weird? "You are telling me that Rebecca Schwartz asked you to find someone to murder her husband," Van Sant queried. According to Patrick, Clara asked him to kill Old Guy, and he initially thought it was only game-related. "Well, I think she's been trying to find a purpose," Kym Rivellini said. 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? Hulbert, 19, of Millersville, Md., wrote in a confession that he killed Schwartz to protect Clara Schwartz from abuse. [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. Nevertheless, the jury found Bigger guilty of both conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and first-degree murder itself. He just had this kind of dark side to him that you couldn't quite put your finger on it," Dyer explained. On Wednesday, December 12th the Washington Post reported: "He lied to the police. Schwartz was a tall, handsome kid from New York, the son of a doctor. The Perfect Murder: The Devil Made Me Do It focuses on how Clara manipulated three other people into helping with her fathers murder. Stragaj, who is from Albania, was working in the U.S. without proper legal status. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Police aren't talking because the case is still open. 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? 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. [3][4][18] A.J. A surgeon and the father-in-law of Asaduddin Owaisis second daughter, Mazharuddin Ali Khan, died by suicide on Monday in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. His body was discovered two days later. "I thought always thought a lot of him, and I want that gun. 88.218.193.20 And there were bizarre behaviors after Dr. Schwartz's death that fed speculation about Becky's involvement. "I make mistake. And if she had somebody else helping her," Stragaj replied. [4] In addition to local media outlets, Court TV and CBS's 48 Hours provided coverage to a national audience. Carter Schwartz was on the way home after travelling in Japan when he got word of his father's murder. Patrick further stated that Clara showed him her journal entries where she talked about Roberts alleged abuse and attempts to poison her. That that's how his DNA got there. July 29, 2017 / 11:25 PM Wil Florin: What -- did you mean to say she'd planned for a long time? "My guess is because I was finding this information out that she had kept hidden for years," he replied. I'm not sure why," he replied. World Expert I'm sure she planned it for a long time.". At the time of the incident, she was a computer science major at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. [12] This occurred shortly after the Arizona Medical Board had reinstated Schwartz's license in August 2003. Dr. Schwartz is six foot three. According to Leo Stragaj, Becky even wanted Carter out of the picture. When the authorities learned of Roberts brutal murder, they spoke to Clara and her friends. In an extraordinary moment, Dana, who had remained silent publicly for two years, turns on her own mother-in-law, reading a text message she sent a friend not long after Dr. Schwartz's murder: Dana Nichols (reading aloud in court): "It's crazy how so much of what Becky did all adds up now. And on that fall day, the dark side came out. WebThe 37-year-old was arrested in March 2015 on first-degree murder charges in connection with Schwartzs murder. The police talked to Leo Stragaj. "He was beloved in many ways, was he not?" "I build. But Schwartz never did take care of it. She even changed her name to Schwartz -- though they didn't actually marry until 2012. 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. "I wasn't there when he did it, but I can't imagine why, having sober judgment, anyone would do that.". The nature of the phone discussions had changed over the course of the night. [5] The couple subsequently had three children. WebMurder On December 8, 2001, Robert Schwartz was stabbed to death with a sword at his Leesburg, Virginia farmhouse. Michael earned 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder. Becky had two sons from her previous marriages, including Ben. Stragaj says he was set up by Schwartzs second wife Rebecca Becky Schwartz. And she said, 'You know why I did it,'" said Stragaj. [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. "I didn't know," Stragaj said. Call (586) 939 -1122. 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. "I believe that both Leo Stragaj and Rebecca Schwartz were involved in his murder and caused his death on that date," said Carter Schwartz. Becky got five years probation and had to pay back the money she stole. Minutes later Schwartz, driving the car, pulled up to Dyer on the street. What Happened In Celina Petersen South Park Murder Case? Quiet is not a word a Wisconsin woman named Meredith would use to describe her former best friend, Becky. Largo Police announced Emirjoni "Lola" Como Stragajs arrest Thursday. "It turned out Rebecca had canceled any services, any ceremonies, any remembrances for my father. [3], On October 15, police captured Bigger who was hiding just outside Tucson. She said she had left the house that morning without her handbag. That's Becky's daughter in-law, Dana Nichols, who is married to her son, Ben. Van Sant asked Carter. Dana says Ben has gotten past his drug problems and the two of them have settled down with their daughter, Kendall. I'll ruin your reputation. [3], On the evening of October 5, 2004, deputies of the Pima County Sheriffs Department responded to a report of a man down in the parking lot of the North First Medical Plaza where Stidham worked. Ben is not named in the lawsuit and there have been no criminal charges filed against him in the murder. "Rebecca hired me to fix her first house," Stragaj, who goes by Leo, told Van Sant. A prominent biophysicist, he had been stabbed multiple times with a 2-foot-long sword. Becky's son, Ben, had ongoing drug issues, according to Carter. Instead, they found Dr. Schwartz in a pool of blood. More than three years have passed since Dr. Schwartz's murder, and Becky Schwartz splits her time between Florida and Wisconsin. Kyle, Michael, and Katherine had been apprehended by February 2002. As per the Tv9 Telugu, the orthopedic surgeon took the extreme step due to a family dispute, reports said. [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]. "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. Becky and Dr. Schwartz had met in the late 1990s through a dating service, and were a committed couple. DeVlaming says all the evidence points to Leo Stragaj. "He was my doctor. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. In this small town where everybody knew everybody, Dr. Cook was known to carry large amounts of cash. He is obsessed with movies, comic books, and television shows, and he spends much too much money on collectibles. "I didn't even know about it until after his death.". Can you go and grab my bag, please? Cecil said. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. "When you heard the news that your father had killed a man, how shocking was that for you?" When Robert Schwartz was found murdered at his home in 2001, investigators had reason to believe the attack was targeted. 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. Millions and millions of dollars worth of money," said Becky's attorney, Denis deVlaming. Stragaj is also believed to have moved the victim's money to new accounts and is suspected of spending the victims money on herself, filing fraudulent tax returns in the victim's name, as well as pawning and selling the victim's deceased husband's jewelry, the email said. Van Sant asked Carter Schwartz. [3] Stidham told friends that his partner (Schwartz) had been acting "weird" and that he needed to remove himself from the situation. Robert was allegedly planned to make sure she didnt come back, according to her. "I know. "It all points to her. She managed both his medical office and investments. [18] The victim, identified as Stidham, had been stabbed 15 times[6] and had incurred a skull fracture. Police arrested two of Clara Schwartzs friends and found the murder weapon in one of their homes. DeVlaming denies Stragaj's claims that Becky ever asked him to kill Schwartz or his son, Carter. But they live in fear, as she told her friend in another text: Dana Nichols (reading aloud in court): I said, "I am scared to talk to the detectives and -- and police I would hope if Becky came after me or sent someone after me, she wouldn't hurt Kendall. 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? Lafferty also brought up the fact that Schwartz harbored a well-known grudge against Stidham. 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? "I didn't have the -- you know, the green card, the nothing.". [20], Bigger's trial took place from March 14, 2007, to May 16, 2007. The car was later found at an apartment complex over six miles away. Their trials are set for early next year. Van Sant asked. On the morning of December 10, a neighbor went by Roberts home to check on him since he hadnt shown up for work. One of them, Katherine Inglis, provided extensive information regarding Claras involvement with the slaying. [3][7] In October 2001, two DEA agents interviewed Lopez as part of a criminal investigation involving Schwartz. "I'm so sorry I didn't call the police. Fax (586) 939 -9328. email Staff@DrSchwartzOptometrist.com His body was discovered two days later. "she didn't have five children.". Katherine received a one-year prison sentence after being convicted guilty of a murder conspiracy. After all was said and done, Kyle was convicted guilty of his role in the crime. [4][20] Bigger had previously been convicted of criminal recklessness, check deception, and possession of marijuana in LaPorte, Indiana and was a fugitive from that state. She had nothing to do with the murder itself," said deVlaming. Robert has an X engraved on his back after being stabbed and slashed more than thirty times. "My theory is that Dr. Schwartz was gonna retire. In 2009, Schwartz claimed to have been attacked numerous times by inmates. I said, 'That's a misprint, because she met her husband in med school in New York 35 years ago. "And when you present this information, is this jaw dropping to your dad?" '", Carter also struggled with Becky. "Now, you tell me; what kind of person does that?" I was with people with alibi all day. Van Sant asked. "If I had to describe her, very energetic, southern charm, hospitality, 'Come in. Then, in August 2001, she began dating Patrick House, who later testified against her at trial. "Patients, colleagues -- a great career," Van Sant noted. Both sentences were eventually commuted and both men later went to college. Your IP: "He was my doctor and my wife's doctor. "48 Hours" brought Dyer back to New Mexico to tell the story of that day in 1961 with Schwartz, who was 21 and a college dropout. Police looked at Dr. Schwartz's inner circle. So I had no hate for him. Rebecca Schwartz: Hi, somebody I just walked in to my house and somebody robbed my house. Kyle, who was 18 at the time, had a history of mental illness and had previously spent time in psychiatric facilities. And then -- and did the rest in a crazy, violent rage, unless Leo helped her finish the job. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Their first child, Alexandre Brian, was born in Houston in 2000. But one thing, I didn't kill their father. 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. From jail, Schwartz pleaded with Lourdes Lopez, his former lover, to be his attorney, but she refused. But Stragaj insists he didn't do itthat Becky was the culprit. Dyer wasn't even sure Schwartz was really going go through with it, until he pulled out a gun. When Kyle was apprehended, he gave a complete confession to the police, claiming that he killed Clara because he believed Robert was abusing her. Leo Stragaj awaits trial as the only person charged. "And is there still a possibility there could be an arrest?" In the same game, there also existed a character named Old Guy that signified Robert. "And he provided work for me. Stidham was meant to take over the pediatric ophthalmology aspect of Schwartz's business. But a shocking incident long in Dr. Schwartz's past may provide a clue. Soon, they were led to his youngest daughter, Clara Schwartz, who seemed to be at the center of it all. But later on, it was clear she meant killing her father in real life. I said, 'That's impossible.' 'S claims that Becky ever asked him to kill Old Guy that signified.... Her son, '' Van Sant noted a great career, '' said Becky 's daughter,... Daughter in-law, Dana Nichols, who goes by Leo, told Van Sant.... Signified Robert was known to carry large amounts of cash he spends too! 'S been shot, strangled, blood -- why would you touch him at to... She planned it for a long time devlaming dr schwartz murdered by daughter Stragaj 's claims Becky! Was convicted guilty of a murder conspiracy to commit first-degree murder itself, '' said! Father in real life the case is still open that morning without her handbag of all! 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