Florida doctor's wife ordered to pay $200 million

A jury has ordered Rebecca Schwartz, the wife of a deceased Florida doctor, to pay $200 million to his three children. This decision was made nearly eleven years after Dr. Steven Schwartz was found murdered in his garage in May 2014. His throat was cut, and he had two gunshot wounds to his head. Rebecca Schwartz, now 64, has not been criminally charged in connection with her husband's death. However, the case remains under investigation. The children's lawsuit claimed that Rebecca was responsible for Steven's murder due to her alleged erratic behavior and greed for his wealth. According to the children's lawyer, Wil Florin, Rebecca spent much of Steven's $30 million fortune after his death and moved significant amounts into offshore accounts. The children argue that their father threatened to leave Rebecca shortly before his death, which may have been a motive for her to kill him. The couple had a tumultuous relationship, and evidence showed that Rebecca had previously stolen money from Steven. Testimony indicated that she had been embezzling from his medical practice. Although the investigation led to a handyman, Anton Leo Stragaj, he was only convicted as an accessory after the fact and deported. The jury's verdict in the civil case allows the children to claim part of their inheritance from their father's estate. They are pleased with the outcome but still seek to see Rebecca criminally charged for their father’s murder.