In the 1960's, Ben and Bernice Novack were Miami Beach royalty. They were the owners of the Fountainbleu hotel, the hottest spot on Miami beach, known for it's old Hollywood glamour style. Everyone from JFK to the Rat Pack stayed there, and it was the place to be. The Novacks lived in the Penthouse Suite with their son, Ben Jr., until like all good things, the era came to an end in the 70's when the hotel went bankrupt. By 2009, Bernice was widowed and living a quiet life, while her son, Ben, found success in the hospitality industry. Then, in April of 2009, Bernice was found dead in her home at 86 years old. It appeared she had slipped getting out of her car and then stumbled into her house, where she died. Police and the medical examiner ruled her death accidental. It's unlikely that anyone would have ever looked twice at Bernice's death if not for what happened just three months later, when her now 53 year old son, Ben, was found dead in his hotel room.
Support the show
Support our sponsor!
Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visitathleticgreens.com/EMERGING
Sources:
Articles
Wikipedia | Fontainebleau Miami Beach
CBS News | "48 Hours": How a Reporter Uncovered the Murder of Miami Matriarch Bernice Novack (Julie Knipe Brown)
Wikipedia | Murders of Bernice and Ben Novack Jr..
Lohud | Ben and Narcy Novack Saga Heads to Lifetime as 'Beautiful & Twisted' (Jonathan Badler)
Book
The Prince of Paradise: The True Story of a Hotel Heir, His Seductive Wife, and a Ruthless Murder By: John Glatt
Shows
CBS News | Crazy Love
Dateline | Season 21, Episode 3: Family Affair
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
