The story read like an early version of Fatal Vows.Claus, who had been forced by Sunny to quit his job and become a full time husband, was tired of being a "hired ornament" and wanted leave Sunny for his mistress, actress Alexandra Isles. But could he walk away from Sunny's immense fortune? Sunny told her children about her and Claus's problems and said she was fine with divorce, she had already done it once. Then, in 1979, while watching television with her husband, Sunny suddenly passed out while her seemingly unconcerned husband lay by her side. This odd behavior, aided by the fact that Claus failed to call for help, caused Sunny's personal maid, Maria, and Sunny's children, Ala and Alex, to wonder if Claus had his own murderous agenda.
What Lengths Would An Estranged Husband Be Willing To Go To End His Marriage With His Wife And Still Get His Hands On Her Money
And then, one year later, Maria, Ala and Alex's worst fears were confirmed when Sunny slipped into a coma and never awoke. Ala and Alex persuaded New York attorney Richard H. Kuh to investigate and, after gathering evidence, presented his case to the judge. After a lengthy investigation, a Rhode Island grand jury delivered the words Claus Von Bulow never expected to hear "FINANCIER INDICTED ON CHARGE OF TRYING TWICE TO KILL WIFE". For months, Americans read about the real life soap opera: Sunny, the ultrawealthy wife; Claus the self absorbed husband who wanted a divorce; Ala and Alex; Sunny's pampered children with multiple trust funds; Cosima; Sunny and Claus's daughter who took dad's side and Maria; the devoted maid who went to the police with evidence of foul play.
Cosima Took Her Father's Side
All the while, Newport's cottagers were quick to decide which side they were on. Eileen Slocum and Candy Van Alen took Sunny's side, both being good friends with Sunny's mother, Annie Aitken, who was convinced, along with the rest of her family, that Claus had attempted to murder her daughter. Meanwhile on the side, Mrs John Nicholas Brown, Anne, took Claus's side, even announcing it at a dinner party. Most cottagers, though, were loyal to Sunny's family and thus believed Claus was a murderer.
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