Oct. 14, 2024
Did She Do It? The Conviction of Natavia Lowery
In the pulsating heart of New York City, Linda Stein held dominion over an empire of music and real estate, her influence reverberating through the elite circles of Manhattan. A confidante to celebrities like Elton John and Whoopi Goldberg, Lindas life was a whirlwind of dazzling events and discreet connections. Yet beneath the glittering surface of her existence lay a woman besieged by personal battlesa journey marked by her valiant fight against breast cancer, dependencies on marijuana and alcohol, and an inoperable brain tumor.
In 2007, Lindas existence came to a tragic end in her luxurious Fifth Avenue penthouse, setting off a chain of events that spotlighted a young woman with ambitions of her ownNatavia Lowery. The intertwined fates of these two women offer a lens into the complexities of ambition, desperation, and the often murky waters of justice.
[00:00] Natavia Lowery suspected in Linda's violent death.
[04:53] Natavia's possible attempt to conceal blood evidence.
[09:28] Questions arise about Natavia's weapon, motivations.
[10:29] Natavia's claims contradicted by autopsy, theft charges.
CREDITS:
Created, Written, & Produced by John Reedburg
Hosted & Narrated by Samantha Paul
Production Company: John Reedburg Media
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
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Welcome back to another gripping
episode of No Tears for Black
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Girls.
I'm your host, Samantha Paul,
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and today we'll delve into the
sensational and tragic story of
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Linda Stein, a prominent New
York real estate mogul with deep
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ties to the music industry.
Known for her dynamic
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personality and elite
connections, Linda's life was a
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whirlwind of glamour and
challenges, including battles
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with cancer and addiction.
In 2007, her life came to a
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horrifying end when she was
found brutally murdered in her
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5th Ave. penthouse.
The prime suspect?
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Her 26 year old personal
assistant Natavia Lowery.
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What followed was a complex and
controversial investigation,
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producing allegations of
embezzlement, coerced
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confessions, and claims of
workplace abuse.
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Join me as we unravel the
intricate details of the case,
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scrutinize the evidence, and
question the motives behind this
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devastating crime.
This is the story of Linda Stein
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and Natavia Lowery, an episode
filled with mystery, drama, and
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heartbreaking consequences.
Let's dive in.
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In the pulsating heart of New
York City, skyscrapers tore at
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the clouds, and the unrelenting
thrum of existence reverberated
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in every crevice.
Linda Stein ruled over this
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domain with a sharp tongue and
an unwavering determination.
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The frenzied pulse of
Manhattan's elite society served
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as the backdrop to her opulent
lifestyle, a whirlwind of
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sparkling soirees and secretive
rendezvous with a listers like
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Elton John and Whoopi Goldberg.
As she navigated this world, her
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presence was as vibrant as a
live wire, drawing in Seymour
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Stein, the legendary music
industry giant who became
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entangled in her orbit.
The echoes of punk anthems by
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the Ramones, a band they managed
together, resounded through
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their shared history.
Even after their divorce was
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finalized.
An unbreakable bond tethered
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them together, symbolized by
their two daughters and a legacy
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steeped in music and real
estate.
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But Linda's life was not without
its struggles.
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She battled breast cancer and
turned to self medication as a
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coping mechanism, developing
dependencies on marijuana and
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alcohol.
In 2007, at 62 years old, she
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faced yet another challenge, an
inoperable brain tumor that
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caused drastic changes in her
behavior.
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Despite these obstacles, Linda
fought on with determination and
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optimism until her passing.
The news of the New York icons
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gruesome death did not shock
acquaintances.
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Linda was known for ruffling
feathers and it seemed she had
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finally crossed paths with a
fatal adversary.
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Mandy, who resided in sunny Los
Angeles, had been on a brief
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visit to her mother's luxurious
penthouse on 5th Ave.
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Upon returning from an evening
out, Mandy made a chilling
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discovery, her mother lying
lifeless on the living room
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floor.
Panic stricken, she frantically
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called 911 while pleading for
help from anyone in the
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building.
In her state of distress, Mandy
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had to pass off the phone.
During the call, Linda was found
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with a hoodie covering her head,
drenched in blood.
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The coroner determined that she
had sustained over 20 blows to
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the head from a blunt metal
object, resulting in five
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lacerations.
Adding to the tragedy, Linda's
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years long battle with cancer
and recent medication use had
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left her frail and vulnerable.
There were no signs of struggle
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or self-defense on her hands.
The exact time of death could
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not be determined, but
investigators estimated that it
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occurred hours before Mandy's
return home.
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While a possible entry point was
discovered through an unlocked
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side door, surveillance footage
pointed to one individual with
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access to Linda's home on that
fateful day, 26 year old Natavia
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Lowry.
Like Linda, Natavia also had
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aspirations of success but took
a different path, starting as a
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temp employee after dropping out
of college.
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The year was 2007, and Natavia
had been placed in the
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challenging role of personal
assistant to Linda Stein by her
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agency.
It was a tumultuous few months
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for Natavia, as Linda's
demanding nature was not easily
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satisfied.
Her previous assistant had been
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unceremoniously fired, fueling
rumors of a payment dispute or a
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sour relationship.
Despite the difficulties,
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Natavia showed promise in her
role.
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She received compliments from
Linda herself but also
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experienced uncomfortable
moments while carrying out her
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tasks.
She was expected to run personal
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errands, accompany Linda on
walks through Central Park, and
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navigate her unpredictable mood
swings.
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On the 30th at 11:56 AM, Natavia
was seen entering the building
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with a large Manila envelope.
She passed construction workers
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inside and waited to enter the
living room where Linda was
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located.
Unfortunately, this area was not
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under surveillance.
The footage reveals that Natavia
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spent over an hour with Linda
before leaving at 1:19 PM.
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The timing of Natavia's visit
raised suspicion, especially
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when she exited the building
carrying two bags, one red and
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one green.
Upon closer examination of the
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footage, investigators noticed
that the red bag seemed heavy,
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as if it contained a weighty
object from within the building.
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The murder weapon, believed to
be a blunt metal object, was
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never found by authorities.
Equally puzzling was the state
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of Natavia's trousers while
entering the building at noon.
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Her cargo pants had visible
pockets, however, as she left,
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they appeared to be inside out.
Could this have been an attempt
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to conceal any potential blood
spatter on her clothing?
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Despite the chaotic crime scene,
there is no evidence of blood on
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Natavia in the footage.
Could she have been successful
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in hiding any stains by turning
her trousers inside out?
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This lack of physical evidence
on their prime suspect, despite
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significant evidence at the
crime scene, was just one
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inconsistency among many.
Linda's daughter Samantha
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initially told authorities that
she had last spoken to her
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mother at 2:00 PM on the day of
her death.
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This called into question the
timeline presented by the
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surveillance footage, which
showed Natavia leaving well
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before that time.
Hours after Natavia's departure,
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she dutifully carried out
Linda's mundane tasks while
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fielding calls from clients and
family members.
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One call in particular caught
her attention from her
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ex-husband, Seymour.
She also managed to squeeze in a
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lunch date with a friend before
leaving a message for Linda.
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Like everyone else close to
Linda, Natavia immediately
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contacted the police upon
learning of her murder.
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But as more information came to
light and surveillance footage
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was analyzed, detectives became
increasingly suspicious of the
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assistant.
They finally had their chance to
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interrogate her when Natavia
called to report pesky reporters
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camped outside her home.
Reluctantly, she was escorted to
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the Police Department, where
Detective Antonio Rivera and his
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partner eagerly began
questioning her.
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At first, Natavia stuck to her
story, a regular work day that
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ended with a grisly discovery.
But under intense pressure from
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the detectives, she eventually
cracked.
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Her seemingly innocent facade
began to crumble as they
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uncovered her past criminal
activities, using a friend's
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identity for personal gain and
siphoning thousands of dollars
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from Linda's accounts during her
short time working for the
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realtor, It seemed possible that
Natavia was caught red handed by
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Linda and things turned violent.
Or perhaps she had planned the
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attack to prevent getting caught
for embezzlement.
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Initially, Natavia claimed that
a masked man entered Linda's
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apartment while she was there
and killed her, but as
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investigators pushed for more
details, her story grew more
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improbable.
Of course, this all unfolded
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during an unrecorded
interrogation.
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However, once it seemed like a
confession might be on the
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horizon, everything changed.
After 12 hours of grueling
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questioning, Natavia began to
describe how Linda had been
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behaving on the day of the
murder, angry, cursing, and
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wielding what she called a yoga
stick.
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She went on to detail how Linda
constantly berated and belittled
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her, even blowing marijuana
smoke in her face and hurling
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racial slurs.
Natavia reached her breaking
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point upon hearing this comment.
It was the final straw, the
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tipping point that pushed her
over the edge.
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She couldn't take it anymore.
Linda's constant mistreatment of
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her assistant was too much.
Mattia claimed to have no
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recollection of her actions due
to a blackout triggered by
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Linda's relentless verbal abuse
and denial of breaks.
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Yet, Natavia also mentioned that
their previous working
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relationship had been positive,
but now she confided in her
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interrogators that Linda was
regularly inappropriate and even
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used racist language at times.
This statement would later be
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fiercely contested by those who
knew Linda well.
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Regardless, Natavia Lowery was
arrested and charged with Linda
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Stein's murder.
She pleaded not guilty and
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eventually recanted her
confession, revealing that she
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had been coerced by the
detectives who refused to let
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her speak to her lawyer or
mother.
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According to Natavia's aunt,
Julia Caro, they even lied about
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contacting her lawyer.
Her defense argued that the
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statements were forced out of
desperation for an escape from
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the interrogation room.
However, physical evidence
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corroborated Natavia's
confession that Linda died from
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a blow to the head.
The rest of Natavia's details
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were more uncertain, especially
since there was no trace of DNA
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on her clothing or in her home.
The supposed murder weapon, a
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yoga stick, was never found, and
its definition was unclear as
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well.
Some speculated it may have been
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a Pilates bar or something else
entirely.
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Linda's own private yoga
instructor attested to never
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having heard of a yoga stick and
confirmed that Linda only had
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small dumbbells for exercise
equipment in her expensive
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apartment.
As Natavia's trial loomed
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closer, questions arose about
the weapon used for the murder.
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The NYPD clarified that they
never explicitly stated it was a
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yoga stick, but rather Natavia
told them it was during her
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confession.
Yet it could have been something
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else entirely.
Another point of contention was
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Natavia's claim that Linda had
made racist remarks towards her,
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which many close to Linda
vehemently denied, citing her
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illness and medications as a
possible 'cause for erratic
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behavior.
And they also didn't believe
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Natavia's allegation that Linda
blew marijuana smoke in her
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face.
It seemed like a desperate
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attempt to pin the blame on her
boss.
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Linda's friends praised her for
her discreteness when it came to
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smoking.
She always made sure to leave
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the room or open a window, never
wanting to impose on others with
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her habit.
And their claims were proven
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correct by the autopsy report,
which showed no trace of
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marijuana in her system.
It was impossible for Natavia to
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have caught a whiff of it that
afternoon.
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But despite this vindication,
the assistance account of the
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attack seemed to downplay the
severity.
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Linda had been struck far more
than just six times.
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If Natavia truly acted out of
provocation, it certainly didn't
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happen in the way she claimed.
During the trial.
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Natavia also faced charges of
theft for embezzling money from
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her boss over several months,
and with no real defense, this
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only added to her motive for
murder.
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Her new lawyer, Ron Cubie,
argued that her confession was
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coerced by police and should not
be taken as truth.
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He even suggested that Linda's
own daughter, Mandy may have had
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a financial motive to kill her
mother.
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Their relationship was strained
and Mandy was financially
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dependent on Linda.
The absence of the murder weapon
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also raised doubts, especially
since there was no such thing as
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a yoga stick as described by the
prosecution.
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Yet despite these doubts,
Natavia Lowery was convicted of
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second degree murder and
received a 27 year to life
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sentence.
She maintains her innocence and
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is currently incarcerated at
Bedford Hills Correctional
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Facility.
But throughout the media frenzy
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surrounding this case, one thing
remained clear.
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Linda Stein was beloved by many.
Even celebrities like Sir Elton
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00:13:27,360 --> 00:13:30,720
John and Madonna mourned her
passing with statements of
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00:13:30,720 --> 00:13:34,720
grief, and those who knew her
will always remember her as a
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00:13:34,720 --> 00:13:38,840
vibrant force of nature with an
insatiable love for life and
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00:13:38,840 --> 00:13:42,560
music.
Thank you for tuning into No
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00:13:42,560 --> 00:13:45,560
Tears for Black Girls.
This series is skillfully
226
00:13:45,560 --> 00:13:49,360
crafted by acclaimed writer and
producer Jon Reedberg with the
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00:13:49,360 --> 00:13:52,320
guidance of unapologetic host
Samantha Paul.
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00:13:52,840 --> 00:13:56,280
Catch new episodes every Tuesday
and Thursday on all major
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00:13:56,280 --> 00:14:00,040
podcast platforms.
You can listen anywhere, anytime
230
00:14:00,720 --> 00:14:03,560
and if you truly enjoy our
content, please leave a five
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00:14:03,560 --> 00:14:07,640
star rating and positive review.
Remember to stay loved, stay
232
00:14:07,640 --> 00:14:09,320
blessed, and stay safe.
00:00:01,640 --> 00:00:04,920
Welcome back to another gripping
episode of No Tears for Black
2
00:00:04,920 --> 00:00:07,640
Girls.
I'm your host, Samantha Paul,
3
00:00:08,119 --> 00:00:12,040
and today we'll delve into the
sensational and tragic story of
4
00:00:12,040 --> 00:00:15,800
Linda Stein, a prominent New
York real estate mogul with deep
5
00:00:15,800 --> 00:00:19,360
ties to the music industry.
Known for her dynamic
6
00:00:19,360 --> 00:00:22,320
personality and elite
connections, Linda's life was a
7
00:00:22,320 --> 00:00:25,960
whirlwind of glamour and
challenges, including battles
8
00:00:25,960 --> 00:00:31,440
with cancer and addiction.
In 2007, her life came to a
9
00:00:31,440 --> 00:00:34,720
horrifying end when she was
found brutally murdered in her
10
00:00:34,720 --> 00:00:38,280
5th Ave. penthouse.
The prime suspect?
11
00:00:38,760 --> 00:00:42,240
Her 26 year old personal
assistant Natavia Lowery.
12
00:00:43,320 --> 00:00:46,720
What followed was a complex and
controversial investigation,
13
00:00:47,080 --> 00:00:49,920
producing allegations of
embezzlement, coerced
14
00:00:49,920 --> 00:00:52,880
confessions, and claims of
workplace abuse.
15
00:00:54,240 --> 00:00:57,400
Join me as we unravel the
intricate details of the case,
16
00:00:57,720 --> 00:01:01,240
scrutinize the evidence, and
question the motives behind this
17
00:01:01,240 --> 00:01:05,120
devastating crime.
This is the story of Linda Stein
18
00:01:05,120 --> 00:01:08,960
and Natavia Lowery, an episode
filled with mystery, drama, and
19
00:01:08,960 --> 00:01:11,760
heartbreaking consequences.
Let's dive in.
20
00:01:13,080 --> 00:01:16,800
In the pulsating heart of New
York City, skyscrapers tore at
21
00:01:16,800 --> 00:01:21,040
the clouds, and the unrelenting
thrum of existence reverberated
22
00:01:21,040 --> 00:01:24,720
in every crevice.
Linda Stein ruled over this
23
00:01:24,720 --> 00:01:28,960
domain with a sharp tongue and
an unwavering determination.
24
00:01:29,840 --> 00:01:33,480
The frenzied pulse of
Manhattan's elite society served
25
00:01:33,480 --> 00:01:37,160
as the backdrop to her opulent
lifestyle, a whirlwind of
26
00:01:37,160 --> 00:01:41,280
sparkling soirees and secretive
rendezvous with a listers like
27
00:01:41,280 --> 00:01:46,280
Elton John and Whoopi Goldberg.
As she navigated this world, her
28
00:01:46,280 --> 00:01:49,880
presence was as vibrant as a
live wire, drawing in Seymour
29
00:01:49,880 --> 00:01:53,480
Stein, the legendary music
industry giant who became
30
00:01:53,480 --> 00:01:57,400
entangled in her orbit.
The echoes of punk anthems by
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00:01:57,400 --> 00:02:00,920
the Ramones, a band they managed
together, resounded through
32
00:02:00,920 --> 00:02:04,600
their shared history.
Even after their divorce was
33
00:02:04,600 --> 00:02:07,200
finalized.
An unbreakable bond tethered
34
00:02:07,200 --> 00:02:10,919
them together, symbolized by
their two daughters and a legacy
35
00:02:10,919 --> 00:02:12,680
steeped in music and real
estate.
36
00:02:14,440 --> 00:02:16,880
But Linda's life was not without
its struggles.
37
00:02:17,280 --> 00:02:20,640
She battled breast cancer and
turned to self medication as a
38
00:02:20,640 --> 00:02:24,440
coping mechanism, developing
dependencies on marijuana and
39
00:02:24,440 --> 00:02:29,680
alcohol.
In 2007, at 62 years old, she
40
00:02:29,680 --> 00:02:33,960
faced yet another challenge, an
inoperable brain tumor that
41
00:02:33,960 --> 00:02:36,400
caused drastic changes in her
behavior.
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00:02:37,200 --> 00:02:40,880
Despite these obstacles, Linda
fought on with determination and
43
00:02:40,880 --> 00:02:46,280
optimism until her passing.
The news of the New York icons
44
00:02:46,280 --> 00:02:49,120
gruesome death did not shock
acquaintances.
45
00:02:49,680 --> 00:02:52,920
Linda was known for ruffling
feathers and it seemed she had
46
00:02:52,920 --> 00:02:55,480
finally crossed paths with a
fatal adversary.
47
00:02:56,840 --> 00:03:00,840
Mandy, who resided in sunny Los
Angeles, had been on a brief
48
00:03:00,840 --> 00:03:04,120
visit to her mother's luxurious
penthouse on 5th Ave.
49
00:03:05,160 --> 00:03:08,560
Upon returning from an evening
out, Mandy made a chilling
50
00:03:08,560 --> 00:03:12,000
discovery, her mother lying
lifeless on the living room
51
00:03:12,000 --> 00:03:15,560
floor.
Panic stricken, she frantically
52
00:03:15,560 --> 00:03:18,800
called 911 while pleading for
help from anyone in the
53
00:03:18,800 --> 00:03:22,080
building.
In her state of distress, Mandy
54
00:03:22,080 --> 00:03:26,160
had to pass off the phone.
During the call, Linda was found
55
00:03:26,160 --> 00:03:28,880
with a hoodie covering her head,
drenched in blood.
56
00:03:29,600 --> 00:03:32,520
The coroner determined that she
had sustained over 20 blows to
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00:03:32,520 --> 00:03:36,040
the head from a blunt metal
object, resulting in five
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00:03:36,040 --> 00:03:40,120
lacerations.
Adding to the tragedy, Linda's
59
00:03:40,120 --> 00:03:43,800
years long battle with cancer
and recent medication use had
60
00:03:43,800 --> 00:03:47,880
left her frail and vulnerable.
There were no signs of struggle
61
00:03:47,880 --> 00:03:51,600
or self-defense on her hands.
The exact time of death could
62
00:03:51,600 --> 00:03:55,400
not be determined, but
investigators estimated that it
63
00:03:55,400 --> 00:03:58,080
occurred hours before Mandy's
return home.
64
00:03:59,400 --> 00:04:02,280
While a possible entry point was
discovered through an unlocked
65
00:04:02,280 --> 00:04:06,240
side door, surveillance footage
pointed to one individual with
66
00:04:06,240 --> 00:04:10,840
access to Linda's home on that
fateful day, 26 year old Natavia
67
00:04:10,840 --> 00:04:14,720
Lowry.
Like Linda, Natavia also had
68
00:04:14,720 --> 00:04:18,560
aspirations of success but took
a different path, starting as a
69
00:04:18,560 --> 00:04:21,279
temp employee after dropping out
of college.
70
00:04:22,200 --> 00:04:25,960
The year was 2007, and Natavia
had been placed in the
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00:04:25,960 --> 00:04:29,640
challenging role of personal
assistant to Linda Stein by her
72
00:04:29,640 --> 00:04:32,640
agency.
It was a tumultuous few months
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00:04:32,640 --> 00:04:36,040
for Natavia, as Linda's
demanding nature was not easily
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00:04:36,040 --> 00:04:38,800
satisfied.
Her previous assistant had been
75
00:04:38,800 --> 00:04:43,000
unceremoniously fired, fueling
rumors of a payment dispute or a
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00:04:43,000 --> 00:04:46,040
sour relationship.
Despite the difficulties,
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00:04:46,160 --> 00:04:48,120
Natavia showed promise in her
role.
78
00:04:48,840 --> 00:04:52,160
She received compliments from
Linda herself but also
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00:04:52,160 --> 00:04:54,920
experienced uncomfortable
moments while carrying out her
80
00:04:54,920 --> 00:04:58,600
tasks.
She was expected to run personal
81
00:04:58,600 --> 00:05:02,160
errands, accompany Linda on
walks through Central Park, and
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00:05:02,160 --> 00:05:04,480
navigate her unpredictable mood
swings.
83
00:05:05,280 --> 00:05:09,920
On the 30th at 11:56 AM, Natavia
was seen entering the building
84
00:05:09,920 --> 00:05:13,720
with a large Manila envelope.
She passed construction workers
85
00:05:13,720 --> 00:05:16,240
inside and waited to enter the
living room where Linda was
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00:05:16,240 --> 00:05:20,320
located.
Unfortunately, this area was not
87
00:05:20,320 --> 00:05:24,000
under surveillance.
The footage reveals that Natavia
88
00:05:24,000 --> 00:05:27,480
spent over an hour with Linda
before leaving at 1:19 PM.
89
00:05:28,760 --> 00:05:32,600
The timing of Natavia's visit
raised suspicion, especially
90
00:05:32,600 --> 00:05:36,560
when she exited the building
carrying two bags, one red and
91
00:05:36,560 --> 00:05:40,040
one green.
Upon closer examination of the
92
00:05:40,040 --> 00:05:43,680
footage, investigators noticed
that the red bag seemed heavy,
93
00:05:43,960 --> 00:05:46,920
as if it contained a weighty
object from within the building.
94
00:05:47,960 --> 00:05:51,400
The murder weapon, believed to
be a blunt metal object, was
95
00:05:51,400 --> 00:05:55,600
never found by authorities.
Equally puzzling was the state
96
00:05:55,600 --> 00:05:59,640
of Natavia's trousers while
entering the building at noon.
97
00:05:59,960 --> 00:06:04,280
Her cargo pants had visible
pockets, however, as she left,
98
00:06:04,400 --> 00:06:08,160
they appeared to be inside out.
Could this have been an attempt
99
00:06:08,160 --> 00:06:11,120
to conceal any potential blood
spatter on her clothing?
100
00:06:12,280 --> 00:06:15,800
Despite the chaotic crime scene,
there is no evidence of blood on
101
00:06:15,800 --> 00:06:19,040
Natavia in the footage.
Could she have been successful
102
00:06:19,040 --> 00:06:21,840
in hiding any stains by turning
her trousers inside out?
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00:06:22,720 --> 00:06:26,560
This lack of physical evidence
on their prime suspect, despite
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00:06:26,560 --> 00:06:29,920
significant evidence at the
crime scene, was just one
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00:06:29,920 --> 00:06:34,720
inconsistency among many.
Linda's daughter Samantha
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00:06:35,160 --> 00:06:38,280
initially told authorities that
she had last spoken to her
107
00:06:38,280 --> 00:06:40,920
mother at 2:00 PM on the day of
her death.
108
00:06:42,360 --> 00:06:44,880
This called into question the
timeline presented by the
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00:06:44,880 --> 00:06:47,960
surveillance footage, which
showed Natavia leaving well
110
00:06:47,960 --> 00:06:51,840
before that time.
Hours after Natavia's departure,
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00:06:52,160 --> 00:06:55,320
she dutifully carried out
Linda's mundane tasks while
112
00:06:55,320 --> 00:06:57,760
fielding calls from clients and
family members.
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00:06:58,640 --> 00:07:01,560
One call in particular caught
her attention from her
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00:07:01,560 --> 00:07:04,880
ex-husband, Seymour.
She also managed to squeeze in a
115
00:07:04,880 --> 00:07:07,640
lunch date with a friend before
leaving a message for Linda.
116
00:07:09,160 --> 00:07:12,320
Like everyone else close to
Linda, Natavia immediately
117
00:07:12,320 --> 00:07:14,680
contacted the police upon
learning of her murder.
118
00:07:15,400 --> 00:07:18,640
But as more information came to
light and surveillance footage
119
00:07:18,640 --> 00:07:22,440
was analyzed, detectives became
increasingly suspicious of the
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00:07:22,440 --> 00:07:25,080
assistant.
They finally had their chance to
121
00:07:25,080 --> 00:07:28,760
interrogate her when Natavia
called to report pesky reporters
122
00:07:28,760 --> 00:07:33,000
camped outside her home.
Reluctantly, she was escorted to
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00:07:33,000 --> 00:07:36,440
the Police Department, where
Detective Antonio Rivera and his
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00:07:36,440 --> 00:07:38,640
partner eagerly began
questioning her.
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00:07:39,480 --> 00:07:43,600
At first, Natavia stuck to her
story, a regular work day that
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00:07:43,600 --> 00:07:47,160
ended with a grisly discovery.
But under intense pressure from
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00:07:47,160 --> 00:07:49,520
the detectives, she eventually
cracked.
128
00:07:50,280 --> 00:07:53,360
Her seemingly innocent facade
began to crumble as they
129
00:07:53,360 --> 00:07:56,800
uncovered her past criminal
activities, using a friend's
130
00:07:56,800 --> 00:08:00,640
identity for personal gain and
siphoning thousands of dollars
131
00:08:00,640 --> 00:08:03,280
from Linda's accounts during her
short time working for the
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00:08:03,280 --> 00:08:08,800
realtor, It seemed possible that
Natavia was caught red handed by
133
00:08:08,800 --> 00:08:12,840
Linda and things turned violent.
Or perhaps she had planned the
134
00:08:12,840 --> 00:08:15,280
attack to prevent getting caught
for embezzlement.
135
00:08:16,000 --> 00:08:19,840
Initially, Natavia claimed that
a masked man entered Linda's
136
00:08:19,840 --> 00:08:22,840
apartment while she was there
and killed her, but as
137
00:08:22,840 --> 00:08:26,480
investigators pushed for more
details, her story grew more
138
00:08:26,480 --> 00:08:30,120
improbable.
Of course, this all unfolded
139
00:08:30,120 --> 00:08:32,159
during an unrecorded
interrogation.
140
00:08:32,799 --> 00:08:35,760
However, once it seemed like a
confession might be on the
141
00:08:35,760 --> 00:08:41,640
horizon, everything changed.
After 12 hours of grueling
142
00:08:41,640 --> 00:08:44,720
questioning, Natavia began to
describe how Linda had been
143
00:08:44,720 --> 00:08:48,840
behaving on the day of the
murder, angry, cursing, and
144
00:08:48,840 --> 00:08:50,840
wielding what she called a yoga
stick.
145
00:08:52,000 --> 00:08:55,680
She went on to detail how Linda
constantly berated and belittled
146
00:08:55,680 --> 00:08:59,080
her, even blowing marijuana
smoke in her face and hurling
147
00:08:59,080 --> 00:09:02,120
racial slurs.
Natavia reached her breaking
148
00:09:02,120 --> 00:09:05,960
point upon hearing this comment.
It was the final straw, the
149
00:09:05,960 --> 00:09:08,120
tipping point that pushed her
over the edge.
150
00:09:08,760 --> 00:09:12,320
She couldn't take it anymore.
Linda's constant mistreatment of
151
00:09:12,320 --> 00:09:15,720
her assistant was too much.
Mattia claimed to have no
152
00:09:15,720 --> 00:09:19,040
recollection of her actions due
to a blackout triggered by
153
00:09:19,040 --> 00:09:22,560
Linda's relentless verbal abuse
and denial of breaks.
154
00:09:23,240 --> 00:09:26,240
Yet, Natavia also mentioned that
their previous working
155
00:09:26,240 --> 00:09:31,320
relationship had been positive,
but now she confided in her
156
00:09:31,320 --> 00:09:35,960
interrogators that Linda was
regularly inappropriate and even
157
00:09:35,960 --> 00:09:40,720
used racist language at times.
This statement would later be
158
00:09:40,720 --> 00:09:44,160
fiercely contested by those who
knew Linda well.
159
00:09:45,080 --> 00:09:49,760
Regardless, Natavia Lowery was
arrested and charged with Linda
160
00:09:49,760 --> 00:09:53,440
Stein's murder.
She pleaded not guilty and
161
00:09:53,440 --> 00:09:56,840
eventually recanted her
confession, revealing that she
162
00:09:56,840 --> 00:10:00,080
had been coerced by the
detectives who refused to let
163
00:10:00,080 --> 00:10:01,760
her speak to her lawyer or
mother.
164
00:10:02,160 --> 00:10:06,600
According to Natavia's aunt,
Julia Caro, they even lied about
165
00:10:06,600 --> 00:10:10,080
contacting her lawyer.
Her defense argued that the
166
00:10:10,080 --> 00:10:13,520
statements were forced out of
desperation for an escape from
167
00:10:13,520 --> 00:10:17,160
the interrogation room.
However, physical evidence
168
00:10:17,160 --> 00:10:20,520
corroborated Natavia's
confession that Linda died from
169
00:10:20,520 --> 00:10:24,480
a blow to the head.
The rest of Natavia's details
170
00:10:24,480 --> 00:10:28,200
were more uncertain, especially
since there was no trace of DNA
171
00:10:28,200 --> 00:10:33,000
on her clothing or in her home.
The supposed murder weapon, a
172
00:10:33,000 --> 00:10:37,200
yoga stick, was never found, and
its definition was unclear as
173
00:10:37,200 --> 00:10:39,680
well.
Some speculated it may have been
174
00:10:39,680 --> 00:10:42,000
a Pilates bar or something else
entirely.
175
00:10:43,000 --> 00:10:45,720
Linda's own private yoga
instructor attested to never
176
00:10:45,720 --> 00:10:49,040
having heard of a yoga stick and
confirmed that Linda only had
177
00:10:49,040 --> 00:10:52,000
small dumbbells for exercise
equipment in her expensive
178
00:10:52,000 --> 00:10:55,240
apartment.
As Natavia's trial loomed
179
00:10:55,240 --> 00:10:58,960
closer, questions arose about
the weapon used for the murder.
180
00:10:59,520 --> 00:11:03,400
The NYPD clarified that they
never explicitly stated it was a
181
00:11:03,400 --> 00:11:07,680
yoga stick, but rather Natavia
told them it was during her
182
00:11:07,680 --> 00:11:10,640
confession.
Yet it could have been something
183
00:11:10,640 --> 00:11:14,800
else entirely.
Another point of contention was
184
00:11:14,800 --> 00:11:19,040
Natavia's claim that Linda had
made racist remarks towards her,
185
00:11:19,320 --> 00:11:23,480
which many close to Linda
vehemently denied, citing her
186
00:11:23,480 --> 00:11:27,200
illness and medications as a
possible 'cause for erratic
187
00:11:27,200 --> 00:11:29,760
behavior.
And they also didn't believe
188
00:11:29,920 --> 00:11:33,840
Natavia's allegation that Linda
blew marijuana smoke in her
189
00:11:33,840 --> 00:11:36,200
face.
It seemed like a desperate
190
00:11:36,200 --> 00:11:38,640
attempt to pin the blame on her
boss.
191
00:11:39,360 --> 00:11:42,320
Linda's friends praised her for
her discreteness when it came to
192
00:11:42,320 --> 00:11:44,800
smoking.
She always made sure to leave
193
00:11:44,800 --> 00:11:48,800
the room or open a window, never
wanting to impose on others with
194
00:11:48,800 --> 00:11:51,480
her habit.
And their claims were proven
195
00:11:51,480 --> 00:11:55,000
correct by the autopsy report,
which showed no trace of
196
00:11:55,000 --> 00:11:59,120
marijuana in her system.
It was impossible for Natavia to
197
00:11:59,120 --> 00:12:01,000
have caught a whiff of it that
afternoon.
198
00:12:01,920 --> 00:12:05,040
But despite this vindication,
the assistance account of the
199
00:12:05,040 --> 00:12:07,760
attack seemed to downplay the
severity.
200
00:12:08,960 --> 00:12:12,760
Linda had been struck far more
than just six times.
201
00:12:13,320 --> 00:12:17,200
If Natavia truly acted out of
provocation, it certainly didn't
202
00:12:17,200 --> 00:12:20,640
happen in the way she claimed.
During the trial.
203
00:12:21,120 --> 00:12:25,200
Natavia also faced charges of
theft for embezzling money from
204
00:12:25,200 --> 00:12:29,400
her boss over several months,
and with no real defense, this
205
00:12:29,400 --> 00:12:31,360
only added to her motive for
murder.
206
00:12:32,720 --> 00:12:36,480
Her new lawyer, Ron Cubie,
argued that her confession was
207
00:12:36,480 --> 00:12:39,560
coerced by police and should not
be taken as truth.
208
00:12:40,360 --> 00:12:43,920
He even suggested that Linda's
own daughter, Mandy may have had
209
00:12:43,920 --> 00:12:45,960
a financial motive to kill her
mother.
210
00:12:46,840 --> 00:12:49,760
Their relationship was strained
and Mandy was financially
211
00:12:49,760 --> 00:12:53,360
dependent on Linda.
The absence of the murder weapon
212
00:12:53,360 --> 00:12:56,800
also raised doubts, especially
since there was no such thing as
213
00:12:56,800 --> 00:12:59,680
a yoga stick as described by the
prosecution.
214
00:13:00,560 --> 00:13:04,080
Yet despite these doubts,
Natavia Lowery was convicted of
215
00:13:04,080 --> 00:13:07,560
second degree murder and
received a 27 year to life
216
00:13:07,560 --> 00:13:11,760
sentence.
She maintains her innocence and
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is currently incarcerated at
Bedford Hills Correctional
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Facility.
But throughout the media frenzy
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surrounding this case, one thing
remained clear.
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00:13:21,960 --> 00:13:27,360
Linda Stein was beloved by many.
Even celebrities like Sir Elton
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00:13:27,360 --> 00:13:30,720
John and Madonna mourned her
passing with statements of
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00:13:30,720 --> 00:13:34,720
grief, and those who knew her
will always remember her as a
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00:13:34,720 --> 00:13:38,840
vibrant force of nature with an
insatiable love for life and
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00:13:38,840 --> 00:13:42,560
music.
Thank you for tuning into No
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00:13:42,560 --> 00:13:45,560
Tears for Black Girls.
This series is skillfully
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00:13:45,560 --> 00:13:49,360
crafted by acclaimed writer and
producer Jon Reedberg with the
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00:13:49,360 --> 00:13:52,320
guidance of unapologetic host
Samantha Paul.
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Catch new episodes every Tuesday
and Thursday on all major
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00:13:56,280 --> 00:14:00,040
podcast platforms.
You can listen anywhere, anytime
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00:14:00,720 --> 00:14:03,560
and if you truly enjoy our
content, please leave a five
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00:14:03,560 --> 00:14:07,640
star rating and positive review.
Remember to stay loved, stay
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blessed, and stay safe.
