NY Realtor, Linda Stein of Prudential Douglas Elliman Murdered

NY Murder Case of Linda Stein and Criminal Defense of Natavia Lowery

It’s been two years since NY realtor, Linda Stein, famous real estate broker in New York City, was bludgeoned to death in her Fifth Avenue apartment in NYC. Realtor Stein’s bizarre death has come back into news of crimes in NYC due to her assailant’s upcoming court date in October 2009.

Linda Stein was said to be obnoxious, loud, and showy. Her insolence, however, was part of her charm. Stein was a realtor for celebrities such as Bruce Willis, Madonna, Billy Joel, Angelina Jolie, Steven Spielberg, and Sting. Her home sales weren’t limited to NYC. She sold homes around the world with her highest real estate transaction at $30 million.

NY Criminal Defense Law

The criminal murder case of Linda Stein could be written for an episode of the popular television crime show, Law & Order. The NYC realtor to the rich and famous was killed by a whack in the head by her personal assistant, Natavia Lowery. Lowery admitted to the crime during a taped confession with the NYC prosecutor’s office. Maybe Lowery didn’t know that whatever you say to the police during a murder investigation is evidence that is admissible in court. I read a report today that said Lowery’s defense attorneys were having a handwriting analysis done to ensure it was Lowery that signed her confession and that it wasn’t a forgery.

The Murder Crime in NYC

On the fateful day of her death, Stein was on her telephone negotiating a real estate transaction. Lowery was with her, getting fed up with Stein blowing marijuana in her face and yelling racial slurs. According to a marijuana legalization group, marijuana possession is still a violation of New York Penal Code §220. Maybe Stein didn’t know that possession of pot is a violation and is considered a misdemeanor. Stein was known to yell racial remarks not at Lowery but in front of her. It is illegal also for an employer to speak in discriminatory tones in the workplace and a violation of civil rights.

During Lowery’s confession, she said she was fed up with Stein and snapped. She took Stein’s Pilates stick and hit her once in the back of her head, knocking her unconscious. She tried speaking to Lowery and although Stein’s eyes were closed, proceeded to assault her about five more times. Lowery said she wasn’t herself at the time of the crime.

October is right around the corner. Hopefully Lowery will work up a better criminal defense strategy with her criminal lawyer other than a handwriting analysis and claiming she wasn’t herself.