Famous Life Insurance Fraud Cases with Convictions: A Look into the Dark Side of Life Insurance
Life insurance fraud has been a significant issue in the legal world, with some cases involving extraordinary plots and extensive criminal activity. Below are some infamous life insurance fraud cases where the perpetrators were caught, convicted, and sentenced for their crimes.
1. Jose Lantigua
Case Overview: Jose Lantigua, a Florida businessman, staged his death in Venezuela in 2013, claiming he had died of mad cow disease. He successfully obtained $9 million in life insurance benefits. However, his plan unraveled when he attempted to apply for a passport under a false name in 2015.
Conviction: Lantigua was arrested and pleaded guilty to bank fraud and conspiracy. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
2. Tina Caronna
Case Overview: Tina Caronna was murdered by her husband, Joe Caronna, in 2008. He attempted to collect $1 million in life insurance benefits. However, his mistress testified against him, leading to his arrest.
Conviction: Joe Caronna pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
3. Michael Marin
Case Overview: Michael Marin set fire to his mansion in Arizona in 2009 after failing to pay his mortgage. He claimed to have escaped using a scuba tank and a breathing apparatus, but investigators determined the fire was set intentionally.
Conviction: Marin was convicted of arson and faced up to 16 years in prison. However, upon hearing the verdict in court, he committed suicide by swallowing cyanide pills.
4. Clayton and Molly Daniels
Case Overview: Clayton Daniels staged his own death in a car crash in Texas in 2004, intending to collect $110,000 in life insurance. His wife, Molly Daniels, assisted in the fraudulent scheme by helping to identify a burned body as Clayton’s. They were caught when Clayton was later spotted working at a fast-food restaurant.
Conviction: Both were convicted of insurance fraud and tampering with evidence. Clayton was sentenced to six years, and Molly received seven years in prison.
5. Diane McIver
Case Overview: Diane McIver was shot and killed by her husband, Tex McIver, while riding in their SUV in Georgia in 2016. Tex claimed it was an accident, but prosecutors argued that he killed her for her $7 million estate and $1 million life insurance policy.
Conviction: Tex McIver was convicted of felony murder and sentenced to life in prison for killing his wife.
6. Rudy Kurniawan
Case Overview: Rudy Kurniawan, an Indonesian wine collector, faked his own death in 2003 and collected $2.5 million in life insurance benefits. He later resurfaced in the U.S. under a different identity and became infamous for selling counterfeit rare wines.
Conviction: Kurniawan was arrested in 2012, convicted of mail fraud and wire fraud, and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was also ordered to pay $28.4 million in restitution.
7. Molly Martens Corbett
Case Overview: Molly Martens Corbett and her father, Thomas Martens, beat Molly’s husband, Jason Corbett, to death in 2015 with a baseball bat and a brick. They claimed self-defense, but prosecutors argued they killed him for his $600,000 life insurance policy.
Conviction: Both Molly and Thomas Martens were convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20-25 years in prison.
8. Brenda Andrew
Case Overview: Brenda Andrew and her lover, James Pavatt, conspired to kill her husband, Rob Andrew, in 2001 and staged it as a home invasion. They planned to collect $800,000 in life insurance.
Conviction: Both were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. They were arrested after fleeing to Mexico.
9. Helen Golay and Olga Rutterschmidt
Case Overview: Helen Golay and Olga Rutterschmidt, two elderly women from Los Angeles, befriended homeless men and took out life insurance policies on them. They killed the men by running them over with their cars and collected over $2.8 million in life insurance payouts.
Conviction: They were convicted of murder and conspiracy, and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
10. Michele Williams
Case Overview: Michele Williams shot her husband, Greg Williams, in 2011 and initially claimed he committed suicide. She later changed her story, saying he was killed by an intruder. She tried to collect his $800,000 life insurance policy.
Conviction: Williams was arrested after forensic evidence contradicted her statements. She pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence and deadly conduct, receiving an 18-year prison sentence.
11. Rakesh Bhayani and Nicholas Kutner
Case Overview: Rakesh Bhayani and Nicholas Kutner murdered wealthy businesswoman Carole Waugh in 2012, hid her body in a car trunk, and drained her bank accounts. They also attempted to claim her £4.3 million life insurance policy.
Conviction: Both men were convicted of murder and fraud and were sentenced to life in prison.
How Our Life Insurance Lawyers Can Help
Life insurance fraud cases, particularly those involving murder or elaborate scams, can result in severe criminal penalties and the denial of claims. If you find yourself involved in a complex life insurance claim, whether due to suspected fraud or homicide, our experienced attorneys can provide crucial support:
Investigating Fraudulent Claims: We will work to uncover any fraudulent activity and provide evidence to support your claim for life insurance benefits.
Challenging Denials: If an insurer denies a claim based on fraud or other grounds, we can help you challenge the denial and fight for the benefits you are entitled to.
Representing You in Court: If necessary, we will represent you in legal proceedings, ensuring that your rights are protected and that the life insurance policy proceeds are rightfully awarded to the beneficiary.
Insurance Companies We’ve Helped Resolve Fraudulent Claims With
Our life insurance lawyers have successfully litigated cases involving major insurers, including:
MetLife
Prudential
State Farm
AIG Life
Sun Life Assurance
FAQ Section
What is life insurance fraud?
Life insurance fraud occurs when individuals provide false information to insurers or engage in schemes to collect benefits through fraudulent means, such as staging deaths or misrepresenting facts on their application.Can a life insurance claim be denied due to fraud?
Yes, if the insurer can prove that fraud occurred, such as the insured intentionally misrepresenting facts or staging a death, they can deny the claim and pursue legal action.What is the slayer rule in life insurance?
The slayer rule disqualifies anyone who is involved in the murder or wrongful death of the insured from collecting the death benefits.