Episode 79: The Brendel Family Murder

True Crime New England

In this week's episode of True Crime New England, Katie and Liz go to Barrington, Rhode Island and share the disturbing story of the 1991 Brendel Family Murders. Ernest Brendel was a patent attorney, and he had recently lost $12,000 in a lousy investment done by his new friend, financial advisor Christopher Hightower. Angry, Ernest filed a complaint and asked for Hightower's license to be revoked. So, taking matters in his own hands, Hightower decided to murder Ernest, his wife, Alice, and their 8-year-old daughter, Emily. He then stole money from the family, forged a letter asking for the complaint to be withdrawn, and also went as far as fabricating an elaborate story involving drug money and the mob. In the end, Hightower's crimes were uncovered and he received three life sentences in prison, where he remains to this day.

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