Overview
This episode details the long investigation and eventual conviction of Paul Curry for the 1994 murder of his wife Linda Curry through nicotine poisoning, exploring motives, evidence challenges, and the persistence of her friends and law enforcement over two decades.
Background and Early Relationship
- Linda Curry was a successful, sociable career woman who married Paul Curry in 1992.
- Paul Curry was known as highly intelligent, having won on Jeopardy, but had a secretive background including hidden ex-wives and children.
- Curry requested a $1 million life insurance policy on Linda shortly after marriage, raising suspicions among friends.
Suspicious Illnesses and Hospitalizations
- Linda suffered mysterious illnesses starting in 1993, with symptoms worsening over time and requiring hospitalization.
- Strange incidents with IV bags and unexplained presence of lidocaine led hospital staff and police to suspect poisoning.
- Despite clear warning signs and advice from friends to leave Curry, Linda stayed loyal to him.
Investigation and Evidence
- Multiple police investigations occurred after Linda’s hospitalizations, but no direct evidence initially tied Curry to attempted poisonings.
- Linda was interviewed by detectives and expressed both suspicion and unwavering love for Curry.
- Curry maintained a caring appearance while continuing to benefit financially from Linda's illness and death.
Linda’s Death and Immediate Aftermath
- Linda died on June 9, 1994, from catastrophic nicotine poisoning, with a syringe mark found behind her ear and toxic levels of Ambien in her system.
- Curry inherited nearly half a million dollars after her death, but the lack of direct evidence prevented immediate charges.
Renewed Investigation and Forensic Breakthrough
- Years later, the case was revived by cold case investigators who reviewed old recordings and conducted fresh interviews.
- Nicotine expert Dr. Neil Benowitz confirmed the lethal levels and injection method as the only plausible cause of death.
- Prosecutors determined Curry had exclusive opportunity and strong financial motive.
Arrest and Trial
- Curry was eventually tracked down and arrested in 2010 after being tricked into an interrogation by detectives posing as local officers.
- At trial, the defense argued a lack of direct evidence and suggested alternate explanations for nicotine presence.
- Prosecutors emphasized opportunity, motive, and the pattern of deception and financial gain.
Verdict and Resolution
- The jury found Paul Curry guilty of first-degree murder for financial gain in 2014, bringing closure to Linda’s friends and family after 20 years.
Decisions
- Charge Paul Curry with first-degree murder for financial gain.
- Jury finds Paul Curry guilty of murder.
Action Items
- TBD – Prosecutor/DA: Proceed with sentencing and ensure enforcement of life sentence without parole for Paul Curry.