In May 2014, Dr. Steven Schwartz, a 74-year-old kidney specialist, was found dead in his Tarpon Springs garage. Two gunshots ended his life. His wife, Rebecca, claimed it was a burglary gone wrong. No one faced criminal charges. Yet, after 11 years, his three children won a civil case against her. A jury ruled Rebecca responsible, ordering her to pay $200 million for wrongful death, as reported by the Daily Mail. At Kaiser Romanello, we see beyond the headlines. This is a story of loss, grit, and justice delayed but not denied.

A Father’s Loss, A Family’s Fight

Dr. Schwartz was a respected doctor in Tarpon Springs. His death shocked his kids. Rebecca’s burglary story raised doubts. No arrests followed. The children’s grief turned to action. They waited years for answers. The Daily Mail article reveals their pain. Imagine losing your dad so violently. Then facing silence from the law. At Kaiser Romanello, we know that struggle. Families come to us broken. They seek closure. This case echoes their cries.

A Civil Win When Criminal Justice Stalled

After a decade, the kids sued Rebecca. Civil court was their last hope. In March 2025, they won. The jury awarded $200 million. The Daily Mail coverage notes Rebecca’s lavish spending post-death. She reportedly hid millions offshore. This wasn’t just about money for the family. It was about truth. We see this at Kaiser Romanello often. Criminal courts fail to act. Civil suits step in. This victory proves resilience pays off.

Legal Insights: Civil vs. Criminal Justice

Why no criminal charges? The burden of proof differs. Criminal cases need evidence “beyond a reasonable doubt.” That’s a high bar. Civil cases, like this one, use “preponderance of the evidence.” It’s less strict. The jury only needed to believe Rebecca likely caused the death. This gap is key. When criminal courts falter, we don’t give up. This case shows why.

The $200 million award has layers. It covers lost support and emotional harm. It also punishes Rebecca. But collecting it? Tough. She moved assets abroad. This ruling teaches a lesson. Justice takes work—on both sides of the verdict.

Your Pain Deserves a Voice

This story might feel familiar. Have you lost someone to negligence or worse? Does justice feel out of reach? At Kaiser Romanello, we get it. The Schwartz kids waited 11 years. You shouldn’t have to. Florida’s wrongful death law gives you two years from the loss to file. Time slips fast. Evidence fades. Assets vanish. We’ve seen it happen.

Call to Action: Act Now for Justice

Don’t wait. Act today. A strong case needs prep—documents, witnesses, proof. We’re here to build it. Kaiser Romanello has helped Florida families for nearly 25 years. We turn grief into action. Call us now for a free consultation. Dial 844-877-8679 or hit our website. Tell us your story. We’ll map your path. Justice may feel far off. With us, it starts right now.