Ben Novack Jr - 592

Ben Novack Jr - 592

Update: 2024-10-142
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This podcast delves into the murder of Ben Novak Jr., a wealthy businessman, and the investigation that led to the arrest of his wife, Narcy, and her brother, Cristobal. The case reveals a complex web of deceit, greed, and violence. The investigation focuses on Narcy, who claims to have left the hotel room to deal with a business issue and found Ben dead upon her return. However, inconsistencies in her story and a witness account raise suspicions. The chapter explores the suspicious death of Ben's mother, Bernice, which was initially ruled an accident. An anonymous letter, containing details only the killer would know, points to Narcy and her brother as suspects. The investigation leads to the arrest of Narcy and Cristobal, who are accused of orchestrating Ben's murder. Evidence includes wire transfers, witness testimonies, and a pattern of violence against Ben and Bernice. Narcy and Cristobal go to trial, where prosecutors present a compelling case based on witness testimonies, financial records, and the anonymous letter. The defense attempts to shift blame to May, but their efforts fail.

Outlines

00:01:25
The Murder of Ben Novak Jr. and the Investigation

This chapter delves into the murder of Ben Novak Jr., a wealthy businessman, and the investigation that led to the arrest of his wife, Narcy, and her brother, Cristobal. The case reveals a complex web of deceit, greed, and violence. The investigation focuses on Narcy, who claims to have left the hotel room to deal with a business issue and found Ben dead upon her return. However, inconsistencies in her story and a witness account raise suspicions.

00:25:00
The Suspicious Death of Bernice Novak and the Anonymous Letter

This chapter explores the suspicious death of Ben's mother, Bernice, which was initially ruled an accident. An anonymous letter, containing details only the killer would know, points to Narcy and her brother as suspects. The letter, written in Spanish, provides details about the murders that only the killer would know, including the names of suspects and other specific information.

00:31:30
The Arrest of Narcy and Cristobal

The investigation leads to the arrest of Narcy and Cristobal, who are accused of orchestrating Ben's murder. Evidence includes wire transfers, witness testimonies, and a pattern of violence against Ben and Bernice.

00:43:02
The Trial and Conviction

Narcy and Cristobal go to trial, where prosecutors present a compelling case based on witness testimonies, financial records, and the anonymous letter. The defense attempts to shift blame to May, but their efforts fail. Narcy Novak and Cristobal Felice were convicted of murder for hire and other charges. Narcy was sentenced to life in prison, while Cristobal received a life sentence as well.

Keywords

Murder for Hire


A crime in which someone is paid to kill another person. It often involves a contract between the person who wants the victim killed and the person who carries out the murder.

Interstate Domestic Violence


A crime that involves violence against a person across state lines. It can include physical assault, stalking, or threats of violence.

Racketeering


A crime that involves a pattern of illegal activity, often involving organized crime. It can include extortion, fraud, and money laundering.

Money Laundering


The process of concealing the origin of illegally obtained money by passing it through a series of transactions to make it appear legitimate.

Witness Tampering


A crime that involves trying to influence or intimidate a witness in a legal case. It can include threats, bribes, or attempts to discourage a witness from testifying.

Obstruction of Justice


A crime that involves interfering with a legal investigation or prosecution. It can include hiding evidence, lying to investigators, or threatening witnesses.

Q&A

  • What was the motive behind Ben Novak Jr.'s murder?

    Narcy Novak, Ben's wife, is believed to have orchestrated his murder because she feared he would divorce her and she would not receive any of his estate.

  • How did the police connect Narcy and her brother to the murders of Ben and Bernice?

    The police gathered evidence including wire transfers, witness testimonies, and an anonymous letter that named Narcy and her brother as suspects.

  • What role did the anonymous letter play in the investigation?

    The anonymous letter, written in Spanish, provided details about the murders that only the killer would know, including the names of suspects and other specific information.

  • What was the outcome of the trial?

    Narcy Novak and Cristobal Felice were convicted of murder for hire and other charges. Narcy was sentenced to life in prison, while Cristobal received a life sentence as well.

Show Notes

July 12th, 2009. Rye Brook, New York. 53-year-old Ben Novack Jr., the son of a famous Florida hotelier, was beaten to death in his hotel room at a convention in upstate New York. His wife Narcy Novack, who stood to inherit his estate, was one of the first suspects.

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Ben Novack Jr - 592

Ben Novack Jr - 592