PDF Summary:The Prince of Paradise, by John Glatt

In The Prince of Paradise, John Glatt explores the tumultuous saga behind the Novack family dynasty and the murder of Ben Novack Jr. and his mother Bernice. The book traces how Ben Novack Sr. established Miami Beach's iconic Fontainebleau Hotel, a playground for the elite—but details how his ambition led to financial woes and alleged ties with organized crime.

Glatt delves into Ben Jr.'s privileged childhood and troubled marriage to Narcy Veliz, examining the strained relationships that allegedly motivated her and her brother to orchestrate the murders. The book follows the investigation into the killings, the trial, and the battle over the remaining Novack fortune.

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• Role-play as a sophisticated business professional in low-risk social settings. Attend local networking events or workshops and introduce yourself with your envisioned persona, focusing on adopting the mannerisms, speech patterns, and confidence you associate with a successful businessperson. This practice will help you gradually internalize this new identity.
• Develop a side hustle that aligns with your interests to supplement your income. Think about what you enjoy doing in your free time that could be monetized, such as crafting, photography, or tutoring. Use online platforms like Etsy for handmade goods, Shutterstock for photography, or VIPKid for teaching English online. This can provide additional income streams to support your lifestyle without compromising on the quality of life you desire.
• Use role-playing exercises with a friend or partner to practice negotiation and communication skills in the context of discussing a prenup. By simulating discussions about sensitive topics like assets and expectations, you can become more comfortable with the conversation and better prepared for the real thing.
• You can create a personalized financial safety net by setting up a dedicated savings account that acts as a self-styled prenup fund. Start by determining a monthly contribution amount that reflects what you'd want in case of a separation and automate transfers to this account. This way, you're building a financial cushion that can provide security regardless of marital status.
• Practice letting go of small decisions by delegating tasks to others without overseeing every step. Start with something low-stakes, like asking a friend to choose a restaurant for dinner or letting a colleague lead a project at work. This can help build your trust in others' abilities and reduce the impulse to control every outcome. Over time, you'll become more comfortable with uncertainty and more resilient in the face of changes that are out of your control.

Bernice Novack's Troubled Relationship With Narcy

Berncie Novack had an intensely adversarial relationship with her daughter-in-law. The author suggests that Bernice had always perceived Narcy as a threat to her child and their family's legacy, a perception fueled by Narcy's humble background and former life as an "exotic dancer." She intensely disliked Narcy's controlling nature and feared she was manipulating her vulnerable son for financial gain.

Glatt describes incidents that further intensified Bernice's mistrust, such as her belief that Narcy was attempting to harm her with poison, and her adamant refusal to have Narcy inherit any of her possessions. This animosity, while never openly acknowledged at gatherings and other social situations, was well-known amongst the Novack's close circle and was a constant source of tension.

Context

• Maintaining a certain social reputation might have been important to Bernice, and she may have felt that Narcy’s presence threatened this.
• The introduction of a new family member with a different background can shift family dynamics, potentially leading to power struggles or fears of losing influence over family decisions.
• Concerns about poisoning could be linked to fears over inheritance and financial manipulation, especially if there were significant assets at stake.
• The decision might also be influenced by cultural or social norms regarding inheritance and family honor, especially if Bernice held traditional views on family legacy and the role of in-laws.
• Understanding the time period and societal norms during which these events occurred can provide insight into the nature of the conflict and the societal pressures faced by the family.

Alleged Murder Plot and Mysterious Deaths of Ben Novack Jr. and Mother Bernice

Why Authorities Suspected Narcy Novack Planned the Killings

Glatt outlines what investigators would later present as Narcy Novack's primary motive for planning the murders: greed and the preservation of her extravagant lifestyle. As Ben became increasingly dissatisfied with their marriage, his attraction to a younger woman named Rebecca Bliss prompting him to consider divorce, Narcy believed she stood to lose everything.

The author notes that the prenup from 1991 was extremely unfavorable to Narcy, offering her a mere $65,000 upon divorce. In stark contrast, Ben's estate plan gave Narcy everything he owned, valued at millions of dollars. By killing Ben Jr. after orchestrating Bernice Novack's murder, Narcy would be the sole inheritor of the Novack family’s immense fortune.

Context

• Extramarital affairs can complicate legal and financial situations in a marriage, often leading to considerations of divorce and the subsequent division of assets.
• An estate plan can include wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, powers of appointment, property ownership, and powers of attorney. It ensures that the individual's wishes are honored and can help avoid legal disputes among potential heirs.
• Authorities often look for financial motives in murder cases, especially when large sums of money are involved. The disparity between the prenup and the estate plan would have been a significant factor in their investigation.

Other Perspectives

• The prenup may have included other provisions or benefits for Narcy that are not mentioned, which could have balanced the seemingly low financial settlement.

Alleged Involvement of Cristobal Veliz and Killers

Glatt explains how Narcy Novack enlisted her brother Cristobal Veliz to commit the murders. Veliz, described by investigators as a ruthless and manipulative individual, recruited two men he knew from Miami—Garcia and Gonzalez—to carry out the brutal attacks. The author describes Veliz's methodical approach, meticulously planning each step of the killings, from scouting locations and procuring weapons to disposing of evidence.

Veliz arranged for a series of escalating attempts at assaulting Bernice Novack, culminating in her savage beating with a wrench, before shifting their focus towards Ben Novack Jr. Glatt details how, with Narcy's full participation, Veliz orchestrated the attack on Ben with meticulous precision, timing it around the busy schedule of the Rye Brook Amway event.

Context

• The two men recruited by Veliz, Garcia and Gonzalez, had criminal histories and were known to Veliz from Miami. Their willingness to participate in such violent acts was likely influenced by promises of payment and their existing criminal connections.
• The broader impact of the murders on the community and any subsequent changes in local security or legal practices could highlight the significance of the crimes.
• Bernice Novack was the mother of Ben Novack Jr. and the widow of Ben Novack Sr., who founded the famous Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach. Her murder was initially ruled an accident before further investigation.
• The meticulous planning of the murder involved careful consideration of timing and location to ensure the attack could be carried out without immediate detection, taking advantage of the chaos and distraction of the event.

Suspicion Surrounding Bernice Novack's Alleged Fatal Accident

Glatt describes how the death of Bernice Novack in April 2009, initially deemed accidental, immediately raised suspicions among her close circle, who refused to believe the authorities' claims that the elderly woman had simply fallen and died from her injuries. They cited inconsistencies in the death scene, Bernice's record of falling, and the unusual presence of a glass of wine her son insisted she never drank, as compelling reasons to question the official findings.

Glatt emphasizes Maxine's deep mistrust of Narcy after being sent an unsigned letter alleging Narcy and Cristobal plotted the murder. Despite the authorities' insistence that Bernice Novack's demise was accidental, Maxine's persistent pursuit of justice for her sister, her vocal criticism of the local police's handling of the situation, and the emergence of new evidence after Ben Jr.'s passing would eventually prompt a formal review of the investigation.

Practical Tips

• Improve your observational skills by playing detective in everyday life. Take a common occurrence, like a spilled drink in a public place, and instead of accepting it at face value, observe the scene for additional clues that might tell a different story. Look for footprints, the position of objects, or the reactions of people nearby to build a habit of looking beyond the obvious.
• Develop a habit of critical thinking by questioning the status quo in daily news articles. When you read the news, take a moment to consider alternative explanations or motives behind the reported facts. This practice sharpens your analytical skills and helps you to not take information at face value.
• Engage in online mystery games or apps that require you to solve cases based on provided evidence. These interactive experiences can improve your deductive reasoning and help you practice identifying inconsistencies without the need for specialized knowledge in forensics or investigation.
• Invest in wearable technology that detects falls and alerts emergency contacts. Wearable devices like smartwatches and specialized fall detection sensors can provide an extra layer of safety by automatically sending an alert to family members or emergency services if a fall is detected, ensuring quick assistance when needed.
• Use a symbolic item to enhance mindfulness during daily routines. Place an object, like a small stone or a figurine, somewhere you'll see it during your daily activities. Whenever you see it, pause to check in with your thoughts and feelings, similar to how the presence of the unused glass of wine was a notable detail. This can serve as a reminder to stay present and mindful.
• Create a personal protocol for handling suspicious communications. Decide in advance what steps you'll take if you receive an unsigned letter or message alleging serious matters. This might include consulting with a trusted friend or advisor, doing your own research to corroborate the claims, or ignoring the message altogether if it seems baseless. Having a plan in place ensures you respond thoughtfully rather than reactively.
• Volunteer with a local legal aid organization to help others seek justice. By offering your time to assist with administrative tasks or community outreach, you contribute to the broader cause of justice, similar to how Maxine pursued justice for her sister. This can be a way to understand the legal challenges people face and support them in their quest for fairness.
• Create a neighborhood watch program to supplement local police efforts. By organizing residents to keep an eye out for suspicious activities and report them, you're actively participating in the safety of your community. This can also foster better communication between residents and the police.
• You can create a personal "evidence log" to track new information as it arises in your life. Start a journal or digital document where you record unexpected events or information that could change your understanding of past events. For example, if you learn something new about a family story that alters your perspective, note it down, along with the date and source of the information.
• You can encourage constructive feedback in your community group by establishing a 'suggestion box' system. Members can submit suggestions for how the group could operate more effectively or address specific issues. Regularly schedule meetings to discuss these suggestions, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered. This practice can lead to collective self-improvement and mirrors the benefits of a formal review within a community setting.

Ben Novack Jr. Murder: Investigation, Trial, Aftermath

Initial Investigation by Rye Brook Police

Glatt details the Rye Brook Police Department's methodical approach into Ben Jr.'s murder, starting with the immediate questioning of Narcy Novack, who was found by police at the scene of the crime and appeared strangely detached in the wake of her husband's brutal beating. Glatt explains how her inconsistent explanations for the events, her implausible alibis, and her attempts to divert suspicion towards others by offering unsubstantiated allegations regarding her husband's alleged sexual proclivities and enemies raised red flags for the investigators.

The author highlights the frustration of police in Rye Brook over Ben Jr. calling off the investigation into the 2002 incident after reconciling with Narcy. Detectives found Narcy's 2002 claims that she had simply restrained Ben as part of a sex game unconvincing, pointing to Novack's refusal to answer simple questions about his wife's involvement, and his insistence on recording calls to extract evidence of her menacing him, as indications that Narcy was responsible for the attack.

Practical Tips

• Role-play investigative scenarios with friends or family where one person acts as an interviewer and the other as a witness to an event. This can improve your questioning techniques and ability to gather information effectively, which is a skill that can be useful in various professional and personal situations.
• Develop a mindfulness routine that includes observing your emotions without judgment. Set aside time each day to meditate and focus on your breath, which can help you become more aware of your emotional state and prevent detachment during critical moments.
• Improve your credibility by recording yourself explaining a complex topic, then listen to the recording to spot any inconsistencies in your explanation. Make notes on where you wavered or provided conflicting information and refine your explanation until it's consistent and clear.
• Practice constructing coherent narratives by playing improvisational storytelling games with friends or family. This can help you become more adept at creating logical and believable explanations for events. For instance, take turns adding to a story where each person has to explain a character's actions in a way that fits the established plot.
• Practice reflective journaling to enhance self-awareness. Each day, write down instances where you felt the urge to deflect blame or make excuses. Reflect on the motives behind these impulses and consider alternative ways to handle similar situations in the future. This can lead to a deeper understanding of your actions and encourage more honest interactions.
• Develop a personal policy for handling rumors and accusations by writing down your values and how you would want to be treated if someone made claims about you. This helps you respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively when you hear or are tempted to spread unverified information. For example, if a colleague is the subject of office gossip, refer to your policy and choose to either seek the truth or refrain from participating in the conversation.
• Create a personal journal to record and reflect on instances where you noticed unusual behavior. Writing down your observations can help you analyze patterns over time and improve your ability to detect red flags. For example, if you consistently note that a friend becomes evasive when a certain topic is brought up, this could be a red flag worth exploring further.
• Improve your communication by learning how to articulate the reasons behind difficult decisions to those affected. When you need to make a tough call, like canceling an event or changing a long-standing policy, prepare a clear and empathetic explanation for your decision. Practice this by role-playing with a friend or family member, where you explain your decision and they provide feedback on how well you conveyed your reasoning and how understandable and empathetic you were.
• Play the "Devil's Advocate" game with friends where you take turns presenting claims and the others provide counterarguments, regardless of personal beliefs. This exercise can sharpen your ability to see through unfounded claims and strengthen your argumentation skills.
• Create a personal policy for information sharing and write it down. Decide in advance what types of information about yourself and your loved ones you are willing to share publicly or in certain settings. This could include rules like not discussing family matters at work or with certain acquaintances, which can help you navigate conversations without feeling caught off guard.
• Create a personal documentation habit by keeping a digital journal where you note down summaries of significant phone calls or in-person meetings immediately after they occur. Use a secure app on your phone or computer to timestamp and date these entries for authenticity. This can be particularly useful when dealing with customer service, negotiations, or any situation where you might need to recall details accurately at a later date.

Expansion of Investigation to Include Bernice Novack's Killing

Glatt notes how police in Rye Brook expanded their investigation to include Bernice Novack's death after getting an unsigned note alleging both Novack deaths were the result of an elaborate murder plot orchestrated by Narcy and her brother Cristobal. The author emphasizes the initial skepticism of Rye Brook police about this tip-off, which was eventually corroborated by emerging evidence linking both murders, including Alejandro Garcia's confession and detailed testimony implicating Narcy in both murders.

Glatt describes how Maxine Fiel was crucial in keeping the spotlight on Bernice's case, despite facing an uphill battle to overcome the authorities' initial dismissal of the letter's claims. He also mentions how May Abad's shocking public accusation that "My mama killed my daddy!" put further pressure on the Fort Lauderdale authorities to resume investigating Bernice Novack's death, and the FBI eventually took over the case.

Context

• He was a hitman who confessed to being involved in the murders. His testimony was crucial in linking Narcy and Cristobal to the crimes.
• The involvement of the FBI can indicate a federal interest in ensuring justice, especially if there are concerns about local corruption or the ability of local authorities to handle the case impartially.

Other Perspectives

• Skepticism by law enforcement is a standard and necessary part of the investigative process, as it ensures that officers do not jump to conclusions without sufficient evidence.
• Confessions can be coerced or given under duress, which may call into question the reliability of Alejandro Garcia's statements.
• The effectiveness of Maxine Fiel's actions might be overstated if there were already internal discussions or other ongoing investigations within the police department that were not publicly known.
• The decision by authorities to resume an investigation is generally based on a comprehensive review of the case, rather than a response to public pressure or statements.

Trial and Conviction of Novack and Veliz

The author meticulously details the nine-week trial, highlighting the dramatic testimony of the confessed murderers, Joel Gonzalez and Alejandro Garcia. He describes how they implicated Narcy and Cristobal Veliz in both murders, offering chilling details of Narcy's participation in the attacks.

Glatt explains how relying on the killers' testimony, which they provided in exchange for reduced sentences, formed the basis for the defense's strategy. Tanner argued that the self-serving criminals, Garcia and Gonzalez, would lie to get a lighter sentence. He attempted to portray Narcy as someone trapped by circumstance and a flawed criminal investigation, arguing that her unconventional marriage and her deceased spouse's "perverted" sexual proclivities, rather than her actions, had prompted the authorities to target her.

The trial took many dramatic turns, with outbursts from both Narcy and Cristobal, and Narcy's ultimate refusal to testify in her defense, a decision against her lawyer's advice and viewed by the prosecution as a sign of her desperation. The author notes that Narcy continually tried to control the narrative, calling reporters from jail to present her skewed account of the murders and blaming May Abad, who never testified, for framing her.

Practical Tips

• Create a mock trial club with friends or community members to role-play different court cases. Assign roles such as lawyers, defendants, and jurors, and use real or fictional cases to simulate the trial process. This activity will help you grasp the intricacies of legal trials and the stamina required for lengthy cases.
• Start a book club focused on novels and non-fiction works that explore diverse relationship dynamics. This can open up a safe space for discussion and broaden your perspective on what constitutes a healthy and fulfilling partnership. Choose books that challenge traditional marital norms and include characters with varied sexual orientations and preferences.
• Develop a personal 'pause and reflect' rule during heated discussions. Whenever you feel the urge to react impulsively, pause for a moment to consider the potential consequences of an outburst. This could mean mentally stepping back for a few seconds or excusing yourself from the room to collect your thoughts.

Other Perspectives

• The motivations and character of the confessed murderers should be scrutinized, as their past actions and criminal behavior could impact their trustworthiness as witnesses.
• The use of such testimony could be seen as a necessary but potentially flawed tool within the criminal justice system, where the pursuit of a conviction might overshadow the pursuit of truth.
• The defense could argue that the killers' testimony was corroborated by other evidence, making it a reliable part of their strategy rather than a weak foundation.
• The argument that Garcia and Gonzalez would lie assumes that the jury cannot discern truthful testimony from falsehoods, which undermines the jury's role in evaluating the credibility of witnesses.
• The defense's strategy to depict Narcy as a victim of circumstance might be seen as an attempt to deflect responsibility from her actions.
• The emotional and psychological state of the defendant could have influenced her decision not to testify, which may not reflect her legal guilt or innocence.
• Narcy's silence could be interpreted as maintaining dignity or composure in a highly publicized and emotionally charged trial, rather than as an act of desperation.
• The term "control the narrative" implies a level of success in influencing public perception, which is not demonstrated simply by the act of contacting reporters.
• Without concrete evidence to support Narcy's claim, it remains an unsubstantiated allegation that cannot be given weight in a court of law.

Sentencing of Defendants in Fight Over Ben Jr.'s Assets

Glatt recounts how, following the jury's guilty verdict against Narcy Novack and Cristobal Veliz, both were sentenced to life imprisonment for their roles in Ben Jr.'s and Bernice Novack's deaths. The author underscores the judge's scathing rebuke of Narcy Novack's actions and the utter lack of remorse displayed by the siblings.

Judge Karas expressed disbelief at Veliz's insistence that the true mastermind had been May Abad, dismissing it as offensive to the justice system. The saga continues, Glatt explains, with the battle for the remaining Novack family millions. May Abad's grandsons, Patrick and Marchelo, would inherit their grandfather's wealth if Narcy Novack were disqualified under Florida's "Killer Statute." However, as Narcy was never technically convicted of Ben's murder, Glatt notes, the possibility for her to challenge this statute and take possession of the inheritance remained an open question.

Context

• The case attracted significant public and media attention due to the wealth and social status of the Novack family, as well as the sensational nature of the crimes.
• The judge's comments can also serve to validate the suffering of the victims' families, acknowledging the emotional and psychological impact of the crime on those left behind.
• As Narcy Novack's daughter, May Abad's involvement and the accusations against her added another dimension to the inheritance dispute, affecting perceptions and legal strategies.
• The inheritance battle often involves complex family relationships and can lead to prolonged legal battles, impacting the distribution of assets.
• The type and strength of evidence presented in court can influence the specific charges a person is convicted of, which in turn affects legal outcomes like inheritance rights.
• The outcome of such a challenge could significantly impact the rightful heirs, in this case, May Abad's grandsons, who stand to inherit if the statute is upheld.