The “Lottery Curse” Strikes Again

I have often reported on this blog about the difficulties lottery winners face after striking it big (see Jack Whittaker Update).  Persons who suddenly obtain large amounts of money, such as performers, professional athletes, lottery winners, or personal injury plaintiffs, tend to deplete these windfalls rapidly because they have never learned how to manage their money wisely.

The “lottery curse” has struck again!  In 2007, Doris Murray won $5 million in the Georgia lottery.  Doris was recently found stabbed to death in her home and her ex-boyfriend is being held in connection with her murder.  See AP, $5 million lottery winner found slain, signonsandiego.com, May 7, 2008.

Police report that the murder may have been a result of an argument stemming from the couple’s breakup.  You can imagine how angry a boyfriend might get seeing the “gravy train” leaving the station.

It is interesting to note that it seems that Doris received good advice regarding her winnings.  She continued to live in approximately the same life style she had previously enjoyed.  She elected to take the winnings in 20 annual payments which would net her after taxes about $172,000 per year.  It is reported that she was going to use the money to create a trust fund for her grandchildren.