The concept of a family member killing a relative for a bumped up inheritance is the fodder of pulp dramas but, sadly, does occur in the real world. In a recent New York case, a women stabbed her mother in law to death in order to get a $4 million life insurance policy. Thankfully, she was apprehended then convicted and the court imposed, in addition to her sentence, that she take nothing from the estate. In this case, a New York common law doctrine was used but many states have statutes on point with the universal theme being that the wrongdoer shall not profit from a crime even if the legal procedure used to deny the gain varies. While it is unfortunate that society requires these laws, it is to our advantage that we see them propagated and used in any case necessary.
See David H. Lenok, Slayer Statutes In The Spotlight, Wealth Management, May 13, 2015.
Special thanks to Jim Hillhouse for bringing this article to my attention.
