In the 1990s, two women bond at an LA gym, but their friendship takes a dark turn as they plot to murder a man for his life insurance. They meticulously plan their scheme, portraying the crime as an accident while manipulating trust. Helen and Olga's contrasting backgrounds reveal how their pasts shaped their descent into crime, from financial struggles to ruthless actions. As their sinister plot unfolds, they target unsuspecting victims, showcasing the chilling reality of deception and greed.
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Quick takeaways
Helen and Olga's friendship ultimately evolved into a deadly partnership fueled by a mutual desire for financial gain through crime.
The chillingly methodical plan to murder their victim Paul Vados underscores the lengths individuals may go to exploit vulnerability for personal profit.
Deep dives
The Unlikely Beginnings of Helen and Olga
Helen Goulet and Olga Rudderschmidt, two women seemingly far from the profile of traditional criminals, each had tumultuous beginnings that shaped their destinies. Helen's life was marked by instability and tragedy from childhood, leading her to a challenging adulthood where she initially struggled as a single mother before finding success in real estate. Conversely, Olga's traumatic experiences during World War II and her subsequent journey to America revealed her resilience, yet resulted in a life riddled with hardships, including a failed marriage and a reliance on fraudulent lawsuits for income. Despite their different backgrounds, both women ultimately sought refuge and camaraderie in each other, leading to a partnership grounded in a shared desire for financial gain.
A Sinister Scheme Unfolds
The relationship between Helen and Olga quickly evolved from acquaintances to partners in crime as they concocted a chilling plan to profit from life insurance policies. Targeting vulnerable individuals, they encountered Paul Vados, a frail 71-year-old man who appeared to have no family ties; they successfully manipulated him into a web of deceit. Taking advantage of his dire situation, they moved him into an apartment, offered him daily assistance, and secured multiple life insurance policies, ensuring they would benefit greatly from his eventual death. The design of their plot was chillingly methodical, as they planned to eliminate Paul after the required two-year period to collect on the policies without raising suspicion.
The Execution of Their Plan and Consequences
After two years of feigning care for Paul, the scheme culminated in a tragic act of murder disguised as an accident. They fatally injured Paul by running him over with a car, believing they could make it look like a hit-and-run. Once Paul was dead, they attempted to cover up their involvement and waited to collect their insurance payouts, which amounted to nearly $300,000 each. Although they succeeded in their immediate goals, their greed and jealousy began to strain their relationship, setting the stage for further turmoil and potential betrayal.
No one batted an eye at the two women who became fast friends at an LA gym in the 1990s – until years later, when it came out that they’d teamed up for a plot to kill men down on their luck.
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