Beyond the Headlines Season 5 Episode 2 The Novack Murders

The Novack Murders is the second episode of season 5 of Beyond the Headlines, a true crime series that takes a deep dive into some of the most shocking and captivating criminal cases in recent history. In this episode, host Tamron Hall delves into the brutal murder of wealthy Florida couple Ben and Bernice Novack, and the ensuing investigation that ultimately uncovered a web of greed, betrayal, and deceit.

The Novacks were considered one of Miami's most prominent and affluent families. Ben was the founder of the Fountainbleau Hotel, one of the city's most luxurious resorts, while Bernice was a former beauty queen and philanthropist. However, their idyllic life came to a gruesome end when they were found brutally murdered in their hotel room in 2009. Bernice had been bludgeoned to death with a dumbbell, while Ben had been beaten and asphyxiated with a piece of duct tape. The crime scene was eerily reminiscent of a scene from The Godfather, with the phrase "Now you have done it. Mob-connected" scrawled across the walls in black marker.

The police immediately launched an investigation, but the case proved incredibly complex. Early on, suspicion fell on the Novacks' daughter, May, who was infamous for her strained relationship with her parents and lavish spending habits. May had been disinherited by her parents just weeks before their murders and stood to inherit nothing from their vast estate. However, May had an alibi for the night of the murders and denied any involvement.

Gradually, investigators turned their attention to May's husband, Narcy Novack. Narcy had a checkered past, with a string of prior arrests for fraud and extortion. He also had a long-standing feud with Ben Novack Sr. over control of the Fountainbleau Hotel. The police uncovered evidence that pointed to Narcy as the mastermind behind the murders. This included testimony from a former accomplice who claimed that Narcy had offered him money to carry out the killings, as well as DNA evidence linking Narcy to the scene of the crime.

As the investigation continued, even more shocking details emerged. It was revealed that Narcy had hired hitmen to murder Bernice's elderly mother just weeks before the Novack murders, in an effort to get his hands on her inheritance. He was also implicated in a separate murder plot against his own nephew, who he believed was trying to wrestle control of the Fountainbleau away from him.

Despite overwhelming evidence against him, Narcy continued to deny any involvement in the murders. In 2012, he was found guilty of both the Novack murders and the murder of Bernice's mother and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The Novack Murders is a chilling episode that explores the darkest depths of human greed and depravity. Through interviews with law enforcement officials, family members, and experts in criminal psychology, Beyond the Headlines paints a vivid picture of a case that will continue to haunt the public consciousness for years to come.