The chilling disappearance of a $30 million lottery winner | Forensic Files

foreign [Music] s deal with serious and often distressing incidents if you feel at any
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website [Music] when the winning numbers of the Florida Lottery were announced on Wednesday
October 25 2006 the 3 Million jackpot went unclaimed this wasn't unusual the odds of picking the six lucky
numbers from a possible 69 Was Won in over 292 million with no claimants the Florida Lottery
jackpot rolled over meaning it was added to the grand prize of the next draw once again nobody won
over the following two weeks the jackpot rolled over three more times by Wednesday November 15 2006 it had
reached 30 million dollars [Music] [Music] [Music] 41 year old Abraham Shakespeare lived in
the Florida City of Lakeland the small home he shared with his mother was in the same underprivileged
neighborhood where Abraham had spent most of his life despite experiencing poverty
homelessness discrimination and run-ins with the law Abraham remained good-natured and easy going
even though he mostly kept to himself he was a familiar and well-liked figure in
his community [Music] Abraham had no bank account credit card or savings dropping out of school in the seventh
grade had left him with few skills or opportunities he was in a labor pool a network of
independent workers that could be hired on an as needed basis for various jobs the tall and slender African-American
took on any work available from washing dishes and sweeping floors to collecting
trash and loading trucks although he spent most of his time working Abraham Shakespeare constantly
scraped to the bread line in 2006 he was earning just eight dollars an hour as a truck driver's
assistant for a Food Distribution Company despite his best efforts he'd fallen behind on paying child support for his
five-year-old son in his rare moments of respite Abraham would walk around to Lake Hollingsworth
in the city center he'd imagine owning one of the expensive houses that overlooked the water only to
reflect on his current circumstances with disappointment on Wednesday November 15 2006 Abraham
and a colleague named Michael Ford set out on a 230 mile route to deliver meat to fast food restaurants
not long after leaving Lakeland the pair stopped at a convenience store in the city of Frostproof
Michael headed inside to buy drinks and cigarettes asking Abraham if he wanted a
soda Abraham instead told Michael to quote get me two quick picks Quick Picks are a type of lottery ticket
the player's six numbers are randomly generated in the lottery terminal and added to their coupon
compared to the more traditional method where a player personally selects each number it's a fast and easy way to play
the lottery Michael Ford purchased two quick picks for Abraham and Abraham paid him two of
the five dollars he currently had to his name he gave the remaining three dollars to a
homeless man the Florida Lotto was drawn that night the numbers announced were 6 12 13 34 42
and 52. Abraham Shakespeare was stunned he had just won 30 million dollars Abraham appeared on television to
celebrate his massive lottery win he was his typical laid-back self dressed in baggy pants and a white
T-shirt with these dreadlocks tucked under his cap Abraham was handed an oversized and
Novelty check with 30 million printed on it in large bold lettering he had two options
received the prize money in annual increments of one and a half million dollars over 20 years or take an
immediate lump sum minus 25 percent in taxes Abraham chose the second option as most
lottery winners do and walked away with 17 million dollars for Abraham who'd only ever known
poverty that was more than enough as he collected his winnings he announced I don't have to struggle no more
Abraham immediately used his Newfound wealth to resolve several debts including the child support he owed he
also set up a million dollar trust for his son although lottery winners are advised to
seek the services of a financial advisor Abraham didn't believe he needed one saying I don't let material things run
me I'm on a tight budget despite being a multi-millionaire Abraham continued to eat at his local
Denny's diner pick up pennies off the ground and spend his days hanging out in his old neighborhood
Abraham offered to buy his mother a new home but she respectfully declined so he
paid off her existing house instead he then established several philanthropic Enterprises that centered
on assisting those in need Abraham rewarded himself with the just a few splurges including a new car some
clothes and a Rolex watch that he bought at a discount from a pawn shop his biggest Indulgence was a million
dollar home north of the city in an upscale gated community on Red Hawk Bend Drive
the spacious two-story residents had four bedrooms and four bathrooms it featured stainless steel appliances
Granite counters walk-in closets fireplaces a guest Suede and a double garage French doors opened out to a private
Deck with a swimming pool and spa it was exactly the type of home Abraham had dreamed of owning
although Abraham's money didn't change him much it changed everyone around him as soon as news of his big win got out
friends and strangers alike began approaching him with stories of financial hardship
described as a soft touch who thought with his heart Abraham willingly helped them pay everything from bills to
Medical Treatments and business startups he lost count of how many people he helped saying the Bible States it's
better to give than to receive [Music] in Abraham's eyes most of these handouts were loans rather than gifts
yet no one ever made any effort to pay him back questions about when Abraham's generosity would be repaid were met with
excuses and complaints some people were upset to learn his money was given with strings attached
conflict also arose in Abraham's family over the amount he shared with them rather than making him happy Abraham
said his Lottery Win had made him miserable people constantly stopped him in the
street and his cell phone rang Non-Stop during a 30-minute catch-up with his younger brother Abraham fielded eight
calls from people requesting cash he even received a letter from a prison inmate asking for a thousand dollars
while this request amused Abraham he still sent the man fifty dollars Abraham's sister said he was too sweet
natured to say no to anybody and because of his Limitless charity Abraham never had any peace
both exasperated by his instant celebrity and demoralized by everyone's demands he began sleeping all day and
cruising the quiet streets of Lakeland at night Abraham also escaped by traveling
he went on a cruise to the Caribbean and took a few short trips to New York City
which he grew particularly fond of he hoped the distance from his community would lessen the pressure expectations
and hostilities thrust upon him Michael Ford was bitter towards his former colleague Abraham Shakespeare
Michael frequently visited the Frostproof Convenience Store where the winning lottery ticket was purchased
without fail he always bought two quick picks for himself Michael asserted that Wednesday November
16 2006 was no different store records and CCTV footage confirmed that Michael had purchased two Quick
Picks that day Michael insisted that if he had purchased any for Abraham Shakespeare
then he would have had four tickets in total according to Michael he tucked the tickets into his wallet which he kept in
an overhead compartment inside his truck Michael said he realized his lottery tickets were missing the following day
he assumed that he'd lost them until a supervisor informed him that Abraham won the jackpot
Michael confronted Abraham and accused him of stealing the tickets while he'd been left alone in the truck
Abraham allegedly admitted to swiping the tickets from Michael's wallet and was confident that no one could prove it
Michael said Abraham had offered him a million dollars to put the matter to rest but he decided to file a lawsuit
against Abraham instead Abraham flatly denied these allegations saying Michael Ford knows the truth I
know the truth the Lord knows he doesn't deserve it it's like a dirty money that
money wasn't meant for him it was meant for me according to Abraham after his win
Michael asked Abraham to look out for him by giving him a million dollars so he could move into State and start a
business Abraham was willing to help but Lottery officials hadn't wired him the money yet
so he told Michael to be patient he also offered a smaller amount as he felt a million dollars was excessive
Michael confronted Abraham again two days later this time indicating his intention to sue
Abraham explained when Michael brought up the word Court I backed away from him I told him I don't
owe him nothing I told him if you feel like you have a case go on to court by the Time Michael came for Abraham's
prize money there was 12 million dollars left Michael saw it injunctive relief which
would immediately freeze Abraham's assets and prevent him from spending any more of the winnings
a circuit court judge ruled in Michael's favor the matter went to court in October 2007
five months after Abraham's big win the dramatic proceedings became a public spectacle
Michael Ford's attorney worked to undermine Abraham's character by repeatedly bringing up his criminal past
at age 13 Abraham was caught stealing from a convenience store and sent to a state-run juvenile reform school
he remained there until he was 18. then proceeded to rack up a range of offenses
that included trespassing assault and Theft as an adult he amassed seven felony and
three misdemeanor convictions resulting in two stints in prison Michael Ford's attorney asked the court
does a leopard change its spots when witnesses attested to Abraham's good character Michael's Council accused
Abraham of paying them off for their testimony in turn Abraham's attorney accused the
plaintiff of piling dirt on his client saying that bringing up his criminal record was an attempt to distract the
jury from the pertinent issues they questioned why Abraham would steal the lottery tickets which were worthless
at the time the alleged theft occurred Abraham had no way of knowing one would win the jackpot
Abraham also had an extensive history of playing the lottery to prove it he carried a garbage bag
into court stuffed with tickets he had purchased over the years Michael was revealed to be a liar
in sworn testimony as part of the pre-trial Discovery process Michael said he'd lent Abraham money in the past to
help put food on his table but during the trial Michael denied ever helping Abraham at all
after five days of testimony and a little over an hour's deliberation the jury unanimously agreed that Abraham
Shakespeare did not steal the lottery tickets from Michael Ford Michael was denied any of Abraham's
winnings Abraham's lawyer told the media this lawsuit was about greed the plaintiff manufactured a story and a
plan to try to take advantage of my client while Abraham felt Michael had scandalized his reputation he ultimately
forgave him he didn't Harbor any anger saying that guy used to be a real good friend
of mine if he only waited I could have given him 250 thousand dollars easy Michael rejected the jury's findings and
began a lengthy appeals process the final hearing was scheduled for Wednesday May 27 2009 two and a half
years after Abraham won the lottery Michael Ford's appeal was ultimately dismissed but Abraham Shakespeare wasn't
around to hear the good news no one had seen Abraham in the weeks leading up to the hearing and calls to
his cell phone were going unanswered word spread that he'd skipped town to avoid the spotlight and get some
much-needed rest since his Lottery Win Abraham had become a father for the second time
he'd separated from the baby's mother shortly after the birth and the pair had been embroiled in hostile Court
proceedings ever since there was gossip that the woman had intentionally become pregnant just to
access Abraham's money this fueled a belief that he'd fled to avoid paying child support
he also had an unpaid bill with the law firm that fought his civil suit the rumor mill swung into overdrive
some claimed Abraham was doing business or receiving medical treatment overseas others accused him of being on the run
from police those who knew Abraham best denied these assertions there were even rumors that he died of
AIDS despite some alleged sightings of him around Lakeland prior to winning the lottery Abraham
spent several days a week doing odd jobs at a barber shop owned by his longtime friend Greg Smith
Greg saw firsthand the overwhelmingly negative impact that the wind had on Abraham
his Sunny disposition faded and he often told Greg I wish I could go back to my old self
Greg had been struggling to stay on top of his mortgage repayments but he'd kept
this from Abraham as he didn't want to be seen as another mucho one day Abraham spotted banking
documents at Greg's Barbershop realizing his friend was in trouble he paid off Greg's 63 000 mortgage
Greg agreed to give Abraham 500 a month until the debt was repaid when Abraham abruptly left Lakeland and
stopped answering his phone Greg sent him a text message that read call me it's important
Abraham messaged back bro I'm on a cruise and I'll be back in town soon I just needed to get away
because all these people are bothering me about money Greg told Abraham to call him
immediately Abraham replied I'll call you in the morning I'm just trying to get myself
together Greg was struck by The Exchange Abraham's limited education meant he struggled to read and write he preferred
calling or speaking with people face to face over communicating through text Abraham's messages were also unusually
formal they didn't reflect his usual speech and writing patterns Greg's wife agreed that the messages
were odd she sent Abraham a text asking him to come home he replied I'll be home soon and I'll call you when
I get back days passed but Abraham didn't call Abraham was a doting father who typically called his Elder son twice a
week these calls also stopped and were replaced by text messages he sent one acquaintance upwards of 60
texts but still made no calls in his messages Abraham assured everyone that he was fine and okay
during one exchange he was uncharacteristically belligerent referring to himself as a grown-ass man
who would return to Lakeland when he was ready increasingly suspicious one of Abraham's
Associates texted a question that only he could answer there was no response a few people tried to report Abraham
missing but were dismissed because they weren't family Abraham's Mother Elizabeth considered
doing so as Abraham wasn't the type to go away for long periods without getting in touch
but one of her nephews Cedric Adam said that Abraham was calling him daily he had also received a birthday card for
Elizabeth from Abraham it contained one hundred dollars and a necklace along with a handwritten
message that read I'll be home soon followed by Abraham's signature Elizabeth recognized her son's
handwriting which temporarily quashed any niggling concerns by November seven months had passed
since Abraham left Lakeland Thanksgiving was one of his favorite holidays when the day came and went without any
word Abraham's prolonged silence became too loud to ignore [Music] Abraham Shakespeare was officially
reported missing finding him wasn't going to be easy Abraham was accustomed to living a
transient lifestyle at the time he left Lakeland Abraham was dating a woman named Courtney Daniels
Courtney told police the last time she'd seen Abraham was the first week of April
he dropped her at a bus station so she could visit a friend interstate that night the couple spoke on the phone
for hours but after that Courtney never heard another word she soon learned of a rumor that Abraham
had left Florida with another woman when she returned to Abraham's house to pack up her things all of his belongings
were still there after winning the lottery Abraham grew tired of all the paperwork and meetings
related to his finances he'd sought help from a friend of 15 years to Judy Hagans who assumed The
Unofficial role of his assistant Abraham eventually designated Judy as his power of attorney
this meant she had control over all of his financial decisions and could handle his Affairs whenever he went away
others viewed this decision as absurd Judy had no business or legal qualifications and it was viewed by some
as a party girl regardless Abraham signed the papers in early April of 2009 shortly before he
disappeared Judy told police she hadn't seen him since Abraham had been scheduled to appear in
court in August for a child support enforcement action but never showed up his attorney Howard stitzel told the
court that Abraham was out of the country receiving medical treatment for an undisclosed illness
when questioned by police Howard said the last time he'd spoken to Abraham on the phone was in October almost six
months since he'd last been seen in Florida he was reluctant to divulge the specifics due to attorney-client
privilege but was absolutely certain it was Abraham he'd spoken to as he was familiar with his voice
Abraham hadn't sounded distressed and there had been no follow-ups due to the conflicting rumors regarding
his whereabouts police weren't sure what to make of Abraham Shakespeare's disappearance
they accepted the possibility that he was simply lying low to avoid the struggles he'd faced since winning the
lottery in public appeals they indicated they'd leave Abraham b as long as he reached
out to confirm he was okay police also considered that Abraham might have met with Foul Play
at the peak of his affluence Abraham had drawn a lot of Fire following his failed civil suit against
Abraham Michael Ford moved to Georgia where he resumed work as a truck driver he admitted to police that he'd returned
to Florida a couple of times but maintained it was only for work Michael said he hadn't seen Abraham
since their Court battle and he had no idea where he might have gone an examination of Abraham's bank account
revealed he'd made several withdrawals in the months leading up to his disappearance but none since
the account also revealed a harsh reality within three years Abraham had spent given away or loaned almost all of his
17 million dollars only forty five thousand dollars remained [Music] while murder still couldn't be ruled out
it seemed highly unlikely that anyone would kill Abraham for such a small amount
he also had no life insurance meaning no one stood to legally claim his remaining
money upon his death detective David Wallace was part of a team fronting the search for Abraham
Shakespeare one day he received a phone call from an anonymous male who asked for him
specifically when detective Wella SARS who he was speaking to the caller replied
it don't matter who this is I'm down here in Miami and just want to let you know I saw Abraham Shakespeare
in a damn strip club he reached in his pocket for something and his ID fell out and I saw it was him
detective Wallace asked when but the caller abruptly hung up the call puzzled detective Wallace it
wasn't traceable so he couldn't verify it he was also aware that in high profile
cases like Abrahams pranksters often stirred up a Mischief for police maybe someone was looking to insert
themselves into the investigation or seeking the five thousand dollar reward for information
by Christmas almost the nine months had passed since the last confirmed sighting
of Abraham two days later his mother Elizabeth received a call of her own she remained calm when she heard the
familiar voice of her missing son come through the line hey Ma I just want you to know that I'm
okay and I'm gonna see you soon [Music] Abraham told his mother not to worry and
said that he loved her Elizabeth asked where you at baby Abraham remarked that it was too noisy
for him to hear her clearly Elizabeth raised her voice again asking Abraham where he was and when he would
be coming home the phone line then went dead detectives traced the call to Barbara
Greg Smith Abraham's longtime friend and former employer Greg was put under covert surveillance
and detectives watched as he drove to a parking lot near Lakeland Mall a second vehicle arrived shortly after
driven by a middle-aged white woman with bleached blonde hair she got out of her car and handed Greg
some cash he then drove off unaware he was being tailed by an unmarked police car
when Greg stopped at a red light detective surrounded his vehicle and ordered him out
Greg appeared calm saying I'm more than happy to talk to you all Greg admitted to calling Abraham's
mother and pretending to be her missing son he also confessed to calling detective
David Wallace to report a false sighting of Abraham in Miami Greg was apologetic
he said he'd been paid to make the calls by the woman he'd met in the Lakeland Mall parking lot
her name was D.D Moore Greg thought he was doing Abraham a favor by making the calls adding
I don't know anything about where Abraham is why he's gone or when he's coming back
I've been trying to reach him myself detectives also spoke with Abraham's cousin Cedric Adam who said he'd
received a birthday card and daily calls from Abraham Cedric admitted he'd been lying
he claimed he'd been paid around five thousand dollars to spread the word that Abraham had gone away of his own accord
Cedric desperately needed money and only agreed because he thought it was harmless just the way to help Abraham
and debate his aunt's worry when asked who paid him to lie about Abraham Cedric said
this woman named to DD Moore D-Day Moore was a certified nurse's assistant who ran a nursing staffing
agency called American medical professionals in 2008 she attended a small business
conference in Florida where she observed a panel discussion featuring a real estate agent
the agent spoke of having Once Sold a house to a lottery winner named to Abraham Shakespeare
he had changed the way she viewed wealth specifically that money does not equal happiness
after hearing Abraham's story D.D Moore was inspired to write about him for a magazine article
in October 2008 she arranged to meet Abraham by this point his 17 million dollars had
been whittled down significantly he had a little over a million dollars left along with the just three million
dollars worth of assets D-Day quickly realized that his rags to Rich's story was in fact a riches to
rags one she witnessed firsthand the andalus pestering Abraham endured from those
seeking what little money he had left he was downtrodden and distrustful when dd pitched her article idea in
which she intended to highlight Abraham's generosity and kindness he became noticeably upbeat
in DD filmed a candid interview with Abraham as he watched a live feed from the various security cameras positioned
around his home Dede asked if he ever got tired of people asking him for money Abraham replied
I've been tired they don't take no for an answer so I just let him keep on keeping on asking
in time Abraham confided in DD about his dire Financial Straits he'd followed poor advice and failed to
invest his money wisely Dede felt sorry for him she offered to protect Abraham from
being taken advantage of any further although she was shy and meek she pursued those who had borrowed money
from Abraham and ensured they made repayments she also organized for Judy Hagins to
have power of attorney over Abraham's remaining money this meant anyone who wanted funds would
have to go through Duty Abraham had been moving his money from bank to bank on a whim
D-Day advised him to secure his leftover money in a single Bank of America account under his own name
[Music] D.D Abraham and Judy got together periodically to discuss Abraham's finances with DD keeping record of the
meetings for the bank she was dismayed to learn that Abraham was using his money for what she had
noted as criminal activity he was removed as an authorized signer of his account leaving just DeDe and
Judy with access they became a buffer between Abraham and any unwise financial decisions
D-Day also helped to manage all of Abraham's assets including his property DD encouraged Abraham to start living
his life in their recorded interview she asked where he would like to go he responded
it don't matter to me I'm not a picky person D-Day offered suggestions California a
foreign country seemingly irritated by DD's prying Abraham motioned for her to turn off the
camera are you gonna miss your home DD asked Abraham responded yep but Life Goes On
[Music] DD got the sense that Abraham was planning to take off at any moment then one day he told her he'd obtained a
fake passport under the name Rodriguez Abraham began working to break his tires to Lakeland as quickly as possible
he offered to sell DD his house for a little over five hundred thousand dollars she didn't have that much money but the
pair reached an agreement D-Day could live in the house and make small purchases for Abraham such as
flights or cruise tickets as a gradual means of paying off the debt Abraham then asked for Dede's help to
make him disappear having grown attached to Abraham and his plight she agreed when Abraham left Lakeland Dede spread
conflicting rumors about where he'd gone and why to prevent him from being traced
she also shared alleged sightings of Abraham so people knew he was all right [Music]
he had left Dede his cell phone allowing her to send a text on his behalf to his
friends and family whenever concerns for Abraham grew DD used money he had given her to pay
people to claim they'd heard from him she paid Greg Smith 300 to call detective David Wallace and report a
false sighting of Abraham in Miami she gave Greg a further 350 to call Abraham's mother
she'd even broke an attorney-client privilege by staging a call to Abraham's attorney in October
Abraham had told her you handle all the business I got to go when approached by detectives DD became
emotional as she divulged what she'd done she claimed not to know where Abraham was but maintained that the two had met
up and spoken since he fell off the grid in April 2009. DD said she'd initially been under the
impression that she was simply keeping things in order until Abraham came home but over time she suspected he never
intended to return she felt she had misjudged him saying I've got all this trouble on me when all
I was trying to do was help the man D-Day willingly assisted investigators with their inquiries
eventually she admitted there were several other reasons Abraham might have fled
she disclosed that the real reason Abraham had her manage his money was to avoid paying child support
he also had a drug problem and might have been lured into dealing in a desperate bid to rebuild his wealth
then Dede mentioned an incriminating videotape it allegedly showed footage of Abraham
quote having sex with a 14 year old girl whatever the case Abraham's friends and
Associates in Lakeland agreed on one thing if anyone knew where Abraham was it was
D.D Moore d-day's admissions put her directly in the spotlight reporters confronted her in public
police constantly requested interviews and her computer files and business records were taken for examination
to quell the mounting suspicion against her DD did her own work to find Abraham she met up with Greg Smith the man she'd
previously paid to make fraudulent calls on Abraham's behalf DD vented to Greg about the stress she
was under and Greg reassured her that he would help until Abraham reappeared d-day's demeanor suddenly changed she
clawed at Greg's chest looking for a listening device Greg pulled away angrily asking what the
[ __ ] you doing DD composed herself and apologized she was riddled with anxiety and
paranoia and didn't know who to trust she blamed Abraham for leaving her to clean up his mess and Greg consoled her
cried and told him I see why Abraham says you're a good friend I just want to thank you for
believing in me and being on my side [Music] December 2009 came to a close with no
sign of Abraham Shakespeare in late January 2010 DD Moore met with Greg Smith again
the pair spoke about how the police were purposefully stirring [ __ ] up by intimidating Abraham's Support Network
phones had been tapped homes were searched and property seized Dede believed the police were trying to
get them to change their story [Music] Greg encouraged her to remain strong reminding her that they were in this
together I've only been talking to you because I'm trying to find Abraham Dede said
I've never been so scared in my life tensions were growing in the Lakeland Community
people were accusing DD of ripping off Abraham and she feared violent reprisal she informed Greg that Abraham was
connected to several gun and drug dealers and this made her particularly nervous
Dede had told the police who these men were prompting the police to confront them with Dede's accusations
that was when she realized that the police didn't care if she was killed DD also told Greg that she'd been
approached by Abraham's cousin Cedric Adam whom she'd previously paid to lie about Abraham
Cedric told DD that he'd been in contact with Abraham and said he wanted Cedric to have his home on Red Hawk Bend to
drive Dede was unsure what to do about this if it was true Cedric could establish a
line of communication between Abraham and the authorities yet Cedric wasn't exactly credible
[Music] then there was d-day's own distrust of the police she had grown to suspect that they were
trying to frame her for Abraham's disappearance [Music] DeDe and Greg bought burner cell phones
so they could communicate freely one night they met at a Comfort Inn where Greg booked a room under a fake
name Dede was first to arrive anxious about leaving any trace of her presence she donned plastic gloves a
surgical mask disposable shoe covers and a hair net when Greg showed up he put on the same
protective outfit Dede was fed up and had decided to take matters into her own hands
she pulled out a laptop and printer with Greg's help she started typing a letter addressed to Abraham
Shakespeare's Mother Elizabeth but the letter wasn't going to be from Dede she was writing it as though it was
from Abraham himself convinced that Abraham wasn't coming back to help her Dede was desperate to
redirect the investigative spotlight Greg advised her don't mention yourself too much
otherwise it will come off as suspicious the letter was several pages long and gave various reasons why Abraham wanted
to leave home Dede wrote I like being missing just not all over the news I've been through a lot mum you
know it I'm just tired she made up a story that someone had recognized Abraham and he'd had to pay a
police officer twenty thousand dollars to keep his secret in reference to herself D-Day wrote
don't worry about D if she goes to jail she will be okay the charges won't stick
there are too many people that know I left I gave her enough money she knew what to expect she should have not
gotten involved so now she just has to deal with it remembering that Abraham was illiterate
and incapable of riding long-winded prose DD added I still can't write a letter a good
friend is typing it for me I will see you I promise just give me some time Greg Smith was impressed the letter
didn't sound like it had come from DD at all they printed it off and slid it into an
envelope the pair wiped the room down with towels then they drove to Abraham's mother's
home where Greg placed the letter in her mailbox [Music] but any hopes that the letter would help
a DD were dashed when it failed to make the news Elizabeth didn't speak about it publicly
and the police seemed unaware of its existence instead investigators up to the reward
for information to ten thousand dollars with the promise that any tipsters wouldn't have to testify in future Court
proceedings the county sheriff announced none of the circumstances and none of the investigation we've completed up to
this point leads us to believe Abraham Shakespeare is still alive they officially named it D.D Moore as a
person of interest Dede was destroyed had Elizabeth kept the letter to herself or were the police just keeping it on
the down low DD called Greg Smith for guidance expressing her Devastation that police
feared Abraham was dead and that she was being viewed as a suspect [ __ ] all that Greg told her they don't
have a body Day Day brushed his reassurances aside saying yeah but that doesn't seem to matter to
these [ __ ] they're just trying to pin something on me and I haven't done anything to the man I would never ever
do anything to hurt another human being all I have ever done is try to help Abraham
hours later Greg agreed to meet DD at a service station in Plant City 10 miles west of Lakeland
as soon as Greg pulled up a visibly Overjoyed DD rushed over to his car yelling Abraham's back
[Music] DD could barely contain her excitement someone had called her to report seeing
Abraham at a home near Walden Lake Dede had gone to the location herself and spotted a car with a figure inside
she was certain it was Abraham Greg was flawed he and DD went to the location but the
car was no longer there regardless DD was relieved soon other alleged sightings of Abraham
began to spread but to DD's disappointment none of them made the news Greg tried to reassure her that the
media were probably just being cautious given the case was riddled with rumors deflated Dede told Greg
the police don't care they just want to make me the full guy for Abraham not being around
Greg replied well you need your own full guy you need somebody who will take this case for you
take the rap he suggested DD finds someone who was about to serve a long prison sentence
and cut a deal with them what deal you cut is between you and him Greg continued
I'm just saying there are people who will do this for you and get the heat off us
and Dede was excited by Greg's proposition she asked if he had anyone in mind Greg said he had a cousin named Mike
Smith who was about to serve 25 years on drug charges Dede tearfully embraced Greg grateful
that he was still supporting her he was in her eyes an exceptional person Greg reiterated that he had been with DD
since the beginning and would remain with her for the whole way the pair approached to Mike Smith with
their proposal in exchange for fifty thousand dollars Mike would tell police that Abraham owed
him money for a cannabis deal because DD had been overseeing Abraham's money she would say that Abraham
requested the funds from her but she refused a confrontation eventually ensued between the two men and Abraham pulled
out a gun prompting Mike to shoot him in self-defense Mike Smith agreed to become DD and
Greg's Fall Guy the money would provide security for his family and given he was going to prison
anyway he felt he had nothing to lose while D-Day was relieved by what she saw as a foolproof plan she was starting to
worry that maybe Abraham wasn't all right perhaps he had been killed after all and
those who knew the truth were being threatened to stay quiet DD's suspicions fell on a man she knew
only as Ronald the worst of the gun and drug dealers Abraham associated with in the wake of Abraham's disappearance
Ronald had initially told DD that Abraham was okay but as she'd started to sense that
something was amiss Ronald became aggressive threatening to kill Day Day and her teenage son
menacing notes began appearing at d-day's back door which she was certain were from Ronald
Greg encouraged a Dede to confront Ronald even suggesting she bribe him to reveal key information
Dede considered it but was more tempted by Mike Smith being willing to take the rap for Abraham's murder
this would take the heat off DD entirely the only problem was that Mike had made
a specific request he needed a body no one would take his story seriously without one and it would remove any
doubt that Abraham was still alive because they didn't have a body Dede hoped a murder weapon would suffice
they could plant Mike's fingerprints on a gun and then have Mike direct people to the weapon
she even had one they could use a 38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver although it was registered in Dede's
name Mark could say that he'd stolen it from her house or she could say that she'd sold it to Abraham
better still they could remove the weapon's serial number to prevent it being traced altogether
Mike was reluctant to go through with the plan without a body he knew of someone who had attempted a
similar con but the supposed murder victim had suddenly reappeared all the conspirators were charged with
insurance fraud this rattled DD and she began to doubt the plan confronting Ronald seemed safer
perhaps she could offer him something to elicit a confession and the location of
Abraham's body Greg ordered Dede to call Ronald and find out everything they needed to know
[Music] the next time Greg and Dede met she had an update she'd gotten in contact with Ronald and
he'd told her everything Abraham had indeed run afoul of the drug dealers and was killed as a result
Ronald had intended to set D-Day up for the crime and admitted that he'd buried Abraham's body on her property in Plant
City and Greg made a plan under the cover of Darkness Greg and Mark would dig up Abraham's body
Dede would stay at Abraham's Lakeland home with her family establishing her alibi
she suggested that Abraham's body be taken out to the countryside and burnt she gave Greg her revolver to prepare it
for Mark's confession before making a final revelation Abraham was rumored to have been in
possession of sixty seven thousand dollars when he was killed she told Greg and Mike to search for it
in the early afternoon of Monday January 25 2010 Greg arrived at DD's house on the regional outskirts of Plant City
she supplied him with digging implements and cleaning products before leading him
to a 30 by 30 foot concrete slab in her backyard she pinpointed a specific spot saying
that's where you should dig right under there maybe six feet down later that night Dede was in Lakeland as
planned when she received a call from Greg he thundered down the line what the [ __ ] are you doing
he'd arrived at d-days to commence the Dig only to find a large police presence already there
Greg and Mike backed away to a secluded spot and called Dede accusing her of setting them up
I swear to you Greg she told him I don't know nothing about this Greg demanded to meet up Dede was
reluctant as it would blow her Alibi but Greg was Furious they needed a plan B and they needed it
now DD agreed to make Greg at the Lakeland Mall parking lot she told her family that she was going
to help a friend who was having car trouble the pair sat in Greg's car frantically
discussing their options Greg suspected the police were tipped off and had a warrant to search Dede's
property but DD maintained that she hadn't told anyone about their scheme all of a sudden two cars sped into the
parking lot and pulled up aside Greg's vehicle detectives emerged and took Greg and
D-Day into custody Day Day immediately threw Greg under the bus saying that he had killed Abraham
the interviewing detectives eyed each other before one remarked you know that Greg didn't kill Abraham
Shakespeare Dede began to cry but insisted that Greg was guilty then she was given news that left her
speechless Greg Smith is working with us Greg Smith was first introduced to Dede
Moore by his good friend Abraham Shakespeare DD whose full name was Darice Donegan
Moore came across as timid and uneasy her handshake was gentle and she struggled to maintain eye contact
when D-Day began managing Abraham's money Craig was skeptical she wasn't an accredited accountant or
financial advisor she claimed to have written a financial self-help book called organize me now
but it hadn't been published Greg bit his tongue so as not to undermine Abraham's decision but warned
him to be careful he never saw his friend again with Abraham mysteriously out of the
picture Dede started chasing Greg to repay the 63 000 that Abraham had lent him for his mortgage
then when Abraham was reported missing D-Day offered to eradicate the dead entirely on one condition
she needed Greg's help to mislead the police day day new detectives would be on to
her from a young age she was acutely aware of the power and privilege of wealth and
was ashamed of her own family's financial status in her teens she made her parents drop
her off away from her friends so they wouldn't see their cheap old car she sought luxuries her parents couldn't
afford like expensive clothing cars and a jewelry at age 22. DD was involved in a head-on
collision the two occupants in the other vehicle were killed but Dede made a full
recovery afterwards Dede's mother noticed an erratic shift in her daughter's behavior
that left her wondering if DayDay had an undetected brain injury her job as a nursing assistant suited
her seemingly kind and patient personality but it didn't pay well still fixated on money DD established a
moderately successful side business selling prepaid cell phones and calling plans
colleagues recalled DD's natural Acumen for business but it was soon revealed that she had skimmed sixty thousand
dollars off the payroll DD's money woes continued she was caught shoplifting and arrested for writing a
bad check she failed to make her car repayments and was evicted for failing to pay rent
by mid-2001 she owed upwards of fifty thousand dollars not long after this DD was discovered in
waimama 40 miles south from her home in Plant City she was disheveled and destroyed with
her wrists bound with duct tape Dede told police that three clean-cut tattooed Hispanic men had carjacked her
at gunpoint they deducted and raped her then thrown her in a ditch before taking off in her
car [Music] a tip-off led to the discovery of Dede's car in a garage 30 miles north in Pasco
County and to the complete unraveling of her story day had paid an accomplice to help stage
the attack so she could claim Insurance on her stolen car she was convicted of insurance fraud and
falsely reporting a crime and given a Year's probation years later in 2006 DD was accused of
stealing sixty thousand dollars that was given to her to start a new business the case was closed due to a lack of
evidence after this D-Day faced two civil lawsuits for unpaid services fronting her new Venture American
medical professionals she attended the small business conference that ultimately led her to Abraham
Shakespeare within 90 days of the pair meeting in D.D Moore virtually had complete control
of Abraham's money investigators discovered that the final withdrawals from Abraham's bank account
as well as his assets were transferred to the business account of American medical professionals
around this time D-Day made a large withdrawals from this account purchasing jewelry and several high-end cars as
well as paying for restaurant meals and travel while DD was seemingly helping Abraham
reclaim money he'd loaned to others the repayments actually went straight to her
D-Day claimed to have bought Abraham's Mansion home from him but there was no documentation to prove it
when detectives confronted her with this discrepancy and many others Dede altered
her story with even more outlandish explanations some were willing to believe that DD's
dealings with Abraham were just unscrupulous coincidences and that he was indeed in hiding
others were certain he had met with Foul Play but there wasn't sufficient evidence to support an arrest
everything pertaining to DD Moore had been searched aside from her efforts to claim
Abraham's last million dollars not a single thing was found to indicate that she had physically harmed him
it wasn't until detectives interviewed Greg Smith and learned he was in cahoots with DD that they formulated a plan
we think D-Day more does know something they told Greg and we need someone to help us get that information out of her
Greg was then asked to become a confidential informant it wasn't a decision Greg made lightly
but he harbored his own suspicions about DD he spoke to Judy Hagins the other person
involved in overseeing Abraham's finances Judy recalled a time when Dede called her in a panic
Abraham was heading to the bank and Dede needed Judy to stall him he can't go to the bank DD told her
Abraham once confided in Duty now you know that white woman got me money she can do anything to me
Greg had a gut feeling Abraham was dead he told detective Wallace I'm in whatever I got to do I'm all in
during their initial meeting Dede launched herself at Greg suspecting he was wearing a wire
he was able to reassure her they met multiple times over the following weeks all the while Greg
covertly recorded their conversations Dede spouted off unbelievable stories non-stop barely giving Greg a moment
silence one minute she was sobbing in his arms the next she'd snapped to a composed
State and rattle on about a different subject she seemed to lose herself in her convoluted lies and made up a dangerous
drug dealer named Ronald to implicating Abraham's disappearance later she talked about Ronald as if he
were a real person Greg was Disturbed still he went along with whatever strange plot Dede devised to hinder the
investigation all the while hoping she'd reveal what really happened to Abraham when she wrote a bizarre rambling letter
to Abraham's mother as Abraham Greg Felder was completely unconvincing but told her otherwise
after the pair dropped it off in the mailbox detectives swooped in and took it as evidence
Greg endured a lot in his role as an informant his local community saw him spending
time with DeDe and rumors spread many suspected the pair had conspired together to get rid of Abraham
it was far from the truth but Greg couldn't defend himself lest he ruined everything he was working for
he couldn't let Dede get away with it when she started talking about Abraham being dead the operation kicked up a
notch an undercover police officer was brought in to play Mark Smith Greg's prison-bound cousin
using Mike as a Fall Guy Greg extracted more compelling evidence from DD specifically where they would find
Abraham's body the realization that Abraham had been murdered was heartbreaking for Greg but
he had succeeded in locating his friend after learning that Greg Smith was a police informant DD Moore took a long
deep breath she then implicated Mike Smith learning that he was an undercover detective she burst into tears and began
a long rant blaming drug dealer Ronald for shooting Abraham with her gun it was no use
detectives already had audio recordings of DD fabricating the character of Ronald to Greg Smith
she went on and on about Ronald before a detective Cut Her Off saying Dede Dede there's no Ronald
she tensed up before telling a news story about a drug deal gone wrong DD claimed someone held a gun to her
head and she'd passed out from Fear she came too only to witness Abraham being fatally shot
the detectives asked who the shooter was but DD started saying she couldn't remember
one detective remarked you can't tell us because it's you and you're scared DD's ex-husband revealed that he'd
delivered a backhoe to her Plant City Home in April 2009. he used it to help DJ dig a large hole
as she wanted to burn and bury some remodeling debris she asked him to return hours later to
fill the hole with dirt a cement contractor poured the slab in d-day's backyard that same month
she told him she wanted a solid slab to park her vehicles on eventually DD would admit that Abraham's
body was buried under the concrete slab in her backyard following two days of excavation work
Abraham Shakespeare's remains were uncovered six feet below the slab nine months after he'd disappeared
he'd sustained two 38 caliber gunshots to the chest but the bullets were too deteriorated to be compared to DD's
revolver she continued to give other explanations for Abraham's murder each more
outlandish than the last she implicated everyone from Abraham's cousin Cedric Adam to his attorney
Howard stitzel at one point Dede claimed she and Abraham had fought over money and he'd
gripped her throat as she started to lose Consciousness someone shot Abraham but she didn't see
who she conceded that it could have been her but if it was it was in self-defense
just when detectives thought they'd heard it all Dede said her 14 year old son was responsible
she then tried to convince her ailing elderly father to confess to the murder in the eyes of detectives it was clear
that Dede was a habitual and Shameless liar they described her as a professional con
artist a Devil in Disguise DD Moore was charged with the first degree murder of Abraham Shakespeare
Dede's trial commenced in November 2012 six years after Abraham Shakespeare won the lottery
the prosecution posited that Dede had fanned Abraham's fears of losing his remaining wealth by exaggerating the
amount he'd lose to paying child support up until that point Abraham was a good father
then Dede filled his head with lies about infidelity and the possibility that his youngest child wasn't even his
Abraham took a d-day's word that she'd protect his money if he granted her access to it
when he realized he was being scammed a confrontation ensued D-Day shot Abraham with her revolver
before burying his body in her backyard she then went about creating conflicting
rumors and false sightings to hinder the search for Abraham there was no shortage of witnesses
testifying against a D-Day including the star witness Greg Smith whose covert recordings were played
during court DD often broke down in tears bringing proceedings to a halt she kept winking smiling and gesturing
to the jury on one occasion she apparently went into anaphylactic shock the judge cautioned the defense
attorneys to control their client she was so disruptive that the judge eventually cut off her microphone
the defense highlighted that the case relied on circumstantial evidence while they admitted Dede was devious
they argued there was no proof she'd committed murder her refusal to provide a clear
explanation of Abraham's murder was indicative that her life was in danger and she feared speaking the truth
the defense called No Witnesses instead relying on painting the prosecution witnesses as untruthful or unreliable
the jury deliberated for three hours before finding DD Moore guilty of the first degree murder of Abraham
Shakespeare the presiding judge described a DD as cold calculated and cruel saying she was
quote probably the most manipulative person that this court has seen Abraham Shakespeare was your prey and
your victim money was the root of the evil that you brought to Abraham Abraham's Mother Elizabeth was a
religious person and fundamentally against the death penalty so the prosecution didn't push for it
instead Dede Moore was sentenced to life in prison without parole Elizabeth expressed gratitude to the
detectives that led the investigation into her son's disappearance saying without their dedication and persistence
we might never have found out what happened to Abraham during Abraham's memorial service the
large crowd of mourners gave the detectives a standing ovation appearing in emotional media interviews
from prison and Dede Moore called anyone who believed she was guilty an idiot she blamed her verdict on her legal
team's refusal to let her testify in her own defense with each new interview came a different
version of events pertaining to Abraham's murder then in 2019 Dede Moore appealed her
conviction she apologized for her actions this time claiming Greg Smith killed Abraham after
finding out that he was having an affair with Greg's wife her appeal was rejected
an investigator involved with the case described these claims as typical of DD saying
she'll go down in her grave trying to blame this on somebody else people have asked me if I think she will
ever come clean and I say absolutely not Dede will die in prison still claiming her innocence
indeedy maintains her innocence to this day yet she also accepts that her ever-changing version of events is
confusing conclusery and vague lottery winners are often the target of harassment solicitations scams
extortions burglaries kidnappings and homicides therefore winners are advised to keep
quiet hire an attorney and remain anonymous if an individual is legally required to
collect their winnings in person it's common for them to wear a disguise to avoid the publicity
[Music] when Abraham Shakespeare won the lottery regulations in his home state required
all winners publicly reveal their name and city of residence in May 2022 Florida introduced a new law
creating a public records exemption for the names of people who win lottery prizes of 250 000 or more
the exemption lasts 90 days from the moment the prize is claimed this is deemed sufficient time for
winners to plan responsibly obtain Financial advice put their funds into Investments or leave their old lives
behind one of the Bill's sponsors said at some point in our lives we all dream of winning the lottery
unfortunately for some that dream becomes a nightmare [Music] in the aftermath of Abraham
Shakespeare's murder only a couple of hundred thousand dollars of his 17 million dollar lottery win were
recovered that money was placed in a trust for his sons [Music] at Abraham's mansion on Red Hawk Bend
Drive two welcome mats greeted guests at the front door one featured the message bless this home
the other read go away [Music] Jim Valenti was Abraham's appellate attorney during his civil suit in 2007.
at the time Jim said Abraham Shakespeare was a man who was very Weary by the time he got to me
I wonder if he wouldn't say he would like to go back to the day before he won that money
[Music] [Music] [Music]

Case 248: Abraham Shakespeare

*** Content warning: Gun violence ***

When 41-year-old Abraham Shakespeare won the 30 million dollar Florida Lottery prize, his underprivileged life changed overnight. Yet, he quickly realised his newfound wealth was a curse.

Despite showing limitless charity, he became demoralised by the pressure and expectations thrust upon him by those seeking his money. Then in April 2009, Abraham vanished. Had he voluntarily left to escape the stress, or had something more sinister occurred?

CREDITS

Narration – Anonymous Host Research & writing – Milly Raso Creative direction – Milly Raso Production and music – Mike Migas Music – Andrew D.B. Joslyn

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RESOURCES

For all credits and sources, please visit https://casefilepodcast.com/case-248-abraham-shakespeare

Brief Summary

Abraham Shakespeare won the lottery, faced financial pressures, disappeared, and was later murdered by D.D. Moore, who managed his finances.

Key points

Abraham Wins the Lottery. Abraham Shakespeare wins a staggering $30 million in the Florida Lottery, changing his life forever.
The Fallout of Wealth. Abraham's newfound wealth leads to unexpected pressures and demands from friends and family.
D.D. Moore's Confession. D.D. Moore admits to making false calls about Abraham's whereabouts, raising suspicions.
The Letter from Abraham. D.D. writes a letter pretending to be Abraham to redirect suspicion, but it fails to gain attention.
The Fall Guy Plan. D.D. and Greg devise a plan to pin Abraham's disappearance on Mike Smith, who agrees to take the fall.
Dede's Trial and Conviction. Dede Moore was found guilty of first-degree murder six years after Abraham's lottery win.

Episode highlights

Episode quotes

I don't have to struggle no more.

Abraham celebrates his lottery win

5:43WatchMay 27, 2023

Tension

85/ 100High tension

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