The Suspicious Death of Eduardo Tirella (Rhode Island)
Dark Downeast
Deep Dive
What happened on October 7, 1966, in Newport, Rhode Island?
On October 7, 1966, wealthy heiress Doris Duke hit and killed her friend Eduardo Tirella while driving a rented car. The incident occurred near the gates of her estate on Bellevue Avenue.
Why is Eduardo Tirella's death still debated?
Eduardo Tirella's death is still debated because it remains unclear whether it was an accident or an intentional act of murder. Doris Duke's actions that day have been questioned, and various theories suggest foul play.
What was Eduardo Tirella's role in Doris Duke's life?
Eduardo Tirella was a close friend and confidant of Doris Duke. He was involved in curating her art, designing her estates, and providing artistic direction for various projects, including film sets.
What was Eduardo Tirella's background and career?
Eduardo Tirella was a talented artist and designer who worked as a milliner at Saks Fifth Avenue and later as a costume designer for Broadway and Hollywood films. He also designed interiors and landscapes for Doris Duke's estates.
What was Doris Duke's financial status during her lifetime?
Doris Duke was one of the wealthiest women in the world, inheriting an estate worth between $30 million and $133 million from her father, James Buchanan Duke, founder of the American Tobacco Company. Adjusted for inflation, her wealth was over $1 billion.
What evidence suggests that Eduardo Tirella's death may not have been an accident?
Evidence includes inconsistencies in Doris Duke's statements, tire marks in the driveway suggesting sudden acceleration, and the autopsy report showing injuries that don't align with her account of the incident. Additionally, witnesses reported hearing an argument and two distinct accelerations of the car engine.
What was the outcome of the civil lawsuit filed by Eduardo Tirella's family against Doris Duke?
The civil lawsuit was decided in favor of Eduardo Tirella's family, who were awarded $75,000 in damages plus interest and costs, totaling about $96,000. However, Doris Duke was not found guilty of criminal charges.
What role did Bob Walker play in the re-examination of Eduardo Tirella's case?
Bob Walker, a former paperboy, came forward in 2021 with a detailed account of what he witnessed on the day of the incident. He claimed to have heard an argument and two distinct accelerations of the car engine, which supported the theory of intentional murder.
Why did Newport Police Department close the case as an accident?
Newport Police Department closed the case as an accident after Doris Duke provided a statement that seemed to satisfy investigators. However, many have since questioned the validity of this conclusion due to inconsistencies and missing evidence.
What was Doris Duke's reaction to Eduardo Tirella's decision to leave her employment?
Doris Duke was reportedly upset and had a violent argument with Eduardo Tirella before his death. Staff at her estate overheard the argument, which fueled suspicions that her actions were motivated by anger and jealousy.
- Doris Duke hit and killed Eduardo Torella
- Initial police report labeled it an accident
- Questions remain about whether it was intentional
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