Advertisement

The sinister scenarios influencing a $700m lottery winner to remain anonymous

A woman who won more than $710 million in lottery winnings is being denied access to her new fortune after she refused to reveal her identity – and recent history justifies her decision.

The woman, known only as “Jane Doe”, claimed the jackpot prize from a Powerball ticket sold in New Hampshire in the US and is now in court arguing why she shouldn’t have to have her name on the back of the ticket.

Her lawyer, Steven Gordon, who is chasing the millions on her behalf said she is fearful of the repercussions of being linked to such a large sum.

While many have questioned how someone could put off claiming such a prize, the recent string of lottery related deaths explains Ms Doe's insistence at securing anonymity.

A New Hampshire woman who won $700 million off a Powerball ticket is being denied her fortune. Source: Getty
A New Hampshire woman who won $700 million off a Powerball ticket is being denied her fortune. Source: Getty

In 2009, Abraham Shakespeare picked up more than $38 million in a Florida lottery. Less than three years later he was found buried in a makeshift grave under a concrete slab.

A woman, who befriended Mr Shakespeare and offered to manage his remaining funds was convicted of his murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Craig Burch Jr, who picked up more than half a million in a Georgia lottery in 2015, was found shot dead in his apartment just two months later.

His girlfriend, who managed to flee the property, said the 20-year-old offered his credit card to the men armed with masks and shotguns but was gunned down anyway.

Craig Burch was gunned down by armed home invaders months after he won more than US$400,000. Source: Georgia State Lottery
Craig Burch was gunned down by armed home invaders months after he won more than US$400,000. Source: Georgia State Lottery

It was a similar story for Jeffrey Dampier who made headlines when he pocketed more than $24 million in 1996.

He was abducted and murdered by his sister-in-law Victoria Jackson and her boyfriend Nathaniel Jackson (unrelated) in 2005.

Victoria Jackson was found guilty of first-degree murder, armed kidnapping and armed carjacking and sentenced to three consecutive life sentences. Her boyfriend was trialled similarly.

Several lottery winners have also recently spoken out about how they became alienated from their friends and family when they were inundated with cash and investment requests.

Abraham Shakespeare was found murdered three years after he claimed $38 million (US $30m) in a local lottery. Source: Florida State Lottery
Abraham Shakespeare was found murdered three years after he claimed $38 million (US $30m) in a local lottery. Source: Florida State Lottery

Attorney William Shaheen, who is part of the firm representing the New Hampshire Powerball winner, explained this is why his client wishes to remain anonymous.

“Once you are outed, it can be overwhelming,” Mr Shaheen explained in a post on his firm's website.

“If you like your life and you like your friends, choose anonymity. If you don’t, things will change. People will look at you differently and treat you differently.”

His partner Mr Gordon requested "Ms Doe" be allowed to white out her name in front of lottery officials, as she's already signed the card, and replace it with a trust.

But Mr Gordon was told it would invalidate the ticket and she'd lose the winnings.

New Hampshire Lottery Executive Director Charlie McIntyre said the reason for identification was for the security and integrity of the lottery.

A hearing for ‘Jane Doe’ has been set for February 21.

Today's top videos