Vulgar Favours
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health of, 403–406, 430, 431, 467–468
lifestyle of, 361–372
memorial services for, 443–444
murder of, 1, 410–435, 467–468, 474, 475
Versace, Santo, 369, 399–400, 431–433, 518
Versace Group, 398–402
Vidal, Carlos, 409, 410
Vizi, Linda, 304
Volpe, Guillermo, 445
Von Furstenberg, Egon, 364
vonRichter, Franz, 186, 194–197, 202, 212
W
Wagner, Steve, 232–236, 241, 243–248, 253–255, 258, 289, 294, 301–303, 306, 334, 339–340
Wainwright, Jon, 110, 185, 242, 344
Walker, Chris, 106
Wallit, Evan, 167, 174, 204, 206, 300, 455
Walsh, John, 295, 331, 481, 482–483, 485
Wambaugh, Joseph, 203, 457
Waugh, Evelyn, 46
Wheeler, Roger, 288, 289, 326, 387
White, Anthony, 453
Whitmore, Mike, 100
Wiberg, Jennifer, 217–218, 229–231
Wieder, Lori, 391, 420
Wiley, Stephen, 290
Williams, Michael, 148, 184, 197, 214, 342
Williams, Mike, 489
Williams, Pete, 489–490
Williams, Ron, 116, 146–147, 260–261, 316
Willis, Taurey, 127–128
Wilson, Peter, 28, 38
Wood, Lonnie, 510
Z
Zabrowski, Gerry, 419
Zeeland, Steven, 88, 110, 112
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
It took more than a village to write this book! Hundreds of people helped me: Throughout America scores of men and women gave me their time or searched their files, and I am grateful to every one of them quoted in these pages. My largest debt of gratitude goes to members of the Trail, Madson, and Reese families, stalwart, upstanding people who had no wish to relive the horror of what happened to them, yet were kind enough to endure my interviews and share their stories. I want also to thank the close friends of their sons—Jeff Trail’s friends: Jerry Davis, Jon Hackett, Louis Feuchtbaum, Jon Wainwright, Daniel O’Toole, Mike Williams, Chris Gamache, and Judy Fleissner; his teachers, navy buddies, and coworkers. David Madson’s friends: Rich Bonnin, Monique Salvetti, Doug and Wendy Petersen, Rob Davis, Cedric Rucker, the members of John Ryan, Co. In Chicago, Lee Miglin’s partner, Paul Beitler, was enormously helpful, as was Miglin-Beitler spokesman Mark Jarasek, and Sugar Rautbord. In New Jersey, Linda and David Shaw were pivotal.
I am indebted to the FBI for the exemplary cooperation they offered. The FBI culture is not naturally open to journalists, but thanks to Director Louis Freeh, Chief of Staff Robert Bucknam, who was especially accommodating, and assistant director of the Office of Public and Congressional Affairs John Collingwood—all of whom went to bat for me. I was able to gain access to many helpful individuals in Washington—Roger Wheeler, Stephen Wiley, Roy Tubergen—and various field offices—thanks to Pete Ahearn, Kevin Rickett, Bobby Siller, Paul Philip, Gregory Jones, Paul Mallett, Steve Kives, John Hause, Carl Chandler, Linda Vizi, Ed Cogswell, Tron Brecke. Having access to some records through the Freedom of Information Act helped untangle a very complex chronology and scenario—thanks especially to Mike Shaver and Linda Kloss. A few days before he retired, FBI Deputy Director William Esposito graciously made time to speak with me. William Hagmaier, head of the Child Abduction and Serial Killer Unit, gave me valuable insights. Retired head of the profiling unit Gregg McCrary was similarly superb.
To those important few who wished to remain anonymous but who were gracious about participating nonetheless, thank you. There are four names I changed to protect the guilty or the embarrassed.
Across the country many members of law enforcement kindly cooperated, and they have my gratitude. In Miami Beach, Chief Richard Barreto, Assistant Chief James Scarberry, Lieutenant Carlos Noriega, and especially Sergeant George Navarro, who went out of his way, allowed me to relive through their eyes the tumultuous time of the Versace murder and aftermath. Retired detective Paul Scrimshaw shared with me the accumulated knowledge of his many years of homicide work, without which I would not have been able to put all the pieces of this far-flung investigation together. I am deeply grateful for his patience, intelligence, and perseverance. I am indebted to Miami Beach detective Dale Twist, who generously gave me his time and brought me the incomparable Galleto; also to Paul Marcus and Gus Sanchez, Gary Schiaffo and Richard Pelosi, to Al Boza, Bobby Hernandez, and Lori Wieder. The savvy former chief assistant state attorney Michael Band, State Attorney Rose Marie Antonacci-Pollock, and U.S. Attorney Wilfredo Fernandez all helped me to more easily understand the law. In the medical examiner’s office I want to thank Drs. Emma Lew and Lee Hearn for their interesting explanations of forensic medicine. Former mayor Seymour Gelber was a fresh breeze of candor. I am indebted also to Lieutenant Linda O’Brien of the Metro Dade Police Department and Paige Patterson of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
South Beach is an exciting place to explore, filled with amazing characters and enough material to fill volumes of novels. So many people there made my work easier and more fun. My friends at the Hotel Astor, Dana Keith and Laura Sheridan, could not have been more ready to help, as was my friend Zachary Selig. Special thanks. For their general fabulousness and keen insight into their community, thank you to Israel Sands and Bobby Guilmartin, Tom Austin, Brian Antoni, Dennis Leyva, Frank Scottolini, Tara Solomon, Gary Knight, Dr. Ralph Heyndels, Louis Canales, Books & Books. In Fort Lauderdale, Billy Ruben and Howard Greenfield were courtly and charming—thanks to Wes Combs for introducing us, also Bob Wittek. A special thanks to Ian Gibson and Larry Chrysler and those who spoke from Gamma Mu.
In Coconut Grove, thanks to Jack Campbell. Thank you, Ronnie, for all your help, also Roger Falin and Miriam Hernandez and the Normandy Plaza personnel and Fernando Carreira and Vivian Olivia.
Members of the Miami media were especially generous with their time, and I admired their professionalism: Ramon Escobar and Don Browne at Channel 6; Tom Doerr, Rad Berky, and Connie Hicks at Channel 10; Glenn Albin and Jacqueline Powers at Ocean Drive magazine; Jim DeFede at New Times; Eugene Patron; Linda Robinson and Elise Ackerman at U.S. News & World Report; Andrew Delaplane at Wire and Dan Pryor at Scoop.
In San Diego dozens of people who knew Andrew Cunanan from the time he was an infant until he left Hillcrest have my gratitude. Childhood friends Lou “Jamie” Morris and Robert Arends were able to take me back to the old neighborhood and show me the grammar and middle schools Andrew attended. A special thanks to Delfin Labao and Sister Dolores and Miss Bobbie Hatfield, who knew Andrew as a little boy, as well as his other teachers and classmates with whom I spoke and their families; at Bishop’s, particularly Heidie Hamer and Stacy Lopez. The Rifat family, Anne, Rachel, and Matthew, were incredibly helpful and gracious to me—my warmest thanks for all their kindnesses. Thank you also to Pete Cunanan.
In Hillcrest, where Andrew’s acquaintances ran into the hundreds, several people were key to my understanding: Robbins Brett Thompson has my most sincere appreciation, as does Tom Eads, who went out of his way to assist; a special word of thanks is also due to Dr. William Crawford, Franz vonRichter, Stan Hatley, Sheila Gard, Ronnie Mascarena, Michael Moore, J. Buchman, Joe Sullivan, Nathan Fry, Ron Williams, the staff at Flicks, Rick Rinaldi, and all the kind people of California Cuisine, Todd Kaufman, Hank Randolph, Buzz English, Jeffrey Keener.
Nicole Ramirez-Murray is in a class by him/herself.
Originally Anthony Dabiere was a source for my Vanity Fair article. After I interviewed him for the book he proved such a knowledgeable resource that I later asked him to be my Man Friday in San Diego. For his humor, his irrepressible spark, and his unfailing good nature while going down all the dark alleys I had him explore, he has my everlasting gratitude.
Thanks also to Billy Sorukas in the U.S. Marshal’s Service, Lieutenant Jim Collins at the San Diego Police Department, Frank Buttino, Kelly Thornton at the San Di
ego Union-Tribune, Ronald Johnston, and my first San Diego source, Vivian M. Warren.
To piece together Andrew’s life in the San Francisco Bay Area, the outstandingly cooperative Philip Merrill and Elizabeth Oglesby were treasures of recall. Andrew’s old friends and acquaintances from Berkeley and San Francisco made significant contributions: Doug Stubblefield, Eli Gould, John Semerau, Steven Gomer. Thanks to San Francisco Police officer Lee Militello for her friendly cooperation. To all the great San Francisco bartenders and bar owners who helped me at Lupann’s, the Midnight Sun, Twin Peaks, Badlands, the Lyons Pub, and Alta Vista, I raise a glass. To Doug Conaway’s sharp eye, I raise a glass.
Minneapolis was one of my first stops writing the article. I met Bob Tichich of the Minneapolis police then, and in the months that followed, throughout the reporting and writing of the book, he never failed to give me valuable cooperation and help, for which I am grateful. In addition, Captain Stephen Strehlow, Lieutenant Dale Barsness, Sergeants Steve Wagner and Mark Lenzen, and Detective Pete Jackson were all generous about sharing their experiences on the Trail murder case with me, and I am indebted to them. Also to the efficient Penny Parrish in Public Affairs and Officer John Sullivan. Jennifer Wiberg, Perry Del Ghingaro, and the residents of Harmony Lofts, where David Madson lived, were extremely gracious and helpful, as was Rachel Gold of Focus Point in Minneapolis, Esme Murphy at WCCO-TV, Gail Plewacki at KSTP-TV, Dana Evans, Rick Allen, and Brian Wade Smith. Terrill Lamb, who helped the Madson family with media relations, was always a pleasure to work with. R. D. Zimmerman and Lars Peterson were unbelievably hospitable to a complete stranger.
Chisago County has the mythical friendliness and niceness of small-town America made real. Police Chief Randy Schwegman, Sergeant Todd Rivard, County Attorney Jim Reuter, Jeanette Olson all went out of their way to be accommodating. I also appreciate the help of Dr. Lindsey Thomas of the Chisago County Coroner’s Office, Jean Rosen of the Full Moon Cafe, and Michelle of J.J.’s Bowl and Lounge.
To Chicago Deputy Chief of Patrol Jim Maurer, a great guy, Commander Ettore De Vito of the Eighteenth District, and especially Commander Tom Cronin, who generously gave me his time and fascinating thoughts while walking the Miglin crime scene, thanks for trying to pry the lid. Former Chicago Police Superintendent Matt Rodriguez, Medical Examiner Dr. Edmund Donoghue, State’s Attorney Nancy Donahoe were all terrific pros—informative and interesting. Betsy Brazis and Stephen Byer have the potential to be outstanding on-scene reporters and were enormously helpful, as was Mike Fellner and Jim Ludwig of the Chicago Gay Alliance. “Bob,” you were super. Thanks to Achy Obejas and Andrew Martin at the Chicago Tribune; to Steven Strahler of Crain’s Chicago Business; and to the Boswell of the Gold Coast, Mark Weyermuller.
In southern New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania a great group of local reporters came through for me: Kelly Roncase, Clint Reilly, Eileen Bennet, Jennifer Farrell. My appreciation to the staff of Fort Mott State Park and to Pennsville, New Jersey, Police Lieutenant Patrick McCaffery, Detective Sergeant First Class Tom Cannavo of the New Jersey State Police, Ted Vengenock, Chief Investigator, Salem County, New Jersey, busy men all who patiently took time for me.
At various points of my own reporting, my colleagues covering the story proved invaluable. I would like to give a special note of acknowledgment to Sue McHugh, working for A&E Biography, Wendy Walker Whitworth and Julie Mortz at Larry King Live, Santina Leuci of Hard Copy, Catherine Bailey of Pendragon Productions in London, all of whom generously aided me at critical moments. Thanks also to all those who were kind enough to provide cassettes and scripts. A big thanks to the hardworking gang at America’s Most Wanted. To Darryl Cooper of Gay Men and Lesbians Opposing Violence, Christine Quinn, Sharen Shaw Johnson, et al. of the Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project, Cathy Renna of Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, Dilia Loe, gay activists who provided context and enlightenment, my sincere appreciation.
For helping me to decipher inner workings and finance of high fashion and real estate I owe a large debt of gratitude to Larry Gurwin, whose impressive investigative skills and help I valued, and whose ability to read a balance sheet in both English and Italian made reams of unintelligible numbers comprehensible; Cathy Horyn, my Vanity Fair colleague and friend, now at the New York Times, was not only extremely helpful but a terrific companion my first days in Florida. Thank you also to Terry Agins, Susan Watters, and to ever-effervescent Christy Ferer.
Dr. Kathy Reback provided valuable assistance about the effects of crystal meth. Sam Schad was very helpful about gay pornography.
Along the way I’ve bumped into people I knew ages ago, such as Armistead Maupin and David Geffen, who generously cooperated and found old friends, the Zachers, and long-lost relatives, the Kleinbubs, who have all been great supports. So have my friends: Jill Abramson, who read the first half of the manuscript; fellow journalists Sally Bedell Smith and Jurate Kazickas; Laura Handman, a fine lawyer who gave me sage counsel; Kazuko Oshima for her magic; Blair Sabol for her humor; Lorana Sullivan and Suzanne Wright for their encouragement; Bill Carrick and Bee Gee Truesdale, who put me up; financial sleuth Kevin Frawley; his gracious sister, the Ambassador; and Al Kamikawa, my coconspirator.
Throughout the process of reporting and writing this book I have been blessed with topflight assistance. Researcher Catherine Berger provided an exhaustive detailed chronology. I appreciate her gameness in having to go into subjects she considered less than savory. Rebecca Carroll, now in the Peace Corps in China, was brilliant on the computer and brilliant in general, a great help and a real joy. The last third of this book was written in one frenetic month. This would not have been possible without the dedication and excellence of eight months’ duration of Bridget Bentz, who kept my myriad notebooks and hundreds of files in her head and at her fingertips. Her sunny disposition and kindness saw me through. Peter Griggs was a terrific transcriber and Barbara Oliver a digger nonpareil.
As an agent Amanda Urban is a wonder, and I am deeply appreciative to Susan Kauffman and Alicia Gordon of ICM, and to Cathy Wright-Isaacson, for their efforts. Thank you, Jerry Weintraub and John Tomko, for your faith in me and your patience.
Editor in chief Graydon Carter and managing editor Chris Garret at Vanity Fair were with me on this project at the beginning and have been more than understanding about giving me leave to write this book. I think I have one of the best jobs in journalism working for some of the best people, particularly my editor, Wayne Lawson, a living treasure of the magazine world, highly skilled, compassionate, and giving, who has my most heartfelt appreciation. The Vanity Fair research, publicity, and photo departments are also uniformly wonderful to work with, and I thank Robert Walsh and Pat Singer, David Harris and Susan White and Beth Kseniak and their staffs for the continuing teamwork. And, of course, I don’t believe this book ever would have happened without the kind intervention of Vanity Fair deputy editor George Hodgman.
My editor at Dell, Tom Spain, has been unbelievably smart, available, and supportive and has given me the confidence to work at the end at breakneck speed. I appreciate the courtesy and dispatch of his trusty assistant, Mitch Hoffman. Thank you, too, to Carole Baron, Leslie Schnur, and everyone at Dell for making my first experience with book publishing so positive. I doubt I would have developed as a book writer at all if it weren’t for the patience and kindness years ago of my old and dear friend Larry McMurtry. It took only a quarter of a century, Larry!
Finally, to my family and especially the two great guys in my life, Tim and Luke, who have had to share their space with me for almost two years with a cast of characters they never imagined. They have been incredibly accommodating and tolerant of my comings and goings and helpful in a thousand ways. Our mutual love sustains me.
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BBC Books, an imprint of Ebury Publishing
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BBC Books is part of the Penguin Random House group of companies whose addresses can be found at global.penguinrandomhouse.com
Copyright © Maureen Orth 1999
Cover photo: Christophe Thorimbert, Paul Stringer/EyeEm, Dave Allocca
Cover design by Two Associates
Maureen Orth has asserted her right to be identified as the author of this Work in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
Originally published in hardcover in the United States by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, in 1999
This edition published in the United States in 2017 by Bantam Books, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, New York
First published in the United Kingdom by BBC Books in 2017
www.penguin.co.uk
A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
9781785943102