by Savage Grace- The True Story of Fatal Relations in a Rich
Miwa Svinka-Zielinski
Brooks was more or less absent from the picture at this point, but his brother, Fred, the psychiatrist, sometime around the middle of March wrote a very strong letter to Dr. Maguire saying that he wanted to correct a number of pieces of misinformation, so that Maguire should have no illusions about what exactly would face Tony on his return. He mentioned that, as far as he knew, Tony had few friends his own age in New York and that what older friends there were might rally round at first but that none was in a position to house or care for him. Fred also told Maguire that Broadmoor was relying too much on Nini, who was old and needed a live-in nurse herself, which meant that there would really be no room for Tony in her small apartment. He also said that there was no other family member who could put him up except on the most temporary basis—his own mother, Mrs. Hallowell, Tony’s other grandmother, was also in her eighties at this point; she was sympathetic but had never been as close to Tony as Nini.
Fred also told Maguire that Broadmoor was very wrong to say Tony would not be a financial burden to anyone. He spelled out in no uncertain words that after 1981 no more capital would be coming to Tony from his trust.
Letter from Dr. Thomas Maguire to Miwa Svinka-Zielinski, March 27, 1980
Broadmoor
Dear Mrs. Svinka-Zielinski,
Thank you for your recent letter concerning the above patient. I have also had correspondence from Tony’s father, from Dr. Frederick Baekeland, from Mrs. Daly, from Michael Alexander, and from others—all in the recent past. So it is against this background that I write to you.
Although members of his family express concern over Tony’s welfare, none is prepared to offer him the shelter of a home environment or indeed personal supervision of any kind. Those friends who retain an interest in him, and they are quite numerous, do not seem to realise that he will need supportive help of an immediate nature when he returns to New York.
Your enquiry about his need for medical care follows from our conversation in November 1979. However, since that time Tony has been quite symptom-free although without medication over many months. Prior to November I had been thinking in terms of hospitalisation in New York for a few months following his repatriation. But some five months have now passed since we spoke and his continued well-being indicates that there is now no need for in-patient treatment. Interested, sympathetic social supervision would now be adequate to secure his smooth integration into the open community once more. This means that someone would meet him at the airport to escort him to living quarters already secured for him and this agency or person should also be prepared to help him in the various day-to-day issues that will inevitably crop up for someone who has spent so long in a sheltered environment.
Dr. Frederick Baekeland has pointed out how feckless Tony is about financial affairs and he fears that Tony’s capital would be quickly dissipated. This of course is very well known by me, and indeed long ago I placed the overall control of his financial affairs in the hands of the Official Solicitors Office which exercises fairly rigorous control over his expenditure. I believe that similar control should be exercised over his income from the capital invested in the USA—if that can be properly arranged.
Can you help in providing information about the availability of social aid for Tony when he arrives in New York? Once I am assured that such adequate back-up is ready to help him I can proceed with the arrangements for his repatriation.
Many thanks for your help.
Yours sincerely,
Thomas Maguire
Telegram from Cyrus R. Vance, Secretary of State, Washington, D.C., to American Embassy, London, March 30, 1980
DEPT. RECEIVED TELEPHONE CALL 3/24 FROM DR. FREDERICK BAEKELAND SUBJECT’S UNCLE WHO INFORMED THAT HE HAD BEEN NOTIFIED BY DR. MAGUIRE CONSULTANT PSYCHIATRIST AT BROADMOOR HOSPITAL THAT ANTONY BAEKELAND WOULD BE RELEASED AND DEPORTED IN APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS.
DR. BAEKELAND IS CONCERNED BECAUSE HE WISHES TO MAKE SOME ARRANGEMENTS FOR ANTONY’S ADMITTANCE INTO A HOSPITAL WITHIN THE UNITED STATES AND BECAUSE THERE IS NO ONE IN THE U.S. WHO COULD POSSIBLY TAKE ANTONY INTO HIS OR HER PERSONAL CARE BRITISH MEDICAL REPORTS HAVE INDICATED THAT SUBJECT IS NOT STABLE ENOUGH TO MANAGE IN A NORMAL AND UNSUPERVISED ATMOSPHERE
HOSPITAL OFFICIALS ADVISED DR. BAEKELAND THAT ANTONY WOULD REQUIRE TWO MEDICAL ESCORTS TO ACCOMPANY HIM ON THE RETURN FLIGHT TO NEW YORK VANCE
Miwa Svinka-Zielinski
Some woman emerged who later took him back to New York. She said she was a friend of the family but I had never heard of this woman all these years. I didn’t know who she was. She had come over to England to visit him that April.
Heather Cohane
We knew absolutely nothing about her, and when she just turned up like that, you know, Michael Alexander and I said to each other, “What the hell? Who is she?” We called her “Mystery Woman.”
Official Visitors File, Broadmoor Special Hospital, April 29, 1980
Visitor’s Name: Mrs. Cecelia Brebner
Relationship to Patient: Friend of family.
Summary: Knows background of patient in greatest detail. Is fully aware of eccentricities of Baekeland family and of its attitude toward any of their own participation in Tony’s rehabilitation. She discussed Tony’s return to N.Y., his initial reintegration into family social life again. She appears to be the most sensible member of the large group of relatives and friends fussily engaged in Tony’s discharge.
Cecelia Brebner
I was, and still am, very friendly with Tony’s grandmother, Cornelia Hallowell, and shortly after the murder of Barbara, she said to me, because she knew I had a daughter who lived very close to Broadmoor, “If you’re going to England, could you take something to Tony for me?” And this is how it all began.
That first time, my daughter drove me there, and I said to her, “Here I am about to meet a man who has murdered his mother and I don’t know how I’m going to react.” And she said, “Would you like me to come in with you, Mummy?” I said yes.
Anyway, when I was in London in 1980, Cornelia said to me, “They’re releasing Tony, they may have already released him.” I telephoned Broadmoor and they said no, they had not. Then I had a mysterious telegram from a woman called Heather Cohane—I’m always having mysterious telegrams!—saying that the Home Office had recommended Tony’s release and could I possibly escort him back. I said, well, I didn’t think so, because although I was leaving London, I was going to Toronto, you see, and not New York. However, I was pressured. And later I was interviewed for four hours by Dr. Thomas Maguire. I asked him, “In the event of my doing this, what are the implications?” And he said, “He’s a schizophrenic, but with love and care he will probably be able to resume a more or less normal life.” He said that he had arranged for Tony to go to a halfway house in New York. I said, “Why can’t his own father take him?” And Maguire answered, “He’s having marital problems.” Well, of course! He married Tony’s girlfriend and it was all very complicated.
I got together with a man called Michael Alexander, an author I believe, who said, “He’s been in Broadmoor for eight years—he should be repatriated now!” And I had a feeling that this should happen as well, and so I agreed to take him. Tony was positively euphoric when he found out I was going to bring him home.
I was staying at the time with Lady Mary Clayton at Kensington Palace, and she said, “Celia, I don’t think it’s the right thing to do, but we’ll ask Prince George of Denmark,” and he thought it was a very altruistic thing to do, so I embarked upon it.
Postcard from Ethel Woodward de Croisset to Antony Baekeland, April 9, 1980
Paris
Dear Tony—
Had a telegram from M. Alexander saying that you are well and can return to New York & to your grandmother soon. Send me her address, which I have lost.
I do hope that you will get on all right in NYC and can find a quiet cozy nest and a happy life in the country perhaps.
Abrazos,
Ethel
Heather Cohane
Just before Tony was released, I took Simone and Aschwin Lippe to see him in Broadmoor, because they had known Barbara so well, and Brooks so well, for many many many years. You know, I would have really put every penny I had on the table and said, “I know that this is a one-time thing with his killing Barbara. He’ll never do it again.” But as we were driving back to London in the car, Simone said that she thought there was a great sort of look of madness in his eyes. She kept saying that, and I kept saying, “No, I don’t think so, I think you’ll see he’s all right.”
Letter from Antony Baekeland to Dr. Frederick Baekeland, April 17, 1980
Broadmoor
Dear Fred,
I appreciate your efforts to help me. Saw Dr. Maguire yesterday: he told me that he had been in touch with you. He also said that you had asked him a number of questions regarding my case which he declined to answer. To tell you the truth, Fred, I resent a bit this morbid curiosity on your part when you were not even polite enough to write me a note after my Mother’s death; it doesn’t read true, does it?
I am in constant touch with my father, who plans to help me. Our letters are a source of inspiration and pleasure to both of us. He seems to be hard at work on a book—I too plan to make one. I may call it “The Shakespearean Continuum.”
I have re-made myself. The experience at Broadmoor has been most valuable to me; I have had to live with all kinds of people who I would never have met in normal life, and accept them for what they are and what they are not. I have learned a certain discipline which will help me later on. As things stand now, I may be in N.Y. in a couple of weeks.
Yrs. truly,
Tony
Official Visitors File, Broadmoor Special Hospital, May 7, 1980
Visitor’s Name: Mrs. Svinka-Zielinski
Relationship to Patient: Friend
Summary: Dropped in on her way to Poland to visit relatives. Reported that a New York psychiatrist, a Dr. Portnow, would be interested to help Tony during the initial supportive period following his return to NY. Letter to Dr. Portnow promised. Mrs. Zielinski believes that Antony could realistically stay with Grandma Nini for a short period, even if only for bed and board and a basic address.
Dr. Stanley L. Portnow
A lady came to visit me when Tony Baekeland was still in England, claiming she was very interested in having him brought back to the United States and that the only way the hospital in England would discharge him would be if they were secure in their feeling that he would have follow-up treatment by a psychiatrist in New York. I said I would be glad to evaluate him and if I couldn’t take care of him myself, for one reason or another, I would see to it that he got a proper referral. Then there was talk about my going over to England to examine him, and that suggestion was from this same lady. The trip to England never came off. I never heard from the lady again.
Telegram from Kingman Brewster, Jr., United States Ambassador to the Court of St. James’s, American Embassy, London, to Cyrus R. Vance, Secretary of State, Washington, D.C., May 20, 1980
CONSULAR OFFICER MADE ELEVENTH VISIT ON MAY 2, 1980 BAEKELAND IN GOOD HEALTH AND SPIRITS CONSULAR OFFICER ALSO TALKED TO DR. MAGUIRE BAEKELAND’S PHYSICIAN BAEKELAND’S FAMILY APPARENTLY UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO ASSIST HIS REINTRODUCTION TO U.S. BAEKELAND WILL NOT VOLUNTARILY COMMIT HIMSELF TO U.S. HOSPITAL DR. MAGUIRE SAYS BAEKELAND DOESN’T NEED HOSPITALIZATION ONLY A HALFWAY HOUSE TYPE SETTING FOR A FEW WEEKS OF READJUSTMENT TO LIVING IN SOCIETY DR. MAGUIRE SAID HE WOULD KEEP EMBASSY INFORMED
EMBASSY WILL INFORM DEPARTMENT OF ALL ARRANGEMENTS MADE BY DR. MAGUIRE AS EMBASSY AWARE THAT DUE TO NATURE OF BAEKELAND’S OFFENCE FAMILY IN U.S. WISHES TO BE INFORMED OF ARRANGEMENTS BREWSTER
Telegram from Kingman Brewster, Jr., United States Ambassador to the Court of St. James’s, to Interpol, Washington, D.C., June 20, 1980
URGENT
ANTONY BAEKELAND WAS RELEASED AS A RESULT OF AN ORDER SIGNED BY THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE ON 6/17/80 BREWSTER
Michael Alexander
Even though the Home Office had in fact authorized Tony’s release, there was quite a lot of red tape still involved, and meanwhile he had to remain at Broadmoor, locked up. We all thought, those last weeks in Broadmoor, that he was very together, you know. He seemed absolutely fine.
Jake Cooper
I cried for the first time in a very long time when I learned that Antony was getting out. I felt it was such a very special thing to happen. I felt at least I could be happy that my dear friend was finding free space in his life again, because, you see, I used to be a leader—in Cadaqués, in Morocco, in Paris. Without meaning to be. I just seemed able to get things together, and then all of a sudden I got in this cracked-up state.
Letter from Antony Baekeland to Jake Cooper, July 18, 1980
Broadmoor
Dear and Noble Pinetree Friend,
A host of memories come floating back—chez Dalí—that walk to the sea, you in your jackal coat, when you took mushrooms—union, beauty, and freedom in Morocco, blue irises on the grassy hillside in Tangiers, and I know you will be that way again. Remember that we are the horsemen and all that that means—beauty, truth, freedom, and wisdom—the source of all purity and contentment. They can give their help to you if you will ask for it.
Don’t be confused or impressed by the material world of technology—our mind makes it all, it is just a machine—the most beautiful one—as is your damaged brain. Your mind is above the brain and will repair that tool in a little time. I also remember the days when I was a naughty child and you came to me although I had not yet seen your bodily form on the sandy dunes of Cape Cod among the stunted sea pines, and in Italy, and all through my life really. You’re brave and all this present eclipse you will put to good use by putting it behind you—with self-understanding. Remember, time is an illusion—all the points, moments in time, are equidistant from the infinite past, the infinite future—each moment is a star creating past and future connecting with all other moments—the whole point of being. Now, by putting your damaged intellect to work on the basic physical world of time and space around you, finding out with patient observation why the machine—the continuum—works, you will free yourself from your dilemma. There must be a reason for what’s happened. Find out and understand. That is step #1. Don’t be scared if you have to go to a rehabilitation center—you will meet people who may help you. It will be a change. Returning to your father’s house is no good for you and you’ll feel more and more cut off from the world. Fight!
Look at me. I suffered loneliness and exile from life for years and years, all during our time together and after that, also, and I’ve only just made it home, as it were, to my true self and happiness. My life would have become a maudlin tragedy if I had not made up my mind to fight—to fight for my god and for my life. You will do it, too. We all have to lose once in order to never lose again.
I’m leaving for New York on Monday at 12:00 midday. I’ll be staying at my granny Nini’s. She knows all about you and would want me to send her love. Don’t worry, I will write as often as you write to me and I know you will get yourself out of this soon.
Certain of us can see everything that is going on everywhere, past and future—and will help and protect you if you realize your own present helplessness and gullibility.
My own wishes go straight to your dear heart like arrows and I send you, as you once sent me, dearest thoughts.
Tony
Letter from Dr. Thomas Maguire to Miwa Svinka-Zielinski, July 21, 1980
Broadmoor
Dear Mrs. Svinka-Zielinski,
It is a pleasure for me to tell you that Antony Baekeland has today been discharged from this hospital and will fly to New York from London at noon. He is accompanied by a family friend, Mrs. Brebner, who will ensure that he meets with members of his family on arrival. There is a tentative arrangement that he will attend Richmond Fellowship in New York in the near future where Dr. Portnow could, if conta
cted, supervise the case. However, as Antony is under no legal obligation in the USA to pursue any statutory therapeutic course, these arrangements will be entirely voluntary. Should you wish to establish contact with the case it is best to do this through his grandmother, Mrs. Daly.
He is not having any medication and has remained in full remission and quite stable over many months so that the prognosis is quite good.
May I close by expressing my sincere thanks to you for your interest and help.
Yours sincerely, Thomas Maguire Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist
Heather Cohane
Tony was handed over to Cecelia Brebner at London airport and put on the plane on the condition that he never come back to England. I was a little frightened when he was actually leaving, just because I had been, you know, quite instrumental in persuading the doctors to let him out.
Cecelia Brebner
I thought I was taking him to New York to go to a halfway house. But at the airport when I rendezvoused with Broadmoor—at the eleventh hour, yes!—when he was handed over to me, they said, “It’s all changed. We tried to contact you at Kensington Palace but you’d already left and Lady Mary didn’t know where we could reach you. Antony Baekeland is going directly to his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Nina Daly.” Well.
On the aircraft over, he went into how he had murdered his mother. In absolute detail. He said, “Celia, a friend of Mummy’s had rung while she was out and when Mummy got back she said she didn’t want to see her but I had already told this friend to come round that evening and Mummy screamed at me.” Then, he said, he threw something at her. And then, he said, she rushed into the kitchen and wrote a note on a piece of paper, to the Spanish maid who was ironing, so he just picked up the carving knife and stabbed her. He said, “Mummy was dying. I knelt down and turned her face toward me and asked, ‘What is your name? Who are you?’” He said, “But it doesn’t matter because Mummy and I are one. It really doesn’t matter at all.” I said, “Well, Tony, what now? Do you think you are going to be able to cope with life in New York?” “Oh yes,” he said. “I’m going to look after Nini and cook for her and do marvelous things for her.” And I said fine.