The Suspicious Case of Martha “Sunny” von Bülow (Rhode Island)

Dark Downeast

Published: Thu Apr 17 2025

When a wealthy socialite was found face down and unresponsive on her bathroom floor, she soon slipped into her second coma in a year. This time, she would never wake up. Suspicion surrounded the cause of the woman’s condition from the very beginning, and that suspicion eventually led to an arrest. Two trials and endless speculation from the public and media later, the question still stands: did someone attempt to end Sunny’s life in order to inherit her fortune, or was the suspect framed?

Summary

Dark Downeast: The Suspicious Case of Martha “Sunny” von Bülow (Rhode Island)
Episode Released: April 17, 2025
Host: Kylie Lowe

Introduction to the Case

In this gripping episode of Dark Downeast, investigative journalist Kylie Lowe delves into the mysterious and controversial case of Martha “Sunny” von Bülow. A well-known heiress from Newport, Rhode Island, Sunny’s life took a dramatic and tragic turn when she fell into two comas within a year under suspicious circumstances. The episode meticulously examines the events leading up to her comas, the ensuing investigations, the high-profile trials, and the lasting impact on her family and community.

Background: The Von Bülow Family

Martha Sharpe Crawford von Bülow, affectionately known as Sunny, was born into wealth and privilege. Born in 1932 aboard her father’s private train car, Sunny was the only child of Annie Laurie Crawford Aitken and George Crawford, a magnate who built the Columbia Gas and Electric Company in Pittsburgh. After her father’s death when she was just four, Sunny inherited a substantial $75 million estate.

Sunny’s social life was as illustrious as her wealth. She married Austrian Prince Alfred von Ausburg in 1957, with whom she had two children before divorcing eight years later. In 1966, she married Danish-born aristocrat Klaus von Bülow, a lawyer who left his prosperous career to live off Sunny’s considerable estate. The couple lived between their opulent Fifth Avenue apartment in Manhattan and Clarendon Court, a lavish mansion in Newport’s prestigious Bellevue Avenue.

The First Coma Incident (1979)

On December 26, 1979, Sunny, then 47, began experiencing severe health issues. Feeling weak and uncoordinated, she was assisted by her son, Alexander, to her bedroom. The following morning at 9:30 AM, their maid, Maria Schrelhammer, heard Sunny moaning in her bed but couldn’t wake her. Maria swiftly informed Klaus, urging him to call a doctor. Initially, Klaus delayed seeking help, only making the call at 2 PM, attributing Sunny’s unresponsiveness to her alcohol use the previous night.

By 6 PM, Sunny’s condition had deteriorated to cardiorespiratory arrest due to massive aspiration of gastric contents and unexplained hypoglycemia. She was revived but remained in a coma for 24 hours, diagnosed with bronchopneumonia and hypoglycemia of undetermined etiology. Despite treatment, the exact cause of her low blood sugar remained a mystery.

Notable Quote:
Maria Schrelhammer testified, "Some of what Klaus told the doctor on the phone that day wasn't true. Sunny hadn't been up and about earlier in the morning... she hadn't been drinking alcohol the night before either." (Timestamp: 02:17)

The Second Coma Incident (1980)

A year later, on December 21, 1980, Sunny was found unresponsive again on her bathroom floor. Unlike the first incident, this time Klaus acted more promptly, calling emergency services. However, Sunny’s condition was critical, and she never regained consciousness, remaining in a coma for the rest of her life.

Suspicion and Investigation

The recurrence of Sunny’s comas raised suspicions among her family members. Her children, Alexander and Ala, along with their grandmother, believed Klaus was attempting to kill her to inherit her fortune. They hired private investigator Richard Q., who uncovered alarming evidence:

The Black Bag:
Maria found a small black bag containing needles, vials, and various drugs in Klaus’s closet. Initial tests revealed high concentrations of insulin and the presence of barbiturates, suggesting possible foul play.
Financial Motive:
Prosecutors argued that Klaus stood to gain significantly from Sunny’s death, including controlling her estates and inheriting millions.

Notable Quote:
Alexander von Bulow stated, "The test results on the needles and powders were confirmation enough that my stepfather had tried to kill my mother twice." (Timestamp: 15:47)

The First Trial (1981-1982)

In July 1981, Klaus von Bülow was indicted on two counts of attempted murder. The prosecution, led by Stephen Familigetti and Susan McWhirl, presented a case built on motive, means, and opportunity:

Motive:
Klaus’s potential financial gain from Sunny’s untimely death, especially in light of their fragile marriage and his alleged affair.
Means:
The presence of insulin and sedatives in Claus’s possessions, coupled with Maria’s testimony about the black bag.
Opportunity:
Klaus’s proximity to Sunny during her comas and his delayed response in the first instance.

Key testimonies included:

Alexandra Iles, Klaus’s Former Mistress:
She alleged that Klaus had pressured her to choose between marriage and leaving, supporting the narrative of his unfaithfulness and greed.
Dr. George F. Cahill:
An expert who testified that Sunny’s comas could only be explained by external insulin injections.

Despite these compelling arguments, Klaus maintained his innocence, asserting that Sunny’s condition was a result of her own health issues and substance use.

Notable Quote:
Dr. Cahill emphasized, "The only possible explanation for Sunny's comas is insulin being injected either by her or someone else." (Timestamp: 14:09)

In February 1982, the trial commenced, culminating in March with Klaus being found guilty on both counts and sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Public Reaction and Advocacy for Appeal

Klaus’s conviction sparked public outcry, especially in Newport, where many believed in his innocence. Demonstrations outside the courthouse highlighted the community’s division.

Determined to overturn the verdict, Klaus sought the expertise of renowned Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz. Dershowitz argued that crucial evidence had been mishandled and that Klaus’s constitutional rights had been violated during the initial trial.

Notable Quote:
Alan Dershowitz asserted, "The prosecution withheld evidence, and the judge failed to allow the defense access to all pertinent information." (Timestamp: 25:50)

The Second Trial (1985)

In April 1985, Klaus’s second trial began amid heightened media scrutiny, with CNN broadcasting live coverage. This trial differed significantly from the first:

Exclusion of Key Evidence:
Financial motives and certain testimonies from the first trial were barred, weakening the prosecution’s case.
Defense Strategies:
The defense introduced testimonies about Sunny’s extensive history with substance abuse, suggesting her comas were self-induced. Witnesses like Sunny’s private exercise instructor testified about her drug use, although some memories were hazy.
Questioning Witness Credibility:
Affidavits suggested that Maria, the maid, harbored animosity towards Klaus, casting doubt on her earlier testimonies.

After nine weeks, the jury acquitted Klaus of all charges, a verdict that underscored the complexities and uncertainties surrounding Sunny’s tragic condition.

Notable Quote:
Alan Rosenberg of the Providence Journal noted, "The integrity of the state's case was undeniably challenged, leading to Klaus’s eventual acquittal." (Timestamp: 42:15)

Aftermath and Legacy

Following his acquittal, Klaus filed a civil lawsuit against Sunny’s children, alleging defamation and misconduct in the criminal trial process. Ultimately, a settlement was reached in 1987, wherein Klaus relinquished claims to Sunny’s estates and agreed to divorce her officially.

Sunny remained in a coma for 28 years, passing away in 2008. Klaus von Bülow died in London in 2019. The case left a lasting impact on those involved:

Foundations Established:
Sunny’s children founded the National Victim Center and the Brain Trauma Foundation to honor her legacy and assist other victims.
Cultural Impact:
The case inspired Alan Dershowitz’s book Reversal of Fortune and its subsequent film adaptation, further cementing its place in true crime history.

Notable Quote:
Alexander and Ala von Bulow expressed their frustration, "We felt the second trial focused on our mother's character, putting her on trial instead of Klaus." (Timestamp: 42:15)

Conclusion

The story of Martha “Sunny” von Bülow remains a poignant narrative of love, betrayal, and the pursuit of justice. Whether Klaus von Bülow was innocent or guilty continues to be a subject of debate, reflecting the complexities of legal battles and the profound impacts they have on families and communities. Dark Downeast masterfully captures these intricate dynamics, honoring the human stories at the heart of Cold New England's most enigmatic true crime case.

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Disclaimer: This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate the key elements of the podcast episode. For comprehensive details, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode of Dark Downeast.