Dark Downeast: The Suspicious Death of Eduardo Torella

Episode: The Suspicious Death of Eduardo Torella (Rhode Island)
Release Date: December 12, 2024
Host: Kylie Low
Podcast: Dark Downeast
Description: Dark Downeast: Maine and New England's True Crime Podcast delves into the unsolved homicides, undetermined deaths, and unexplained disappearances that have marred the history of New England.

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Suspicious Death of Eduardo Torella (Rhode Island)," investigative journalist Kylie Low explores the enigmatic and controversial death of Eduardo Torella, a talented artist and confidant to the wealthy heiress Doris Duke. Nearly six decades after the incident, questions about whether Eduardo's death was an accident or murder continue to haunt those connected to the case.

Case Background

Date of Incident: October 7, 1966
Location: Bellevue Avenue, Newport, Connecticut
Individuals Involved:

• Eduardo Torella: 42-year-old artist and partner to Doris Duke.
• Doris Duke: Heiress and influential figure in New England.
• Officer Edward Angel: Rookie Newport Police Officer who first responded to the scene.
• Sergeant Fred Newton: Newport PD Sergeant who revisited the case.
• Detective Jackie West: Newport Police Department's Cold Case Detective handling the 2021 review.

The Night of the Incident

At approximately 5:00 PM on October 7, 1966, Newport Police Officer Edward Angel arrived at Bellevue Avenue following a report of a vehicular collision. He encountered a rented Dodge Polara station wagon crashed against a tree, with Doris Duke behind the wheel visibly distressed and bleeding from the forehead. Underneath the vehicle lay Eduardo Torella, deceased.

Notable Quote:

[03:27] Officer Edward Angel: "There was a... I observed a car off the road on the sidewalk, up against a tree. I got out of my car, approached the vehicle... I looked in the backseat, passenger side, looked around, and then I got down on my hands and knees, and he was under the car, rolled up. He didn't appear to be any signs of life."

Initial Investigation and Theories

Officer Angel, inexperienced at the time, made an unprofessional remark that caused Doris Duke to enter a state of shock. Judith Tom, a Navy ensign present at the scene, provided medical assistance. Subsequent analysis of the crash scene led Sergeant Newton to propose that Eduardo had been inadvertently or intentionally struck by Doris as she attempted to drive through the estate's gates.

Notable Quote:

[04:20] Officer Edward Angel: "I got... This is where I goofed up. I stood up and I said rather unprofessionally, 'he's under the car,' which put her into a shock."

Sergeant Newton's theory suggested that Doris Duke may have accidentally or purposely accelerated, causing Eduardo to be pinned beneath the vehicle.

Official Conclusion and Familial Doubts

Newport Police Chief Joseph Radici swiftly closed the case, classifying Eduardo's death as an accident. However, inconsistencies in the investigation fueled suspicions. Eduardo's family, particularly his niece Donna Lomeyer, remained unconvinced, believing that Doris Duke had murdered him.

Notable Quote:

[08:31] Officer Edward Angel: "That was his theory, and whether it was an accident or intentional has always been a bone of contention."

Eduardo Torella: The Man Behind the Legacy

Eduardo was a celebrated artist and designer who played a pivotal role in Doris Duke's life, contributing to her various estates and artistic projects. His creative endeavors included designing hats for Peggy Lee and costumes for Mae West, establishing him within influential social circles.

Notable Quote:

[11:29] Donna Lomeyer: "He curated her art and to some extent, her life."

Eduardo's untimely death not only ended his promising career but also left a lasting impact on those who knew him.

Legal Proceedings and Civil Suit

In 1967, Eduardo's family filed a negligence lawsuit against Doris Duke, seeking $1.25 million in damages. The case, which proceeded in 1971, resulted in a civil ruling that found Doris negligent, awarding the family $75,000—significantly less than initially sought. This ruling, however, did not satisfy those who believed foul play was involved.

Notable Quote:

[31:55] Donna Lomeyer: "Without a shadow of a doubt. And I think that if you got 100 people in the room who had familiarity with this would have a hard time finding anyone who didn't believe that."

Reopening the Case: New Evidence Emerges

Fifty years later, in 2021, a pivotal development occurred when Robert "Bob" Walker came forward with a startling account of the night Eduardo died. Walker, a former paperboy in Newport at the time, claimed to have witnessed an argument and subsequent aggressive driving by Doris Duke that led to Eduardo's death.

Key Testimony:

[43:58] Bob Walker: "Just about the time I hit the corner of Ledge and Bellevue, I could hear two people arguing, fighting, screaming at each other."

Walker described hearing two distinct accelerations of the vehicle's engine, suggesting intentionality behind the crash. His statements prompted Detective Jackie West to revisit the case, leading to further scrutiny of the original investigation.

Notable Quote:

[37:20] Kylie Lo: "What's more, Donna told me that her father saw evidence at the scene of an intentional acceleration."

Analyzing the New Testimony

Walker’s account introduced significant doubt about the original classification of Eduardo's death. Particularly striking were discrepancies regarding Doris Duke’s injuries. Officer Angel recalled Doris bleeding from the forehead, yet Walker did not observe any such injuries when he incidentally encountered her post-crash.

Notable Quote:

[49:43] H: "No, it's not that I don't remember. No. I mean, I don't remember. There was no blood."

This inconsistency raises questions about the validity of Doris Duke's narrative and suggests possible fabrication to obscure her involvement.

Police Review and Public Opinion

Despite the compelling nature of Walker’s testimony, Newport Police Department maintained their stance, citing insufficient evidence to alter their original conclusion. Detective West acknowledged Walker's credibility but noted the lack of concrete proof to reclassify the case officially.

Notable Quote:

[50:51] Detective Jackie West: "If this is in fact what he observed, then there's very good reason to think that she tried to cover it up."

Ultimately, the case remains closed within the official records, leaving lingering doubts and fueling public speculation.

Legacy and Familial Resolve

Eduardo Torella's family, particularly his niece Donna, continues to advocate for the recognition of foul play in his death. Despite legal resolutions, the family's belief in Doris Duke's culpability persists, supported by their interpretation of the evidence and Walker’s testimony.

Notable Quote:

[52:55] Donna Lomeyer: "While I think it was intent to kill murder, I don't think it was premeditated... nobody leaves me."

Eduardo's legacy, as portrayed by Donna, emphasizes his positive impact and the enduring question of justice.

Conclusion

The episode meticulously dissects decades-old evidence, testimonies, and legal outcomes surrounding Eduardo Torella's death. While official records classify the incident as an accident, new testimonies and unresolved inconsistencies continue to cast shadows of doubt. Dark Downeast underscores the complexities of cold cases and the enduring quest for truth and justice by those left behind.

Additional Resources:

• Dark Downeast Official Website
• Follow Dark Downeast on Instagram: @DarkDownEast

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the "The Suspicious Death of Eduardo Torella (Rhode Island)" episode of Dark Downeast, providing a comprehensive overview for both listeners and those unfamiliar with the case.