Hell in Heaven: A Mysterious Death in Paradise

Episode 6: The Folly of Two
Date: November 6, 2025
Host: Becky Milligan (Exactly Right & iHeartPodcasts)

Main Theme / Purpose

In this pivotal episode, journalist Becky Milligan delves into the aftermath of John Bender’s mysterious death in Costa Rica and the worldwide intrigue surrounding his wife, Ann Bender, the prime suspect. The episode focuses on the fevered gossip, medical revelations, and psychological unravelling that defined the Benders’ downfall, culminating in Anne’s first trial for murder. A major thread is the revelation of “folie à deux”—shared psychosis—which throws new light on their relationship and the tragedy. The story is not just about a murder, but about mental illness, isolation, obsession, and the ways in which wealth and paranoia can turn paradise into a prison.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Global Sensation and Local Scandal (02:19–04:49)

• John’s death and the suspicion cast on Ann became instant tabloid fodder, both in Costa Rica and internationally.
• Cocktail parties and detective magazines buzzed with opinions on Ann’s guilt and the fate of the couple’s fortune, especially their jewels.
  • Carol Vaughan: “Americans would have cocktail parties and argue over whether they thought she was guilty or not...Everyone commented freely.” (02:46)
• In the Diamante Valley, neighbors reflected on the Benders' isolation and strain:
  • John Corvick: “No matter how big the house is, you’re losing your mind...up on top of that hill by themselves, watching it rain with monkeys screaming for days and days.” (03:27)

2. The Bender Jewels and Rumors of Paranoia (04:05–04:51)

• 16 suitcases full of precious stones discovered in the couple’s bedroom fueled rumors.
  • Some speculated the jewels were for money laundering or for easy transfer of wealth.
• Whispers about underground bunkers and gun-filled tunnels enhanced the mythology surrounding the Benders.
  • “One thing I had heard, that he had a tunnel going to an underground...” (04:42)

3. Anne Bender’s Health and Psychiatric Insights (05:12–11:49)

• After John’s death, Ann was found in a terrible state—physically emaciated, mentally vacant, with bumps and infected sores on her arms.
• Dr. Lozano, Ann’s long-time psychiatrist, describes his shock and pity upon seeing her:
  • Dr. Lozano: “I felt sorry for her...poor thing. Not only her husband just passed away, she’s full of bumps. She’s just psychotic. Jeez. I mean, terrible.” (10:08)
• She was immediately hospitalized and medicated.

4. The Dichotomy of Anne: Cosmopolitan Heiress vs. Jungle Recluse (11:49–13:04, 15:45–17:08)

• Anne’s background: international upbringing, cosmopolitan lifestyle, and deep affinity for animals.
• Her old friends noted that after marrying John, she gradually cut off all other ties—a clue to the couple’s insularity.
  • “We were really good friends...Then she cut off all ties with everyone, including me. Everyone except her family.” (16:44)

5. Startling Revelations: Folie à Deux and the Injections (17:42–21:01)

• Dr. Lozano reveals Ann told him John was injecting her with “clear spring water” under her skin, purporting to cure her bipolarity—none of which was medically sanctioned.
  • Anne (via Dr. Lozano): “He was giving me clear spring water injections under my skin to heal me.” (18:06)
  • Dr. Lozano: “That main conversation gave me the impression that she was not in her right state of mind...John must have been psychotic too.” (18:37–18:59)
• Dr. Lozano diagnoses the couple with folie à deux (shared psychotic disorder), where their isolated, codependent dynamic deepened their mental instability.
  • Carol Vaughan: “They had what her therapists called folie à deux, where you exacerbate the other person’s craziness. And it was just doomed, just doomed.” (20:41)

6. Theories of Motive and Mental State (21:01–22:59)

• Carol Vaughan posits that John’s escalating behavior might have made Anne’s actions—if she did kill him—acts of self-preservation, not cold-blooded murder.
  • Carol Vaughan: “If he didn’t kill her, then she had to kill him. I think she saved her life.” (21:41)

7. Legal Battles and Anne’s Ordeal (24:36–32:55)

• Anne was hospitalized for six months under observation and police guard while becoming the prime suspect. The loss of their property, jewels, and even control of their trust fund compounded her distress.
  • Dr. Lozano: “She had a one policeman all the time sitting at the door of her room. That was disgusting. I thought it was absolutely unnecessary, but here’s the law.” (25:27)
• The messy legal aftermath included alleged missing jewels and the couple’s fortune effectively controlled by their lawyer, Juan Alvarez.

8. First Trial: Charges, Family, and Verdict (30:35–36:50)

• Anne’s trial began January 14, 2013, with her family and friends present. John’s parents chose not to attend, feeling helpless but supportive.
• The prosecution argued the crime scene evidence ruled out suicide; the defense pointed to John’s suicidal tendencies and years of planning.
• Anne testified in fluent Spanish and won sympathy.
  • Anne (statement, voiced): “It’s been three years of hell and I feel listened to and protected by the justice system and I would like to thank you.” (36:45)
• Verdict: Acquitted—Not Guilty.

9. The Nightmare Continues (36:50–38:03)

• The acquittal was not the end—in Costa Rica, unlimited retrials are possible. Prosecutors demanded a new trial.

  • Carol Vaughan: “People, yeah, gasped. They thought, this rich American is never going to jail...Costa Rica wouldn’t do that to a woman. Costa Rica wouldn’t do that to an American. They dropped the bomb on her.” (37:48)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “No matter how big the house is, you’re losing your mind...those two were up on top of that hill by themselves, watching it rain with monkeys screaming for days and days.”
  — John Corvick, neighbor (03:27)
• “There was nothing non intense about John's and my relationship. The saddest part is Anne's bumps were infected. Far from saving her, they were making her sicker.”
  — Anne Bender (reported) (19:17)
• “They had what her therapists called ‘folie à deux’, where you exacerbate the other person’s craziness. And it was just doomed, just doomed.”
  — Carol Vaughan, authority and writer (20:41)
• “If he didn't kill her, then she had to kill him. I think she saved her life. Frankly, I don't think that she killed him. I think she saved her own life.”
  — Carol Vaughan (21:41)
• “She had a one policeman all the time sitting at the door of her room. That was disgusting. I thought it was absolutely unnecessary, but here’s the law.”
  — Dr. Lozano (25:27)
• “Based on the evidence presented, we have unanimously decided the defendant is acquitted. Not guilty. Anne must have felt huge relief. She could now get on with her life and grieve her husband in peace. Except that's not how this story ends.”
  — Becky Milligan (36:50)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Global & Local Sensation: 02:19–04:49
• Jewels, Rumors, and Bunker Myths: 04:05–04:51
• Dr. Lozano on Anne’s Medical State: 08:43–11:49
• Anne’s Background & Isolation: 15:45–17:08
• Injections & Shared Psychosis: 17:42–21:01
• Speculation on Motive & Self-Defense: 21:01–22:59
• Hospitalization & Losses: 24:36–27:40
• Preparation for Trial: 30:35
• Trial, Testimony, and Verdict: 33:39–36:50
• Announcement of Retrial: 37:48–38:03

Conclusion

This episode of Hell in Heaven exposes the psychological unraveling within John and Anne Bender’s jungle fortress, the international media frenzy, and the legal trial that followed John’s bloody death. Through first-hand accounts and new perspectives—especially from Anne’s psychiatrist—the story evolves from a simple “did she or didn’t she?” into a cautionary tale of wealth, mental illness, isolation, and codependency. The episode closes with Anne’s acquittal, but ominously signals that the ordeal is far from over as Costa Rican prosecutors seek a retrial, prolonging the agony and uncertainty in a case that has become a “tropical gothic tragedy.”