July 2022 — 

The MLO Minute: “Reflections on the Successful Prosecution of John E. du Pont: America’s Wealthiest Murderer” — 

By Dennis McAndrews, Esq. and Joseph McGettigan, Esq. —

This year marked the 25th anniversary of the successful prosecution of John du Pont for the murder of Olympic wrestler David Schultz on the Foxcatcher Estate in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. DuPont stands as the wealthiest individual to be convicted of murder in American history, and likely in international history. Joe McGettigan and I fought nearly 80 pretrial motions and appeals, and worked feverishly to prepare the case during the one year from the tragic murder of Dave Schultz, and we were committed to doing everything possible to prevent du Pont’s wealth and influence from evading criminal responsibility for this terrible crime. Despite having an armada of lawyers and an army of psychiatrists who  attempted to establish an insanity defense, the month-long trial (including a weeklong jury deliberation) concluded with a conviction for third-degree murder and a lengthy sentence which du Pont served until his death in prison.

Joe and I were recently asked to provide a video interview with Delaware County Bar Association for its annual Bench Bar Conference to describe our work as prosecutors in that case in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the successful prosecution. A link to the video of that interview is as follows and we hope you will find it interesting.