In the Fast Lane: A True Story of Murder in Miami

In 1974, 40-year-old Miami millionaire Stan Cohen married his fourth wife, Joyce McDillon, a divorcee, age 24. The couple lived a lavish lifestyle, with two Florida homes, a spread in Colorado, a yacht and furs and jewels for Joyce. In 1986, Cohen was murdered in his bed, with Joyce the only other person in the Miami house. Thanks largely to the persistence of Cohen's children from earlier marriages and the suspicion of the police that Joyce was involved, the investigation determined that she had contracted for the killing with three street people. Miami lawyer Cope does an excellent job of showing how Joyce's miserable childhood might have prompted her action, which led to a life sentence (confirmed on appeals). Photos not seen by PW. (Sept.)