Robert Bierenbaum, an American former plastic surgeon, is not only known for his professional accolades but also for his heinous crime that shook the nation. Diving deep into the life and mysteries surrounding this perplexing individual, we unearth the story of two marriages, a chilling crime, and a family left to pick up the pieces.
The Crime That Shook Manhattan
Murder of Gail Katz-Bierenbaum
On July 7, 1985, a tragic incident occurred that would forever tarnish Robert’s reputation. In their Manhattan apartment, Bierenbaum committed the cold-blooded murder of his wife, Gail Katz-Bierenbaum. Though he maintained his innocence for over 15 years, the truth unraveled in October 2000 when Robert was convicted of the gruesome act.
Moreover, in a shocking twist, Bierenbaum, a licensed pilot, later confessed to disposing of his wife’s body by throwing it out of an airplane. On the day Gail disappeared, he had taken a two-hour flight from New Jersey’s Essex County in a Cessna 172, soaring over the Atlantic Ocean.
Previous Altercations
Gail’s parents, in earlier times, believed the couple to be a perfect match after they met in the early 80s. However, the facade began to crack. A particularly disturbing incident saw Robert attempting to choke Gail after she uncovered his smoking habit. She went on to file a police report and accused him of threatening her beloved cat out of sheer jealousy.
Bierenbaum’s Journey to a Second Marriage
After the grim end to his first marriage, Bierenbaum sought a fresh start. During the 1990s, he found love again with Dr. Janet Chollet, an obstetric gynecologist. The pair settled down in Las Vegas, Nevada, before eventually moving to North Dakota.
Chollet paints a contrasting image of Bierenbaum as a loving husband and devoted father. The couple welcomed a daughter, Annah. Chollet recalls an emotional Bierenbaum weeping with joy as he held Annah for the first time. However, as of now, not much is known about their life together.
The Mystery Surrounding Bierenbaum’s Family
Bierenbaum’s Children
Apart from Annah, from his second marriage, it’s believed that Bierenbaum had a child with his first wife, Gail. Nevertheless, the whereabouts and lives of his children remain shrouded in mystery.
The Disappearance and Confession
Gail Katz’s sudden disappearance in 1985 puzzled many. The unsettling truth only came to light 15 years later when Bierenbaum confessed. Despite intensive searches, Gail’s body remains undiscovered. In December 2020, during a parole hearing, he revealed further details about discarding his wife’s body.
Serving Time
The consequences of Bierenbaum’s actions caught up with him. He was sentenced to 20 years to life imprisonment in 2000 and is currently incarcerated at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility.
Bierenbaum in Popular Culture
The shocking revelations and the chilling nature of the crime captured vast media attention. Several TV shows, including “Law and Order: Criminal Intent,” “Paris enquêtes Criminelles,” and “20/20,” featured the case. The story also found its way into the OWN series “Devil You Know,” making Robert Bierenbaum an unforgettable name in the realm of true crime.
