Bayou's Israel: suicide or fugitive?

Police are investigating the disappearance and possible suicide of Samuel Israel III, CEO of defunct hedge fund Bayou.
JUN 11, 2008
By  Bloomberg
New York state police are investigating the possible suicide of Samuel Israel III, the co-founder and chief executive of defunct hedge fund Bayou Management LLC. He was to begin serving a 20-year prison term Monday, according to published reports. But on that day, Mr. Israel's car, a 2006 GMC Envoy, was found abandoned near the Bear Mountain Bridge in Orange County, New York, with the phrase "suicide is painless" written in the dust on the hood. The keys to the sports utility vehicle were left in the ignition, and prescription medication was found in the glove compartment. Federal officials have launched an international manhunt. Mr. Israel pleaded guilty in September 2005 to charges of conspiracy and fraud in connection with stealing from investors in the Stanford, Conn. hedge fund InvestmentNews, April 15. He was sentenced in April to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy and fraud, and was ordered to pay $300 million to his victims.

Latest News

'Bogged down' advisors just want to have fun (again)
'Bogged down' advisors just want to have fun (again)

Jim Cahn, of Wealth Enhancement Group, lifts the lid on his firm's partnership model, his views on RIA M&A, and the widely slept-on reason why advisors are merging into larger organizations.

Vestwell unveils new emergency savings account offering
Vestwell unveils new emergency savings account offering

The fintech firm is cementing its status in the workplace savings space with its latest ESA offering, which employers can integrate into their existing benefits package.

'Money Mimosas' and other ways to show your Valentine financial love
'Money Mimosas' and other ways to show your Valentine financial love

Wealth managers offer unique ideas for couples to grow closer emotionally and financially.

Limra research finds financial confidence on the rise among Black American workers
Limra research finds financial confidence on the rise among Black American workers

Survey findings suggest increased sense of financial security and more optimistic 2025 outlook, while highlighting employers' role in ensuring retirement readiness.

DOGE efforts sideswipe muni bonds backed by federal lease payments
DOGE efforts sideswipe muni bonds backed by federal lease payments

Falling prices for some securities within the $4 trillion state and local government debt market spotlight how the push to shrink spending is sending shockwaves across the US.

SPONSORED Record growth: Interval funds emerge as key players in alternative investments

Blue Vault Alts Summit highlights the role of liquidity-focused funds in reshaping advisor strategies

SPONSORED Taylor Matthews on what's behind Farther's rapid growth

From 'no clients' to reshaping wealth management, Farther blends tech and trust to deliver family-office experience at scale.