Reversal of Fortune 1990

Sunny's first coma and revival

Sunny Von Bülow falls into a coma on December 26, 1979 after a diabetic shock and is revived about a year later. The hospital ordeal marks the onset of the medical mystery at the center of the case.

Sunny's second coma

A year after the first episode, Sunny falls into a second coma on December 21, 1980 and remains in a vegetative state. The severity and timing of her comas propel the criminal case against Claus von Bülow.

Claus von Bülow charged

Claus von Bülow is charged with attempted murder for allegedly injecting Sunny with a lethal insulin overdose. The charge sets the stage for a high profile legal battle about intent, wealth, and influence.

Trial reveals affair and motive

During the trial, authorities uncover Claus's affair with actress Alexandra Isles and suspect a financial motive for Sunny's death. The revelation contributes to a jury finding Claus guilty on two counts of attempted murder.

Bond release and appeal launched

Claus is released on bond as he files an appeal. He hires Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz, who charges three hundred dollars an hour and aims to save two black brothers on death row, adding a larger moral dimension to the case.

Dershowitz's case review begins

Dershowitz begins reviewing the case and becomes convinced, at least initially, by the maid Maria's testimony that points toward Claus's guilt. He has 45 days to file an appeal and assembles several law students to help review the record.

A potential witness and questions of reliability

David Marriott, a potential witness, confesses to drug trafficking, but Dershowitz questions his reliability. The defense team considers his affidavit and testimony with caution as the case moves forward.

Evidence issues surface

The defense learns that Brillhoffer, the plaintiff's attorney, illegally withheld notes that could aid Claus's defense. They also encounter a Capote interview suggesting Sunny enjoyed mixing drugs and teaching herself to self-inject.

Aspirin overdose questioned

Claus lunches with the Dershowitz team and they question him about an aspirin overdose three weeks before Sunny's second coma. He is unsure what could have motivated a suicide and speculates Sunny may have been unhappy.

Farewell to an affair

Claus reveals that he had told Sunny about his affair with Alexandra Isles during the summer of 1979. This admission adds to the complexity of their relationship and the case.

Sunny's reproach after the first coma

After Sunny is revived from the first coma, she reprimands Claus for calling a doctor and suggests that she would have been better off if she had died. The moment shapes the defense's understanding of Sunny's possible will and intent.

Forensic finding: no insulin on needle

The toxicology report on the encrusted needle reveals no trace of insulin, complicating the prosecution's case and providing a potential defense point.

Marriott's hotel visit and recording

Marriott arrives at Dershowitz's house, covertly records a conversation, and asserts he supplied drugs to Sunny. The recording is later manipulated to make Dershowitz appear to agree to pay him, tainting witness credibility.

Second coma details emerge

Before the second trial, Claus details what led to Sunny's second coma: he finds her lying face down on the bathroom floor with windows open in a frigid room. The description strengthens the defense by outlining the circumstances rather than insulin poisoning.