Eric M. Strauss

2016-11-21T16:35:00.001-05:00

Watch our ABC News 20/20 hour broadcast about the Chandra Levy murder.

Mystery in the Park: Chandra Levy

40:20 | 11/04/16 | NR | CC

Congressman Gary Condit in Scandal After Chandra Levy Disappearance; Police Suspect Ingmar Guandique; Ingmar Guandique Says He Is Innocent of Chandra Levy's Murder

You can watch for free here: http://abc.go.com/shows/2020/episode-guide/2016-11/04-110416-mystery-in-the-park-chandra-levy

Or in six parts here:

ABC 20/20: MYSTERY IN ROCK CREEK PARK

Part 1: Congressman Gary Condit in Scandal After Chandra Levy Disappearance

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/congressman-gary-condit-scandal-chandra-levy-disappearance-part-43318144

Part 2: Chandra Levy's Body Found in Rock Creek Park

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/chandra-levys-body-found-rock-creek-park-part-43318145

Part 3: Chandra Levy Disappearance: Police Suspect Ingmar Guandique

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/chandra-levy-disappearance-police-suspect-ingmar-guandique-part-43318147

Part 4: Woman Befriends Key Witness in Chandra Levy Murder Trial

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/woman-befriends-key-witness-chandra-levy-murder-trial-43318149

Part 5: Case Dimissed Against Accused Chandra Levy Killer

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/case-dimissed-accused-chandra-levy-killer-part-43318241

Part 6: Ingmar Guandique Says He Is Innocent of Chandra Levy's Murder

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/ingmar-guandique-innocent-chandra-levys-murder-part-43318365

An open request to Saltaire, Fire Island

2015-08-11T15:34:00.002-04:00

Dear Saltaire friends. Thank you for being so welcoming to us since we moved in 12 years ago. We love how special the people of Saltaire are. Playing sports, sharing food and drink, celebrating life’s victories and being there for each other when things go wrong is the fabric of our community.

The government is taking our house to build a new dune. We don’t have the power to ask them to amend their plan by 10 feet or to point out that our home survived super storm Sandy.

We are a silenced and need a Saltaire solution. I hope you'll let Mayor Cox, the Saltaire Board of Trustees, and Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone know that they should make the land behind our house available so we can replace our house at a fair price.

If my Dad ever helped you with a medical problem, my Mom smiled and laughed with you, or my sister beat you at tennis please consider helping your neighbor. (Newsday article posted below)

As condemnation threat looms, owners of Saltaire home fret over dune project

Updated August 9, 2015 10:20 PM
By JOAN GRALLA joan.gralla@newsday.com

A sturdy Saltaire house superstorm Sandy couldn't topple is the first on Fire Island to face condemnation to make way for federal dunes, and its owners are desperately trying to save it.

Suffolk County has started wielding its eminent domain powers to acquire land needed for the storm-protection project, focusing first on Kismet and Saltaire.

For the Strauss family, that means their beach house on Pacific Walk could be facing bulldozers soon.

advertisement | advertise on newsday

"It's absolutely nothing fancy, but it's what my wife dreamed of her entire lifetime -- to be on the ocean," said Dr. Elton Strauss of Roslyn, who married his wife, Karen, 44 years ago.

"From the time we first got married, that's all she talked about, 'Someday I just want a little oceanfront house,' " he said.

The couple bought the three-bedroom house, raised on 30-foot pilings and wrapped in gray shingles, about 12 years ago.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which plans to spend $207 million of Sandy relief funds reinforcing a third of the 32-mile-long barrier island with 15-foot-high dunes, has said about 20 homes, almost all in Ocean Bay Park, must be demolished to clear the path. The dunes would erode too quickly if built in front of those houses, the Army Corps says.

Suffolk is charged with buying the homes and obtaining easements from more than 400 property owners. The county went to court last week to start eminent domain proceedings in obtaining four of the easements, in Kismet and Saltaire.

County Executive Steve Bellone has vowed to "minimize impacts" on homeowners. A spokesman declined to comment on specific properties.

The Strauss' home is the only one in Saltaire facing demolition. Lamented Elton Strauss: "We are 15 yards too far south."

The family still hopes to save the home by moving it to the vacant quarter-acre lot directly behind it. The village of Saltaire owns the lot, which is tangled up in a lawsuit over whether it can be developed.

Strauss said he never wanted a mansion -- just a modest summer house.

"I just wanted somewhere I could wear shorts and T-shirts, play with my children -- and now with the grandchildren and dogs," he said.

Though he is an orthopedic surgery professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in Manhattan, the summer home was a bit of a stretch financially.

Karen Strauss, a harpist, said: "I'm a musician and for years and years, I used to play sometimes up to six weddings in a weekend, and when people would say to me, 'Why are you killing yourself, why are you working so hard?' I would say, 'Because I would like a beach house someday,' and it became a joke in the family."

She added: "We came and took one look, and we decided we would scrimp and save and get it."

The couple feel welcome in Saltaire, she said. In medical emergencies, neighbors turn to her husband, who would never refuse.

"We have more tennis balls and wine from people he's treated and never has charged," Karen Strauss said.

Locals call their home the "Baum" house, as it once was owned by Dwight James Baum, an architect whose Depression-era buildings include New York City's West Side YMCA. Baum also is a distant relative of "Wizard of Oz" author L. Frank Baum.

Since the dunes were proposed two summers ago, the Strausses have been waiting to learn if they can buy the adjacent lot.

"It's been a terrible thing over our heads," Karen Strauss said.

Now she fears Labor Day might mark the end, when the family will have to pack up all their belongings, so dune-building can start before winter.

Saltaire Mayor Robert Cox said the village has discussed selling the empty lot with the family.

However, Saltaire must wait until it knows whether a neighbor, who sued to keep the lot from being developed, again appeals after losing two rounds in the lower courts.

After the Aug. 22 appeals deadline, Saltaire plans to put the lot up for sale, Cox said.

Saltaire must act in the best interest of all residents, which means a developer could offer more than the Strausses can afford.

The couple ruled out one option: moving the house back about 10 feet. They said that would have prevented any future additions, and their ocean-view deck would have been right against the new dune, which could worsen any storm damage.

The Strausses, who would be compensated for their home at an appraised value if it's demolished, have yet to receive a buyout offer, according to their lawyer, Sean Cronin of Mineola. Zillow, an online real estate data firm, estimates the home is worth $1.3 million.

As the pressure mounts, Elton Strauss is digging in.

"My personality is one where I'm going to fight until the last bulldozer comes," he said. "My dog and I will be sitting on the deck, and they can come and get me."

ABC 20/20: To Catch A Fake

2014-06-13T22:00:00.000-04:00

ABC 20/20 goes in the field with the authorities trying to protect consumers from dangerous counterfeit consumables. The Phoenix Police with Sgt. David Lake's B.E.S.T. squad show us why buying a counterfeit may give you more than a good deal.

Inside the $500B World of Counterfeiting

Act 1: Aside from being fake, many counterfeit products can be dangerous and contain heavy metals.

On the Move with Elite Teams on Counterfeit Busts

Act 2: ABC News' "20/20" joins police squads on the front line of the war against counterfeiting.

ABC News 20/20: Teens in OCD therapy - "The Children Who Break Away"

2014-05-30T14:10:00.000-04:00

ABC News 20/20 follows David Muir's amazing five year journey with children suffering through crippling anxiety and watches them break away from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Our cameras go inside the therapy room, document the exposure and response therapy and we are there to witness their success.

Act 1: ABC News’ “20/20” goes on a journey with children who have obsessive compulsive disorder.

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/ocd-instills-irrational-fears-children-23853172

Children Face What They Fear Most to Conquer OCD

Act 2: Bridget and Michelle undergo exposure and response prevention therapy to control their OCD.

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/children-face-fear-conquer-ocd-23853132

New OCD Findings May Aid Future Diagnosis, Treatment

Act 3: A Michigan doctor says he’s beginning to identify distinct subtypes of childhood OCD.

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/ocd-findings-aid-future-diagnosis-treatment-23853092

The Final Hurdles: Children Have Big OCD Breakthroughs

Act 4: Bridget attempts to touch her father, while Michelle goes on a trip away from home.

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/final-hurdles-children-big-ocd-breakthroughs-23853051

Breaking Away from OCD

Act 5: While she has finally returned home, Bridget still struggles to face her fears.

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/breaking-ocd-23853008

Success: A Five-Year Journey with OCD Realized

Act 6: Five years later, ABC News’ “20/20” checks in with the children who struggled with OCD.

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/success-year-journey-ocd-realized-23852965

WATCH ON ABC WATCH APP: http://abc.go.com/shows/2020/listing/2014-05/23-2020-0523-the-children-who-break-away

WATCH ON HULU: http://www.hulu.com/watch/640637

20/20 brings a Peace and Reconciliation BBQ to Hubbard, Ohio

2014-05-02T22:00:00.000-04:00

Couple Claims Entire Town Has Turned Against Them

Rick and Cindy Krlich say horns have been honked 5,000 times by people driving past their house.

A Town Divided Comes Together

ABC News' "20/20" held a Peace and Reconciliation Barbecue for Hubbard, Ohio.

20/20 Exclusive: Woman accused of murdering boyfriend with stiletto

2014-04-18T22:00:00.000-04:00

Woman Recalls Killing Boyfriend with Stiletto

Act 1: Ana Trujillo said her boyfriend attacked her the night she beat him to death with her shoe.

Girlfriend Trial in 'Stiletto Murder' of Boyfriend

Act 2: Will the jury find Ana Trujillo guilty of the murder of her boyfriend Dr. Stefan Andersson?

Recomendation: Portable cell phone backup battery

2014-04-18T12:45:00.000-04:00

There is a portable battery charger that I use in the field that I find irreplaceable. I think you should all get one.

$95 at Amazon.com

http://bit.ly/1hQdo40

It has built in lightning plug (For iPhone) and micro USB (For Blackberry or Droid)

It has a built in prongs to re-charge it in the wall. (Most battery back up you have to plug into a computer to recharge)

It can fill up your iPhone about 4 full charges.

It has a light to let you know if it’s full or empty.

You can charge multiple devices at once and use the device while it’s charging.

*** Make sure to buy the one with the built in wall prongs. Hub 6000 or Hub 9000

Others agree.

“Wow, this is great.” – Denise Martinez-Ramundo

“Thanks, this is so great in the field.” – Gwen Gowen

“Can I borrow your battery thingy?” – Jonathan Balthaser

ABC News 20/20: Bessey Bunch Mystery on Las Vegas I-15

2014-03-31T14:36:00.001-04:00

What really happened to Robert Bessey on his way to work on Las Vegas' Interstate 15? He was racing down the road and a single bullet was shot into his neck. He survived. Watch our 3 part heart stomping program. What role did his estranged wife Amy Pearson Bessey play in the shooting?

PART 1: Man Makes Shocking Allegations After Getting Shot

PART 2: Did Mom Conspire With Son, Brother in Murder Plot?

PART 3: Wife Goes on Trial for Plot to Kill Ex-Husband

ABC News 20/20: Exclusive: Woman Who Faked Her Own Kidnapping Comes Clean

2014-01-03T22:01:00.000-05:00

Act 1: When Chad McGuire's fiancee Tiffiny Bray goes missing, a message suggests she was kidnapped.

Act 2:

ABC News 20/20: Talk Show Hoaxer Kenny Tarr Pranked NFL, NBA Coaches

2014-01-03T22:00:00.000-05:00

Kenny Tarr allegedly scammed talk shows with fake stories and conducted many sports hoaxes. See his process and listen to his confidence.

ABC News 20/20: Inside the Life of a Trucker on the Road

2013-11-22T22:00:00.000-05:00

All the loneliness, boredom, and safety hazards of being a trucker revealed.

‘Trucking Isn’t a Job or a Career, It’s a Lifestyle’: A Trucker’s Confession Story

A Dispute Over a Fence Ends In a Neighborhood Bulldozed

2013-09-20T22:14:00.000-04:00

What Pushed This Man to Bulldoze His Neighborhood? [Exclusive Video]

Act 1: Tensions rise when a neighbor's fence angers Barry Swegle of Port Angeles, Washington.

Disgruntled Neighbor Descends on Neighborhood with Bulldozer

Act 2: Neighbors watched helplessly while Barry Swegle destroyed their homes.

Syrian Americans Feel Pride, Conflict for Both Homelands

2013-09-02T19:00:00.000-04:00

'We're Part of Both Worlds': Syrian Americans Feel Pride, Conflict for Both Homelands

Just days before the world waited to see if the United States would take military action against Syria, several Syrian Americans talked with ABC News about how the conflicts in their motherland have affected their lives here.

"When I'm here in the United States, I'm a minority," said Salem Samra, a 33-year-old plastic surgeon. "I'm Arab-American, a Muslim. When I'm in Syria, I'm a minority, I'm an American. We're part of both worlds."

Navy Seal's Guide to Surviving Disaster in a Car

2013-08-23T14:07:00.000-04:00

When disaster strikes suddenly, do you flee or stay put? Do you wait for first responders or take action? No matter what the situation, it's better to be prepared says Navy Seal Cade Courtley.

Celebrating the life of my Grandpa Dr. Carl Strauss [1921-2013]

2013-08-10T18:44:00.001-04:00

My amazing Grandpa passed away peacefully Tuesday. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 11th at 12:00 Noon at Sherman's Memorial Chapel 1283 Coney Island Avenue

Beautiful write up about my Grandpa's 90th Birthday:

http://www.brooklyndaily.com/stories/2011/11/courier-yn_bay_news-bg_carmine_2011_3_11_bk.html

NY TIMES NOTICE:

Dr. Carl Strauss, We will miss our amazing polymath. A brilliant and compassionate family physician for over 50 years. Loving husband to Shirley Strauss for 67 years and devoted father to Dr. Elton Strauss (Karen) and Bonnie Carroll (Kevin); adored grandfather to Eric (Bridget), Elisa (Marc), Melanie (Peter) and the late K.J. Great-grandfather to Sophie, Margot, Ryan and Gavin. In 1993, Dr. Carl, who delivered generations of Brooklyn babies, was voted "Man of the Year" in Bensonhurst. He will be missed enormously by so many for whom he was man of the year, every year. Carl, along with his wife Shirley, was a staunch supporter of East Midwood Jewish Center. The family would appreciate contributions be sent there or Temple Beth El, Manhattan Beach or Turning Point, Patterson, NJ

TRIBUTE VIDEO:

Iowa Woman Fired for Being Attractive

2013-08-02T15:05:00.000-04:00

Ever thought you could be too good-looking for your own good? Melissa Nelson, 33, didn't either. Then she was fired from her job in Fort Dodge, Iowa, as a dental assistant, after 10 years, simply because her boss found her irresistibly attractive – and a threat to his marriage.

Life After Abduction: Painful Lessons Learned

2013-05-10T15:25:00.000-04:00

Life After Abduction: Painful Lessons Learned. Woman (Sharon Richard) who was forced into prostitution as a teen reflects on Cleveland rescue.

Run, Hide or Fight: Tips to Survive Mass Shooting

2013-04-26T15:09:00.000-04:00

Run, Hide or Fight: Tips to Survive a Mass Shooting In 2010 there were 30 "active shooter" attacks in the U.S., according to John Bruner, a 20-year law-enforcement veteran who is the former Chief County Detective with the Greene County (Pa.) District Attorney's Office. That's more than the 1960s and 1970s combined, he added.

Houston Socialite Accused of Assaulting Women

2013-04-05T14:46:00.000-04:00

Losing It: Dr. Michael Brown

PART 1: PART 2:

Houses From Hell

2013-03-08T15:12:00.000-05:00

Houses From Hell

'Groovy Project': Music Video Inspires Bullies to Change

2013-02-07T14:59:00.000-05:00

'Groovy Project': Music Video Inspires Bullies to Change Madison Oneida BOCES School took an uncommon approach to an all-too-common problem

Christmas to the Extremes

2012-12-10T11:51:00.002-05:00

What's your preference? A woman who has over 169 Christmas trees or a eco-Grinch who won't buy his kids any gifts?

Classroom Confidential: School Pranks, From Silly to Shocking

2012-09-28T15:02:00.000-04:00

Classroom Confidential: School Pranks, From Silly to Shocking High school hijinks you have to see to believe. With prankster Eric Striffler.

2012-08-10T15:04:00.000-04:00

ABC News 20/20: Sparkly Shoes, Sky-High Heels and Much More: Inside an Obsessed Woman's Collection

Bridget Kelly and Eric Strauss Wedding

2012-08-01T19:20:00.000-04:00

Bridget Kelly and Eric Strauss were married in NYC at the W Union Square Hotel.

Bridget Kelly was ABC World News' "Person of the Week"
http://abcn.ws/NaFwuL

The wedding was featured in the NY Times:

http://nyti.ms/MOUczL

Bridget's Dad wrote about the marriage in the Omaha World-Herald:
http://www.omaha.com/article/20120715/NEWS/707159922

Original ABC News Segment on Bridget:

PART 1: http://abcn.ws/NiLr0R

PART 2: http://abcn.ws/NiLwSe