Death of a Jewish American Princess: The True Story of a Victim on Trial

by Shirley Frondorf

In 1982, a sensational murder trial in Phoenix, Arizona, reverberated throughout the legal community. Restaurateur Steven Steinberg, who killed his wife by stabbing her 26 times, was acquitted; his legal defense portrayed the victim as an overpowering "Jewish American Princess" whose excesses may have provoked her violent end. Examining the structure of the defense's case, Frondorf, an attorney who was previously a psychiatric social worker, follows the theme that made Elana Steinberg the villain, instead of the victim, of the piece. The defense's forensic presentation, bolstered by testimony from psychiatrists, maintained that Steinberg committed the crime while sleepwalking, an abnormality allegedly brought on by the intemperate spending of his wife. Frondorf recreates the trial whose outcome scarred the tightly knit Jewish community of Phoenix.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, History, Crime

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 1988

Reviews

[Robin K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This true crime book delves into a terrible miscarriage of justice, in which a man murders his wife and is acquitted. I learned a lot about criminal defense, forensic psychologists, and the fact that a nagging wife to some seems to justify 27 stab wounds, 4-5 of them fatal. The book is dated, published in 1988, and I am sure some practices have changed, but this book underlines how our justice system is only as good as the humans who participate in it, which is to say, not very good.

[Merrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times there seemed a bit too much commentary, but definitely an interesting look at how a miscarriage of justice like this could and did happen. Unfortunately, it happened a lot in the 80s including in a case in my state also because the victim was demonized and the judge (no jury) decided the wife deserved it. He, fortunately, for voted off the bench as a result. Sad that there were no consequences for Elena's death.

[Irene Moyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating book

Fascinating book above an unbelievable verdict. Thorough but not boring. Compassionate. A good read, and an unusual one. Would read more of this author.

[Yolanda Y. Minner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew the family

This book brought back quite a few memories of the Singer/ Steinberg families. I worked for them in Albuquerque NM in 1980-81, at the Classic Hotel. I met the family, I was a server in the fine dining room and was engaged to the Head chef, Bob Albin who worked very close with the family. Steve Steinberg was my boss. When the murder happened we were all shocked by the headlines but not surprised, Steve Steinberg had a violent temper. Such a sad tragedy to put Elana on trial and Steve get away with murder.

[Carol Aselton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very interesting story. The book was not a sitting-on-the-edge of your seat kind of book, but the author did a good job researching and presenting it to the public. It is a story, not only of love gone bad and a gambling addition, but it shows how with enough money, you can pretty much buy your way out of everything.

[Sue Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

The book was very interesting in that it was a true story. I think the author told the story in a way that made you feel very sorry for the young lady, and mad at the way the justice system allowed the defense to put the victim in trail.

[Karyn Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

Fascinating true story. Couldn't put this book down. Ms. Frondorf is an excellent writer and really presented the facts well. Hard to believe something like this actually happened. Very good story.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, tragic story.

Such an interesting story of how the legal system works, or didn’t work in this case. A woman maligned and a defense based on stereotyping of an entire community.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is based on a real trial that happened in Phoenix Arizona. The prosecutor didn’t seem to do his job or have a lot of insight in my opinion. A man stabbed his wife 26 times and got away with the sleepwalking defense incredible.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never heard of this case until this book. I am left shocked and speechless. I really enjoyed the end of the book with the juror interviews. My heart breaks for the singers and I am full of rage for Elana. May she rest in peace!

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not even sure I'm going to finish it. It just isn't very interesting. If by a very slim chance, I am happily surprised later, I'll adjust the review.

[Camille Destefano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely interesting story of a murder trial. Recommend it for anyone who likes court cases.

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Kaittie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful.

[Sandra Calderon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sad, the method of twisting the truth that only a defense lawyer can do. Shocking jury outcome.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I enjoyed this book more for the historical information and just the plain facts about all of the people involved. The way the author tells the story is not that great. But being that I was 3 years old when this murder and trial took place it was definitely intriguing to read about one of the first (if not THE first) defense that used the "blame the victim" strategy to get the guy off. Uncanny how everything that needed to fall into place, did. From the jury selection to the decisions made by the judge, it all just "worked out" for Steinberg. Very similar to the OJ Simpson trial. Probably the best (and most troubling) part of the book was at the very end when the author interviews the jurors 5 years after the trial.

[Vilo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting true crime story of a case in the 1980s. A man first claims that "bushy haired strangers" killed his wife and then admits that he did it, but that he was sleepwalking at the time. The same lawyer who used the "Twinkie" defense to get Harvey Milk's killer acquitted defended the husband. The book is as much about the law enforcement and legal maneuverings as it is about the couple's life. The defense strategy was to paint the wife as so controlling and nagging that her husband "snapped" and had the sleepwalking incident in which he killed her--a "blame the victim" strategy that worked well since the prosecution had not rounded up witnesses to tell a different story.

[Irene Rice · Rating 2 out of 5]

It seems with true crime I like reading about the crime itself and how the suspect/defendant is caught. I just really bored when it comes to the trials because it's a repeat of information that I've already learned about. I like to skip to jury proceedings and then find out of the defendant is guilty or not.

Personally, I am not fond of Ms. Frondorf's writing style. She includes herself directly in the context of the text and, for some reason, I do not like it. My preferred style is in third person throughout the entire story...however, either introduction or epilogue is where I like to read the actual writer's involvement in unfolding the story.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, well presented investigation of a murder in Scottsdale, AZ in the early 80's. To think this man got off because the defense attorney convinced a jury that the wife (the victim) "made him do it". Sleepwalking? but stabbed her 20 some odd times? The book is now used in some law schools as an example of how a prosecutor should NOT try a case. Very interesting.

[Vfc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting for its time, thought-provoking, a calculating murder explaining probable cause as justifiable homicide. Years ago, women of privileged Jewish families were referenced as JAPs (Jewish American Princesses).

Elana Steinberg was villainised and represented as deserving of the crime. I remember reading about it in the newspapers and reading this book.

[Linda B. Vuono · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disturbing outcome

I can't believe that something like this could even happen. What kind of people think like that?!? And the prosecutor... don't even get me started.