Tycoon's kids sue stepmom over inheritance fraud

Children of the late David 'Jim' Judelson, former president of Gulf & Western, have accused their stepmother, Eva Gayer, of exploiting his declining health to siphon approximately $30 million from his estate. The accusations emerged in court documents filed after Judelson's death in 2018, alleging Gayer took advantage of his Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diagnoses.

The legal dispute, initiated shortly after Judelson's passing, saw the children claim Gayer manipulated their father and controlled access to him in the years leading up to his death. They alleged she pressured Judelson to make significant gifts to her and attempted to prevent them from contesting these transactions.

A settlement was finally reached in 2024, resolving the estate battle. While Gayer received Judelson's apartment and a substantial sum, the children also received portions of the inheritance. The case highlights accusations of elder abuse and predatory behavior within a prominent family's estate.