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Claudine Longet, Convicted in 1976 Sabich Murder, Dies

5/15/2026

Summary

Claudine Longet Dies

Claudine Longet died, announced May 14, 2026 by nephew Bryan Longet.
On March 21, 1976 she shot skier Spider Sabich dead in their Starwood chalet, claiming accidental discharge.
In January 1977 a jury convicted her of negligent homicide, imposing 30 days jail, two years probation, and a $250 fine.
Sabich’s family settled a $1.3 million lawsuit out of court with Andy Williams testifying for her.
She later married attorney Ronald Austin and lived in Aspen and Hawaii.

Summary

Longet Settlement

The $1.3 million civil suit filed by Spider Sabich’s parents settled out of court two years after trial.
The $60-million Red Mountain Ranch estate in Aspen, Colorado, where Longet lived with Ron Austin, was listed for sale in 2023.
Longet also owned a Hawaii home used as a seasonal retreat with Austin.
Following her conviction, she served a 30-day jail term and was barred from speaking about the shooting.

History

Historical Context

After the August 4, 1971 headline “Manson Guilty, Nixon Declares,” a Los Angeles jury found Charles Manson and four followers guilty on all 27 counts, sentencing them to death on March 29, 1971. The California Supreme Court’s 1972 People v. Anderson decision abolished the death penalty, commuting the sentences to life and marking a turning point in how high-profile celebrity murders were prosecuted and reported.

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Claudine Longet Dies

Claudine Longet died, announced May 14, 2026 by nephew Bryan Longet.
On March 21, 1976 she shot skier Spider Sabich dead in their Starwood chalet, claiming accidental discharge.
In January 1977 a jury convicted her of negligent homicide, imposing 30 days jail, two years probation, and a $250 fine.
Sabich’s family settled a $1.3 million lawsuit out of court with Andy Williams testifying for her.
She later married attorney Ronald Austin and lived in Aspen and Hawaii.

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