Five-Year Feud over a $500,000 Powerball Jackpot

  by: JohnCurio - Category:

According to Superior Court Judge, Cynthia K. Swienton, Rose Bakaysa doesn’t have to share a $500,000 Powerball lottery jackpot with her older sister, Theresa Sokaitis.

The two sisters signed a notarized contract in which they agreed to split all their winnings equally. They used to travel often to Connecticut casinos and play the lottery together until a feud ended their communication in 2004.

The case has been awaiting decision since 2005. The Superior Court Judge Cynthia K. Swienton dismissed Sokaitis’ lawsuit since a Connecticut law does not recognize the sisters’ agreement. The judge stated in her decision: “While the court may be able to resolve the legal dispute, it is powerless to repair the discord and strife that now overshadows the once harmonious sisterly relationship.”