Where is Ann Bender Now? Everything About Ann and John Bender's Life
by Aishwarya R
Updated Oct 01, 2024

Where is Ann Bender Now?
Ann Bender is currently in custody, serving a 22-year sentence after being convicted of murder in a second trial in 2014. She was originally found innocent in 2013, but the District Attorney appealed the decision, leading to her conviction.
Ann has been trying to recover assets from a trust that held all of her and her late husband John's wealth, which mysteriously disappeared after his death. There are concerns about the fairness of her trial and the evidence used against her. Many believe she was wrongly convicted and that her life may be in danger. Donations are being collected to support her legal defense.
Who is Ann Bender?
Ann Bender is the widow of John Bender, a successful trader who used his wealth to create a wildlife preserve in Costa Rica to protect 5,000 acres of rainforest. John tragically took his own life during the depression, and Ann, who was known to be devoted to him, was later charged with his murder.
Many believe her conviction was influenced by corruption related to the assets John and Ann had in a trust, including the nature reserve. John’s parents fully support Ann, which speaks to her innocence.
Ann Bender Husband
Ann Bender's husband was John Bender, a brilliant mathematician and successful investor. Together with Ann and their best friend, Peter DeLisi, he ran an investment fund. After closing the fund, John and Ann moved to Costa Rica, where they dedicated themselves to protecting the rainforest. They created a 5,000-acre nature reserve and set up a trust with $70 million to ensure the reserve would be preserved forever.
Both John and Ann had mental health issues, including bipolar disorder and suicidal thoughts. On January 8, 2010, John died from a gunshot wound to the head. Ann has always claimed that John was trying to take his own life and that she tried to stop him. Following his death, the local district attorney began a murder investigation against Ann, leading to a court date set for January 2013.
What Happened to Ann Bender Assets?
Ann Bender's assets, which were part of a $70 million trust managed by lawyer Juan de Dios Alvarez, have largely disappeared. In 2012, Alvarez was removed from managing the trust due to his failure to fulfill his duties, and it was discovered that about $40 million in liquid assets was missing. Property titles to trust assets were also transferred to companies outside the trust. Ann has filed a court case against Alvarez to recover these assets.
After being found innocent in her first murder trial in 2013, Ann was convicted in a second trial in 2014 and sentenced to 22 years in prison. During this time, she has received no financial support from the interim trust manager, Mario Gomez, who has not visited the nature reserve or paid any of its employees.
Ann's living expenses and legal fees have been covered by family and friends, but they can no longer provide support. There are concerns that the missing trust money may be used to keep Ann in prison and prevent her from surviving.
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