John and Ann Bender's life in paradise
Did Wall Street millionaire John Bender shoot himself or was he murdered in his 50,000-square-foot home in Costa Rica? His wife Ann Bender was tried twice and convicted once of killing him, but that case was later overturned on an appeal. Then she faced a third trial for the same crime and "48 Hours" was there for the dramatic twist in a case that has generated international intrigue.
John and Ann Bender on top of a hill at Boracayan, the nature reserve the couple set up in a dense rain forest in Costa Rica.
Life at Boracayan
The entrance to Boracayan in Costa Rica. The four-story home the Benders built can be seen in the background.
Life at Boracayan
In this aerial shot, the 50,000 square foot home John and Ann Bender built can be seen sitting on top of a hill deep in the Costa Rican rain forest. The home doesn't have any walls, only screens to keep insects from coming in.
It wasn't just the couple's' home. It was also the headquarters of the natural reserve they established and named Boracayan.
Life at Boracayan
A closer look at the Bender home -- a 50,000 square foot conical concrete and granite structure with no windows or walls located deep in the Costa Rican jungle.
Life at Boracayan
John and Ann Bender shown in their home with a pet sloth.
Life at Boracayan
Some of the stained glass lamps in the Bender's home in Costa Rica. Ann Bender told "48 Hours" she had approximately 400 of these lamps and after John's death, the Costa Rican government confiscated them.
Life at Boracayan
A closer look at one of the stained glass lamps in the Bender home.
Life at Boracayan
Some of the many different plants at the refuge surrounding an artificial pond.
Life at Boracayan
The beach can be seen in the distance in this photo taken on a path down from the Bender's home on top of a hill.
Life at Boracayan
Ann Bender is seen with two colorful macaws. There are many different bird species at Boracayan.
Life at Boracayan
John and Ann Bender look at one of their pet birds at their home in Costa Rica.
Life at Boracayan
Ann Bender wears a sloth as a hat in this photo from 2006.
Life at Boracayan
Ann and John Bender's three-toed sloth, Lily, hangs out in their home.
Life at Boracayan
One of the many flower species at Boracayan.
Life at Boracayan
One of the different types of orchids in Boracayan.
Life at Boracayan
Red orchids from Boracayan.
Life at Boracayan
John Bender poses with one of his pet birds.
The 45-year-old stock market whiz died of a gunshot to the head in the couple's sprawling Costa Rican jungle compound on Jan. 8, 2010.
Life at Boracayan
John and Ann Bender during happier days at the dream home they built in Costa Rica.
Life at Boracayan
A smiling Ann Bender with two of the many birds at Boracayan.
Life at Boracayan
Sunset view from one of the terraces at the Bender home.