New York Lottery: Elderly Couple Going to Court Over Million-dollar Lottery TicketA Long Island couple married for 16 years recently bought a New York Lottery ticket and won $25 million. Then the divorce papers were filed, and the lottery jackpot is now at the center of a bitter custody battle.
Long Island correspondent Lauren DeFranco files this report from Garden City.
We're told the wife in the case went to collect the millions at the Claim Center in Garden City. Now the husband's afraid he won't see a penny of it, so he's taking the Mrs. to court.
Kenneth Parker, Lottery Winner: "I was bitter. I couldn't believe that she was doing this."
If you think Kenneth Parker looks sad, just listen to his story. After 16 years of marriage, he and his wife Connie were about to embark on a whole new life. They had hit the jackpot, and won $25 million in the New York State Lottery.
But a few months later, the 77-year-old Park says his loving wife turned stone cold, kicked him out, and kept the cash.
Kenneth Parker: "I said, you know, give me something. If you don't want to give me half, give me something. She said no, nothing."
Dominic Barbara, Attorney: "Connie said on Valentine's Day, the money came in, and the love walked out."
Parker's attorney, Dominic Barbara, says the days of playing fair are over. His client has filed for divorce, and is suing his wife for all of the money. According to the notice of claim, Mrs. Parker purchased the winning ticket, and the couple agreed to a lump sum payment of nearly $8.6 million.
The two also agreed that Mrs. Parker would go to collect the money alone.
Kenneth Parker: "She had a chance to sit down and at least give me half or whatever, and she refuses. And she left me to fend for myself."
The Parkers did make at least one purchase with their millions, a condo in Melville. Connie Parker who now lives there alone, was not available for comment.
Neighbor: "(If I won $25 million) I don't think I'd throw my wife out after 43 years, I don't think."
Ms. Parker's lawyer released a statement saying his client was mis-characterized by her estranged husband. And regarding the ticket the statement said:
"... we are confident that her rights in this regard will be protected."
-- Mark F. Brancato, Counsel to Ms. Parker
