4949 Swiss Ave.
When CandysDirt.com heard Compass Realtor Heather Guild was doing a podcast on true crime and real estate called Crime Estate, we were intrigued. When we heard Episode 7, “The Queen of Swiss Avenue,” we were hooked. I personally dropped everything to binge-listen all 17 episodes (for research). Our resident murder house expert Shelby Skrhak is still pouting…
This dilapidated, once elegant mansion has been the focal point of poignant legal battles since the death of the owner, Mary Ellen Bendtsen, in 2005. Agents tell me it may have the messiest title in Texas. This week, legal justice may be coming. Three men, including two Dallas antique dealers who prosecutors claim conspired to take advantage of Bendtsen’s mental state and her kindness right at her deathbed, go to trial in Dallas County.
Yesterday was day one in court for Mark McCay, age 50, who is accused of attempted theft. Prosecutors say he weaseled power of attorney from 88-year-old Bendtsen after alienating her from her family, and persuaded her to leave the Swiss Ave. house to him and his partner. Bendtsen signed her will in her hospital bed at Baylor. The defense says no, McCay and “the boys” befriended and entertained Bendtsen ten years before her death.
