American lottery winner murdered

A man who won more than $17m in a US lottery was found dead last week, and police believe he was the victim of a brutal murder which has shocked the neighbourhood where he lived.

Abraham Shakespeare was a friendly local truck driver for many years before one day his whole life changed. In 2006, he bought a ticket for the local lottery and to his shock and amazement, he won the jackpot – $17 million.

American lottery winner murdered

What should have been a life-changing dream soon became a nightmare for this barely literate man. He complained of people suddenyl befriending him, and he often had problems trying to figure out who were his friends and who were using him.

His body was found buried in the garden of a woman who befriended him after his lottery win in 2007.

Police are now seeking the woman who they believe can help them with their enquiries. They say that she was not only a close personal friend, but also helped him start a business, and then gave herself the right to purchase gifts for herself. These included various cars and luxury items.

Friends said that just before Abraham won the lottery, he had joined a church and been baptized. Once the money came in, however, he ‘forgot about being saved’.