City Walk: Scandalous, Unseemly and Outrageous, 5.7 Miles

Want to know real scandals of the city's best addresses? This week we walk past many Scandalous, Unseemly and Outrageous residences in the River Oaks neighborhood.

Dr. John Hill
Accused of murder by omission of his wife, Joan Olive Robinson Hill. Defended by premier criminal defense attorney Richard "Racehorse" Haynes. The investigation only occurred because Joan's father believed Hill had poisoned Joan. The second wife's testimony of deliberate poisoning contradicted the charge of murder by omission.

Verdict: Mistrial but later gunned down by a masked intruder in his River Oaks mansion.

Andrew Fastow and Lea Weingarten Fastow
Once the ultimate Houston power couple. She was a CPA and art business owner from a prominent Houston family. He was CFO of the powerful innovative energy company, Enron. Lea was charged with tax evasion in her role in hiding Andy's ill gotten gains from Enron. Andy charges were mitigated by testifying against his co-conspirators before serving time. The scandal erupted while renovating the house and they never lived her.

Verdict: Guilty, Guilty, Guilty!

Candace Mossler
Former model and socialite indicted along with her nephew and paramour for the murder of her estranged husband. The pair's defense team included criminal defense powerhouse, Percy Foreman. She paid the legal retainer with jewelry, diamonds, and furs. Foreman never put on a defense.

Verdict: Acquitted

Jeffrey Skilling
Primarily architect of the transformation of Enron from a staid pipeline company into a energy trading powerhouse. He followed an "asset light" model (Ask Tom....), leading the company to falsely believe they had found a new way to make money. Growing scrutiny uncovered the underlying criminal financial misrepresentations forcing Enron into liquidation.

Verdict: Guilty

Elizabeth Holmes
Entrepreneurial even in high school at St. Johns. She greatly admired Steve Jobs and emulated his style of dressing in black turtleneck sweaters and his dropping out of college to start a company. Theranos promised to revolutionize medical testing in the way that Apple did for personal computers. The machines didn't work as promised and Holmes was charged with misleading investors, partner businesses and regulators.

Verdict: Convicted, currently serving time near Bryan, Texas

Baron Enrico di Portanova
A grandson of Texas oil magnate Hugh Roy Cullen. Son of an Italian baron. He returned from living in Rome to claim his share of the Cullen family fortune. While there was plenty of money to go around, he hired notorious lawyer Roy Cohn, formerly an associate of Sen. Joseph McCarthy, to sue the estate for mismanagement. Behind his River Oaks home he enclosed the pool and garden in an air conditioned green house so they could throw A-list garden parties all year. Guests included Henry and Nancy Kissinger.

The cover photo is the di Portanova home.

Verdict: Died in old age not having spent his all of his fortune.

Also included are the outrageous Tony Busby and the Battle of River Oaks and the unseemly affair of Fayez Sarofim.

Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing, comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. The heat in Texas is always a concern so let someone know if you are having a hard time.

Our organizers are not guides nor do we have any special training. We are here to come up with hiking ideas and get the hike started. Take the same precautions you would if hiking alone, including the fitness needed to make long hikes. Then enjoy the hike among friends.

Gathering Place and Parking:
River Oaks Community Center
3600 Locke Ln, Houston, TX 77027
Google Maps Link

Park along Locke Lane. Pay attention to the "No Parking" signs on the north side of the street.

Call or text Alan at 713 863 8038 if you need help.

Bathrooms:
None at the gathering point or along the hike.

The Walk:
The walk is on paved city sidewalks in a mix of sun and shade.

Weather Forecast:
Downtown weather forecast

Hike map in the photos.

Geolocated Maps:
Scandalous Walk

Optional After Hike Event:
Goode Company Hamburgers and Taqueria
Google Maps Link

4902 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098
Menus - Goode Co. Taqueria