Crime and Cocktails

Stella Nickell's small-time world was one of big-time dreams. In 1986, her biggest one came true when her husband died during a seizure, making her the beneficiary of a $175,000-plus insurance payoff until authorities discovered Bruce Nickell's headache capsules had been laced with cyanide.In an attempt to cover her tracks, Stella did the unconscionable. She saw to it that a stranger would also become a "random casualty" of cyanide-tainted painkillers. Stella's cunning plan came undone when her daughter Cynthia notified federal agents. Cocktail: Bitter Almonds1 sugar cube (or 1 bar spoon simple syrup)2 dashes Angostura bitter2 ounces bourbonAlmond garnish