You Never Know about People

Georgetown socialite Viola Herms Drath, 91, was found dead in her home back in August. Her 47-year-old second husband, Albrecht Gero Muth, has now been charged with beating and strangling her to death. I was struck by this story because it reminds us that you can never tell by watching people in public what sort of private demons plague them when the lights are off:

Although a strong and independent woman, Drath — widowed after a long and loving first marriage — became ensnared in a two-decade cycle of loneliness, love, dependence, abuse and reconciliation, her friends and family say. . . . Those close to her said that Muth took over much of her life and that she relented because she didn’t want to be alone.

Albrecht Muth was a creep of dubious sanity who at various times claimed to be a former Iraqi general and a spy for half a dozen countries. He was transparently using Drath to get closer to the world of power and influence that he craved. Drath led a full life; people told the Post that they were in awe of her, that she was the most interesting person in Washington. She had friends, children, grandchildren, a past that included a successful career in journalism (politics and fashion). But as an aging widow Drath was left with a fear of loneliness that made her a victim. "Muth, according to Drath’s account, made her feel young, alive and excited," and for this she forgave a long string of fights and beatings that makes them sound like a white trash couple from Cops. For that feeling of youth and excitement, and to escape from loneliness, she eventually died.