Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay

Sylvie Cachay, an aspiring fashion designer, was discovered dead in a bathtub at Soho House in New York City on December 9, 2010. The discovery of her body was linked to a water leak that had occurred earlier that night. Cachay, who had launched her own swimwear line called Syla in 2006, was found with her bed engulfed in flames, despite her boyfriend's claim that he had extinguished the fire.

Her boyfriend, Nicholas Brooks, had met Cachay shortly after they began dating in 2010. Brooks, who had dropped out of college and relied on a trust fund from his wealthy father, Oscar-winning composer Joseph Brooks, had moved to New York City to pursue his career. The couple's six-month relationship had been marked by frequent breakups and reconciliations.

On December 8, 2010, the night before her death, the couple argued and Cachay accused Brooks of stealing money from her bank account. They eventually reconciled and decided to spend the night at Soho House, a luxurious hotel where Cachay was a member. Surveillance footage showed the couple entering and leaving the hotel. Soho House employee Kristen Stephens helped Cachay into her room, while Brooks remained outside to complete registration.

Later in the evening, a water leak was reported in the room below Cachay's. Police found Cachay's body in the bathtub, with the water turned on full blast. Brooks was arrested and later found guilty of second-degree murder, receiving a sentence of 25 years-to-life.