Claudine Longet: The Accidental Shooting of an Olympian and the 30-Day Jail Sentence

In 1976, the peaceful mountain town of Aspen, Colorado, was shaken by a tragic event. Claudine Longet, a famous singer and actress, shot and killed her boyfriend, Olympic skier Vladimir “Spider” Sabich. The incident sparked shock, controversy, and endless debates. While Longet claimed the gun fired accidentally, many doubted her story. Her trial raised more questions than answers, and her light punishment—just 30 days in jail—left people wondering: Was this a terrible accident or a hidden crime?

This article dives into the life of Claudine Longet, the night Spider Sabich died, the controversial trial, and how this case still leaves people divided decades later.

Who Was Claudine Longet?

Claudine Longet was born on January 29, 1942, in Paris, France. From a young age, she dreamed of fame. At 17, she danced for tourists in Paris clubs. Her big break came when American TV producer Lou Walters saw her on French television. He invited her to perform in Las Vegas, where she joined the famous Folies Bergère dance show at the Tropicana Hotel.

In 1961, her life changed forever. Her car broke down in Las Vegas, and a kind stranger stopped to help—a man named Andy Williams. Williams was a superstar singer known for hits like “Moon River.” Despite their 14-year age gap, they fell in love and married later that year.

Life as a Celebrity Wife

As Andy Williams’ wife, Claudine Longet lived a glamorous life. She appeared on his Emmy-winning TV show, recorded her own music albums, and mingled with powerful figures like Senator Robert Kennedy. But her life took a dark turn in 1968 when she witnessed Kennedy’s assassination at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles.




By 1970, her marriage to Williams was falling apart. They separated, and Longet moved to Aspen, Colorado, with their three children after a $2.1 million divorce settlement. There, she met Spider Sabich—a charming Olympic skier—and their whirlwind romance began.

Spider Sabich: The Olympian Who Stole Hearts

Vladimir “Spider” Sabich was a skiing legend. Born in 1945, he competed in the 1968 Winter Olympics and became a fan favorite for his daring style. After retiring from sports, he moved to Aspen, where he coached skiing and partied with celebrities.

Friends described Sabich as fun-loving and magnetic. “He had this energy that made everyone adore him,” said Dede Brinkman, a close friend. But his relationship with Claudine Longet was rocky from the start. Longet, a divorced mother of three, struggled with jealousy as Sabich’s fame grew.

The Night of the Shooting: What Really Happened?

On March 21, 1976, Sabich returned to his Aspen home after skiing. He stripped to his underwear and headed to the bathroom for a shower. Moments later, a single gunshot echoed through the house.

Claudine’s Version of Events

Longet told police she found an old gun—a replica of a World War II Luger—in their home. She claimed Sabich was showing her how to use it when it “accidentally” fired, hitting him in the stomach. She called 911, but Sabich died on the way to the hospital.

Suspicions and Contradictions

Police quickly noticed flaws in her story:

• Sabich was shot in the back, not face-to-face.
• Longet had traces of cocaine in her system (though this wasn’t allowed as evidence).
• Friends said Sabich planned to leave her, giving her a motive.

Rumors spread that Longet threw a wine glass at Sabich during an argument days earlier. Some even claimed she stopped him from attending a party without her.

The Trial That Divided America

Longet’s 1977 trial became a media circus. The prosecution argued she killed Sabich in a jealous rage, while her defense team blamed a faulty gun.

Key Moments in Court

• The “Bang-Bang” Story: Longet testified she playfully pointed the gun at Sabich, saying “bang-bang,” before it fired.
• Missing Evidence: The gun and Longet’s diary (which allegedly mentioned fights with Sabich) weren’t presented in court.
• Faulty Gun Claims: A defense expert said the gun’s safety mechanism was broken, making accidental firing possible.

The jury found her guilty only of “criminally negligent homicide”—the lowest charge. She received a 30-day jail sentence, served on weekends, and a $250 fine.

Public Outrage

Spider Sabich’s family called the verdict a “joke.” His brother Steve said, “Claudine accomplished two things: marrying Andy Williams and getting away with murder.” Even the prosecutor, Frank Tucker, believed she intended to kill Sabich but blamed poor police work for the weak case.

Life After the Trial

Longet avoided the spotlight after the trial. She married her defense lawyer, Ron Austin, in 1985, and they still live in Aspen. The Sabich family sued her for $780,000 in a civil case, but the settlement included a gag order—Longet can never discuss the shooting publicly.




Despite her quiet life, the case remains a pop culture footnote. The Rolling Stones referenced her in their song “Claudine,” and Saturday Night Live mocked the trial in a skit.

The Claudine Longet case remains a haunting mystery. Was she a grieving partner caught in a freak accident, or a jealous lover who got away with murder? With key evidence lost and conflicting stories, we may never know the full truth. Yet the story fascinates true crime fans and historians alike, serving as a reminder of how fame, money, and legal loopholes can shape justice.

Claudine Longet, now in her 80s, lives quietly in Aspen—a far cry from her glamorous past. Meanwhile, Spider Sabich’s legacy as an Olympic hero endures, overshadowed by the tragedy that cut his life short.

FAQs About Claudine Longet and Spider Sabich

Was Claudine Longet convicted of murder?

No—she was found guilty of negligent homicide and served 30 days in jail.

What happened to the gun that killed Spider Sabich?

It was never tested in court due to legal errors.

Did Claudine Longet remarry?

Yes—she married her lawyer, Ron Austin, in 1985.

Why was her jail sentence so short?

The jury believed the shooting was accidental, not intentional.

Was cocaine involved in the shooting?

Longet had drugs in her system, but this wasn’t used as evidence.

Where is Claudine Longet today?

She lives in Aspen, Colorado, with her husband.

Did Spider Sabich plan to break up with her?

Friends and his ex-girlfriend claimed he wanted to leave her.

How did Andy Williams react to the shooting?

He supported Longet during the trial despite their divorce.

What was the “Best Breast” party rumor?

Longet allegedly forbid Sabich from attending this event before the shooting.

Was the gun’s safety mechanism broken?

A defense expert testified it was faulty, but this was disputed.

Did Claudine Longet write a book about the case?

She reportedly started one, but the lawsuit settlement blocked its release.

How old was Spider Sabich when he died?

He was 31 years old.

What happened to the Sabich family’s lawsuit?

It was settled privately for an undisclosed amount.

Why wasn’t Longet’s diary used in court?

Police failed to obtain a proper warrant for it.

Did anyone believe Claudine’s accident story?

The jury did, but many critics—including the prosecutor—called it a cover-up.