On December 9, 2010, Sylvie Cachay, an ambitious designer, was tragically found dead in an overflowing bathtub at Soho House, a prestigious hotel in New York City. This shocking discovery followed a water leak, which inadvertently aided authorities in piecing together the last moments of her life.
Sylvie was an aspiring fashion designer who moved to New York City to make her mark in the fashion industry. In 2006, she launched a chic swimwear line named Syla, gaining much acclaim and showcasing her determination to become well-known.
In 2010, Sylvie crossed paths with Nicholas Brooks, who soon became her boyfriend. Nick Brooks, 24 at the time, had quit college and struggled with employment. He hailed from a privileged background, as his father was Joseph Brooks, an Oscar-winning composer famous for the song “You Light Up My Life”.
Joseph Brooks, who at the age of 71 faced serious legal issues, was arrested in 2009 on over 100 sexual misconduct counts, including rape.
Despite Sylvie and Nick being at different life stages, they found common ground after Sylvie’s dog tragically died during their first date. Their turbulent six-month relationship was fraught with break-ups and reconciliations, highlighting their growing incompatibility as 2010 drew to a close.
The day before Sylvie’s untimely demise, their relationship faced another challenge. Sylvie confronted Nick about excessive withdrawals from her bank account, suspecting theft. She emailed him, accusing him of stealing and threatening to involve the police.
Despite the strains, the couple met at Sylvie’s West Village apartment on the evening of December 8, 2010. Nick claimed that a fire broke out in the apartment while he showered. Sylvie’s bed caught fire, but Nick stated that he woke her and extinguished the flames, and they both decided to spend the night at a hotel.
At 12:31 a.m., the couple secured a room at Soho House. Security footage documented their arrival at the reception desk. Nick explained that Sylvie needed assistance checking in due to medication she had taken earlier.
Soho House employee Kristen Stephens assisted Sylvie to Room 20 while Nick stayed behind to complete paperwork. Kristen reported to “48 Hours” correspondent Troy Roberts that upon helping Sylvie to bed, she intended to sleep.
A busboy delivered ice to Room 20 at 12:45 a.m. Nick met and escorted him into the room. The busboy testified that during his brief visit, no one else was seen.
Security footage revealed Nick making multiple trips in and out of the room overnight. By 2:11 a.m., while still in Room 20, a water leak was reported by occupants of a room below.
Nick exited Room 20 at 2:18 a.m., meeting with Soho House member David Raleigh in the lobby to go out for drinks.
Upon further complaints, Soho House staff traced the leak to Room 20. They entered the room at 2:51 a.m. after receiving no response at the door, and discovered Sylvie submerged in the overflowing bathtub with the water running full blast.
Sylvie, wearing underwear and a turtleneck, was declared dead at 3:33 a.m.
Nick Brooks returned to the hotel at 5:30 a.m. on December 9, only to find a crime scene and was subsequently taken into custody for questioning and arrest.
Following a lengthy trial, Nicholas Brooks was found guilty of second-degree murder on July 11, 2013, resulting in a 25-years-to-life sentence for the death of Sylvie Cachay.
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