On December 9, 2010, Sylvie Cachay, an aspiring fashion designer, was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at Soho House, a prestigious hotel in New York City. Her death was linked to a water leak at the hotel, which provided clues leading to her killer.
Sylvie relocated to New York City with hopes of making her mark in the fashion industry. In 2006, she launched a successful swimwear line called Syla, earning widespread acclaim. That summer in 2010, she met Nicholas Brooks, who soon became her boyfriend.
At the time they met, Nicholas Brooks was 24 years old. He had dropped out of college and struggled to keep a job. Despite a privileged upbringing, his life was riddled with challenges. His father, Joseph Brooks, an Oscar-winning composer famous for the song “You Light Up My Life,” was facing legal troubles. In 2009, Joseph Brooks was arrested on multiple charges of sexual misconduct.
Despite being at different stages in life, Sylvie and Nicholas found common ground after Sylvie’s dog was killed by a car during their first date. However, their six-month relationship was tumultuous, marked by regular breakups and reconciliations.
The day before her death, Sylvie confronted Nicholas. Her brother recalled Sylvie’s suspicions regarding suspicious bank account withdrawals. She sent Nicholas an email accusing him of theft and threatened to involve the police.
Despite their strained relationship, the couple met at Sylvie’s West Village apartment on December 8, 2010. Nicholas claimed that while he was showering, a fire broke out in the apartment. He said he woke Sylvie and put out the fire, leading them to seek shelter at a hotel for the night.
At 12:31 a.m., the couple checked into Soho House. Sylvie’s membership helped secure a room. Security footage captured them at the reception. Kristen Stephens, a Soho House employee, assisted Sylvie to Room 20, as Sylvie had taken medication earlier. Kristen later stated Sylvie was focused on sleeping.
Shortly after, a busboy delivered ice to the room. He testified to seeing only Nicholas. Security footage showed Nicholas leaving and returning to the room several times. At 2:11 a.m., guests reported a water leak below Room 20. At 2:18 a.m., Nicholas exited the room for the last time. He interacted with a member, David Raleigh, and went out for drinks.
By 2:51 a.m., staff traced the leak to Room 20. Upon entering due to no response, they discovered Sylvie’s submerged body. She wore only underwear and a turtleneck. Efforts to revive her failed, and she was declared dead at 3:33 a.m.
Nicholas Brooks returned to Soho House at 5:30 a.m. to a crime scene and was soon questioned and arrested. In 2013, after a lengthy trial, he was found guilty of second-degree murder. He received a sentence of 25 years to life in prison for Sylvie’s murder.