In a remarkable display of investigative prowess, South Florida attorney Paul Novack, known for his solo practice in personal injury law, has cracked one of the oldest cold cases in Florida history. The case in question is the high-profile murder of wealthy produce merchant Joseph DiMare, which took place on March 24, 1961. With the assistance of Novack and his cold case team, Miami-Dade homicide detectives have now confirmed that Joseph’s wife, Frances DiMare, was the one who pulled the trigger. This revelation has brought closure to a mystery that has lingered for over six decades.

Novack’s journey into cold case investigations began when he led a group of investigators to help the Miami-Dade Police Department solve the disappearance of 17-year-old Danny Goldman, who was abducted from his family home in 1966. Following the successful resolution of the Goldman case, Novack turned his attention to the DiMare case. His investigation revealed a complex web of connections, suggesting that the DiMare murder and the Goldman kidnapping were related and had ties to organized crime in South Florida during the latter half of the 20th century.

Despite the passage of time and the many challenges that come with investigating cold cases, Novack’s relentless pursuit of the truth has finally paid off. His work has not only brought closure to the DiMare family but also shed light on the intricate web of organized crime that once operated in South Florida. For more details on this fascinating story, visit The Florida Bar News.

In the midst of the turbulence caused by new immigration laws, the Miami Book Fair hosted a riveting discussion titled “Chaos and Community: The Impact of New Immigration Laws on Haitian Refugees in the U.S.” on May 7, 2023. Among the esteemed panelists were Gepsie Morisset-Metellus, community activist and co-founder of the Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center; Edwidge Danticat, acclaimed Haitian American author; Paul Novack, a former mayor of Surfside and a distinguished attorney known for his extensive work with refugees and the Family Action Network Movement; and Leonie Hermantin, director of communications and development at Sant La. The event was a comprehensive exploration of the historical and current challenges faced by Haitian refugees in the U.S., with a particular focus on those who arrived in 1972 and their ongoing struggle for justice and equal rights.

Paul Novack’s participation in the event was a testament to his unwavering commitment to advocating for refugee rights. His insights, drawn from his professional experience and his work with the Family Action Network Movement, added a unique perspective to the discussion. Novack’s contributions to the discourse underscored the importance of community support and solidarity in times of chaos. His work, both within and beyond the U.S., including disaster relief projects for Haiti, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic, is a testament to his dedication to public service and community integrity. This event served as a platform for Novack to further highlight the critical role of civil rights leaders, Black leaders, and people of various faiths who continue to play a crucial role in advocating for refugee rights.

David-Graubart-Paul-Novack-Joseph-Graubart

We’re excited to share a recent news article that highlights the remarkable work of our very own Paul Novack. The Florida Bar News reports that Novack and his team of cold case investigators played a crucial role in solving a 55-year-old murder case in Miami. After years of searching for answers to the case of missing Surfside teenager Danny Goldman, their tireless efforts ultimately led to the identification of the perpetrator, George Defeis, who left his fingerprint on the victim’s rear sliding glass door. This case demonstrates the importance of never giving up on cold cases, and we’re proud to see Paul’s dedication to justice and community service recognized.

We invite you to read the full article to learn more about his remarkable work.

Paul Novack, a member of the Florida Bar and the Florida Highway Patrol’s statewide advisory council, recently provided critical assistance to state troopers during the Hurricane Ian recovery efforts in Southwest Florida. Novack’s story was recently covered in an article on The Florida Bar website, and it highlights the important role that members of the Bar play in helping their local communities during times of crisis. Novack loaded his jeep with supplies and headed to Southwest Florida to help those who were first on the scene, providing logistical support for the troopers in the field. Novack’s efforts were critical in helping those affected by the hurricane, and they serve as an example of how members of the Florida Bar can make a real difference in their local communities. If you would like to learn more about Novack’s story and how the Florida Bar is working to support its members during times of crisis, click here to read the full article on The Florida Bar website.

Paul Novack on Newsnation

More than 50 years later, Paul Novack believes he knows what happened to his childhood friend, Danny Goldman.

Goldman’s boyhood friends have waited 55 years for closure. Goldman was kidnapped in front of his family in their Florida home when he was 17, and later murdered.

Inspired by a letter written by Goldman’s mother that asked her son never be forgotten, and angered by the mysterious circumstances surrounding their friend’s death, his childhood friends set out to solve his murder.

Novack, one of Goldman’s childhood friends who helped solve the case, said on “NewsNation Prime” that Danny’s kidnapping and murder was “off the charts” as far as cold case lists and missing persons reports go.

“There was nothing happening and that couldn’t stand,” Novack said. “We decided a 17-year-old cannot be taken from his family home and then the whole situation get forgotten, so we set out to make sure that wouldn’t happen.”

All these years later they determined it was the mafia who killed Goldman.

Read more: https://www.newsnationnow.com/prime/friends-of-murdered-teen-help-solve-case-55-years-later/

Fingerprint Detectives

A cold case that has haunted Miami-Dade, Florida for the past 55 years has finally been solved with the help of a former mayor.

Daniel Jess Goldman was just one day shy of his 18th birthday when an unidentified man abducted him at gunpoint from his parents’ Surfside home. The year was 1966. The perpetrator bound both of his parents and demanded a $25,000 ransom for their son. But the Goldmans didn’t receive instructions for the exchange and their son Daniel was never seen again.

Paul Novack, an attorney who served six terms as Surfside’s mayor, took a personal interest in the case in 2012. He began pouring over details of the kidnapping along with a group of fellow ‘sleuths’ who try to crack unsolved crimes.

Cold case detective John Grossman says “crucial information” uncovered by the former mayor led them to a man named George Defeis. He was a career criminal with ties to the Trafficante crime family.

The identification shed new light on the nature of the case. Just before Danny Goldman’s abduction, his father Aaron had testified to federal authorities about illegal activities at the bank where he worked. Detectives now believe Daniel’s abduction “was retaliation for Aaron’s cooperation with federal authorities,” Grossman told Oxygen.com.

Miami-Dade Police declared the case solved on Dec. 28, 2021.

Read full article: https://www.californiacitynews.org/2022/01/how-one-mayor-helped-solve-55-year-old-cold-case.html

Paul Novack on NBC miami

A team of civilians, residents of Surfside, took up the task of investigating a 55-year-old cold case and their unwavering efforts led to a closed case.

“It was like a humongous onion. You just had to keep peeling and peeling to get to the center,” Paul Novack said. 

Novack is one of five Surfside residents who made it their mission to ensure Danny Goldman’s case was not forgotten. 

10 years ago, Novack and his colleagues formed a volunteer investigative team and re-opened Danny’s cold case. The group began a relentless search for answers along with the Miami-Dade Police Department’s Cold Case Unit. 

“For 55 years there were no answers to what happened,” Novack said. 

The day before his 18th birthday, in March 1966, Danny Goldman was kidnapped from his Surfside home. The intruder demanded a ransom, but the call for the money never came.

“We have reason to believe that Danny was murdered shortly after the kidnapping and his remains were disposed of in the ocean,” Novack said.

Read more: https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/group-of-surfside-investigators-help-solve-55-year-old-cold-case/2650963/

Excellent Legal Services

Pushed my case forward even though insurance companies tried to cause delay & won my case!

Posted by Jean

Law Office of Paul D. Novack, P.A.
2019-05-06T21:08:30+00:00

Posted by Jean

Pushed my case forward even though insurance companies tried to cause delay & won my case!

Lawyer Did A Great Job For Me

I was so fortunate to find Attorney Paul Novack and to be represented by him and his excellent staff. They did a great job for me, made sure I understood all of the situation, and concluded my case swiftly and successfully. I would highly recommend Attorney Novack to anyone in Florida who needs a highly skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable attorney.

Posted by Brigette

Law Office of Paul D. Novack, P.A.
2019-05-06T21:08:15+00:00

Posted by Brigette

I was so fortunate to find Attorney Paul Novack and to be represented by him and his excellent staff. They did a great job for me, made sure I understood all of the situation, and concluded my case swiftly and successfully. I would highly recommend Attorney Novack to anyone in Florida who needs a highly skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable attorney.

The best lawyer!

He handled my case professionally and ensure that I received the very best. He is very thorough with his clients and explains every little details. I would strongly recommend Paul Novack.

Posted by Ketlaine

Law Office of Paul D. Novack, P.A.
2019-05-06T21:05:09+00:00

Posted by Ketlaine

He handled my case professionally and ensure that I received the very best. He is very thorough with his clients and explains every little details. I would strongly recommend Paul Novack.

My accident case

This Lawyer help me get back a good value for my vehicle even when the person insurance was no good. Keeps you updated and staff is great with connecting with you.

Posted by Balmyr

Law Office of Paul D. Novack, P.A.
2019-05-06T21:06:55+00:00

Posted by Balmyr

This Lawyer help me get back a good value for my vehicle even when the person insurance was no good. Keeps you updated and staff is great with connecting with you.

Recommend highly

Mr. Novack worked hard and fast for my case. He gave my case personal attention and won my case. The staff at the office are very kind and they are fluent in many languages. Which makes Mr. Novack a superb Florida attorney. Thank you so much again for all that you and your staff have done!

Posted by Nidee

Law Office of Paul D. Novack, P.A.
2019-05-06T21:05:46+00:00

Posted by Nidee

Mr. Novack worked hard and fast for my case. He gave my case personal attention and won my case. The staff at the office are very kind and they are fluent in many languages. Which makes Mr. Novack a superb Florida attorney. Thank you so much again for all that you and your staff have done!

Paul Novack

Great man & great Lawyer…shows GREAT COMPASSION for his clients & LISTENS to us.
A very sharp legal mind…he is ‘high tech & high touch!

Posted by Dan

Law Office of Paul D. Novack, P.A.
2019-05-06T21:04:29+00:00

Posted by Dan

Great man & great Lawyer…shows GREAT COMPASSION for his clients & LISTENS to us. A very sharp legal mind…he is ‘high tech & high touch!

I highly recommend this attorney

I was very pleased with the consult the attorney gave me, and was satisfied with the outcome of my case. I appreciate all his hard work and his staff, especially providing a creole speaker who help me understand the process of my case.

Posted by Jean Marc S.

Law Office of Paul D. Novack, P.A.
2019-05-06T21:07:55+00:00

Posted by Jean Marc S.

I was very pleased with the consult the attorney gave me, and was satisfied with the outcome of my case. I appreciate all his hard work and his staff, especially providing a creole speaker who help me understand the process of my case.

Car Accident

Attorney Novack managed to finalize the case and provided me with much better results than I had anticipated. I will be forever grateful to Paul Novack, for his honesty and integrity. I would not hesitate for one second to seek his advice and services for any matter. As far as I am concerned, he is a one of the best.

Posted by Orestes

Law Office of Paul D. Novack, P.A.
2019-05-06T21:06:11+00:00

Posted by Orestes

Attorney Novack managed to finalize the case and provided me with much better results than I had anticipated. I will be forever grateful to Paul Novack, for his honesty and integrity. I would not hesitate for one second to seek his advice and services for any matter. As far as I am concerned, he is a one of the best.

A very reliable Lawyer

He did an excellent job of settling my case. And we were successful with the case. Without his hard work, determination and communication we wouldn’t have taken care of things the way he did.

Posted by Marie

Law Office of Paul D. Novack, P.A.
2019-05-06T21:07:16+00:00

Posted by Marie

He did an excellent job of settling my case. And we were successful with the case. Without his hard work, determination and communication we wouldn’t have taken care of things the way he did.

Great experience

He has an exceptional staff, that is very professional, displayed great politeness and showed concerned about my overall well being…he won my case, fought for me to prevail against an unfair insurance company, and treated me and my situation with respect.

Posted by Marc

Law Office of Paul D. Novack, P.A.
2019-05-06T21:07:43+00:00

Posted by Marc

He has an exceptional staff, that is very professional, displayed great politeness and showed concerned about my overall well being…he won my case, fought for me to prevail against an unfair insurance company, and treated me and my situation with respect.
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Law Office of Paul D. Novack, P.A.