Hedda Nussbaum

Who is Hedda Nussbaum?

Hedda Nussbaum is an American woman who was caretaker for a six-year old girl who died of physical abuse in 1987. The death of the girl, known as Lisa Steinberg, sparked a lengthy and controversial trial and media frenzy. The legal case was one of the first to be televised "gavel to gavel." Supporters characterized Nussbaum as a victim of horrific domestic abuse at the hands of her boyfriend, Joel Steinberg. Critics suggested she was a consensual partner in a sado-masochistic relationship and an unprosecuted conspirator in the young girl's death.