LOS ANGELES — The elderly man told his neighbors he was a Rothschild — a member of the prominent European family whose collective fortune is worth billions of dollars. He certainly appeared to have some of the trappings of a descendant of the esteemed bankers, including a classic car collection featuring Ferraris and Jaguars.
But in the days after William de Rothschild, 87, was found dead at his fire-damaged Laurel Canyon home last week, questions surfaced about his identity. He was not born with that name and does not appear in the official genealogy maintained in the archive of the Rothschilds.
The Los Angeles Police Department has been investigating the circumstances surrounding de Rothschild’s death, but officials have not released any information about the cause of the fire or the identity of the deceased. The case has drawn international attention, with many speculating about the true identity of the man who claimed to be a member of the wealthy and influential Rothschild family.
The Rothschilds are a prominent European family known for their banking and financial institutions, and have been involved in numerous high-profile business and philanthropic ventures over the years. The family’s wealth and influence have made them a subject of fascination and speculation, with many people around the world claiming to be related to them.
Despite the lack of information about de Rothschild’s true identity, the case has raised questions about the accuracy of genealogical research and the ease with which people can claim to be related to famous or influential families. It has also highlighted the importance of verifying information and conducting thorough research before making claims about one’s identity or ancestry.
The investigation into de Rothschild’s death is ongoing, and officials are working to determine the cause of the fire and the identity of the deceased. The case is a reminder of the importance of accuracy and verification in genealogical research, and the potential consequences of making false claims about one’s identity or ancestry.