On December 9, 2010, Sylvie Cachay was discovered lifeless in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City. Her ambitious dream of a fashion career ended that night, leaving behind unanswered questions. Sylvie had moved to New York with the hope of making a name for herself in the fashion industry.
In 2006, she launched a swimwear line, Syla, that received acclaim. Her encounter with Nicholas Brooks in 2010 marked the beginning of a tumultuous relationship. Nicholas, age 24, had a privileged background, thanks to his father, Joseph Brooks, an Oscar-winning composer known for “You Light Up My Life.”
Joseph Brooks was later arrested in 2009 on charges of sexual misconduct involving over 100 counts. Despite different life stages, Sylvie and Nick bonded over a personal incident when Sylvie’s dog died on their first date. However, their relationship was marred by breakups and reconciliations, evident in the six months they spent together.
Conflict and Suspicion
Just a day before her death, tensions rose when Sylvie accused Nick of stealing from her bank account. Her brother recalled Sylvie’s suspicion about the unusual withdrawals. She reportedly threatened Nick with police action in an email.
On the night of December 8, they met at Sylvie’s West Village apartment. A fire incident reported by Nick occurred while he showered, claiming he saved Sylvie from a burning bed. Afterward, they checked into a room at Soho House for the night.
The Night at Soho House
Arriving at Soho House at 12:31 a.m., security footage captured them at the reception. Kristen Stephens, a staff member, assisted Sylvie to Room 20, observing she wanted to sleep. Shortly after, Nick and a busboy brought ice to the room, with no sign of anyone else present.
Throughout the night, security cameras recorded Nick’s frequent exits and entries from the room. At 2:11 a.m., a water leak affected rooms below and, at 2:18 a.m., Nick departed the room. He met David Raleigh in the lobby and they went out for drinks.
Staff responded to water leak complaints, entering Room 20 at 2:51 a.m., to find Sylvie lifeless in the bathtub. Her body, wearing only underwear and a turtleneck, lay submerged with water flowing continuously. Authorities pronounced her dead at 3:33 a.m.
Legal Proceedings
Nick returned to the hotel at 5:30 a.m., discovering a crime scene under investigation. Police detained him for questioning, leading to his arrest. On July 11, 2013, a jury found Nicholas Brooks guilty of second-degree murder in Sylvie’s death. He received a maximum sentence of 25 years to life.