Joel Steinberg (born c. 1950) is an American former attorney who became known for his criminal convictions related to the kidnapping and death of his adopted daughter, Elisa Steinberg.
Early life and education
Details about Steinberg’s early life, including his exact birth date and place, are limited in publicly available sources. He attended law school and was admitted to the bar in New York, subsequently practicing as a criminal defense lawyer.
Legal career
Steinberg maintained a private practice in New York City during the 1970s and 1980s, representing clients in criminal matters. His professional reputation was later eclipsed by criminal proceedings against him.
Criminal case
In 1987, Steinberg was arrested after the disappearance of his five‑year‑old adopted daughter, Elisa. Investigations revealed that she had been taken from her home and subsequently died from injuries sustained while in Steinberg’s custody.
The resulting trial, formally titled People v. Steinberg, resulted in the following convictions:
- Kidnapping – Steinberg was found guilty of kidnapping his adopted daughter.
- Second‑degree manslaughter – He was convicted of second‑degree manslaughter for Elisa’s death.
Steinberg was sentenced to 12 years in prison. He served approximately seven years before being released on parole in 1996.
Later developments
Following his release, Steinberg’s attempts to practice law were denied, and he remained a figure of public and media interest due to the notoriety of his case. No further criminal convictions involving Steinberg have been documented in reliable sources up to the present.
Public perception
The Steinberg case received extensive media coverage in the late 1980s and early 1990s, contributing to broader discussions about child welfare, parental responsibility, and the criminal justice system’s handling of familial homicide.
References
- New York State Unified Court System, People v. Steinberg (1989).
- “Former Lawyer Convicted in Daughter’s Death,” The New York Times, June 15, 1989.
- “Parole Granted to Joel Steinberg After Serving Seven Years,” New York Daily News, March 2, 1996.
Note: Information about Steinberg’s early biography and post‑release activities is limited; the above entry reflects the scope of verifiable public records.
