Tonda Dickerson worked as a waitress in 1999—in her 20s, recently divorced—when a table tipped her a lottery ticket. Unbeknownst, it won $10 million, life-changing for anyone. For Tonda, it worsened: lawsuits, shooting, even kidnapping.

Tonda Dickerson’s Story

Regular customer Edward Seward at Grand Bay, Alabama Waffle House gave waitress Tonda a Florida lottery ticket tip on March 6, 1999. Next day, winning numbers announced—her ticket hit $10 million.

Tonda chose 30 annual $375,000 payments over $4 million lump sum. Coworkers/friends thrilled initially, having agreed to split jackpot from tips. She refused, enraging them; they sued, claiming restaurant tip-sharing deal.

Oral contract unenforceable under Alabama law—gambling agreements illegal. Tonda kept all money.

Seward sued too, furious over no promised truck from employee. Court dismissed.

Generous Tonda started family business with tax maneuvers, drawing IRS scrutiny. Billed $771,570 unpaid federal taxes—decade-long donation/contract battles.

Life in Danger

Darker chapter: ex-husband Stacy Martin. Learning of win, he kidnapped her at gunpoint (.22 caliber), drove to Jackson County, north Alabama.

Isolated, Tonda fought back—grabbed gun, shot him in chest. Police found them; Martin hospitalized, survived. Remarkably, no charges.

Tonda’s remaining winnings unknown; she vanished from public eye.

Lessons: Lottery wins? Tell no one—unleashes unknown demons. $10 million changes life, but not always better.

Esta entrada también está disponible en: Español