Powerball jackpot climbs to $1.5 billion but two Californians walk away millionaires in ‘$5 billion’ jackpot
A couple from central California walk away rich after hitting “the big one,” and winning a $1.5 billion jackpot as a result.(Photo: David McNew/Getty Images)
A few hours after walking away with $5 billion in a $233 million Powerball jackpot, California couple Heather and Peter Deutch were still at each other’s throats.
Though they were separated by a continent, the couple were fighting over the money.
“I was really torn because I was feeling bad because if I had to walk away with it, I’m not sitting home and hoping I get it back,” Heather Deutch told “Good Morning America” on Wednesday.
“My wife and I had a big fight. It’s a testament to our marriage that we are able to work things out.”
Heather and Peter Deutch are in the midst of an $8 billion divorce. Their split is estimated to be worth $21 million.
Their disagreement began when Heather, a 30-year-old sales executive, found out the results for a ticket that matched two numbers she had put into the game three months ago.
“We were going to talk about it over the phone or text message, but nothing happened,” Heather said.
She thought the news was on her phone, so she looked up her phone and saw her phone was not working.
Then she realized she had the wrong number.
“I was very upset because I was getting an email telling me how my ticket matched the winning number,” Heather said.
The winner of the “5 Billion Dollar Powerball” jackpot, if she decides to continue playing and win the big prize, will walk away with $1.5 billion.
