Cindy Stone (Deceased, July 31, 2016) was a model who became a central figure in Phoenix Wright’s first case, “The First Turnabout,” in Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. Despite her glamorous career, she struggled financially and relied on wealthy benefactors to support her. She had a tumultuous relationship with Larry Butz, whom she dumped before her tragic murder. Her untimely death marked the beginning of Phoenix Wright’s journey as a defense attorney, making her an important character in both the game and the anime adaptation.

Trivia/Facts

• Cindy Stone was a model who became the murder victim in Phoenix Wright’s first case, known as “The First Turnabout.” This case marks her debut in both the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney game and the anime adaptation. She was a key character in the first story arc of the anime trilogy. Her tragic fate set the stage for Phoenix Wright’s career as a defense attorney.
• Cindy had been in a relationship with Larry Butz, but she ended things with him sometime before her murder. Larry, still attached to her, kept trying to reach out, though Cindy chose to ignore him. Despite being a model, Cindy struggled financially, depending on various “sugar daddies” to support her lifestyle. She traveled to Paris for a photoshoot shortly before her death, where she also met with one of these wealthy benefactors.

Cindy Stone in Ace Attorney

• Cindy returned from Paris on July 31, 2016, only to find a burglar, Frank Sahwit, in her apartment. Startled, Sahwit used a clock shaped like “The Thinker” to attack Cindy, striking her on the head. This caused her death from blood loss as she lay on the wooden floor of her home. In a panic, Sahwit attempted to frame Larry Butz, who had visited her earlier that day.
• Phoenix Wright, Larry’s childhood friend, defended him in court despite it being his first case. Wright skillfully exposed Sahwit’s lies and proved that Sahwit was the true murderer. In the end, Sahwit was convicted, and Butz was declared innocent. Phoenix reassured Larry that Cindy had cared for him, as she had kept “The Thinker” clock, a sentimental gift from Larry.

Cindy Stone in Ace Attorney

Cindy Stone’s Relationship with Other Characters

• Larry Butz: Cindy was Larry Butz’s ex-girlfriend. Although she ended the relationship with him before her death, Larry still cared deeply for her and made several attempts to reconnect. Cindy, however, chose to ignore Larry after the breakup. Despite this, her possession of the “Thinker” clock, a gift from Larry, showed that she held some sentimental value for their past relationship.
• Frank Sahwit: Frank Sahwit was a burglar who ended up killing Cindy Stone. His attempt to rob her apartment led to her tragic murder when he struck her with the “Thinker” clock. Sahwit later tried to frame Larry Butz for the murder, but his lies were uncovered during Phoenix Wright’s defense.
• Phoenix Wright: Although Cindy did not have a personal relationship with Phoenix Wright, her murder became his first case as a defense attorney. Through his efforts to defend Larry Butz, Phoenix played a crucial role in bringing justice for Cindy’s death by proving Sahwit’s guilt.