His family was left nothing from his side, and his wife is a famous media heiress. He wanted to leave something behind to help the country that gave him "so much", and the legal battle over his will has left many wondering about the justice system in Panama and his widow's greed. "That money could have helped a lot of children. If that family keeps it God will not forgive them," said Hector Avila, head of a children's charity. "In this country political and economic forces weigh more than justice."
Lucom wasn't someone you'd expect to be the champion of poor third world children, a former diplomat who married well twice, he had no children of his own. It's said that he didn't care too much for his adult stepchildren, and after his death everyone was surprised he would rather leave the money to strangers.
Lucom's widow, who's son is the ambassador of Panama to Britain, pulled strings with Interpol to get her husband's lawyer Richard Lehman arrested, had him charged with the death of her husband, forgery, among other things. His lawyer was left as the head of the trust for the charity on his death, and he's surprised and outraged that Lucom's widow cared if he left them anything or not. "It's a joke. They stole that money, it's that simple," said Lehman. "I'm sad and disgusted. Kids are starving and a few individuals have walked away with everything."