Shoe-obsessed: Darlene Flynn, 57, from Romoland, California, is known as 'The Shoe Lady', or 'Queen of Sole'
58-year old Darlene Flynn, of Menifee California, who is in the Guinness Book of
World Records for her collection of 15,000 shoes and shoe-themed items, was
allegedly beaten to death with a baseball bat by her sometime boyfriend, 29-year
old Justin Charles Smith.
Her body was found in her backyard swimming pool and Smith was arrested later the same day.
Friends sat that Smith owed Flynn money and had sold one of her cars without her permission.
According to The Press Enterprise, when Smith appeared at his arraignment, he
appeared to mouth the words, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry.”
Retail therapy: Ms Flynn says she started collecting shoes following a divorce in 2001
As well as actual shoes, Ms Flynn collects shoe-shaped furniture, shoe-themed art, pins, clothing, teapots, soap, phones, porcelains, and thousands of miniature shoe figurines.
Continue to see more photos of Darlene Flynn's collection...
World record: Ms Flynn now has 16,400 in her collection, which has been recognised by Guinness
Small wonders: A display of porcelain miniature shoes at Ms Flynn's home
Best foot forward: Ms Flynn hopes to one day own a shoe museumScroll on to see
Cinderella story: A replica of the famous glass slipper from the popular fairytale
Collector's items: Genuine Limoges shoe rack box
A small 100-year-old wooden shoe from Oregon and Ms Flynn's grandmother's wedding boot (left); The 'Miss Vicky' aka 'Blue Promenade' shoe (right)
Novelties: The 'Upside Down House Shoe' by John Herbert (left) and a boot toilet brush holder (right)
Miniature treasure: Tiny 14-carat gold shoes, the smallest in Ms Flynn's collection
Time for tea: A teapot fashioned to resemble stacks of designer shoe boxes
Intricate details: Some of the many porcelain antique shoe miniatures
Darlene's darlings: Uncle Sam Boot by John Herbert that includes a military boot, rifles, grenades, dog tags, bullets, and medals (left); Ms Flynn holds a miniature ceramic boot (right)
Fairytale theme: Cinderella's Slipper salt and pepper set, a blue pillow from the Disney Enchantment collection, ostrich egg with glass slipper worth $250. The tiny shoe on the gold pillow is worth $250
On display: Just one wall of Ms Flynn's home that is covered with shoes and shoe paraphernalia
Who needs oven mitts? A pair of shoe legs wraps around the kitchen stove of Ms Flynn's home
Carnival chic: A Mardi Gras shoe that was custom-made by artist Isabella, costing $500
Small change: A Coin Shoe made as a gift by Darlene's son for Christmas in 2006
Art of glass: Murano glass, resin and porcelain miniature heels
Theatrical: A swan shoe and a Court Jester on the right from the Katherine Collection