Jobless Man Wins $3 Million in Lottery Spin

An unemployed machinist became the first $3-million winner of the state lottery today, and five other new millionaires were also created during the “Big Spin.”

Walter Simpson, 48, of Simi Valley broke the $3-million ice on the fourth spin during Game No. 3. He said he will use the money to move to Indiana to care for his mother.

In what lottery show host Geoff Edwards called the worst moment of his life, bad luck snatched away $3 million from Doris Burnett, a 52-year-old Los Angeles obstetrics nurse.

Barnett spun the wheel and the ball came to rest in the $3-million slot but did not remain there for the required five seconds.

Apology From Edwards

After her family ran up on stage to congratulate her, the ball fell into the $10,000 slot. Edwards apologized and said that Barnett would have to accept the $10,000.

Simpson’s $3-million spin immediately followed million-dollar winner David Struthers, 38, an aircraft mechanic from Los Angeles. Arsho Diser, 53, a dry-cleaning company owner from Redondo Beach, also won $1 million.

Three people--a 40-year-old woman who pumps gas for the Navy, a 37-year-old woman who manufactures auto accessories and an engineer--each won $2 million in Game No. 1 of the lottery at a television studio in Hollywood.

Mary Cunningham, 37, of Broderick, who makes auto accessories, was the first $2 million winner, followed by engineer Jerry King, 45, of Torrance.

Two spins later came Geraldine Lafferty, 48, of Spring Valley, a naval gas station attendant who said she will use her $2 million winnings, less taxes, to pay off her car and assure the futures of her three children and four grandchildren.