Published on: February 6, 2026, 01:23h.

Modified on: February 6, 2026, 01:23h.

• Legal dispute questions Powerball jackpot awarded to a verified ticket owner
  
• Court documents revisit viral festivity at a lottery retailer in Los Angeles
  
• Lottery regulators assert that only a physical ticket confirms jackpot ownership

The Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) has asked a judge in the Los Angeles Superior Court to reject a lawsuit initiated by a woman claiming she is the true winner of a $1.08 billion Powerball jackpot ticket.

Stacy Tru, the plaintiff, filed a lawsuit against MUSL and the California Lottery in January 2025, seeking $1.08 billion plus back interest, asserting she was “at all times … the sole proprietor of the [winning] ticket.”

A Day of Revelations

On July 20, 2023, the day following the lottery draw, Tru appeared at the Las Palmitas Mini Market in downtown Los Angeles where the ticket was purchased, and found herself recorded by journalists as she danced around, declaring her win.

“I can’t even … I can’t … I’m terrified right now, I’m so afraid,” cried an unidentified Tru, sporting a cap with the “Psychedelic Water” logo, a non-alcoholic beverage.

Overwhelmed with joy, she could only nod when queried about being the winner. Reports reveal she eventually collapsed outside and waved her hands in joy before departing in a BMW.

Amid the struggles of Skid Row, one individual has just won $1 billion,” remarked The L.A. Times about what was then the sixth largest jackpot in U.S. history (now ranked 12th).

The actual prize was claimed months later by a different woman, Yanira Alvarez, who is recognized by MUSL and the California Lottery as the legitimate ticket holder.

In late March 2024, Alvarez was publicly revealed as the winner and chose to take the cash option of $558.1 million before taxes instead of the annuity tied to the entire jackpot amount.

A Deceptive Performance?

At that time, some raised doubts regarding Tru’s actions at the minimart, including the granddaughter of the store owner who told The Daily Mail that she suspected Tru was “pretending” throughout the incident.

She didn’t win – I’m not sure what motivated that. Perhaps she just wanted to be on TV,” stated Sarai Palacios. “We’re still unaware of the true winner.”

Store owner, Nabor Herrera, conveyed his skepticism about Tru since he did not recognize her presence.

Tru later created a now-defunct website where she portrayed herself as a billionaire philanthropist offering “motivational speaking” services, as well as attempting to sell “replicas” of the hat she wore during her appearance at the minimart.

In its request to dismiss Tru’s breach of contract case, MUSL asserted there was no existing “contract” between the involved parties.