Complex sentence: Editor George H. Scithers, who knew Piper socially, has stated that Piper wanted to spite the ex-wife he despised: by committing suicide, Piper voided his life insurance policy, and prevented her from collecting.
Split into simpler sentences: Editor George H. Scithers, who knew Piper socially, has stated that Piper wanted to spite the ex-wife he despised. By committing suicide, Piper voided his life insurance policy and prevented her from collecting.