Connecticut residents may be interested to learn that, on Dec. 19, it was reported that the sister of a woman who was murdered in her home filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the woman’s husband. In the lawsuit, the sister alleged that the husband shot the woman in the head two years ago.
In December 2015, the woman was found dead with shotgun wounds to the back of the head in the basement of an Ellington home that was owned by the woman and her husband. The husband allegedly told the authorities that a masked intruder entered the home and shot her after chasing her. He said that he had been subdued by the intruder on the second floor. However, it was later learned that the husband had a pregnant girlfriend and that he had promised her that he would get a divorce. He was ultimately charged with murder, to which he pleaded not guilty.
The woman’s sister was named the executor of her will after the man removed assets from her estate. He had reportedly attempted to sell a home owned by the couple and pay him on the woman’s $495,000 life insurance policy. He also reportedly took hundreds of thousands out of the woman’s 401(k) accounts.
When a person is accused of murder, he or she will likely face murder charges. However, the deceased person’s loved ones may also have the ability to file a civil lawsuit, which is separate than the criminal case. In some cases, a criminal trial may find the person not guilty while the results of a wrongful death lawsuit may cause the person to be responsible for paying compensation for the other person’s death. An attorney may present the evidence that shows that the person has been connected to the murder or death.
Source: Hartford Courant, “Sister Of Connie Dabate Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Richard Dabate, Charged In Murder Case“, Dave Altimari, 12/19/2017