Connecticut Judge: Killer's Insurance Company not Liable

October 28, 2009

A Connecticut judge has ruled that the insurance company for a former Fairfield lawyer who killed his neighbor in 2006 won't be responsible for any damages that could be awarded in a lawsuit filed by the victim's family.

Jonathan Edington is serving a 12-year prison sentence for killing 58-year-old neighbor Barry James in August 2006, after his wife told him that James apparently molested their young daughter. A police investigation found that James did not abuse the girl.

Bridgeport Superior Court Judge Richard Arnold released a ruling on Monday saying USAA Casualty Insurance Co. will not be responsible for any civil verdict against Edington, because his policy excluded criminal acts.

A lawyer for James' family says their lawsuit will go to trial next month.