State Highway Department Sued By Family Of Woman Killed At Rest Stop
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
The family of a New Jersey woman who was raped and killed at an Arkansas rest stop in 2001 is suing the state
highway department for not providing security at the trouble-plagued spot.
The estate of Kristen Laurite is asking for three million dollars. Family members say the highway department failed to provide security even though there had been previous crimes at the rest stop on Interstate 40 near Morrilton.
The suit was filed with the Arkansas Claims Commission, but the state Highway and Transportation Department has moved for dismissal.
Department officials said the department was not responsible because it is protected by a statute regarding recreational properties and that the murder was not actually committed on state land.
