Rest Stop Killing : Is The State Responsible?
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
Arkansas officials say there was little that
could have been done to prevent a New Jersey woman`s murder at a
highway rest stop four years ago.
But the victim`s family is expected to argue tomorrow that the
state should be held liable in her death.
Kristin Laurite, age 25, was stabbed to death in 2000 at a rest
area off Interstate 40 in Morrilton. Her killer hasn`t been found
but authorities suspect the same person murdered another woman in
California.
The Laurite family, which claims the state should have closed
the rest stop long before Kristin`s death, is seeking three
million dollars in damages from the state Claims Commission. At the
request of community leaders, the state closed the rest area last
year.
Tomorrow`s hearing will determine whether the state Highway and
Transportation Department had any liability in Laurite`s death. If
the commission rules in favor of the family, a later hearing will
determine damages.
