Ohio judge orders woman to return mom's rings

CINCINNATI (AP) — A judge in Cincinnati has ordered a woman to return the rings she took off her late mother’s body to the man who bought them.

Judge Robert Winkler of Hamilton County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday told Niki Mancini of suburban Green Township to give the rings to William Riddell by March 12 or pay him their $2,950 value.

Riddell bought Laura Wathan the gold and diamond set of bridal rings, but the 58-year-old woman died of cancer before they could marry.

Wathan’s daughter took the rings after the funeral, saying they were her mother’s property. Riddell then sued.

Riddell’s attorney says Ohio law is clear that such gifts given in the contemplation of marriage go back to the giver if there is no marriage.