Friday, November 14, 2014
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The family of a neurologist who was poisoned has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against her husband, a former University of Pittsburgh researcher convicted of murdering her.
Attorney John Gismondi says the suit is being filed on behalf of Lois Klein, a Towson, Maryland, woman who is the mother of the victim, Dr. Autumn Klein.
A jury last week convicted 66-year-old Dr. Robert Ferrante. He faces sentencing Feb. 4, a formality since his conviction carries an automatic life prison term.
Gismondi says the lawsuit is being filed so Ferrante’s assets — estimated at trial at $2.5 million — can be used to compensate Klein’s family and the couple’s 7-year-old daughter.
Ferrante doesn’t have a civil defense attorney. His criminal attorney says the lawsuit was expected.