PITTSBURGH — A judge must decide whether the homeowner’s insurance policy of a man who fatally shot himself after murdering three women and wounding nine others at a western Pennsylvania health club should help repay victims who have sued his estate.
State Farm has sued to keep the victims from collecting $100,000 in personal liability coverage that was part of George Sodini’s homeowner’s policy.
“Insurance policies cover accidents, not intentional acts of conduct,” State Farm spokesman Doug Griffith said.
Sodini, 48, of Scott Township, shot the women Aug. 4 at the LA Fitness in Collier Township, another nearby Pittsburgh suburb. Sodini then turned the gun on himself.
Several victims or their survivors have sued Sodini’s estate. It’s unclear how much the estate is worth because its value has not yet been filed in Allegheny County court.
Attorney Henry Sneath represents three victims and chided State Farm for suing the victims instead of just paying them from the policy.
But Griffith said asking the judge to decide “was in the best interest of all parties,” because it saves on litigation costs.
Rebecca Bowman, an attorney for Sodini’s estate, said his assets have been liquidated and are worth between $100,000 and $300,000. That includes his home, which sold for $100,000 in November.
Sneath said that money will be paid into a court-ordered fund for distribution to victims depending on the outcome of their lawsuits.
Sodini had willed the money to his alma mater, the University of Pittsburgh, but school officials last year said they were refusing the bequest.
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Information from: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
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