“Slain intern’s family files suit against diocese”
Frustrated with what they see as inaction and lack of concern for victims of clergy sexual abuse, the family of one of the two men likely killed by a Hudson priest in 2002 “reluctantly” filed a wrongful death lawsuit Tuesday against the Diocese of Superior.
The attorney for Carsten and Sally Ellison filed the lawsuit in St. Croix County Circuit Court seeking unspecified damages from the Roman Catholic diocese. The Barron, Wis., family hopes to use any money from a verdict or settlement to establish the James Ellison Foundation for the Protection of Children.
... Hudson funeral director Dan O’Connell and the Ellisons’ 22-year-old son, a University of Minnesota mortuary science intern, were shot to death about five years ago at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home. Investigators say the likely killer was the Rev. Ryan Erickson.
Erickson, who was assigned to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Hudson at the time of the homicides, had an extensive firearms collection and a history of excessive drinking, mental instability and alleged sexual abuse.
“The lawsuit was filed against the diocese and Bishop (Raphael) Fliss for failure to heed the warning signs of this psychopath and sociopath,” said Jeff Anderson, the St. Paul-based attorney for the Ellisons.
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The family of the other victim, Dan O’Connell, sued the USCCB back in August 2006.
I know the Ellison’s have experienced a great personal tragedy, but what puts them in a position to determine what constitutes the correct “action” and “concern” that the bishop of Superior should have in 2007? As for Erickson, he’s already been judged by a higher court.
Well Patrick, they could simply appeal to the Bishops to tell the truth and work for justice in this instance…oh, wait a minute, never mind. But then, maybe they could appeal to the Pope to tell the truth and work for justice in this instance..oh, wait a minute, never mind.