Search Results for: family court
Fatal trench fall leads to settlement for family of veteran
Fatal trench fall leads to settlement for family of veteran
Sweet Home, OR
A 73-year-old military veteran from Sweet Home died after falling into a construction trench while using a motorized wheelchair. His family has settled a wrongful death lawsuit against the state of Oregon and county contractors.
Carl Wescott fell into a trench at the intersection of 18th Avenue and Main Street in 2022. He sustained numerous serious injuries including an open ankle fracture-dislocation and damage to various body parts.
Wescott’s family claimed he was told by local construction workers he could cross through the construction area. An employee of C-2 Utility allegedly moved a backhoe to allow him to pass.
Wescott died two weeks after the fall while hospitalized for his injuries. His family alleged he had pre-existing health conditions but was still allowed to cross the construction zone by workers.
Contractors involved denied responsibility. They claimed he was negligent and had been advised against crossing the area again.
The lawsuit had a trial date set for May 2026 before it settled this month. A Linn County court dismissed the case on Dec. 19 according to court records.
Terms of the settlement between the family and the contractors remain undisclosed. Wescott’s family sought $2.35 million in damages.
Three family members arrested in suspected murder of 69-year-old man
Three family members arrested in suspected murder of 69-year-old man
Cairo, NY
Roger Pitt Sr., a 69-year-old man, is believed to have been murdered by family members. The Greene County Sheriff’s Office began investigating Pitt’s disappearance on November 18.
Initially reported missing, Pitt was thought to have left the area driving his 1987 Mercedes Benz.
However, discrepancies in statements from family members led to further investigation and ultimately to the discovery of his remains on family property.
Rodney Pitt, 46, Drew White, 23, and Tania Pitt, 43, have been arrested in connection with the case. Rodney Pitt and Drew White face charges of second-degree murder, second-degree conspiracy, tampering with physical evidence, and concealment of a human corpse. Tania Pitt is charged with tampering with physical evidence and sixth-degree conspiracy.
Rodney is identified as the victim’s son, Tania is his wife, and White is linked as the boyfriend of a granddaughter.
Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky stated that the motive may involve financial disagreements.
Investigators approximate that the murder took place on October 31.
Residents of Greene County were surprised by the events, noting that homicides are rare in the area.
Currently, Rodney Pitt and Drew White remain in custody while Tania Pitt was released with a court date scheduled for a later time.