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Judge Jeannine Pratt issued a default judgment in June against Randy Freels after he failed to respond to the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Anthony C. Freels, estate administrator.
With the notification received Wednesday, Pratt issued a ruling staying a hearing on damages that was scheduled for Friday in her court.
Pratt was notified of negotiations that resulted in the tentative settlement in a court filing by attorney Robert J. Huffman Jr., lawyer for the estate.
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He wrote the county Probate Court is required to approve any settlement and asked for a damages hearing stay to allow the probate court to review and possibly approve the settlement.
“In the event the probate court approves the settlement, this action will be dismissed,” Huffman wrote.
The lawsuit was filed in February on behalf of Samantha Freels’ next of kin. It claimed they suffered damages because of her death that was intentionally caused by Randy Freels.
He pleaded no contest and was found guilty in May of felony murder, felonious assault, tampering with evidence and two gun specifications.
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