An insurance company has filed a petition in interpleader against the beneficiaries of a recently murdered man. The insurer says the beneficiaries may not be entitled to the money because they may have been involved in the man's murder.
Globe Life and Accident Insurance Company claims Johnny Caddy had a life insurance policy through it when he was murdered on June 22, 2008. Caddy, 54, was shot three times in the head at his home in the Sweetgum Lane Apartments in Beaumont, according to the complaint filed Aug. 26 in Jefferson County District Court.
Following Caddy's death, defendant Latoya Fontenot, who was Caddy's daughter, filed a claim for the proceeds from her father's insurance policy, the suit states.
Although Globe has available funds to pay Fontenot, it does not want to pay her because she has not been ruled out as a suspect in her father's death, the complaint says.
A beneficiary forfeits the rights to life insurance proceeds if she/he is involved in causing the death of the insured person, Globe claims.
In its complaint, Globe has requested the court release it from all liability to Fontenot. It is alos seeking attorney's fees, costs and other relief the court deems just.
Lawrence B. Greer of Greer and Shropshire in Houston will be representing it.
The case has been assigned to Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court.
Case No. D190-730