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death – Obituary News : Wrongful death Lawsuit Considered Following death of Kansas Newspaper Co-Owner
A potential wrongful death lawsuit is being explored in connection with the untimely passing of Joan Meyer, co-owner of the Marion County Record, shortly after a police raid on the Kansas newspaper. Bernie Rhodes, the attorney representing the newspaper, stated, “We are considering all options, including filing a wrongful death claim,” indicating that the lawsuit would be initiated on behalf of Meyer’s estate.
The raid, which took place on August 11th, drew widespread condemnation from free speech advocates worldwide. In addition to the newspaper, search warrants were executed at Meyer’s residence and the home of a city councilwoman. Tragically, Meyer, aged 98, passed away the following day due to sudden cardiac arrest, as determined by the coroner’s report.
Disturbing video surveillance footage from Meyer’s house captured her becoming visibly agitated as she witnessed officers rifling through her personal belongings. Despite using a walker, she approached the officers and firmly expressed her disapproval, stating, “I don’t want you in my house.” In one exchange, an officer inquired about the number of computers present in the residence, to which Meyer defiantly responded, “I’m not going to tell you.”
Eric Meyer, the publisher and Joan Meyer’s son, recounted the raid in the coroner’s report, describing it as an “extremely upsetting” event which left his mother angry and upset throughout the day and night. Meyer stayed awake until the early hours of August 12th before finally retiring to bed. When she woke up at around 2 p.m., she complained of feeling unwell and dizzy.
While still conversing in bed, Meyer suddenly stopped mid-sentence and became unresponsive. Eric immediately called emergency services and began performing CPR, but unfortunately, medics arrived to find no signs of life, as revealed in the coroner’s report. Joan Meyer passed away at 3 p.m. on August 12th, just one day after the raid.
A funeral service was held in her honor this past Saturday, where Reverend Ron DeVore officiated. Reflecting on the distressing events leading up to Joan Meyer’s death, DeVore acknowledged the “miserable 24 hours.” However, the memorial predominantly focused on celebrating her extensive life and career, which encompassed world travels and the authoring of a popular column on the history of Marion County. “She has left us with a remarkable legacy,” DeVore remarked.
Apart from the potential wrongful death claim, Bernie Rhodes emphasized the need for the newspaper to be compensated for the violation of their First Amendment rights. The damage inflicted on these fundamental rights must not go unnoticed and demands appropriate reparations.
In relation to the raid, three search warrant applications were submitted by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, who alleged that a Marion County Record reporter had illegally obtained confidential information from the Kansas Department of Revenue. This information pertained to Kari Newell, a local businesswoman seeking a liquor license for her restaurant, who had previously lost her driver’s license due to a DUI incident in 2008.
Magistrate Judge Laura Viar approved the warrants, resulting in the seizure of multiple computers, cellphones, a router, and other equipment. Joan Meyer, whose name is pronounced “Joanne,” vehemently denounced these actions, likening them to “Hitler tactics.” However, on August 16th, four days after her passing, the three search warrants were withdrawn. Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey, in a statement, declared that there was insufficient evidence to establish a legal connection between the alleged crime and the locations searched or items seized.
Rhodes, who also represents The Star, clarified that the reporter in question had obtained a copy of Newell’s driving record and had merely used a public website to verify the accuracy of the information. “The only ‘crime’ Chief Cody was investigating was that of being a reporter,” Rhodes asserted. Eric Meyer further criticized the police, describing their actions as either “malicious or incompetent.”
As investigations into this distressing incident continue, the potential wrongful death lawsuit and the violation of First Amendment rights loom large. The tragic loss of Joan Meyer brings to light the importance of upholding freedom of the press and protecting individuals’ rights, even in the face of potentially overreaching law enforcement actions.
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