Wrongful Death Suit Filed After Woman Murdered

Jamie G. Goldstein

Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 626

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Angela Alvarado was shot and killed by her husband James Alvarado on October 10, 2006. The murder of the 36 year old woman happened inside her Streator, Illinois home. Angela Alvarado leaves behind three children. Her husband, who called the police after shooting Angela, was charged with first-degree murder. Angela Alvarado's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit last week against James Alvarado.

While the murder charges against James Alvarado are criminal charges and could carry a penalty of prison time if Alvarado is found guilty for the murder of his wife, the wrongful death lawsuit would allow Angela Alvarado's family to be compensated monetarily for her death. T

he wrongful death lawsuit is known as a civil suit, not a criminal suit. Whether or not Alvarado is found guilty of the murder, the family may pursue the charges against him in the civil suit. The proof required to prevail in a civil suit is not as stringent as in a criminal suit, and therefore, someone found not guilty of murder could still be liable for the wrongful death of the same victim. This is exactly what happened in the two lawsuits against O.J. Simpson. Simpson was acquitted on criminal charges but found liable for the wrongful death of his victims.