An Albany County man has been indicted on seven criminal charges, including first-degree murder, in connection with the deaths of his elderly parents. The defendant allegedly killed both parents at their home on Crestwood Court and buried their bodies in the backyard before continuing to collect their Social Security benefits for an extended period.
The investigation initially began as a financial crimes case related to Social Security fraud but evolved into a homicide investigation. According to court documents, the crimes occurred sometime between July and September 2017. The defendant later admitted during a televised interview to smothering one parent and choking the other. This marks the first time someone has been charged with first-degree murder in Albany County since 2008. The defendant faces additional charges including second-degree murder, concealment of human corpses, grand larceny exceeding $50,000, and identity theft. You can read more about this case in the original news report.
Common Causes of Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse Cases
While the specific motives in this tragic case remain under investigation, domestic violence and elder abuse cases often stem from various underlying factors:
- Financial stress and disputes over inheritance or assets
- Substance abuse problems that escalate family tensions
- Mental health issues that go untreated
- Caregiver burnout and overwhelming responsibilities
- History of family violence or dysfunction
- Social isolation that prevents intervention
- Power and control dynamics within families
- Economic dependency creating resentment
When domestic violence or elder abuse results in serious injury or death, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue legal compensation through civil claims, even when criminal charges are also pending.
Wrongful Death Claims in Albany County, New York
In cases involving the violent death of family members, surviving relatives may have grounds for wrongful death claims under New York law. These civil cases run parallel to any criminal proceedings and serve a different purpose – providing financial compensation to help families cope with their devastating losses.
Potential liable parties in domestic violence cases may include individuals who failed in their duty to protect vulnerable victims, institutions that ignored warning signs, or entities that enabled the harmful behavior. Wrongful death compensation can include medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, lost financial support the deceased would have provided, loss of companionship and guidance, and the pain and suffering endured by both the victim and surviving family members. While no amount of money can restore a lost loved one, these claims hold wrongdoers accountable and provide families with resources to rebuild their lives.
Damages and Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death claims in New York can result in several types of compensation for surviving family members. Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses such as medical bills incurred before death, funeral and burial expenses, lost wages and benefits the deceased would have earned, and the value of services they provided to the household.
Non-economic damages address the emotional and relational losses that cannot be easily calculated, including loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support the deceased provided to family members. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
Compensation is calculated based on factors like the victim's age, health, earning capacity, and the nature of their relationships with survivors. Evidence needed includes medical records, employment history, financial documents, and testimony about the victim's role in the family. The purpose of wrongful death compensation is not just to provide financial support, but also to hold responsible parties accountable and prevent future tragedies. For more information about our track record of success, visit our results page.
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Why Choose Porter Law Group?
The lawyers at Porter Law Group have decades of experience representing families devastated by wrongful death and violent crimes. We understand that no case is more sensitive than one involving the loss of a loved one to violence, and we approach each family's situation with the compassion and dedication it deserves.
Our state-wide firm has obtained some of the largest settlements and verdicts in New York courts, but we maintain a hometown feel and personal approach to every case. We have the resources and experience necessary to take on complex wrongful death cases against large insurance companies and well-funded defendants who will try to minimize your family's compensation.
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for your family. Our seasoned trial lawyers will fight tirelessly to hold responsible parties accountable and ensure your family receives the full compensation you deserve during this difficult time.
Contact Porter Law Group for Your Wrongful Death Case
If you've lost a loved one due to domestic violence, elder abuse, or any other wrongful act in New York State, don't face this tragedy alone. The compassionate legal team at Porter Law Group is here to guide you through the complex legal process while you focus on grieving and healing.
We serve clients across all of New York State and are ready to travel to meet with you during this difficult time. Contact us today at 833-PORTER9 or email us at info@porterlawteam.com for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can also reach out through our contact form if you prefer. Time limits apply to wrongful death claims, so it's important to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to protect your family's rights.
