Housekeeper's Lawsuit Against Ramseys Moves Forward
Boulder Prosecutor Wanted To Dismiss Suit
A federal judge in Denver Monday refused to dismiss a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against John and Patsy Ramsey brought by the couple's former housekeeper.
Linda Hoffman-Pugh (pictured, left) sued the Ramseys, saying that they falsely named her as a suspect in the 1996 slaying of their 6-year-old daughter, JonBenet.
Former Boulder District Attorney Alex Hunter asked the judge to dismiss the lawsuit, but the judge denied that request.
JonBenet was found beaten and strangled in her family's home on Dec. 26, 1996. No arrests have been made. Police have not ruled out the child's parents, John and Patsy Ramsey, as
suspects.
Lawyers for the city of Boulder asked Daniel to dismiss Hoffman-Pugh's
lawsuit on several grounds, including that she lacked standing.
Daniel said that the lawsuit can proceed.
Earlier this month, Hoffman-Pugh sued John and Patsy Ramsey, claiming that they falsely named her as a suspect in JonBenet's slaying in their book, "The Death of Innocence."
Hoffmann-Pugh's $50 million federal libel suit claims Patsy Ramsey killed JonBenet and then named Hoffmann-Pugh and others as suspects to throw off police.
Lin Wood, the Ramseys' Atlanta attorney, has said that Hoffman-Pugh
turned on the Ramseys to make money from paid interviews with
tabloids and a possible book deal.
"Ms. Hoffman-Pugh is not worthy of belief as a witness and her
lawsuit is a frivolous publicity stunt," said in a statement.
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Linda Hoffman-Pugh (pictured, left) sued the Ramseys, saying that they falsely named her as a suspect in the 1996 slaying of their 6-year-old daughter, JonBenet.
Former Boulder District Attorney Alex Hunter asked the judge to dismiss the lawsuit, but the judge denied that request.
JonBenet was found beaten and strangled in her family's home on Dec. 26, 1996. No arrests have been made. Police have not ruled out the child's parents, John and Patsy Ramsey, as
suspects.
Lawyers for the city of Boulder asked Daniel to dismiss Hoffman-Pugh's
lawsuit on several grounds, including that she lacked standing.
Daniel said that the lawsuit can proceed.
Earlier this month, Hoffman-Pugh sued John and Patsy Ramsey, claiming that they falsely named her as a suspect in JonBenet's slaying in their book, "The Death of Innocence."
Hoffmann-Pugh's $50 million federal libel suit claims Patsy Ramsey killed JonBenet and then named Hoffmann-Pugh and others as suspects to throw off police.
Lin Wood, the Ramseys' Atlanta attorney, has said that Hoffman-Pugh
turned on the Ramseys to make money from paid interviews with
tabloids and a possible book deal.
"Ms. Hoffman-Pugh is not worthy of belief as a witness and her
lawsuit is a frivolous publicity stunt," said in a statement.
- March 8, 2001: Ramseys Settle With Tabloid Over JonBenet Murder Stories
- February 16, 2001: Lawsuit Against Ramsey Parents Moves Ahead
- March 5, 2001: Former Housekeeper Sues Ramseys
- January 10, 2001: Ramseys Claim They Were Set Up
- August 29, 2000: Interview With Ramseys Heats Up
- August 28, 2000: Ramseys, Police Meet For First Time In 2 Years
- August 27, 2000: Boulder Investigators To Meet With Ramseys
- August 22, 2000: Boulder Police To Interview Ramseys Monday
- June 3, 2000: Ramseys Post Suspect Sketch Online
- May 25, 2000: Ramseys Pass Lie Detector Test
- March 22, 2000: Barbara Walters, Governor Spar Over Ramseys
Copyright 2002 by TheDenverChannel.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
