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Wrongful death suit filed in Centennial doctor Ken Atkinson's murder

Kevin Lyons pleaded guilty
Posted at 5:57 PM, Mar 30, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-30 21:12:09-04

CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- It's been two years since Centennial Doctor Ken Atkinson was killed while trying to save his neighbor, and now the case is back in court. 

Atkinson's wife has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in her husband's death.

"There aren't words to express what they've gone through," the family's attorney Phil Harding said. "Not only did Mrs. Atkinson lose Dr. Atkinson who she loved, and has been married too. They've lost two of their four kids as well to a rare genetic disease known as Fanconi Anemia."

Kevin Lyons pleaded guilty to shooting his wife in their front yard, and then murdering the beloved doctor who rushed to her aid. A judge sentenced him to life in prison plus 352 years for the crime.

The Atkinson's family attorney said this latest suit is about preventing Lyons from profiting off the murder in the future and making sure the defendant is held accountable both criminally and civilly.  

"Less than a 1 percent chance any money will come out of this. That's not what this case is about," he said. "It's about making sure that someone who executes another human being will never, ever get anything."

Harding also made clear Mrs. Atkinson is not, and will not go after, any money from the defendant's family.

"My client is not going after any family money whatsoever. It's only after the convicted murderers," said Harding.

Harding added he only used the defendants name when necessary in the complaint and refused to capitalize his name or use proper grammar.

"It may sound like a small thing, but I want it to send a message. You execute a man, the doctor, that's trying to save your wife that you shot. You lose everything," he said.

Harding said Lyons will be served with the lawsuit in prison and will have 21 days to respond before the case goes to court.