Betts-Lucas v. Hartmann

RONALD R. HOLLIGER, Judge.

This appeal involves a complicated factual and procedural tale, beginning with the death of a mental patient, leading to criminal charges, a wrongful death action, and multiple declaratory judgment actions involving the obligation of the State to indemnify for the actions of its employee.

The Missouri Commissioner of Administration (“Commissioner”) appeals a summary judgment finding that the Legal Expense Fund, § 105.711, et seq., RSMo. 2000, 1 provides coverage for the wrongful death of Walter Betts (‘Walter”) while a patient at Higginsville Habilitation Center, a…