Kempaner v. Thompson

This appeal will examine the question whether a joint tenant who feloniously kills his cotenant can acquire property rights which accrue to him by reason of the death.

Edward Lee Thompson and Peggy Thompson were husband and wife. Each had been previously married and each owned an interest in a lot and house.

On April 12, 1974, each executed a deed conveying their two houses and lots to themselves, "for and during their joint lives and upon the death of either of them, then to the survivor of them in fee simple." Lot 19 of Lakewood Manor Subdivision, the subject property, was owned by Edward Lee…