Beck v. West Coast Life Insurance

On May 23, 1946, the West Coast Life Insurance Company issued a life insurance policy to Mrs. D. A. Downey. The beneficiary clause provided that the proceeds be paid to “David Albert Downey—Husband, if living, otherwise to Jettie Knoll—Friend of the Insured.” The insured reserved the right to change beneficiaries. On July 18, -1947, the primary beneficiary murdered the insured in Colorado. He has been convicted of the crime and sentenced to life imprisonment. (Downey v. People, 121 Colo. 307 [215 P.2d 892].) Herbert Beck, administrator of Mrs. Downey’s estate, brought this action against the…