Tenant beat up by property manager sues landlord

Michael and Lisa Denny of East Alton filed suit against the property manager and the owners of the Biltmore Apartments in South Roxana Nov. 1 in Madison County Circuit Court seeking damages in excess of $150,000.

The Dennys allege on Sept. 25, 2004, Noren Twente, the property manager, requested that they come to his home to speak with him and his guests.

According to the complaint, when the Dennys arrived they were both mobbed by Twente and his guests.

“During the mobbing, plaintiffs were severely beaten by Twente and his guests,” the complaint states.

Michael Denny claims he suffered severe and permanent injuries to his head, left elbow, hands, abdomen, chest and left leg which caused him to suffer pain, discomfort, mental anguish. Lisa Denny alleges similar injuries.

The Dennys also allege that they were disfigured and disabled, lost earnings and benefits, became liable for medical expenses and have been restricted in their usual activities and affairs.

They allege that Twente participated in a scheme to convince them to visit the apartments for the sole purpose of injuring them. The Dennys also claim that Twente participated in the assault and battery, and failed to aid them or call police.

According to the complaint, the Dennys are also seeking damages against property owners John and Lucille Kleeman, alleging that they knew or should have known that Twente was unfit to serve as property manager since he created a danger of harm to third persons.

The suit alleges that the Kleemans failed to supervise Twente, failed to investigate his background prior to hiring him and continued to retain Twente even after they knew of his violent propensities.

The Dennys are represented by Lindsay Rakers of Goldenberg, Miller, Heller and Antognoli of Edwardsville.

05 L 1122