Venezia's estate sued by Andersons

The parents of a woman shot and killed two years ago by gambling kingpin Thomas Venezia filed a wrongful death suit in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Michael and Cynthia Anderson claim they have suffered and will continue to suffer great mental and emotional distress over the death of their daughter Jennifer Anderson, according to the suit filed July 17.

Venezia shot Anderson in the back of the head and then killed himself at an apartment they shared at 311 Mascoutah Ave. in Belleville on July 18, 2005.

Venezia was convicted of gambling and racketeering in 1995.

The Andersons, represented by William L. Berry of Dunham, Boman & Leskera of Belleville and James W. Schottel, Jr. of St. Louis, are also suing Robert Staack for providing Venezia with the weapon used to kill their daughter.

"At the time Defendant Robert Staack entrusted the .38 caliber revolver to Defendant Thomas Venezia," the complaint states. "Defendant Thomas Venezia was suffering from cancer, depression and financial instability."