A status conference is set today in a suit brought by two Smithton residents who claim a disabled adult male broke into their home, threatened to kill them, and forced them into the basement at gunpoint.
St. Clair County Circuit Judge Robert LeChien set the hearing in an order signed Feb. 24.
Plaintiffs Charles Smith and Erin Stahl are suing Terris Stahl and his guardians, Terry and Aletha Stahl, for damages in excess of $200,000 and costs.
The plaintiffs allege that Terris Stahl had obtained an order of protection that barred Terris Stahl from entering their home.
They allege Terris Stahl violated the order when he broke into their home in April 2009.
The plaintiffs claim that Terris Stahl then approached them and brandished a gun.
Terris Stahl then allegedly threatened to kill them, forced them into the home's basement, and fired the gun into the basement.
The four count complaint is seeking damages on claims of assault and false imprisonment.
The defendants deny the allegations.
It is unclear what if any relationship exists between Erin Stahl, Terris Stahl, and Terry and
Aletha Stahl.
The status conference is set to begin at 9 a.m.
P. Michael Read represents the plaintiffs.
Thomas Cannady represents the defendants.
The case is St. Clair case number 10-L-89.