EDWARDSVILLE - The estate of a murdered lawyer faces a lawsuit over claims of negligence following a fall at his house.
Sara Staack filed suit July 10 in Madison County Circuit Court against the estate of Randy L. Gori, who was stabbed to death at his Mooney Creek Road home in January.
Staack claims that on July 19, 2019, she was an invitee at the house and was walking around an infinity pool when she fell approximately six feet from the edge and into the Koi pond. She claims to have injured her head, chin, arm, and legs.
The plaintiff's suit claims the defendant was negligent and careless for failing to install a guard or other reasonable protective measure to make sure that those invited to the house would not fall or be injured.
Further, the suit claims, the defendant allowed a condition to exist without proper markings that would show a change of height. It is claimed that the defendant allowed a dangerous situation to exist without proper lighting.
The plaintiff claims she was seriously injured and needed surgery. She is seeking more than $50,000 in damages.
Gori was murdered at his home in January. Timothy M. Banowetz, 28, was charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery, vehicle theft and unlawful restraint.
Banowetz is accused of fatally stabbing Gori, 47, and holding two minors captive Jan. 4 at the attorney's Edwardsville home.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 2020-L-960.