Catholic World News News Feature

Wrongful death suit against diocese filed by parents of priest's murder victim December 13, 2006

The parents of a man killed by a Wisconsin priest have filed a wrongful-death suit against the Diocese of Superior, claiming that Church officials failed to curtail the activities of a priest who was known to be dangerous.

Carsten and Sally Ellison are asking a Wisconsin court to grant them unspecified damages for the death of their son, James Ellison, who was killed by Father Ryan Erickson in February 2002. Father Erickson-- who also killed Daniel O’Connell the same day-- hanged himself two years later when police made him the prime suspect for the murders.

Police investigators, in their efforts to locate the killer of Ellison and O’Connell, learned that Father Erickson had a history of assault, alcohol abuse, and homosexual activity. The Ellison lawsuit argues that officials of the Superior diocese were aware of the priest’s potential for violence, but made no effort to warn or protect parishioners.