Janklow in 2002. As Governor he spoke of his speeding in a state-of-the-state speech.
The family of motorcyclist Randy Scott, who was killed last August when then South Dakota Congressman and former Governor Bill Janklow ran a stop sign at high speed, has sued the politician. But will Bill try to make taxpayers foot the bill?
The wrongful-death suit accuses Janklow of driving "carelessly, negligently and recklessly with conscious and unjustifiable disregard of a substantial risk" and seeks unspecified damages. It was brought on behalf of Randy Scott's, son, daughter, sister and mother.
Janklow was found guilty in December of second-degree manslaughter, reckless driving, running a stop sign, and second-degree manslaughter. He faces sentencing tomorrow, January 22, and resigned from Congress yesterday.
The question still to be answered is whether Janklow will seek to have any damages paid by the federal government (i.e., taxpayers), which could happen if it is ruled that he was acting as an employee of the federal government. Janklow was returning from an event where he spoke when he ran the stop sign and killed Scott. Lawyers for Scott's family are seeking to avoid that situation and hope that Janklow will assume responsibility for his actions.
Janklow is required to respond to the suit by February 5.
The news stories linked below contain additional details:
KSTP-TV, MN
KOTA-TV, SD
San Francisco Chronicle, CA
Miami Herald, FL
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