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Wendy Latchum, whose husband John Russell Latchum Jr. was shot and killed at the Waianae Army Recreation Center 2-1/2-years ago, has filed suit against the U.S. government seeking $8.5 million in damages. Latchum’s widow files
$8.5 million lawsuitBy Debra Barayuga
Star-BulletinThe lawsuit comes just two days after a U.S. District Court jury convicted two men of felony murder in her husband's death.
The suit claims the United States was negligent in failing to maintain a safe facility for users. The Latchums were vacationing with their two children at the facility when her husband was killed trying to scare off a group of youths they believed were trying to break into their cabin.
Latchum contends the U.S. government was aware of previous incidents of unlawful trespass, security breaches and criminal activities at the facility that could pose a risk to the health, safety and welfare of its users.
The suit maintains the government failed to notify users of the possible risks, or even advise users to bring a cellular phone since the cabins were not equipped with telephones. The government also failed to adopt security measures such as adequate fencing, lighting or patrols, it contends.
Wendy Latchum had filed a claim with the U.S. government in May seeking $8.5 million in damages but the government denied those claims in August.
Government officials could not be reached for comment.
Latchum in June also filed suit against the three men charged in her husband's death - Roberto Miguel, Bryson Jose and Keala Leong. Also named in that suit are Miguel's parents.
Miguel and Jose were found guilty Tuesday of felony murder and face life without parole when sentenced next summer. Leong awaits a decision by U.S. attorneys whether to retry him.