Royal Caribbean Cruise Lawsuits
Murder Charges Dropped Against Toddler's Grandfather
The Grandfather of a Toddler Who Fell to Her Death on a Cruise Ship Unquestionably Knew the Window Was Open
The grandfather of an 18-month-old girl who fell to her death from an open window on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship pleaded guilty to negligent homicide in a plea deal with prosecutors that dropped a more serious charge of manslaughter. Sam Anello, 51, could face up to three years in prison when he is sentenced.
Chloe Wiegand fell from the 11th floor of the Freedom of the Seas ship in July 2019 while on a family vacation. Her grandfather was holding her in his arms when she fell out of an open window in the children's play area. Anello initially told investigators that he thought the window was closed, but later admitted that he knew it was open.
The plea deal came after a judge ruled that prosecutors could not use evidence that Anello had been drinking alcohol before the incident. The judge also ruled that prosecutors could not use evidence that Anello had a history of mental health problems.
Anello's attorney, Michael Winkleman, said his client is "deeply sorry" for what happened. "He loved Chloe very much and he would do anything to bring her back," Winkleman said.
Chloe's parents, Alan and Kimberly Wiegand, have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Royal Caribbean. The lawsuit alleges that the cruise line was negligent in failing to prevent Chloe's death. Royal Caribbean has denied any wrongdoing.
Komentar