If you’ve ever watched daytime TV, there is no shortage of court shows trying to sort out the aftermath of personal relationships gone awry. However, the events that took place on Sept. 22, 2003, are far beyond what any TV court could handle.

Kurtulus Kalican, enraged by the relationship between his ex-wife Ayfer Kaya and David Romero, snapped when police refused to take action on his behalf. He claimed that the relationship violated a court order but was told to contact his attorney in the morning. Instead, Kalican drove a little over four hours to confront the couple.

He entered the home – which he still owned – with a spare key, retrieved a .357 magnum handgun and walked into the bedroom where Kaya and Romero lay sleeping. He fatally shot Romero and shot Kaya twice before beating her with the gun. Kalican was soon arrested and charged with four counts that included first-degree manslaughter and first-degree assault. He is currently serving 64 years in prison.

Fast forward nine years, the wrongful death suit Kaya and Romero’s sister filed in 2005 against New London will finally be heard. The lawsuit cites that the city failed to monitor Kalican’s behavioral flaws and enforce a protective order – the results were Romero’s death and the attempted murder of Kaya.

The plaintiffs claim that the police should have taken Kalican’s call seriously. The protective order was a clear indicator of his violent history.

The trial will feature witness testimony from New London police officers and Kalican’s son, who was in the house at the time of the shooting. Only 11, he acted quickly to guide his younger siblings out of the house. The plaintiff’s attorneys may also use Kaya’s 911 call for help while Kalican was on his rampage.

The jurors will have a difficult time deciding if a man’s impulsive actions are the result of the police department’s inability to predict his behavior. His history will be useful evidence to substantiate their claims.

At first, the plaintiffs intended to target the individual officers but changed their strategy to name the City of New London. It is apparent that they aim to expose the flaws in the system that led to the incident.

Wrongful death lawsuits typically involve a heightened level of emotions that can be overwhelming. However, plaintiffs still have the burden of proof against the alleged negligent party. In many situations the plaintiff is going up against a large entity with a high-powered legal team, like New London. Having experienced trial lawyers on your side is the best way to navigate the legal system and receive justice for your loss. Allow the attorneys at Parker McDonald to represent you in your time of need. Contact us today.