LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Attorneys for Frank McCourt and
the Los Angeles Dodgers have filed a civil action against the two men
charged in the beating of Bryan Stow as part of their strategy in
defending a lawsuit by the Giants fan, who was almost killed after the
home team's opening day win.
The team filed a cross-complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court on
Wednesday against Louie Sanchez, 29, and Marvin Norwood, 30. Both are
accused of attacking Stow as he and his friends left Dodger Stadium on
March 31.
The cross-complaint states that although the Dodgers and McCourt
believe they are not liable for Stow's injuries, in the event a jury
finds otherwise, they should be reimbursed by Sanchez and Norwood for a
portion of any damages they are ordered to pay.
However, team lawyers stated in previous papers that they expect
Sanchez and Norwood will refuse to testify in depositions to avoid
incriminating themselves in the criminal case.
"The (team's) inability to conduct meaningful (inquiries) of those
individuals' acts and conduct will hamper the defendants' ability to
prepare and present a defense in this case," the earlier Dodgers' court
papers stated.
Stow and his children, Tyler and Tabitha Stow, filed the suit against
McCourt and 13 team entities on May 24. Among the claims are assault,
battery, negligence, premises liability, negligent hiring, assault and
both intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. They
chose not to name Sanchez and Norwood as defendants.
On Sept. 30, Judge Abraham Khan granted a defense motion dismissing the children as plaintiffs.
Stow was beaten in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium shortly after
the game. Police said he was attacked because he was wearing Giants
gear.
