The tragic death of a spouse is devastating, but what happens when the surviving spouse is the primary beneficiary—and also accused in the death? This legal gray area is where life insurance law collides with criminal statutes, as seen in the unusual case of Patrick, who was charged with manslaughter after the death of his wife. At the heart of the legal battle: a $150,000 life insurance policy and the question of whether Patrick had a legal right to receive it.
After Patrick’s wife died from blunt-force trauma caused by falling down a staircase during a domestic argument, he was charged and later pleaded no contest to manslaughter. Despite the criminal charge, Patrick remained the sole named beneficiary of his wife’s life insurance policy. Upon her death, the insurer—North American Company for Life and Health Insurance—received two competing claims: one from Patrick and one from the wife’s estate. With no resolution between the parties, the insurance company filed a complaint in U.S. District Court in Omaha, depositing the policy proceeds into escrow and asking the court to determine the rightful recipient.
At issue was the applicability of the Slayer Statute, a law found in every U.S. state that prohibits individuals from profiting from their own wrongdoing. Under this statute, a person who “feloniously and intentionally” kills another cannot benefit from that person’s life insurance policy. The wife’s estate argued that Patrick should be barred from receiving any portion of the proceeds under the Slayer Statute. Patrick, however, contended that his actions were unintentional. He had pleaded no contest to manslaughter, which by definition lacked malice or premeditation. Ultimately, the case did not go to trial. Instead, the parties reached a settlement agreement in which Patrick received half of the $150,000 policy—a compromise that acknowledged the complexity of the legal issues without setting a precedent.
This case highlights several key points about how life insurance benefits can be delayed or contested in the wake of a suspicious or violent death. First, if a named beneficiary is under criminal investigation for causing the death of the insured, insurance companies will often freeze the payout until the legal process is resolved. This may involve waiting for a criminal trial to conclude or asking a court to interpret the application of the Slayer Statute. During this time, families are often left without access to the financial support they desperately need.
Second, it underscores that intent matters. The Slayer Statute typically applies only if the killing was intentional and felonious. Accidental or negligent deaths—such as manslaughter without intent—may not automatically bar a person from receiving benefits. Courts will look closely at the specific criminal charge, the plea, and the facts of the case to determine whether the statute applies. In Patrick’s case, the absence of malice in his plea allowed room for negotiation and partial recovery.
Finally, it demonstrates the importance of seeking legal counsel when life insurance claims become entangled with criminal allegations. If you are the beneficiary of a policy and your claim has been delayed due to an open investigation, or if you are part of the decedent’s estate and believe the primary beneficiary may have contributed to the insured's death, you need a life insurance lawyer immediately. These cases often hinge on technical interpretations of the law, and insurers will not make decisions without a court’s guidance. Having an attorney involved can help push the matter forward, represent your interests in court, and negotiate a settlement if litigation arises.
If your life insurance claim has been delayed, disputed, or denied due to a suspicious death or an ongoing investigation, don’t wait. Our attorneys are highly experienced in resolving complex life insurance disputes involving criminal elements and beneficiary challenges. We can help you understand your rights and aggressively pursue the benefits you are owed.
Don’t let legal confusion keep you from the life insurance payout your family needs. Contact our office today for a free consultation.