Kelsey Smith-Briggs' death lawsuit brings $625K deal

her share

A parent convicted of first-degree murder, second-degree murder or first-degree manslaughter is barred from any interest in a victim’s estate under state law.

The ban "clearly” does not apply to someone convicted of enabling child abuse, Raye Dawn Smith’s attorney contends.

Attorney Stephen Jones said Smith deserves half of the net settlement — what is left after Lance Briggs’ attorneys are paid.

He said Smith has always professed her innocence and is appealing her conviction. He contends mistakes at her trial included sleeping jurors.