Billings

SD2 settles with mother of suicide victim

Posted: Oct 31, 2012 7:21 AM by Q2 News
Updated: Oct 31, 2012 7:21 AM

BILLINGS - A settlement claim has been reached with Billings School District 2 and the mother of a girl who committed suicide after she was raped by former teacher Stacey Rambold.

The claim was filed by Auliea Hanlon who asked for damages from the district for emotional distress, survivorship, and wrongful death. Her claim alleged improper hiring and supervision of Rambold. The district acknowledged the seriousness of the case. Hanlons' daughter, 14 year old Cherice Moralez, was a student at Billings Senior High when she had a sexual relationship with Rambold.

Rambold was charged in 2008 with three counts of assault and resigned from his job. Moralez took her life while the criminal complaint was pending. The agreement worked out between Hanlon and the School Disctrict calls for a payment of just more than $90,000.

The district will pay a $15,000 deductable and the rest will be covered by American Zurich Insurance Company. The money will be paid to Cherices's siblings.

Earlier this summer a confidential settlement agreement was reached between Hanlon and Rambold in a separate wrongful-death lawsuit.