GRESHAM, Ore. -- The families of two women murdered by an off-duty Clackamas County sergeant have filed an $8 million dollar lawsuit, The Oregonian newspaper has reported.
Sgt. Jeff Grahn killed his wife Charlotte and two of her friends, in a Gresham bar before killing himself on February 12, 2010. Kathleen Hoffmeister, 53, of Gresham, died at the scene. Victoria Schulmerich, 53, of Gresham, died at a Portland hospital less than two weeks later.
Background: Sheriff’s sergeant kills 2 women and self, police say
According to The Oregonian, the lawsuit alleges the county, Sheriff Craig Roberts and others knew that Grahn posed a significant threat, but failed to take any action against him.
The family of Charlotte Grahn had not filed suit.
Nine months before the shooting the sheriff's office asked Portland Police to investigate a tip that Grahn was abusing his wife. According to a memo, CCSO Lt. Graham Phalen asked that the district attorney not be involved.
More: Questions raised over internal probe of Grahn
The CCSO released a statement Thursday that read, in part: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the victims of this tragedy, their families and all those affected. Under the leadership of Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts, the organization has emerged as a nationally recognized leader on domestic violence issues.”
Related: Brother-in-law describes Gresham gunman as 'control freak'
