COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—A settlement reached between Memorial Hospital and a man whose wife shot and killed their sons and then herself shortly after being released from the hospital will receive $325,000, according to city documents obtained by The Gazette.
Documents filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court indicated Donald Rifkin and the hospital had settled Rifkin’s wrongful death lawsuit, with both parties agreeing to bear their own legal costs. Other details were not disclosed.
“As we’ve said before, our hearts go out to the Rifkin family and friends. We are pleased to be near resolution, as it will allow everyone involved to move forward,” hospital spokeswoman Cari Davis said.
Julie Rifkin, 41, was taken to Memorial Hospital on April 22, 2005, after telling a co-worker she thought she would get a gun and kill herself and her sons. Donald Rifkin was working in South Carolina at the time.
The hospital treated and released Julie Rifkin. Two days later, the bodies of Julie Rifkin and the couple’s 12-year-old son, Gabriel, were found in their home. Thirteen-year-old Nathan was shot in the head and died later that day.
Donald Rifkin has since remarried and lives in South Carolina.
“He’s is trying to move on,” said his attorney, Jay Murphy. “He has by no means healed or recovered. He struggles with this day to day. It’s been very difficult, but his faith has carried him through.”
———
Information from: The Gazette,
