Settlement Reached in Wrongful Death Lawsuit

A confidential settlement agreement was reached Thursday between the heirs and next of kin of James Nibbe and Jenifer Nibbe .  The settlement was for the punitive portion of a wrongful death case that was filed against Jennifer Nibbe by James Nibbe’s family.  During the first portion of the trial, a jury found that Jennifer Nibbe had caused the wrongful death of 26-year-old James Nibbe and should pay his family $220,000 in compensation for losses incurred as a result of his death.

“We appreciate the jury and their hard work in what we recognize is a difficult decision,” Leslie Johnson, James Nibbe’s sister, said as she read from a statement after the settlement was reached.  “Although no amount of money will ever bring James back, the jury’s verdict acknowledges how much Jim truly meant to us.”

“Although we are saddened we did not have an opportunity to show the true, soulless character of Jim’s murderer, we are happy to have this behind us and we look forward to happier days in which Jim’s memory will always have a place.”

The Nibbe family will be able to file a judgment against Jennifer Nibbe and have her wages garnished after she is released from prison and starts working.  Scott Kelly said any money the family receives will be used for a scholarship fund for Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial High School students set up in James Nibbe’s name