JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
The attorneys representing families affected by an accident that killed one twin sister and critically injured another, were back in court Thursday. One side is accusing the other of including defamatory remarks in their court papers about the other attorney and their client.
On May 25, Kyeuna Vance, 30, was killed and her twin sister Shyuana hospitalized while helping a stranded motorist on Highway 80. They were struck by a Shelter Insurance employee who they say was distracted at the time.
Shyuana and her mother are now being represented by Jackson attorney Dennis Sweet, who says the father of Kyeuna's child has now suddenly appeared, after a suit was filed against the insurance company.
Sweet also claims Hinds County constable Jerry Moore illegally removed the 4-year-old from the grandmother's home.
"She had never lived away from her two brothers and sisters, mother grandparents, they felt it was more suitable to live there with them. He agreed. Then one morning the constable kicked in the door," said Sweet.
Attorney Chuck McRae represents Ricky McClinton, the child's father. In federal court Thursday, a judge denied McRae's motion to seal the case after claims that Dennis Sweet was releasing defamatory information about his co-counsel, Precious Martin, and their client McClinton.
Sweet says he stands by the items in the court records.
"Two weeks before her death, he's charged in Clinton with assaulting her, when they stopped to arrest him he had a weapon and marijuana in the vehicle," said Sweet.
McRae also claims that Sweet released the information after McClinton left his firm as a client in the case.
We also learned in court that Kyeuna Vance had two other children, whose fathers have removed themselves from receiving any settlement in the wrongful death suit.
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