Lawsuit: Husband liable in wife's death

RALEIGH -- The mother of a pregnant North Carolina woman found dead in her home two years ago has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against her daughter's husband.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reports the lawsuit was filed Tuesday in Wake County Superior Court against Jason Young.

Authorities never named Young a suspect after his pregnant wife, Michelle, was found beaten to death in their home. But her mother, Linda Fisher, says in her lawsuit that he should be held responsible and barred from receiving his wife's insurance benefits.

A message left for Jason Young's attorney, Roger Smith Jr., was not returned.

Jason Young has told investigators he was out of town on business when his wife was killed. Search warrants show authorities characterized him as being unwilling to help.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)