Valley Center death fuels questions about previous accidents
Was a 2001 plane crash that killed Mona Griffith, her boyfriend and her 12-year-old daughter a tragic accident, nothing more?
Jeff Chace says he can’t help but have that question. Chace, now 30, is the son of James Chace, Griffith’s boyfriend who was flying the plane when it crashed in a South Dakota pasture.
A series of deaths in Kansas and other states — all people who were associated with Daniel Perez and his traveling entourage — have been raising questions for years. The situation drew attention because, according to a court document, there had been about a dozen deaths involving members of the group who lived off life insurance payouts that resulted from the deaths.
The fact that Perez was recently charged with first-degree murder in the 2003 death of Patricia Hughes at the group’s Valley Center compound — a death that for years was thought to have been an accidental drowning — is fueling questions about the other deaths and prompting a call to reopen the plane crash investigation.
Perez was already in trouble before the Sedgwick County charges. According to court documents, he used aliases and false identification and had been a fugitive since 1997 from sex-crimes cases involving children in Texas. He is facing nearly 40 separate charges in Sedgwick County, including multiple sex crimes against children and filing false applications for life insurance; the crimes occurred from 2002 to 2010, the charges say. Perez faces a March 8 preliminary hearing to find whether there is enough evidence to take the cases to trial.
Sedgwick County sheriff’s Capt. Greg Pollock said his agency, which is leading the investigation into Hughes’ death in rural Valley Center, has shared information with other agencies that could lead them to take a new look at the deaths.
“We’ve contacted the other agencies, and we’ve asked them to take another look at their cases,” said Pollock, who wouldn’t elaborate or say which deaths were involved.
Texas Counties Average Car Insurance - News
The average auto insurance premium in Texas has been creeping up in recent years. It once was ranked near the middle of the pack among the states - unlike the rates for homeowners insurance, which have been among the highest in the country for several
Perez was already in trouble before the Sedgwick County charges. According to court documents, he used aliases and false identification and had been a fugitive since 1997 from sex-crimes cases involving children in Texas.
AUSTIN, Texas, Feb 01, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- In a state where unemployment rates recently hit 7.8 percent, Progressive car insurance is helping boost the Austin area economy by filling 185 positions in sales, service and claims.
Pre-approval is available to select members and added features like GAP Insurance and Credit Life and Disability Insurance may present added auto loan rate discounts. San Jacinto Area Credit Union serves the community of Pasadena, TX with interest
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a state where unemployment rates recently hit 7.8 percent, Progressive car insurance is helping boost the Austin area economy by filling 185 positions in sales, service and claims. “At Progressive, employees enjoy the
Top 10 Texas Car Insurance Companies
Finding the right Texas car insurance for your needs can be confusing. Comparing car insurance rates , discounts, and the reputation of different Texas car insurance companies can leave you wondering if you should just buy a bike. Here are the top 10 car insurance companies in Texas to help you find the best insurance coverage for your needs. Enter your ZIP code and compare the best car insurance companies INSTANTLY!
The information on rates and customer complaints is provided by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). Listed rates are based on sample rates submitted by car insurance companies. Actual rates will vary depending on location, age, driving record, and other factors.
1) AAA Texas InsuranceAAA auto insurance is a service offered by AAA (“Triple A”), an organization made up of 51 different motor clubs throughout the United States. It has over $100 million in written premiums and covers about 1% of Texas drivers. Its financial rating is A+ (Superior) with A. M. Best, an organization that rates insurance companies by their ability to pay claims.
AAA’s TDI sample rate is $236 annually. Its customer complaint index is higher than average at 2.0598.
AAA auto insurance is offered to AAA customers, so there is an additional fee for membership in the auto club to be eligible for insurance. In addition to the usual discounts, AAA offers roadside assistance for some levels of insurance coverage.
2) Allstate Insurance CompanyIn business since 1931, Allstate offers life, home, and auto insurance. Allstate has over $300 million in premiums a year and covers 2.72% of Texas drivers. Allstate’s A. M. Best rating is A+ (Superior).
Allstate’s TDI sample rate is $552 annually. Their customer complaint index is lower than average at .8338.
Allstate offers multi-policy discounts, accident forgiveness, deductible reduction, and safe driving bonuses.
3) Amica MutualFounded in 1907, Amica is the oldest company to offer mutual auto insurance in the United States. It won the J. D. Powers and Associates award for “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among National Auto Insurers, 12 Years in a Row.” With over $73 million written premiums in Texas, it covers .55% of the market. Its A. M. Best rating is A++ (Superior).