Contingent Beneficiary Wins $432,000 in Texas Murder Case

Michael J. Hoover
Aug 15
2 min read

Updated: Sep 16

This article details a significant legal victory where Charlene Ramirez, the contingent beneficiary, secured $432,000 in life insurance proceeds following the murder of her daughter, Amanda Broderick. Learn how Interpleader Law was pivotal in this Texas federal court case.

Case Overview
Legal Background
Key Ruling Details
Importance of Interpleader Law
Frequently Asked Questions

Case Overview

Charlene Ramirez, Amanda Broderick’s mother, was awarded $432,000 in life insurance proceeds after Amanda was murdered by her ex-husband, Stephen Broderick. The case, decided in the Western District of Texas, barred Stephen from claiming the death benefit due to his conviction.

Case Details

Author: Michael J. Hoover
Date: August 15, 2022
Court: Western District of Texas
Case: Symetra Life Insurance Company v. Stephen Broderick, et al., Case No. 1:21-cv-00721-RP
Summary: On April 18, 2021, Amanda Broderick was murdered by her ex-husband, Stephen Broderick, during a supervised custody visit in Texas. Despite Stephen’s claim to the $432,000 life insurance policy, Judge Robert Pitman ruled in favor of Amanda’s mother, Charlene Ramirez, securing her the full death benefit. Stephen was later convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

Legal Background

The case relied on Interpleader Law, which allowed Symetra Life Insurance Company to deposit the disputed funds with the court for a neutral resolution. Michael Hoover’s legal strategy ensured the murderer was barred from benefiting, protecting the contingent beneficiary’s rights.

Key Ruling Details

Judge Pitman’s ruling upheld the principle that a murderer cannot profit from their crime, disqualifying Stephen Broderick from the life insurance proceeds. The decision awarded the full $432,000 to Charlene Ramirez, reinforcing legal protections for contingent beneficiaries in such cases.

Importance of Interpleader Law

Resolves Conflicts: Interpleader Law enables courts to fairly settle disputes over life insurance proceeds, as seen in this Symetra case.
Murderer Forfeiture: Federal and state laws prevent killers from claiming death benefits, safeguarding rightful beneficiaries.
Legal Strategy: Expert representation, like Michael Hoover’s, is crucial in navigating complex beneficiary disputes involving criminal acts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Interpleader Law affect life insurance disputes?

Interpleader Law allows courts to resolve competing claims to life insurance proceeds, ensuring a neutral and fair outcome, as demonstrated in this Texas murder case.

Can a murderer claim life insurance benefits?

No, under federal and state laws, a murderer is typically barred from receiving death benefits, protecting the rights of contingent beneficiaries like Charlene Ramirez.