LaGrange Man's Widow Sues Estate of Friend Who Shot Him

The widow of a LaGrange man shot by an employee in his Chicago office is suing the killer’s estate for negligence and wrongful death.

Steven Lavoie, CEO of ArrowStream, was shot by his friend Anthony DeFrances on the 17th floor of the Bank of America Building on July 31, 2014. DeFrances had been demoted. After shooting Lavoie, DeFrances took his own life. Lavoie died in October of his injuries.

Jody Lavoie filed the lawsuit on July 30 in Cook County Circuit Court. The lawsuit claims DeFrances, who was being treated for mental illness and did not have a firearms license, was negligent, lacked proper firearms training and transported the gun into the office without permission.

Pamela Balmes is the administrator of the DeFrances estate.