03/07/08 - Greenwich Newswire For Friday

Greenwich News Reports From
The Greenwich Post

Smith hearing continues in Greenwich Probate Court (Updated)

Judge David W. Hopper will continue to hear arguments in Greenwich Probate Court regarding the $1-million settlement reached between Jennifer Hagel Smith and Royal Caribbean cruise lines.

Ms. Hagel Smith and the cruise line reached the agreement after Ms. Hagel Smith's husband, George A. Smith IV, a 26-year-old Greenwich man, went missing on their honeymoon cruise. Mr. Smith’s parents, George III and Maureen, are challenging the out-of-court settlement so they can file a wrongful death lawsuit against Royal Caribbean on behalf of their son. George Smith IV disappeared into the Aegean sea after commotion was heard in his cabin. Bloodstains were found in his room and on the metal overhang below his balcony.

The FBI is still actively investigating the highly publicized case.

The hearing is taking place behind closed doors because lawyers on both sides requested confidentiality. Judge Hopper granted the request to protect information in case a lawsuit is eventually filed against Royal Caribbean.

Ms. Hagel Smith is the administrator of the estate, but the Smith family has said her settlement was reached without their knowledge.


Voice of the Faithful to meet tomorrow Group to discuss scandal in the Catholic Church
Voice of the Faithful will hold a meeting tomorrow to provide an update on the on-going Catholic clergy sexual abuse scandals and their consequences.
At Home to hold neighborhood event

In order for the growing number of At Home in Greenwich members in each neighborhood to get better acquainted, and explore their shared interests, a series of “zip code potluck” events have been planned.