BOSTON (AP) — The families of two Washington state newlyweds slain by a convicted killer after he was prematurely released from prison in Massachusetts have filed a federal wrongful death suit.
Daniel Tavares Jr. pleaded guilty to killing Brian and Beverly Mauck in November 2007 in Graham, Wash., in a dispute over $50. He is serving life in prison.
Tavares, imprisoned for killing his mother, was freed in June 2007 after officials failed to file the proper paperwork. He left for Washington, violating the terms of his release.
Attorneys for the Maucks’ families say Massachusetts authorities located Tavares in Washington, but left him there in a reckless, “‘out of sight, out of mind’ decision.” They sued various Massachusetts law enforcement and prison officials Wednesday in Tacoma, Wash.
A spokeswoman said Thursday the Department of Correction doesn’t comment on pending litigation.
