Mississippi News
AG Lynn Fitch cites abortion case backlash as reason to seal files related to her father’s estate
AG Lynn Fitch cites abortion case backlash as reason to seal files related to her father's estate
Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch is citing backlash she's received from her lawsuit before the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to reverse a national right to an abortion as reason to seal records dealing with the probate of the estate of her deceased father.
Fitch, a first-term Republican attorney general, and her sister, Lisa Fitch Wavro, are challenging whether their father William O. Fitch, who died in September 2021, was of sound “mental capacity” when he terminated a prenuptial agreement he had with his wife, Aleita Fitch, who is the sisters' stepmother. Because of William Fitch's alleged mental state in January 2021, when the prenuptial was dissolved, the sisters contend they are “the only beneficiaries” of the estate.
Fitch recently filed a motion in Marshall County Chancery Court asking the judge to seal “any and all financial-related information of the estate to protect the integrity of these proceedings from attention and media coverage that might hamper resolution of the estate.”
Fitch says that if her father's case remains public record, she would be subject to “harassment, abuse and even threats to personal safety” — citing threats she has received as she argues that the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade.
“The attorney general for the state of Mississippi would be subject to harassment, abuse and even threats to her personal safety if the information is included in the public record of the court,” Fitch's filing says. “General Fitch has been the subject of threatening comments and actions in the past because of positions she has taken as attorney general, and in particular recently in response to the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health case which she brought before the United States Supreme Court and as to which a draft opinion of the court was leaked.”
The SCOTUS case seeks to reverse the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that guaranteed a woman's right to an abortion under certain parameters. The case was argued in December 2021, and recently a draft opinion was leaked that would provide enough votes on the Supreme Court to reverse the 1973 decision.
READ MORE: Attorney General Lynn Fitch paying outside law, PR firms for fight against abortion
Fitch and her sister have been in a protracted legal battle with Aleita Fitch. The original litigation involved conservatorship of William Fitch.
Those court documents also were sealed. But before they were sealed, there were allegations by Aleita Fitch and her attorneys that Lynn Fitch used the power of her office in the battle over conservatorship.
Published reports accused Fitch of using state “bodyguards” to take without permission money, firearms and other papers from Aleita Fitch's residence.
In the lawsuit, Aleita Fitch accused the attorney general of moving William Fitch from a hospital in Oxford without having authority to do so. Lynn Fitch responded that Aleita Fitch was verbally abusive toward her father.
William Fitch was a successful north Mississippi businessman who played a significant role in financing his daughter's first foray into politics, her successful campaign in 2011 for the office of treasurer.
READ MORE: Lynn Fitch wants to overturn Roe v. Wade. Is she up to something more?
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Summer-like trends
SUMMARY: Warm temperatures and chances of scattered showers and thunderstorms persist throughout the week in Columbus, Mississippi. Monday starts with showers and thunderstorms in the morning, clearing out by late morning. More showers are possible throughout the day and evening with temperatures in the mid-80s. Tuesday brings similar conditions with scattered showers and temperatures in the upper 80s. Wednesday and Thursday have the greatest chance for rain, with heavier showers and storms expected. Severe weather threats are possible during this time. Overnight temperatures remain in the upper 60s with high humidity. Stay updated for further weather developments.
The post Summer-like trends appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Local sheriff informs drivers to celebrate Cinco de Mayo responsibly
SUMMARY: Cinco de Mayo is a day to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture, but law enforcement reminds people to drink responsibly to avoid alcohol poisoning. The day commemorates the Mexican army's victory over France in 1862, but in the US, it is often celebrated with Mexican food and drinks. Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott emphasizes the importance of knowing one's limitations when drinking, especially during events like Cinco de Mayo. He urges people to have a designated driver, watch out for friends, or call a cab to prevent accidents and DUIs. Alcohol poisoning is a real danger, and Scott's officers are actively monitoring the roads for excessive drinking.
The post Local sheriff informs drivers to celebrate Cinco de Mayo responsibly appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Starkville-MSU Symphony Association provides musical outlet
SUMMARY: The Starkville-MSU Symphony and community chorus have been a part of the community for over 50 years, hosting multiple free concerts in various genres. The orchestra and chorus were established out of a need for a musical outlet, providing musicians with a platform to continue playing and performing music. The association aims to give individuals a chance to continue their musical experiences beyond high school, fostering a sense of community and enjoyment of music. The recent “On Broadway!” event marked the end of the season, with the next season scheduled to start in early fall.
The post Starkville-MSU Symphony Association provides musical outlet appeared first on www.wcbi.com
-
SuperTalk FM4 days ago
Driver’s education set to become mandatory in Mississippi as bill passes
-
SuperTalk FM7 days ago
Festival merger in Leland sets up one major event for Mississippi Delta
-
SuperTalk FM3 days ago
State approves $160M to expand Highway 7 to four lanes in Lafayette County
-
Mississippi Business5 days ago
Geartek expanding operations in Alcorn County
-
SuperTalk FM7 days ago
PERS bill set to phase in employer rate increase heads to governor’s desk
-
Mississippi News6 days ago
Two women accused of shoplifting across southeast captured in Mississippi
-
Mississippi News4 days ago
Altercation at Mississippi police department leads to officer-involved shooting
-
Mississippi News6 days ago
Starkville police make arrest in shooting at Dawg Wash South