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SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) — The widow of one of three people killed in a shooting at a municipal building has filed a federal lawsuit against township officials and a county sheriff.
Frances LaGuardia alleges that officials in Ross Township and the Monroe County sheriff knew that Rockne Newell was mentally unstable and capable of violence, but failed to provide security at a township meeting where he opened fire in 2013.
LaGuardia's husband, James LaGuardia, was among the victims.
Newell pleaded guilty in May and was sentenced to life in prison. Prosecutors say he was angry over the loss of his junk-filled property after a lengthy court battle with the township.
LaGuardia's lawsuit says township officials targeted Newell because one of the supervisors lived across the street from Newell and wanted him gone.
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