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Connecticut proposal bans those acquitted of murder from victim benefits

March 03, 2016 11:00 pm • Last Updated: March 04, 2016 10:36 pm

Hartford — Connecticut lawmakers are again trying to bar people charged with murder or manslaughter but found not guilty by reason of insanity from benefiting from the victims' deaths, including reaping life insurance windfalls.

The legislature's Judiciary Committee is considering a bill prompted by David Messenger, who was acquitted by reason of insanity of beating his pregnant wife, Heather, to death at their Chaplin home in 1998.

A lawyer for Heather Messenger's family believes David Messenger received more than $2 million from her estate, including life insurance and a lawsuit settlement.

David Messenger's attorney disputed the $2 million figure, but declined further comment Friday.

Messenger now lives under supervised release and treatment in Hartford, after years in a secure psychiatric hospital.

Similar bills have died in the legislature several times since 2005.

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