Chandler family appeals lawsuit ruling

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) -- The family of Janet Chandler, who was killed in 1979, filed a civil lawsuit in 2008 against the security firm that employed the men who killed her.

But a judge ruled against it, saying the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit regarding Chandler's murder expired in 1982 -- three years after she was brutally raped and killed by employees at Wackenhut Corporation, a private security firm.

The employees who have been convicted of the murder are: Robert Lynch, Carl Paiva, Freddie Parker, Tony Williams and Bubba Nelson. It wasn't until 2006 that the perpetrators were brought to trial.

But now, the Chandler family is appealing the judge's decision.

Janet's parents, James and Glenna Chandler, have filed an appeal with the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, asking to have that judge's decision overturned -- which would allow them to sue Wackenhut.

The original ruling said while the actions of Paiva were appalling -- conspiring to cover up Janet's rape and murder -- those actions cannot be said to have been committed within the scope of his authority or over the course of his employment.

In 1979, Wackenhut provided security guards to the Chemtron Corporation during a union strike at their chemical plant in Holland.

The security guards were based out of the Blue Mill Inn at the time of the strike.

Laurie Swank was also convicted in the case, though she did not work for Wackenhut.

24 Hour News 8 will continue to track developments.