Most Ridiculous Lawsuit of the Month - The 'Deep Pockets' Edition

Written By: Tim Gilmore  |  Posted: Saturday, May 14th, 2011

            In 2008, a teenager grabbed a tip jar from the counter of a Starbucks and took off running.  One of the customers, Roger Kreutz, chased the kid out into the parking lot and caught up to him as he was getting into a car.  The two scuffled a bit until the teen was able to get into his car drive off, but as he did so his car knocked Kreutz over, who hit his head on the pavement and died two days later.  The thief pled guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to a year in jail.

            One life lost, another ruined over a tip jar containing less than $5.   But out of this tragic story comes a redeeming twist.  Kreutz's family has forgiven the teen, and even invited him to participate in a memorial service where they all planted a tree in Kreutz's honor.  The family members say they knew the teen meant no harm.

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