Lawsuit: Owners negligent in fatal St. Charles apartment fire
A Batavia couple is being sued for wrongful death in the wake of a fatal January fire at an apartment in St. Charles that they rented out.
Owners Frank and Loreen Giampoli of Batavia were negligent and liable for David Hawksley's death because the apartment had a faulty electrical system and smoke detectors that did not work, according to a lawsuit filed by Hawksley's brother.
"This is a case about the premature and tragic death of David Hawksley, and the wrongful conduct that caused it," read part of the lawsuit, which seeks unspecified damages. "David's apartment did not have a working smoke detector, and therefore, he received no early warning of the fire that took his life."
Hawksley, 60, had lung cancer and used a wheelchair, authorities said.
According to Keith Hawksley's lawsuit, the Giampolis owned, operated and managed a two-story apartment building at 104 S. Third Ave. in St. Charles.
The lawsuit argues that David Hawksley, who rented the second floor unit, told Frank Giampoli on "multiple occasions" before the fatal fire that the unit had a history of electrical problems, such as easily blown fuses, faulty wiring and numerous inoperable outlets.
Reached by phone Frank Giampoli, who also is a Batavia attorney, declined to comment on the lawsuit, nor would he say if he had a lawyer representing him.
The two sides are due in court on Dec. 17.