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New Hanover County Schools is suing its four insurance providers over roughly $31 million in coverage to deal with the civil fallout from the crimes of former teacher Michael Earl Kelly. The case could now get a Rule 2.1 designation, meaning a single judge will oversee the whole process — which could help expedite the case and pave the way for a decision in the Kelly civil case.
Last summer, a shooting at New Hanover High School sent shock waves through the region, inspiring fear and concern, and turning up the volume on a long-neglected issue. Today, prosecutors in Superior Court said the shooter — now 16 — has taken responsibility for his actions.
The school board's attorneys argued the statute of limitations had passed for most of the plaintiffs to take legal action.
The hearing was part of one of the biggest cases to affect the Cape Fear region — the civil lawsuit filed against the New Hanover County Schools district (NHCS) by the victims and alleged victims of former teacher and convicted child abuser Michael Earl Kelly. The suit has been going for almost three years but now — at the request of the district — Superior Court Judge Phyllis Gorham could dismiss many, or even all, of the plaintiffs.
Tyler Greenfield was sentenced to life in prison without parole in 2017 for his role in a 2015 murder. The case is set to be retried.