Reconsideration request pending in benefits case
Attorneys for the relatives of a man whose former same-sex partner is seeking his death benefits want the state Superior Court to reconsider an unfavorable ruling.
Joseph A. Hallman seeks the proceeds of his former domestic partner’s life-insurance policies, totaling about $345,000.
Hallman and Stephen T. Gallagher were domestic partners for about four years, before parting ways in 2009.
Gallagher, who was employed at the University of Pennsylvania as a computer specialist, died in May 2011 after a lengthy illness.
Gallagher’s mother, Joann P. Gallagher, contends she’s entitled to her son’s death benefits.
Last year, Philadelphia Orphans’ Court Judge John W. Herron ruled that Hallman failed to prove he was the beneficiary for Gallagher’s life-insurance policies.
As a result, the proceeds should go to Joann Gallagher as the default beneficiary, according to Herron’s ruling.
But Hallman appealed in state Superior Court, and in July the court remanded the case back to Herron for further consideration.
In August, attorneys for the Gallagher family filed a petition in state Superior Court, asking that the court reconsider its ruling.
At press time, the petition remained pending with the court.
Neither side had a comment for this update.
— Timothy Cwiek
‘Suitcase murder’ case continued
Two people charged in connection with the killing of a man whose body was found in a suitcase near Philadelphia International Airport in May have had their cases continued.
Thomas F. Brennan, 25, of Ridley Township, is charged with murder, abuse of corpse, robbery and related offenses. He is being held in Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility after being denied bail.
Crystal Leibhart, 27, of Philadelphia, is charged with robbery, obstruction of justice and related offenses. She is being held in Riverside Correctional Facility in lieu of $500,000 bail.
The body of Scott Bernheisel, 40, was found stabbed and bludgeoned in a suitcase that was left near the airport. Bernheisel was a gay man from Atlantic City who moved to Philadelphia in 2011. Investigators said he was not targeted for his sexuality, but rather was the victim of a drug-related robbery that turned violent in the 200 block of Wilder Street in South Philadelphia.
Brennan and Leibhart were scheduled for a pre-trial conference Sept. 29 with Judge Benjamin Lerner. Defense lawyers for each requested further investigation. The conference has been rescheduled for 9 a.m. Nov. 5 in Room 1105 of the Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St.
New court date for alleged killer of trans woman
A pre-trial conference for the man accused of stabbing a transgender woman to death in North Philadelphia has been rescheduled for November.
Raheam Felton, 31, was charged with murder and possession of an instrument of crime in connection with the May 18 fatal stabbing of Londyn Chanel, 21, in an abandoned home where the two lived in the 2200 block of North Ingersoll Street.
Felton’s former girlfriend, Mayai Bankz, also a transgender woman, testified that Felton stabbed Chanel after Chanel told Banks that Felton had made sexual advances toward her.
Felton was scheduled for a pre-trial conference Sept. 29. His lawyer, Charles P. Mirarchi 3d, asked for more time for further investigation. Felton’s conference is rescheduled for 9 a.m. Nov. 18 in Room 1105 of the Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St.
Felton is being held in Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility after being denied bail.
— Paige Cooperstein
PAT hosts 10th-anniversary party
Everyone is invited for a free day of fun Oct. 3 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Philly AIDS Thrift.
The nonprofit that sells gently used items to raise money for services and programs for people living with HIV/AIDS is throwing a block party outside the shop at 710 S. Fifth St. It takes place from noon-6 p.m.
There will be games, food trucks and a mini Halloween parade. MacKenzie Moltov, a sword-swallowing clown, will perform, along with Joe Jack Talcum, front man of the Dead Milkmen, and DJ Robert Drake.
Attendees can also donate money to get a chance to plunge a celebrity guest into a dunk tank. Celebrities include Stefanie Jolles of Crash Bang Boom; Chris Bartlett, executive director of William Way LGBT Community Center; and state Rep. Brian Sims.
Women’s softball group celebrates 40th
The Fairmount Park Women’s Softball League is celebrating its 40th anniversary this weekend.
The recreational league for women over 18 of varying skill levels will host a celebration from noon-5 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Blue Bell Hill Park on West Walnut Lane, between Henry and Wissahickon avenues.
The event will include a Classics game, in which current and former players are invited to participate.
For more information about the event, email Susan Zawislak at [email protected].
The league offers both spring and fall seasonal play and is accepting new teams and players for the 2016 spring season. For more information about the league, visit www.fpwsl.com.
— Jen Colletta