The family of Shannan Gilbert, whose death has been linked to the Gilgo Beach serial killer, filed a wrongful-death lawsuit today against a physician who once lived near where her remains were found.
Mom Mari Gilbert believes Dr. Peter Hackett was among the last people to see Shannan Gilbert alive and could have prevented her death, according to the civil complaint filed in Riverhead, LI.
The heartbroken mom claims she got a call from Hackett, a day after Shannan went missing, who said he was a doctor and was caring for Shannan.
Remains of the Craigslist prostitute Shannan Gilbert were found in a nearby marsh in December.
VICTOR ALCORN
Attorney John Ra and Shannan Gilbert's mother Mary Gilbert address the media.
AP
Shannan Gilbert.
Suffolk County cops have cleared Hackett as a suspect in the string of murders along the Long Island coast.
"I do believe in my heart that Dr. Hackett played a major role in my daughter's death," Mari Gilbert said. "It’s time that we stand up for our rights.”
Hackett, who has since moved to Florida, insists never he’s never met Shannan.
But he has admitted to calling Mari Gilbert once -- at the request of Shannan’s boyfriend Alex Diaz, who met Hacket while searching for his girlfriend.
Hacket said his May 2010 chat with the mom was brief and he offered his help as a board member of the Oak Beach homeowners association.
"Dr. Hackett has told many bizarre stories about his role in this case," lawyer John Ray said.
"There's no direct evidence as to who killed this lady," Ray added. "But circumstantial evidence can be very strong and the circumstantial evidence right now is very strong to support what we're doing with this lawsuit. I don't care what the police believe."
The lawsuit does not have a figure for damages, but plaintiffs said they’ll ask for millions of dollars.
Dr. Hackett could not be immediately reached for comment today.
Additional reporting by David K. Li
Family of Gilgo Beach serial killer victim Shannan Gilbert files lawsuit against physician
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Family of Gilgo Beach serial killer victim Shannan Gilbert files lawsuit against physician
