Pregnant Victim Sues Pa. Gunman's Family

Instructor Wounded During Summer Shooting at Health Club Says she Remains in Danger of Miscarriage

(AP)  A pregnant aerobics instructor who was wounded in a health club shooting in August sued the estate of the gunman Monday, saying related stress put her in danger of a miscarriage.

Mary Beth Primis was 10 weeks' pregnant when she was leading the aerobics class at an L.A. Fitness Health club in Collier Township on Aug. 4. George Sodini fired at least 52 shots from three weapons, wounding Primis in both shoulders, and hitting 11 other women, three of whom died, before fatally shooting himself.

Primis, 26, was wounded in both shoulders and hospitalized for more than a week. Her unborn baby survived, though her attorneys claim she suffered "stress and harm while pregnant" and remains in danger of miscarriage as a result. Danielle Elderkin, a spokeswoman for the attorneys, said Primis is due to give birth in March.

"One can't even begin to imagine the emotional and physical strain this has put on Ms. Primis," attorney George Kontos said. "The horror of that tragic day will remain with her for a lifetime. Filing this lawsuit is just one step as she continues through her healing process."

Primis and her husband, Alex, of Moon Township, are seeking at least $175,000 in damages from the estate of the 48-year-old Sodini, of Scott Township. Sodini willed $225,000 to his alma mater, the University of Pittsburgh, which refused the gift. At least two other victims have filed papers saying they intend to sue Sodini's estate but have yet to file complaints.

Sodini's brother, Michael, is executor of his estate. He did not immediately return a call for comment Monday.

According to a Web diary that surfaced after the shootings, Sodini seethed with anger and frustration toward women, claiming he hadn't had a girlfriend since 1984 and hadn't slept with a woman in 19 years.

"Women just don't like me. There are 30 million desirable women in the US (my estimate) and I cannot find one. Not one of them finds me attractive," he lamented.

The diary included references to an "exit plan" at his health club, where many young women worked out.

Killed were Jody Billingsley, 37, of Mount Lebanon; Heidi Overmier, 46, of Carnegie; and Elizabeth Gannon, 49, of Green Tree.

[6591Hou]

Completely inaccurate and misleading headline. CBS knows better.

[SusanStoHelit]

They love to phrase the headlines for maximum outrage. Thus, a lawsuit against the gunman's ESTATE is labeled as against his family. It's not against his family. She isn't able to take a penny from their pockets. Only the gunman's money is up for grabs, compensation for what he did to her.

[pubsrtoast]

Apparently many of you comment without bothering to read all those little characters under the headline. His brother is the executor of the estate, that is why the victims are going after him.

[tomanyt]

Wolf1944...What about his family?

[last121868]

They are suing the estate of Mr. Sodini.

[hambonehd]

What a idiot! Man, people will sue and try to make a buck off anybody. What the hell did his family have to do with it?
Can only wonder what her off-spring will be like!

[tomanyt]

Pregnant Victim Sues Pa. Gunman's Family...What did the gunman's family have to do with it????

[Wolf1944]

It's his estate she's suing. His estate owes her. That's how it always works.

[dwilson59]

Humm.......... Singel 41 never been with a woman, I can see a lot of money in it.