Family Takes Settlement in Cat's Shrapnel Death

Settlement in suit over artillery that hit home

A North Jersey family whose home was hit by a piece of stray artillery from a nearby military installation has accepted a $100,000 settlement from the federal government.

The incident occurred in 2008 in Jefferson Township in Morris County, where Frederick and Cheryl Angle's home sits near the Picatinny Arsenal. A two-pound piece of shrapnel crashed through the roof of the home during weapons training, killing the family cat. 

The Angles, who have three children, sued the government for negligence and emotional distress. The government sought to dismiss the suit last year, but a federal judge declined that request.

The New Jersey Herald first reported the settlement. The newspaper says the family initially sought more than $4 million from the Army before rejecting a $7,386 settlement.

“They were satisfied that the case has been resolved,” family attorney Daniel Perez told the New Jersey Herald. “It’s unfortunate it took as long as it did.”

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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