Simmons v. Dodson et al

Filing 67

OPINION MEMORANDUM AND ORDER. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that plaintiffs motion to substitute parties [ECF No. 61] is DENIED. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Danny Dodson is DISMISSED from this action. An Order of Partial Dismissal will be filed separately. Signed by District Judge Henry Edward Autrey on 8/12/15. (MRS)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI
SOUTHEASTERN DIVISION
RICHARD L. SIMMONS,
Plaintiff,
v.
DANNY DODSON, et al.,
Defendants,

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No. 1:14CV167 ACL

OPINION, MEMORANDUM AND ORDER
This matter is before the Court on plaintiff’s motion to substitute party. On May 5, 2015,
defendant Janet Warren filed a suggestion of death concerning defendant Danny Dodson, who
was formerly a medical officer for the Pemiscot County Jail (the “Jail”). Under Rule 25(a)(1) of
the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, plaintiff had ninety days to file an appropriate motion to
substitute party. On July 20, 2015, plaintiff moved to substitute Thomas Greenwell, the Sheriff
of Pemiscot County, for Dodson. Plaintiff contends, without any evidence or legal authority, that
Greenwell is Dodson’s proper successor.
Defendant argues that Greenwell is not the lawful successor under Missouri law because
he has not been appointed as Dodson’s personal representative.
The only connection between Dodson and Greenwell appears to be that Greenwell
supervised the Jail, where Dodson worked. Greenwell is not an interested party, and substitution
under Rule 25 is not proper.
Accordingly,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that plaintiff’s motion to substitute parties [ECF No. 61] is
DENIED.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Danny Dodson is DISMISSED from this action.
An Order of Partial Dismissal will be filed separately.
Dated this 12th day of August, 2015.

HENRY EDWARD AUTREY
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

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