Pubdate: Wed, 05 Dec 2001
Source: South Bend Tribune (IN)
Copyright: 2001 South Bend Tribune
Contact:  http://www.southbendtribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/621
Author:  Adam Jackson, Tribune Staff Writer

ATTORNEY TO HANDLE RAINBOW ESTATE

Cass County Probate Court Judge Susan Dobrich ruled that a local attorney 
appointed by the state will handle an estate left to the son of 28-year-old 
Rolland Rohm, who was killed along with 46-year-old Grover "Tom" Crosslin 
at a Vandalia campground over the Labor Day Weekend.

Crosslin and Rohm barricaded themselves on Aug. 31 in a house at Rainbow 
Farm Campground, located at 59896 Pemberton Road, after failing to appear 
at a court hearing for drug charges issued after a lengthy investigation of 
activities at the campground, which was owned by Crosslin.

After a standoff, Crosslin was reportedly shot by FBI agents after 
brandishing a gun at them on Sept. 3. Rohm was shot and killed in a similar 
manner Sept. 4.

The two men had cared for Rohm's 13-year-old son Robert since the child was 
4 years old, and they left all they owned to him.

Dobrich delivered the ruling to the families of the slain men and their 
attorneys on Friday, after holding a closed hearing Nov. 26 to hear the 
case. Rohm's mother, Geri Livermore, and Crosslin's father, Thomas 
Crosslin, had both petitioned to be appointed to oversee the estate left by 
both men to Robert.

But because Robert is in state foster care, Dobrich ruled that 
state-appointed attorney Peter Smith of Niles should be in charge of the 
estate, which is believed to consist of the 43-acre campground, a 
historical brick home on Michigan 60 in Vandalia, and property in Elkhart 
County.

Smith confirmed his appointment as Robert's guardian ad litem, but said he 
could not comment further on the case.

Dan Wilson, who leads the statewide Parents for Children Advocacy group, 
has been working closely with the families of both Crosslin and Rohm since 
their deaths. He said that by the time Robert is able to take possession of 
the property, there might be nothing left to own due to the creditors who 
have claims against the estate.

The estate decision, Wilson said, is proving unpopular with the friends and 
family of Crosslin and Rohm, who believe that the property would be better 
administered by the child's family until he can legally take possession 
when he turns 18.

Wilson is the husband of attorney Janet Frederick-Wilson, who is 
representing the families of Crosslin and Rohm in legal matters arising 
from the deaths of the two men. She did not immediately return a call 
Tuesday seeking comment. But Dan Wilson was willing to offer his opinion.

"It seems like all too often, it's money that drives these issues and not 
what is in the child's best interest," he said. "Robert is old enough to 
remember what is being done to him."

The ruling effectively ends any opportunities the families of the two men 
had to be involved in the process of distributing the estate, unless they 
mount an expensive legal appeal. But it may not end their involvement in 
other legal battles surrounding the shootings.

Wilson said Dobrich also ruled that Thomas Crosslin, father of Grover "Tom" 
Crosslin, and Geri Livermore, mother of Rolland Rohm, may oversee any money 
earmarked for Robert in the event of any monetary settlement from a 
possible wrongful death lawsuit the families may file against authorities 
involved in the shooting.

Pending the release of a report on the shootings by Cass County Prosecutor 
Scott Teter, Wilson said that lawsuit is a certainty -- even if the 
families cannot afford it.

"That wrongful death suit will happen when we get the information we need," 
he said. " The case will be done regardless of compensation."
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