Brother allegedly murders his older brother in argument over family farm. $2.7M. Fresno County.

Summary

Brother is allegedly shot twice in the back by younger sibling when he arrives at farm to tear down grape vines.

The Case

Case Name: Vulich v. Vulich
Court and Case Number: Fresno Superior Court / 20CECG03175
Date of Verdict or Judgment: Monday, March 11, 2024
Date Action was Filed: Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Type of Case: Wrongful Death
Judge or Arbitrator(s): Hon. D. Tyler Tharpe
Plaintiffs:
Sharon Vulich
Crystal Vulich
Nicole Vulich Miller
Defendants:
Norman Vulich
Type of Result: Jury Verdict

The Result

Gross Verdict or Award: $2,779,457
Economic Damages:
$529,447 in past and future lost earnings, loss of household services, and funeral/burial services.
Non-Economic Damages:
Past: $750,000

Future: $1,500,000
Punitive Damages:
The jury found that defendant engaged in conduct with malice, oppression, or fraud but plaintiffs did not further pursue punitive damages.
Trial or Arbitration Time: 5 days
Jury Deliberation Time: Less than 1 day
Post Trial Motions & Post-Verdict Settlements: There were no post trial motions; however, defendant has appealed the verdict.

The Attorneys

Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Miles Sears & Eanni by Lyndsie Russell, Fresno.
Attorney for the Defendant:
Daniel L. Harralson Law Corporation by Daniel Harralson, Fresno.

The Experts

Plaintiff's Medical Expert(s):
Christopher Happy, M.D., pathology.
Defendant's Medical Expert(s):
None.
Plaintiff's Technical Experts:
Antonio Avalos, Ph.D., economics.
Plaintiff's Technical Expert(s):
Antonio Avalos, Ph.D., economics.
Defendant's Technical Expert(s):
None.

Facts and Background

Facts and Background:
Decedent Jerry Vulich, 68, had inherited his childhood home and farm following his mother’s death. His brother and defendant Norman Vulich, 61, had living rights to the home on the property. Norman Vulich resided in the old chicken barn on the property.

On the morning of October 23, 2020, Jerry Vulich arrived at the property, a raisin farm, to continue work on removing grapevines to switch over the crop to almond trees. Norman Vulich was angry regarding the crop switch. Norman Vulich allegedly shot Jerry Vulich twice in the back with a shotgun, hid the body near the compost pile, and covered him with items from the farm.

At 8:30 am law enforcement received a report of someone possibly being shot. They responded within 30 minutes and found Jerry Vulich’s body. The criminal case against Norman Vulich is still pending.
Plaintiff's Contentions:
Plaintiffs contended that defendant intentionally killed decedent and that decedent's conduct did not cause or contribute to his death.
Defendant's Contentions:
Defendant contended that he acted in self defense. He additionally contended that decedent was negligent for failing to call for a civil standby when he went to his property to work on October 23, 2020. He additionally contended that decedent was negligent due to the presence of alcohol in his system at the time of his death.

Injuries and Other Damages

Wrongful death of decedent, survivor cause of action, and punitive damages.

Additional Notes

Defendant's witnesses were excluded for defense's failure to disclose witnesses and basic information during the discovery process.

Plaintiff's attorney Russell deposed Norman Vulich’s appointed financial manager about available assets and is confident damages awarded by the jury will be recovered.