Approved settlement ends civil side to death case

A judge’s decision ends a civil claim against the state Department of Public Safety in the death of a Seneca area woman killed when a car chased by state troopers crashed into her home.  Circuit Judge McIntosh’s order last month approves a $175 thousand settlement between the DPS and Shirley Neimeyer.  Plaintiff Neimeyer represents the estate of Vanessa Neimeyer,  killed in 2019 when a car driven by Easley resident El Asia Hussain Muhammed on the Wells Highway went out of control, crossed 123, and crashed into the section of the home where Vanessa Neimeyer had gone to bed at night.  Muhammed later pleaded guilty to failing to stop for a blue light resulting in Vanessa Neimeyer’s death and was sentenced to 12 years in prison.  McIntosh’s order calls the settlement “fair and reasonable.”