Trial News

Shortly after Tammy Shipp entered her vehicle, which was parked in her driveway, her mother-in-law, Angaline Ryan, approached her, armed with a gun. Ryan shot Shipp several times, hitting her extremities and abdomen. Shipp’s gunshot injuries left her with neuropathy, numbness in her left leg, and scarring. She also experiences post-traumatic stress. Her medical expenses exceeded $100,000, and she has not returned to her administration job at a private college.

Ryan was convicted on first-degree assault charges and is serving time in state prison.

Shipp sued Ryan, alleging assault and battery. The plaintiff asserted that Ryan’s actions stemmed from her emotional distress regarding Shipp’s pending divorce from her son.

The court awarded $3 million, including $2 million in punitive damages and $10,500 for past lost income.

Citation: Shipp v. Ryan, No. 6:16CV03003 (W.D. Mo. Aug. 6, 2019).

Plaintiff counsel: Brandon C. Potter, Springfield, Mo.