Murder victim's husband sues security firm

CHICAGO The lawsuit filed Wednesday in Cook County Circuit Court by Kenneth Hutchison Jr. claims the restaurant and the safe inside were both equipped with alarm systems provided by Stand Guard Inc. that did not activate during the robbery. The lawsuit contends the malfunctions contributed to Mary Hutchison's murder.

Forty-three-year-old James Ealy of Lake Villa is accused of robbing the restaurant where he used to work. Prosecutors allege he beat Hutchison and used the bow tie from her uniform to strangle her.

The criminal case against Ealy, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, is pending.

Lake County prosecutors said in December 2007 they would seek the death penalty against Ealy for Hutchison's murder.