BRENTWOOD — A $50 million wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against multimillionaire John "Jay" Brooks and six others in connection with the murder of Derry resident Jack Reid.
The lawsuit comes as Brooks, 56, of Las Vegas, prepares to go on trial for allegedly arranging Reid's murder in June 2005 and delivering the fatal blow to Reid's chest with a hammer. The suit was filed on behalf of Reid's former wife and five children.
Jury selection for Brooks' capital murder trial begins Monday. If convicted by a jury, he could face the death penalty. Although New Hampshire law permits murderers to be sentenced to death, the state has not executed anyone since 1939.
Brooks is eligible for the death penalty because his case allegedly involves murder-for-hire and kidnapping in the commission of a murder.
The civil lawsuit names seven people, five of whom are facing murder charges for playing a role in luring Reid, 57, to a horse farm in Deerfield, then bludgeoning him to death.
Brooks' wife, Lorraine, is named as a defendant in the civil lawsuit. She was not charged in connection with the murder, but the lawsuit describes her as someone who controls some of her husband's assets, including real estate and bank accounts.
It also names Michael Connors, 54, who lent Brooks the horse farm where Reid was lured and killed. He was not charged in the case, but is expected to be a key state witness in Brooks' murder trial. Connors used to be the chief financial officer of Brooks' company, PolyVac Inc.
The lawsuit targets a number of Brooks' assets as well, including two limited-liability real estate companies and a revocable trust held by Lorraine Brooks.
If successful, it could put a dent in what is estimated to be Brooks' vast wealth, built since he sold his surgical container company, PolyVac Inc. Prosecutors say he sold the company for approximately $30 million.
Before his arrest in November 2006, Brooks was best known as a Derry native who went on to become one of New Hampshire's top businessmen. In 1983, he founded PolyVac Inc. in his garage, growing it into a leading manufacturing company next door to the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.
While living in Las Vegas, Brooks allegedly made plans to return to New Hampshire to kill Reid, believing he stole a truckload of furniture and other belongings while working as Brooks' mover. Prosecutors say state police have found no evidence that Reid was the thief.
Gary Lenehan, a lawyer for the Reid family, successfully petitioned July 22 for a series of attachments on the defendants' assets, citing fears that John Brooks has already begun to put his real estate and other assets out of the reach of civil court.
Lenehan said it's believed Brooks is transferring assets to his wife. He cited one example in which Brooks removed himself from part of a limited-liability company he shares with his wife the same year he was arrested.
"It is also anticipated that the defendants will be expending a substantial amount of attorney fees and other expenses related to their criminal defense," Lenehan wrote.
Some or all of the defendants will be required to sell or levy assets to pay for their lawyers and other legal costs, according to Lenehan.
Each of the seven people is being sued for $5 million, but that dollar amount could grow, according to court papers. The revocable trust and two limited liability companies also have $5 million attachments.
Other defendants named in the lawsuit are:
r Michael Benton, 31, of Manchester, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in January for striking Reid twice in the head with a hammer.
r The Brookses' son, Jesse, 31, is charged with conspiracy to commit murder for allegedly recruiting Benton to kill Reid.
r Robin Knight, 56, a Brooks employee, allegedly called Reid using a disposable cell phone to lure him to the horse farm with the promise of work. He is charged with being an accomplice to first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit capital murder.
r Joseph Vrooman, 52, pleaded guilty in June to conspiracy to commit capital murder and hindering apprehension for pushing Reid into the barn and preventing him from leaving.
Connors, Vrooman and Benton all have agreed to testify against Brooks at his capital murder trial. Their testimony is likely to play a role in the civil lawsuit as well. Lenehan, who did not return a phone call yesterday seeking comment, has already used Vrooman's statements made during his June plea hearing to bolster the lawsuit.
Reid's heirs include his ex-wife and five children. They are seeking a civil jury trial in Rockingham County Superior Court. Lawyers for Brooks' criminal case could not be reached for comment yesterday.
As of late July, sheriffs had not been able to serve Lorraine Brooks with court paperwork, according to court documents. She maintains residences in New Castle and Las Vegas.
John Brooks has yet to file a response to the civil lawsuit or inform the court whether he has hired lawyers for the case.
