LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- The 15th judicial district court awarded $216 million to the children of Katherine Mashburn who was killed in a 2023 murder suicide.
News 10 spoke with Mashburn's children about how they have been since their mother's murder, and how they feel about the judge's decision.
Drake and Malorie Vincent said losing their mother to domestic violence is something they never thought they would have to experience. And even though they've recently been awarded $216 million for her death, they say there's no amount of money that could ever fill the void of being robbed of a life they could have had with their mother.
"Imagine going your whole life with somebody with you and then to be ripped away. There's a big emptiness," said Drake.
In April 2023 51-year-old Katherine Mashburn, was shot and killed on North Girouard road by her estranged husband, 53-year-old Eric Babineaux, in a murder-suicide. Mashburn's children say their mother's murder was not only devastating but it made her a victim of domestic violence.
"When this happens like that, you're forced to see her as a victim. And it's an awful feeling," said Drake.
As a way to seek justice for the loss of their mother, both Drake and Malorie filed a civil lawsuit with the 15th Judicial District court and was awarded $216 million in exemplary damages and compensatory damages against Babineaux's estate.
Andrew Quackenbos, Drake and Malorie's attorney, says this is the only remaining justice available to them as the person who committed the crime took his own life.
"The only justice that was remaining because the criminal justice system wasn't available in light of the fact that the gentleman who perpetrated this crime took his own life," said Quackenbos.
Quackenbos says the large amount awarded is to send a message as a way to prevent domestic violence crimes from happening as the perpetrator may not always be held liable.
"But what made it interesting and unique and noteworthy is that they had the ability to seek exemplary damages because of domestic violence being involved," said Quackenbos.
Both Drake and Mallory say although their mom may have been a victim of domestic violence, everything they've gone through the last ten months has made them see how much of a hero Mashburn really was, and they would do anything just to have her back.
"I'm just glad fortunately this allows us to see her mom as a hero again. Even if we really were able to receive all of money, we're still, I would still trade it for anything," said Drake.
