DEBORAH K. CHASANOW, District Judge.
Presently pending in this case brought pursuant to the Federal Tort Claims Act ("FTCA") are the Government's motion to dismiss or alternatively for summary judgment (ECF No. 10), as well as motions for leave to supplement filed by Defendant United States (ECF No. 14) and Plaintiff Angele Chang-Williams (ECF No. 15). The issues are fully briefed and the court now rules, no hearing being deemed necessary. See Local Rule 105.6. For the reasons that follow, the Government's motion, which will be construed as a motion for summary judgment, will be granted in part and denied in part. In addition, both motions to supplement will be granted.
The facts of this case are tragic. Just before midnight on November 12, 2002, Chang-Williams and her family were attacked at their home by U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Estabon Eugene, the estranged husband of Chang-Williams' niece. Eugene, who was searching for his wife, shot and killed Chang-Williams' husband, Kelvin Chang, and her son, Aldwin Chang. Chang-Williams was herself shot in the face, but survived. She now seeks damages from the United States for certain acts related to the attack.
The following facts are uncontroverted.
Nakeisha Rhea, Chang-Williams' niece, married Eugene in June 2002. (ECF No. 10-3, at 2).
On November 1, 2002, Eugene's temper again boiled over. Prince George's County police arrived at Eugene and Rhea's home in Landover to find Rhea badly beaten,
Authorities arrested and charged Eugene with assault in the second degree and refusal to follow a lawful police order. (Id. at 1). Although he was initially confined to the Prince George's County Detention Center, Eugene was released on bail on November 2. (ECF No. 10-4, at 1). Marine Corps Master Sergeant Bruce Witherspoon acted as Eugene's indemnitor and paid the $510 bail bondsman's fee. (Id. at 4).
After his release, Marine Corps command ordered Eugene to undergo psychiatric screening. (ECF No. 10-5, at 1). Consequently, from November 4 through November 12, Eugene met occasionally with counselor and Marine Corps Master Sergeant John Charles. (Id.). Records
On November 5, 2002, four days after Eugene's initial arrest, Marine Corps command issued a "Military Protection Order." (Id.). The order instructed Eugene to stay at least 100 feet away from Rhea, her residence, or her work place, and barred him from having any unauthorized contact with her. (Id. at 1). The military order was to remain in effect for one month. (Id. at 2).
The next day, Rhea petitioned the District Court of Maryland for Prince George's County for a protective order. (ECF No. 10-8). Rhea sought protection for herself and several family members, including Chang-Williams. (Id. at 5). The court entered a temporary protective order on November 6, which forbade Eugene from contacting Rhea and instructed him to "stay away" from several temporary residences, including Chang-Williams' residence in Capitol Heights, Maryland. (ECF No. 10-9). The state order was in force until November 13. (Id.).
On November 7, 2002, Eugene rented a car in Virginia. (ECF No. 10-10). He also purchased a 9mm Ruger handgun. A few days later, on November 12, Eugene drove the rental car to Chang-Williams' house in Capitol Heights and hid outside. (ECF Nos. 10-3, at 12; 10-11, at 2). When Chang-Williams' son Aldwin returned home, Eugene revealed himself, brandished the pistol, and forced his way into the house. (ECF Nos. 10-3, at 12; 10-11, at 2). Aldwin escaped to a neighbor's house to call the police, but Eugene found Chang-Williams sitting in the front room of the home. (ECF Nos. 10-3, at 12; 10-11, at 2). He threatened her with the pistol and demanded to know where Rhea was; Chang-Williams told him Rhea was not there. (ECF No. 10-3, at 12). In response, Eugene shot Chang-Williams in her face and hand, leaving her bleeding and unconscious on the floor. (ECF No. 10-3, at 12-13). Eugene then went upstairs, where he found Chang-Williams' husband Kelvin asleep in his bed. (Id. at 12). Eugene shot and killed him. (Id.) Hearing the shots, Aldwin ran back towards the house from the neighbor's home. (ECF Nos. 10-3, at 13; 10-11, at 2). When Aldwin encountered Eugene in the driveway, Eugene killed him, too. (Id.).
Eugene left Chang-Williams' house and drove to the home of another of Rhea's family members, Ursula Charley, in Mitchellville. (ECF No. 10-11, at 2). Once there, he attempted to break into the house, but fled the scene when the residents inside started screaming. (Id.). Police eventually spotted Eugene in his rental car and a chase ensued. (Id.). The chase ended when Eugene crashed his car on the Capital Beltway and then turned
The parties' accounts differ on one important fact: the parties dispute whether the Marine Corps offered any specific assurances of protection before the shooting to Rhea's family, including Chang-Williams, her husband, and her son.
According to Chang-Williams, Captain James Richards and "Gunnery Sergeant Holden" visited Charley's home on November 4. (ECF Nos. 12-3, at 1; 15-2, at 2). Nakeisha Rhea, Carolyn Rhea, and Shelita Simmons were present. (ECF No. 12-3, at 1). Nakeisha told the Marines about the incident on November 1 and told them she was afraid her husband would return for her. The family members also told the Marines that they were afraid Eugene would look for Nakeisha at Chang-Williams' home,
The Government submits a declaration from Richards. (ECF No. 14-1). In the declaration, Richards recalls that he and a Marine Master Sergeant visited Nakeisha at the home where she was staying. (Id. at 2). He does not remember the entire visit. (Id.). Nor does "recall guaranteeing the safety of the victim's family members." (Id.). He remembers that Eugene was placed on "restriction by command," but not any "24/7" suicide watch. (Id.). He also states that he "did not place any Marines outside any dwellings." (Id.).
Chang-Williams and her two daughters, DeLisia Carpenter and Vinele Chang, filed an administrative claim for wrongful death and injury with the Naval Legal Service Office on November 12, 2004 for just under $2.7 million. (ECF No. 10-12). The "shootings and murders committed by Marine Corps Sgt. Est[a]bon Eugene" formed the basis of the claims. (Id. at 1). Almost five years later, on September 29, 2009, the Department of the Navy denied the claims in their entirety. (ECF No. 10-13, at 1). The denial letter stated three bases: (1) the waiver of sovereign immunity found in the FTCA "excludes any claim arising out of assault and battery, including homicide"; (2) Eugene was not acting within the scope of his employment during the relevant events; and (3) federal officials had no duty to protect Chang-Williams' family and could not have foreseen the murders. (Id. at 1-2).
On March 30, 2010, Chang-Williams filed a pro se complaint in this court seeking damages of $6 million. (ECF No. 1). The complaint asserts claims for wrongful death, "malicious act," and personal injury against four defendants: the Department of the Navy, "JAG," the U.S. Marine Corps, and the United States. (Id. at 1). Giving the complaint liberal construction, as the court must,
The Government has moved to dismiss or, alternatively, for summary judgment. Because both parties rely on matters outside the pleadings, the court will treat the motion as a motion for summary judgment. See Walker v. True, 399 F.3d 315, 319 n. 2 (4th Cir.2005); accord Off en v. Brenner, 553 F.Supp.2d 565, 568 (D.Md.2008).
A court may enter summary judgment only if there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. See Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(a); Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 322, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986); Emmett v. Johnson, 532 F.3d 291, 297 (4th Cir.2008). Summary judgment is inappropriate if any material factual issue "may reasonably be resolved in favor of either party." Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 250, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986); JKC Holding Co. LLC v. Washington Sports Ventures, Inc., 264 F.3d 459, 465 (4th Cir.2001).
"A party opposing a properly supported motion for summary judgment `may not rest upon the mere allegations or denials of [his] pleadings,' but rather must `set forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial.'" Bouchat v. Baltimore Ravens Football Club, Inc., 346 F.3d 514, 522 (4th Cir.2003) (quoting former Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(e)). "A mere scintilla of proof . . . will not suffice to prevent summary judgment." Peters v. Jenney, 327 F.3d 307, 314 (4th Cir.2003). "If the evidence is merely colorable, or is not significantly probative, summary judgment may be granted." Liberty Lobby, 477 U.S. at 249-50, 106 S.Ct. 2505. (citations omitted). At the same time, the court must construe the facts that are presented in the light most favorable to the party opposing the motion. See Scott v. Harris, 550 U.S. 372, 378, 127 S.Ct. 1769, 167 L.Ed.2d 686 (2007); Emmett, 532 F.3d at 297.
Chang-Williams brings her claims pursuant to the FTCA. The United States, as a sovereign, is immune from suit unless it consents to suit via an explicit waiver. United States v. Sherwood, 312 U.S. 584, 587, 61 S.Ct. 767, 85 L.Ed. 1058 (1941). The FTCA is one such waiver, which "mak[es] the Federal Government liable to the same extent as a private party for certain torts of federal employees acting within the scope of their employment." United States v. Orleans, 425 U.S. 807, 813, 96 S.Ct. 1971, 48 L.Ed.2d 390 (1976); see 28 U.S.C. §§ 2671-80. Although the FTCA provides tort claimants with one potential avenue for relief, the path to relief is a narrow one, which provides for liability "only on terms and conditions strictly prescribed by Congress." Gould v. U.S. Dep't of Health & Human Servs.,
"[T]o establish subject matter jurisdiction, an FTCA plaintiff bears the burden of establishing . . . that the Government employee was acting within the scope of his or her employment at the time of the accident." Kerns v. United States, 585 F.3d 187, 194 (4th Cir.2009). In addition, the "specific exceptions outlined in the Act . . . [are] considered jurisdictional." Welch v. United States, 409 F.3d 646, 651 (4th Cir.2005). Hence, these issues are addressed first because "[w]ithout jurisdiction the court cannot proceed at all in any cause." Steel Co. v. Citizens for a Better Env't, 523 U.S. 83, 94, 118 S.Ct. 1003, 140 L.Ed.2d 210 (1998).
The FTCA provides the court with jurisdiction only when the government employee in question is "acting within the scope of his office or employment." 28 U.S.C. § 2679(b)(1). In Maryland,
Larsen v. Chinwuba, 377 Md. 92, 105-06, 832 A.2d 193 (2003) (quoting Sawyer v. Humphries, 322 Md. 247, 255, 587 A.2d 467 (1991)).
The Government correctly contends that Eugene's activities were not within the scope of his employment. The complaint briefly references Eugene's status as an "active duty member" of the Marine Corps (ECF No. 1, at 1), but provides no further hint that his attack on Chang-Williams' family fell within the scope of his employment. The present record also does not suggest that Eugene's off base, off-duty acts were incident to the performance of his duties as a Marine or that they in any way advanced the Marine Corps' purposes. Because Eugene's acts were outside the scope of his employment, they are beyond the reach of the FTCA's sovereign immunity waiver. Consequently, any allegation that the United States is directly liable for Eugene's acts based on a theory of respondeat superior must be dismissed.
The Government does not argue, however, that the alleged acts of other government agents were outside the scope of their employment. To the contrary, when agents of the Marine Corps allegedly promised to protect Chang-Williams (and her family) and then failed to so, those actions could be seen as "incident to the performance" of their ordinary duties. (See, e.g., ECF No. 14-1, at 1-2 ("Since it was a Marine from the Defense Message System (DMS) section, . . . I. . ., along with a MSgt who also worked in the DMS section, went to check on the victim where she was staying.")). It follows that the actions of those Marines would be within the scope of their employment.
The United States also argues that the intentional tort exception to the FTCA bars Chang-Williams' claims. Specifically, the Government maintains that "all of Plaintiff's claims against the United States should be dismissed because they all depend upon the existence of the ultimate assault and battery committed by Eugene," and as such are barred by the intentional tort exception found in 28 U.S.C. § 2680(h). (ECF No. 10-1, at 17 n. 6 (citing Perkins v. United States, 55 F.3d 910, 916-917 (4th Cir.1995))).
The intentional tort exception provides that the United States retains immunity as to "[a]ny claim arising out of [an] assault [or] battery." 28 U.S.C. § 2680(h). Indisputably, Eugene's murderous acts constituted assault and battery. That assault could not form the basis for a direct claim against the United States. See, e.g., Stepp v. United States, 207 F.2d 909, 911 (4th Cir.1953) (concluding Section 2680(h) barred respondeat superior claim where servicemember used excessive force in shooting civilian); Wise v. United States, 8 F.Supp.2d 535, 542 (E.D.Va.1998) (holding Section 2680(h) barred direct liability claim premised on servicemembers' sexual assault and murder of civilian). In other words, the intentional tort exception would provide an additional basis for dismissing any respondeat superior claim based on Eugene's actions.
But Chang-Williams does not advance solely a direct claim against the Government. Rather, she makes certain negligence claims that, while related to Eugene's actions, stem from the independent and allegedly negligent actions of other government agents. The Government nevertheless protests that her claims amount to nothing more than a negligent supervision claim. Such claims, it says, must be barred by the intentional tort exception.
The analysis begins with the plurality decision in United States v. Shearer, 473 U.S. 52, 105 S.Ct. 3039, 87 L.Ed.2d 38 (1985). Vernon Shearer was a private in the U.S. Army. Id. at 53, 105 S.Ct. 3039. While off duty and away from his base, Private Andrew Heard kidnapped and murdered him. Id. Shearer's mother then attempted to sue the United States under the FTCA for the Army's negligence in failing to "exert a reasonably sufficient control over" Heard and failing to "warn other persons" of Heard's criminal history. Id. at 54, 105 S.Ct. 3039. Four justices of the Supreme Court concluded it was "clear" that the claims arose "out of the battery committed by Private Heard." Id. at 54-55, 105 S.Ct. 3039. The plurality read the intentional tort exception broadly, construing it as a bar to virtually any negligence claim associated with an assault or battery:
Id. at 55, 105 S.Ct. 3039. Near the end of its opinion, the plurality appeared to foreclose negligence claims such as Chang-Williams', concluding: "[I]t is inescapable that the phrase `arising out of assault [or] battery' is broad enough to encompass claims sounding in negligence." Id. at 56, 105 S.Ct. 3039.
Id. at 397-98, 108 S.Ct. 2449 (quoting Sheridan v. United States, 823 F.2d 820, 824 (4th Cir.1987)).
On review, the Supreme Court first recognized that "[t]he words `any claim arising out of' an assault or battery are unquestionably broad enough to bar all claims based entirely on an assault or battery." Sheridan, 487 U.S. at 398, 108 S.Ct. 2449. Nevertheless, the Court also considered it "settled" that in "at least some situations the fact that an injury was directly caused by an assault or battery will not preclude liability against the Government for negligently allowing the assault to occur." Id.
In some ways tracing Judge Winter's analysis, the Court posited two theories that might help draw the line between cognizable and non-cognizable negligence claims implicating an intentional tort. Id. at 399-400, 108 S.Ct. 2449. Under the first theory, one might assume that the independent negligent act of the government official is the predominant act, such that the claim does not truly "arise out of" the intentional tort. Id. at 399, 108 S.Ct. 2449. Under this approach, "the intentional commission is simply considered as part of the causal link leading to the injury." Id. Put differently, a claim would be viable under this theory when the actual assault "serves only to establish the extent of the plaintiff's injury, not to establish the . . . breach of duty." Thigpen v. United
Instead of fully endorsing this first approach, Sheridan instead relies on a second theory: "the intentional tort exception is simply inapplicable to torts that fall outside the scope of [Section] 1346(b)'s general waiver." Sheridan, 487 U.S. at 400, 108 S.Ct. 2449. Because Carr's acts were not within the scope of his employment, those acts—standing alone—would not have given rise to government liability under the FTCA; as such, the intentional tort exception did not apply. Id. at 400-401, 108 S.Ct. 2449. The negligence of other government employees provided an "entirely independent" basis for liability unshielded by Section 2680(h), as they voluntarily assumed a responsibility to perform their "`Good Samaritan task' in a careful manner." Id. at 401, 108 S.Ct. 2449 (quotation marks and citations omitted). Assuming that the government employees had such a "Good Samaritan" duty under state law, the Court concluded:
Id. at 402, 108 S.Ct. 2449. In short, Sheridan recognized the viability of a negligence action against the government related to an intentional tort committed by an individual employed by the government, where the employee did not act within the scope of his employment and the asserted basis for liability is "entirely independent" from the employment relationship.
As explained above, and as the United States itself contends (ECF Nos. 10-1, at 14-15; 13, at 11), Eugene's actions were outside the scope of his employment. Thus, Sheridan would indicate that the intentional tort exception is "simply inapplicable." Sheridan, 487 U.S. at 400, 108 S.Ct. 2449. Moreover, Chang-Williams' claims regarding the United States' failure to protect her are entirely unrelated to the employment relationship between Eugene and the Marine Corps. The purported duty to protect arose not because of Eugene's status as a Marine, but because of the alleged promise members of the Marine Corps voluntarily made to Chang-Williams and her family.
To be sure, a true claim of negligent supervision in this case might be a back-door attempt to raise a respondeat superior claim premised on an excepted act, as such claims typically depend on the employment relationship. Schweizer v. Keating, 150 F.Supp.2d 830, 843 (D.Md. 2001) ("Under Maryland law, liability for negligent supervision has arisen, almost exclusively, in cases involving master-servant relationships."); see also Lilly v. United States, 141 F.Supp.2d 626, 629 (S.D.W.Va.2001) (concluding that Fourth Circuit's pre-Sheridan decisions—which barred negligent supervision claims premised on intentional acts of government employee—continue to apply). But, contrary to the Government's characterizations, the complaint in this case offers more than a negligent supervision claim.
The Government further argues that the discretionary function exception to the FTCA, found at 28 U.S.C. § 2680(a), applies to Chang-Williams' claims. (ECF No. 10-1, at 17 (citing Strong, 573 F.Supp.2d at 886-87)). "[T]he discretionary function exception `marks the boundary between Congress' willingness to impose tort liability upon the United States and its desire to protect certain governmental activities from exposure to suit by private individuals.'" Suter, 441 F.3d at 310 (quoting United States v. S.A. Empresa de Viacao Aerea Rio Grandense (Varig Airlines), 467 U.S. 797, 808, 104 S.Ct. 2755, 81 L.Ed.2d 660 (1984)).
Two issues dictate whether an act is discretionary. First, conduct by a federal employee falls within the discretionary function exception when it "`involves
The Government asserts that the relevant decisions were entrusted to the discretion of commanding officers. There is certainly something to be said for deference to military decisions. In fact, "when discretionary decisions are ones of professional military discretion, they are due the courts' highest deference." Minns v. United States, 155 F.3d 445, 451 (4th Cir. 1998). Nevertheless, not every military decision involving the slightest degree of discretion will escape the reach of the FTCA. See Loughlin v. United States, 286 F.Supp.2d 1, 23 n. 19 (D.D.C.2003) (rejecting the suggestion that "all decisions made by the military are automatically protected by the discretionary function exception"). "[A]lmost every act involves some modicum of discretion regarding the manner in which one carries it out," but granting immunity for all such acts "is not required by the language of the [discretionary function exception] and would undercut the policy aims at the heart of the FTCA." Coulthurst v. United States, 214 F.3d 106, 110 (2d Cir.2000); accord Gaubert, 499 U.S. at 325 n. 7, 111 S.Ct. 1267 ("Although driving requires the constant exercise of discretion, the official's decisions in exercising that discretion can hardly be said to be grounded in regulatory policy."); Cope v. Scott, 45 F.3d 445, 449 (D.C.Cir.1995) ("The question is not whether there is any discretion at all, but whether the discretion is grounded in the policy of the regulatory regime. The mere association of a decision with regulatory concerns is not enough; exempt decisions are those fraught with public policy considerations." (quotation marks, citations, and ellipses omitted)). Even when military actors are involved, courts must be careful not to read the discretionary function exception
The initial decision to protect was likely a discretionary decision that lies well within the province of military discretion. The Government cites Strong for the proposition that "the determination of whether to `detain' and `monitor' a servicemember is left to the discretion of his commanding officer." Likewise, in the civilian context, the Fourth Circuit has held that the decision of whether to protect a particular individual is a "policy decision of the discretionary nature." Piechowicz v. United States, 885 F.2d 1207, 1213 (4th Cir.1989) (quoting Bergmann v. United States, 689 F.2d 789, 793 (8th Cir.1982)).
But while the initial decision to assume a duty may be discretionary, that decision is not what Chang-Williams challenges here. Instead, Chang-Williams challenges certain actions taken after the Marine Corps allegedly decided to protect her family. She contends that the Government injured her because its agents negligently breached their initial promise and allowed Eugene to roam free. One could call this a claim based on the dereliction (rather than assumption) of a promise to protect. Thus, the real issue in this case is not whether the decision to protect is discretionary, but whether the agents of the United States performed a discretionary function when they disregarded their own specific assurances to Chang-Williams and her family. Cf. Indian Towing Co. v. United States, 350 U.S. 61, 69, 76 S.Ct. 122, 100 L.Ed. 48 (1955) ("But once [the agency] exercised its discretion . . . and engendered reliance . . ., it was obligated to use due care [in the exercise of that discretion]."). For several reasons, the alleged breach of a specific promise of protection was not discretionary.
As previously observed, case law has coalesced around a simple notion: "once federal government officials affirmatively decide to undertake to carry out a duty, the discretionary function exception of section 2680(a) may not be applicable if those officials perform that duty negligently, even though their decision whether or not initially to undertake that duty was itself discretionary." Piechowicz v. United States, 685 F.Supp. 486, 498 (D.Md.1988); see also Coyne v. United States, 270 F.Supp.2d 104, 118 (D.Mass.2003), rev'd on other grounds by 386 F.3d 280 (1st Cir. 2004) ("Coyne's allegation that the government did nothing to protect him after voluntarily taking on the obligation to do so is actionable."); Miller v. United States, 530 F.Supp. 611, 615 (E.D.Pa.1982) ("[C]ourts have . . . recognized that, where the government enters into a special relationship with an individual, the government may not have any discretion as to whether to protect that individual. . . . At least two federal courts have held that . . . the negligent performance of that duty [to protect] is not shielded by the discretionary function exception." (footnote omitted)). Although the Fourth Circuit has not apparently decided whether the breach of a specific promise to protect is a discretionary act, other federal courts have.
In Ochran v. United States, 117 F.3d 495 (11th Cir.1997), for example, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit determined that a witness could not bring suit under the FTCA against an Assistant United States Attorney who promised to protect him from an attacker and failed to do. Although the promise of protection may have created a "special relationship" between the victim and the attorney, the decision as to how to protect the victim still involved the exercise of judgment. Id. at 506. Importantly, however, the court "emphasize[d]" that "these dealings did not involve a promise to perform specific actions on the [victim]'s behalf." Id. at 506 n. 7. The absence of a specific promise was important because
Chang-Williams does not—and could not—point to any applicable federal statute, regulation, or policy that prescribed the Marines' conduct in this case.
Moreover, if the facts are as Chang-Williams alleges, there are no apparent "social, economic, [or] political" considerations that would underlie the United States' decision to ignore its own promise. Smith, 290 F.3d at 208. If Chang-Williams proves that the explicit promise was made, any policy considerations would have been weighed and the Marine Corps was obligated to act, or at the very least to inform Chang-Williams that it did not intend to protect her after all. Cf. Whisnant v. United States, 400 F.3d 1177, 1182 (9th Cir.2005) ("Safety measures, once undertaken, cannot be shortchanged in the name of policy." (quotation marks and brackets omitted)).
In sum, the FTCA provides the court with the jurisdiction to consider Chang-Williams' negligent failure to protect claims.
The FTCA only provides jurisdiction, not the substantive cause of action. Thus, "an action under [the] FTCA exists only if the State in which the alleged misconduct occurred would permit a cause of action for that misconduct to go forward." Carlson v. Green, 446 U.S. 14, 23, 100 S.Ct. 1468, 64 L.Ed.2d 15 (1980); see also Florida Auto Auction of Orlando, Inc. v. United States, 74 F.3d 498, 502 (4th Cir. 1996) ("The Act does not create new causes of action[.]. . . Instead, the Act only serves to convey jurisdiction when the alleged breach of duty is tortious under state law." (quotation marks omitted)).
The parties assume that Maryland law applies. Although they are correct, the matter is not as simple as it
Chang-Williams seeks to recover for her own injuries by alleging that the United States negligently failed to protect her from Eugene. In Maryland, a private party generally has no duty "to control a third person's conduct so as to prevent personal harm to another, unless a `special relationship' exists either between the actor and the third person or between the actor and the person injured." Gourdine v. Crews, 405 Md. 722, 746, 955 A.2d 769 (2008) (quoting Ashburn v. Anne Arundel Cnty., 306 Md. 617, 628, 510 A.2d 1078 (1986)); see also Scott v. Watson, 278 Md. 160, 166, 359 A.2d 548 (1976) ("[A] private person is under no special duty to protect another from criminal acts by a third person, in the absence of statutes, or of a special relationship."). This "special relationship" exception to the general bar against liability is narrowly construed. Patton v. U.S. of Am. Rugby Football, 381 Md. 627, 642, 851 A.2d 566 (2004). The special relationship issue is determined on a "case-by-case basis." McNack v. State, 398 Md. 378, 399, 920 A.2d 1097 (2007) (quotation marks omitted).
Chang-Williams argues that she had a special relationship with the Marine Corps by virtue of the promise the Corps made to protect her and her family. The Government responds that several required elements of a special relationship are lacking here. Specifically, the Government finds fault with Chang-Williams' claims because (1) the Marine Corps did not place Eugene in custodial confinement; (2) the Marine Corps never made a direct promise of protection to Chang-Williams; (3) the Marine Corps did not take any affirmative steps to provide protection; and (4) Chang-Williams did not rely on the promise.
Chang-Williams is not required to show "custodial confinement" to establish a special relationship in this case. Holson v. State, 99 Md.App. 411, 424, 637 A.2d 871 (1994) ("Until the door to duty, foreseeability, ordinary care, etc., is opened by a custodial or other special relationship, suits in negligence based upon negligent omission, such as that in the case at bar, cannot be successfully maintained." (emphasis added)). A duty to protect may arise when either of two relationships exists: "(a) a special relation exists between the actor and the third person which imposes a duty upon the actor to control the third person's conduct, or (b) a special relation exists between the actor and the other which gives to the other a right to protection." Remsburg v. Montgomery, 376 Md. 568, 590, 831 A.2d 18 (2003). The requirement of a "custodial situation" relates to the first of the two possible relationships: a relationship between the "actor" (i.e., the Marine Corps) and the third person (i.e., Eugene). Id. at 592, 831 A.2d 18. If such a relationship were shown, the United States might have had a general duty to restrain Eugene and prevent him from harming the public at large.
That relationship is not what is alleged in the present case. Instead, Chang-Williams relies on the second type of relationship, which exists between the "actor" (i.e., the Marine Corps) and the "other" (i.e., Chang-Williams). (See, e.g., ECF No. 1, at 2 (discussing the promise the Marine Corps made to Chang-Williams' family). Maryland law does not impose a "custodial requirement" for this relationship, but instead looks to whether there is an "element of dependence" in the relationship between Chang-Williams and the Marine Corps. Remsburg, 376 Md. at 594, 831 A.2d 18. In other words, courts look for a "dependence and ceding of self-control," which may be found where the injured parties "entrusted themselves to the control and protection" of the purported protector. Patton, 381 Md. at 642, 851 A.2d 566.
The Government does not fully address the issue of dependence. Nevertheless, it is quite clear that there is a material dispute of fact concerning whether the requisite dependence is present. The Government avers that no promise of protection was ever made to Chang-Williams. If that were the case, it would be difficult to find dependence between an otherwise ordinary group of civilians and the Marine Corps. Indeed, many of the cases cited by the United States—wherein no duties to protect were found—involve just such facts. See, e.g., Dunk v. United States, No. 95-1149, 1996 WL 34366, at *3 (4th Cir. Jan. 30, 1996) ("[T]he Marine Corps police did not have a duty to provide continual police protection to Mrs. Dunk.... She was merely the wife of a Marine Corps servicemember and a resident on a military base, a status no different from that of any other citizen living in military housing."); Strong, 573 F.Supp.2d at 886 ("[T]hese regulations were not implemented for the benefit of civilians living off base, ... thus no duty of protection to them can arise therefrom."). But if the Marine Corps did make a specific offer of protection, that promise transformed the relationship, such that a reasonable factfinder could conclude that the relationship of dependence resulted. Compare Dunk, 1996 WL 34366, at *3 ("Mrs. Dunk had a restraining order against her husband, that order did not constitute an express promise by the military police to protect Mrs. Dunk from her husband." (emphasis added)).
Alternatively, Maryland courts "have found that a `special relationship' may be created in limited circumstances by virtue of a party's actions." Remsburg, 376 Md.
The acts alleged by Chang-Williams fall within such an exception. As explained above, the assurances Chang-Williams alleges that she received constitute more than just generalized protection. Instead, they involve promises that the Marine Corps would undertake a particular course of conduct to protect a particular class of people—Rhea's family. The lack of any custodial confinement does not change these facts and does not require dismissal.
The Government also argues that no adequate promise of protection was actually made because (1) the Marines did not speak directly with Chang-Williams and (2) any promise of protection for the "family" would be too "nebulous" to create a duty. (ECF Nos. 10-1, at 20; 12, at 20). Fundamentally, these contentions are attempts to re-characterize the facts in a light less favorable to Chang-Williams by labeling the alleged promise as "indirect" or "nebulous." As explained above, the Maryland courts look to whether there is a relationship of dependence or conduct that spurs reasonable reliance. If Chang-Williams is to be believed, there are sufficient facts presented for a reasonable fact-finder to conclude that the Marines meant for protection to extend to Chang-Williams and the other occupants of her home. No Maryland court has demanded a "direct" promise.
The cases the Government cites do not affect the court's analysis. In Semple v. City of Moundsville, 195 F.3d 708, 714 (4th Cir.1999), for instance, the Fourth Circuit applied West Virginia's formulaic four-part standard for determining whether a special relationship exists. That standard does have a direct contact requirement, but Maryland has specifically declined to apply West Virginia's standard; it instead chose to apply the more fluid approach already articulated herein. See Muthukumarana, 370 Md. at 493, 805 A.2d 372 (citing Wolfe v. City of Wheeling, 182 W.Va. 253, 387 S.E.2d 307 (1989)). Maryland law recognizes that unbending requirements may fail to account for the eccentricities of a particular situation. Id. at 496, 805 A.2d 372 ("Although we acknowledge that a more formulaic special relationship test may facilitate greater predictability, our review of the many different special relationship requirements adopted by other jurisdictions reinforces our choice not to incorporate a more regimented approach into Maryland's special relationship test."). It is also true that the Fourth Circuit found no special relationship in the unreported Dunk case because "the military police did not expressly promise Mrs. Dunk that they would protect her from her husband." Dunk, 1996 WL 34366, *4 (Government's emphasis). But here again, Dunk is of limited utility because it applies the law of North Carolina, not Maryland. In addition, even if it did apply, nothing in Dunk suggests a promise must be made face-to-face to give rise to a duty to protect.
The Government also cites Muthukumarana as authority for the proposition that direct contact is required. In that case, the Court of Appeals of Maryland considered, among other things, whether a special relationship had been formed between a 911 caller's two children and a 911 dispatcher. The children's mother had called the 911 operator after she was attacked by their father; during the course of the call, the father returned to kill the mother, the children, and himself. Id. at 465-68, 805 A.2d 372. Only the mother spoke on the phone to the dispatcher and the dispatcher was entirely unaware that the two children were even present during the events. Id. Based on these facts, the court concluded that no special relationship had formed between the children and the dispatcher because the dispatcher had not taken "any action to protect or assist [the children] directly." Id. at 502-03, 805 A.2d 372.
Muthukumarana is distinguishable from this case. The 911 dispatcher in Muthukumarana had no idea that any parties other than the mother were involved. In contrast, the Marines here were purportedly aware of Chang-Williams and her family's existence. The Marines are alleged to have been told about the specific threat to her and her household. According to Chang-Williams, they then took action directed at her by stating that her family would be protected. In other words, all the members of "the family" fell under the umbrella of the promise—and the Marines acted to protect a "specific group of individuals like the victim, thereby inducing the victim's specific reliance." Id. at 463, 805 A.2d 372 (quoting Fried v. Archer, 139 Md.App. 229, 251, 775 A.2d 430 (2001)). The alleged conduct of the United States was sufficiently directed towards Chang-Williams to justify reliance.
The United States further contends that Chang-Williams has not established "any single affirmative act that was taken to protect her, her husband, or her son." (ECF No. 13, at 21). Relying on McNack, the Government argues that "the Marine Corps would have had to place Plaintiff and her husband and son into protective custody before there was a sufficient affirmative act upon which a special relationship could be based." McNack, 398 Md. at 402, 920 A.2d 1097. Ultimately, however, this argument does not justify entering summary judgment at this time.
Preliminarily, Chang-Williams' contention (ECF No. 12, at 7) that the military protection order was a sufficient affirmative act to support a special relationship is incorrect. The order did not name Chang-Williams, her husband, or her son, but only applied to Nakeisha Rhea. (ECF No. 12-7, at 1). Although the order indicated that Eugene was not to contact Rhea via "third parties," the solitary reference to such parties is too attenuated to conclude that the order reflected an intention to shield Chang-Williams.
Nevertheless, the specific assurances and promises of protection allegedly provided here may constitute affirmative acts that will support a special relationship, particularly when coupled with evidence of reliance. McNack does not compel the conclusion that specific promises are always
To understand why, one first must fully understand McNack. McNack involved a family of seven, the Dawsons, who lived in a neighborhood plagued by drug dealers. 398 Md. at 386, 920 A.2d 1097. In an effort to stem the drug activity, the Dawsons often called the Baltimore City Police Department to report crimes. Id. The neighborhood drug dealers did not take kindly to the family's involvement: men threw bottles at the home, vandalized the house with spray paint, and assaulted members of the family. Id. at 386-87, 920 A.2d 1097. After someone threw a Molotov cocktail through their kitchen window, the Dawsons sought and obtained offers of protection from both the police and the Baltimore City State's Attorney's office. Id. at 387, 920 A.2d 1097. In particular, the police promised to place the Dawsons on "Special Attention List," while "an individual within the Baltimore City State's Attorney's office verbally offered protection to the Dawsons" in the state's witness protection program. Id. at 387, 920 A.2d 1097. Unfortunately, neither agency followed through on its promises. Id. As a result, the family never received their promised protection. Id. A drug dealer subsequently broke into the home and set it ablaze, killing the entire family. Id.
Relatives of the Dawson family filed suit against the State of Maryland and the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore. On appeal, the Court of Appeals rejected the relatives' contentions that the promises of protection from the police and the State's Attorney's office gave rise to special relationships with the Dawsons. See id. at 401, 920 A.2d 1097 (finding that police's promise to give family special attention "does not indicate that the police affirmatively acted towards the Dawsons in any manner different than they would respond to any member of the general public."); id. at 401-02, 920 A.2d 1097 ("[T]here was no special relationship between the Dawson family and the Assistant State's Attorney who allegedly offered them protection but then failed to complete the paperwork. There was no affirmative act. There was only an alleged omission.").
The outcome in McNack was apparently motivated by a fear of imposing liability on state actors for things they commonly do. In finding no special relationship, the court stressed that it was acting out of concern that a more expansive approach to such relationships would hinder the police "in respect to their response to the numerous calls for help that occur in this State on a daily basis." Id. at 402, 920 A.2d 1097. Specifically, the court was especially unwilling to apply the doctrine broadly in the realm of "emergency services," where "`the circumstances are often demanding and ... some mistakes will occur.'" Id. at 403, 920 A.2d 1097 (quoting Muthukumarana, 370 Md. at 490-91, 805 A.2d 372). Thus, McNack falls in line with a number of other Maryland cases that declined to find affirmative acts where the proposed "acts" were general deeds or statements made by government officials commonly directed at members of the public. See, e.g., Pendleton v. State, 398 Md. 447, 487, 921 A.2d 196 (2007) (finding that placement of child in foster care was not affirmative act where it was "statutorily mandated and required act of the State"); Muthukumarana, 370 Md. at 498-99, 805 A.2d 372 (holding 911 dispatcher's promise to "send someone out" was not affirmative act, as "there [wa]s no indication that [the dispatcher]'s handling of [a victim]'s call exceeded or was markedly different than her handling of other similar calls and situations"); Pulliam v. Motor Vehicle Admin., 181 Md.App. 144, 172, 955 A.2d 843 (2008) ("Here, the steps taken by the MVA and MAB were designed
But in Williams v. Mayor & City Council of Baltimore, 359 Md. 101, 150-51, 753 A.2d 41 (2000), the Court of Appeals of Maryland reversed an award of summary judgment for the defendant, where a more specific promise of protection was made. In Williams, Mary Williams came home to find that her daughter, Valerie Williams, had been badly beaten by her boyfriend, Gerald Watkins. Id. at 109, 753 A.2d 41. After Mary called 911, Officer Edward Colbert responded. Id. Mary and Valerie described Watkins' violent past to the officer, who was also made aware that Watkins had threatened to return to the home. Id. After some investigation, Colbert went outside, sat in his car, and wrote his report. Id. at 110, 753 A.2d 41. When Mary came outside to speak with Colbert, he told her, "[G]o in the house, I'm going to be here." Id. Unfortunately, after Mary returned to house, Colbert instead left the scene. Id. After the officer left, Watkins returned to the home and shot both Mary and Valerie before killing himself. Id.
Mary survived the attack and filed suit against several parties, including Officer Colbert. Although the trial court granted summary judgment, the Court of Appeals reversed, finding that a duty to protect could have arisen under Mary's version of the facts:
Id. at 150-51, 753 A.2d 41. The court concluded by holding "that Officer Colbert's affirmative actions and specific promises of protection to Mary and Valerie Williams, if in fact they occurred, are sufficient to have created a special relationship between himself and Mary and Valerie Williams." Id. at 151, 753 A.2d 41.
Williams and McNack reflect a carefully balanced approach to liability in the emergency services context. McNack and its kindred cases reflect the Court of Appeals' hesitancy to expand liability in a context where decisions are often made in the heat of the moment. Horridge v. St. Mary's Cnty. Dep't of Soc. Serv., 382 Md. 170, 187-88, 854 A.2d 1232 (2004). Moreover, because police officers and other officials are in the "business" of offering protection, they would often find themselves facing liability if gratuitous promises were enough. See, e.g., Morgan v. District of Columbia, 468 A.2d 1306, 1313 (1983) (finding that police's promise is not an affirmative act because the "promise to act adds nothing to the obligation law enforcement officers have already assumed as members of a police force guided exclusively by the public interest"). Yet Williams would seem to indicate that liability can attach, even in the emergency services context, when an official goes "above and beyond" the ordinary acts taken in a typical case. Thus, a common sense reading of the cases suggests that a special relationship exists, even as to public officials, when their acts are so out-of-the-ordinary that they justify unique reliance.
Of course, the present case does not arise in the emergency services context. Unlike police officers and other public officials, the Marine Corps was not required to inject itself into this situation. The
The common law, as articulated in the Restatements, also lends support to Chang-Williams' position that a promise may constitute an affirmative act in circumstances such as these. Maryland courts often look to Restatements such as the Restatement (Second) of Torts for guidance in shaping and applying tort principles. See, e.g., Appiah v. Hall, 416 Md. 533, 558-66 (2010) (analyzing various sections of the Restatement (Second) of Torts); Gourdine v. Crews, 405 Md. 722, 738-42, 955 A.2d 769 (2008) (relying on several provisions of the Restatement (Second) of Torts); see also Housand v. Bra-Con Indus., Inc., 751 F.Supp. 541, 545 (D.Md.1990) (calling the Restatement (Second) of Torts a "common source" of Maryland law). One section of the Restatement that has previously been cited and considered in Maryland is Section 323. See, e.g., Davis v. Johns Hopkins Hosp., 330 Md. 53, 69, 622 A.2d 128 (1993); Krieger v. J.E. Greiner Co., Inc., 282 Md. 50, 72, 382 A.2d 1069 (1978).
In a caveat to Section 323 of the Restatement (Second) of Torts, the American Law Institute declined to express an opinion as to whether "the making of a contract, or a gratuitous promise, without in any way entering upon performance, is a sufficient undertaking to result in liability under the rule stated in this Section." In Comment d to Section 323, the Institute explains that the caveat stemmed from the shifting status of the law. The comment notes that courts traditionally distinguished between total non-performance of a promise and the negligent performance of a promise. Mere non-performance of a promise could be sued upon only in assumpsit, not in tort. See also Mesmer v. Md. Auto. Ins. Fund, 353 Md. 241, 256, 725 A.2d 1053 (1999) (distinguishing between "nonfeasance" and "misfeasance"). The Commentary goes on to explain, however, that the distinction waned as courts (a) found increasing difficulties in making distinctions between nonfeasance and misfeasance;
The Institute chose to put the issue to rest in Comment e to Restatement (Third) of Torts § 42:
Some state courts have explicitly embraced the position found in the Second Restatement caveat and Third Restatement Commentary. See, e.g., Jenkins v. Best, 250 S.W.3d 680, 695 (Ky.App.2007); Osborn v. Mason Cnty., 157 Wn.2d 18, 26, 134 P.3d 197 (2006); Bourgonje v. Machev, 362 Ill.App.3d 984, 997, 298 Ill.Dec. 953, 841 N.E.2d 96 (2005). Maryland has not directly addressed the Restatements' treatment of the issue. Importantly, however, in some of the few special relationship cases that do not deal with public officials,
Finally, the Government maintains that Chang-Williams has not shown that she relied on the assurances of the United States, as "she and her family went about their routines as normal." (ECF No. 13, at 23). Pointing to McNack, the Government says that Chang-Williams and her family should have "alter[ed] their behavior or location." (Id.). The Government has it backwards. If the Chang-Williams household had believed that the military did not intend to protect them, one would have expected them to take some protective measures of their own, such as moving to a different location. Instead, in reliance on the military's promise of safety, they decided not to take their own actions and remained in their vulnerable positions. (See, e.g., ECF Nos. 12-2, Aff. of Angele Chang-Williams, at 2 ("My family believed that the Marine Corps Officers would not allow Sergeant Eugene to be out roaming around. We went about our usual routine."); 12-3, Aff. of Ursula Charley, at 2 ("We went walking around. If we did not believe the promise of protection we would have stayed [in]side. My sister Angele would have warned her son to be careful and to be on watch."); 15-2, Decl. of Carolyn Rhea, at 2 ("We would have tried to protect oursel[ves] if we would have known he was not detain[ed] on the base.")). Such carefree behavior is the opposite of the Dawsons' behavior in McNack, where the family was "preparing to move." 398 Md. at 401, 920 A.2d 1097. That behavior reflected that the Dawsons placed little reliance on their promise of protection.
In addition to claims for her own personal injuries, Chang-Williams brings a wrongful death action premised on the deaths of her husband Kelvin and her son Aldwin. Here again, it must be determined which state's law would apply. The FTCA directs that the "whole law" of Virginia should apply. Richards, 369 U.S. at 10 & n. 20, 82 S.Ct. 585. Virginia applies the substantive law of the place of injury, which in this case is Maryland. See Jones, 246 Va. at 5, 431 S.E.2d 33 (applying Florida wrongful death statute where injury occurred in Florida); see also Estate of Sa'adoon v. Prince, 660 F.Supp.2d 723, 725 (E.D.Va.2009); cf. Richards, 369 U.S. at 15-16, 82 S.Ct. 585 (applying Missouri wrongful death statute in FTCA case where law of the state where negligence occurred—Oklahoma—looked to the law of the place of injury—Missouri).
Still, the Maryland Wrongful Death Act directs that, "[i]f the wrongful act occurred in another state ... a Maryland court shall apply the substantive law of that jurisdiction." Md.Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-903; see also Jones v. Prince George's Cnty., 378 Md. 98, 107-08, 835 A.2d 632 (2003) ("Under the plain language of the statute, it is the place of the wrongful act, and not the place of the wrongful death, which determines the substantive tort law to be applied in a particular wrongful death action."). The "wrongful act" is defined as the "law of the state where the injury or act resulting in death occurred." Jones v. Jones, 172 Md.App. 429, 443, 915 A.2d 471 (2007) (brackets omitted) (quoting Kaufmann v. Serv. Trucking Co., 139 F.Supp. 1, 5 (D.Md. 1956)). Although the initial breach of protection occurred in Virginia, the consequent injuries to Kelvin and Aldwin occurred in Maryland. Thus, the court should look to Maryland law to define the relevant duties and rights of the parties.
The same acts that give rise to liability as to Chang-Williams also give rise to
The wrongful death action, however, cannot proceed as it is currently styled. The Maryland Wrongful Death Act requires all beneficiaries to bring their claims in a unitary action. See Md.Code Ann., Cts. & Jud.Proc. § 3-904(f). As Judge Motz previously explained:
Johnson v. Price, 191 F.Supp.2d 626, 629 (D.Md.2001) (citations omitted). Because the judgment may be vacated if a wrongful death beneficiary is not included in the action, "the court cannot accord complete relief among existing parties" when a beneficiary is excluded. Fed.R.Civ.P. 19(a)(1)(A); see also Ward v. Walker, 725 F.Supp.2d 506, 510-11 (D.Md.2010) (holding that decedent's daughter was necessary party to Maryland wrongful death action); Johnson, 191 F.Supp.2d at 630 (same). That renders every wrongful death beneficiary a necessary party.
The proper beneficiaries are defined by statute. The Maryland Wrongful Death Act states that, with certain exceptions not relevant here, a wrongful death action "shall be for the benefit of the wife, husband, parent, and child of the deceased person." Md.Code Ann., Cts. & Jud.Proc. § 3-904(a)(1). Thus, as to Aldwin, Chang-Williams is the only proper beneficiary (assuming that he was not married and did not have any children). As to Kelvin,
The Government protests that "Chang-Williams is the only Plaintiff in this action, and pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2401(b) all other persons (including Vinele Chang and De [L]isia Carpenter) are barred from attempting to raise through this incident." (ECF No. 13, at 7). The Government's reference is to the statute of limitations for FTCA actions, which requires that all actions be brought "within six months after the date of mailing ... of notice of final denial of the claim by the agency to which it was presented." 28 U.S.C. § 2401(b). Because more than six months have passed since the Navy mailed its denial letter on September 29, 2009, the Government "assumed" that Vinele and DeLisia "abandoned" their claims. (ECF No. 13, at 7).
The FTCA's statute of limitations will not bar the addition of Vinele and DeLisia. "Where ... defendants have been fully apprised of a claim arising out of specified conduct alleged in the original complaint and thereby have notice of that claim, and where defendants have not demonstrated that they would be prejudiced by the adding of new plaintiffs, the claims of the new plaintiffs asserted in an amended complaint involving the same conduct alleged in the original complaint `relate back' to the filing date of the original complaint for limitations purposes." Arrington v. Colleen, Inc., No. AMD 00-191, 2000 WL 34001056, at *8 (D.Md. Aug. 7, 2000) (Davis, J.); see also Fed.R.Civ.P. 15(c). This permissive approach serves the underlying purposes of the Federal Rules. In the Fourth Circuit, "is well-settled that Rule 15 is chiefly concerned with ensuring (i) that there is a factual nexus between the amendments and the prior pleading, and (ii) that a defendant had sufficient notice of these new claims such that he will not suffer prejudice if the amendments are found to relate back." Vitullo v. Mancini, 684 F.Supp.2d 747, 754 (E.D.Va.2010).
The amendment of the complaint to add Vinele and DeLisia would present facts on all fours with the facts already alleged, as their addition does not change the operative facts of this case in any way. Their addition to the case can only be expected to affect the calculation and distribution of any damages resulting from the wrongful death action.
As for prejudice, there is not any indication or suggestion from the Government that it would suffer prejudice from the addition of these two parties. Moreover, the Government has long been on notice of the existence of their claims. Not only did Vinele and DeLisia participate in the underlying administrative claim, but the complaint and its attached materials make it
For the foregoing reasons, the Government's motion, construed as a motion for summary judgment, will be granted in part and denied in part. A separate order will follow.
