Former Motley Crew drummer Tommy Lee has been cleared of any culpability in the death of a four-year-old boy who drowned in his swimming pool.
The musician was being sued by the parents of Daniel Karven-Veres, who died at a children's party at his home in 2001. They had accused Mr Lee of failing to have the pool properly supervised during the birthday celebrations for his own son Brandon.
His lawyers argued that Tommy had done everything possible to ensure the childrens' safety, however, including insisting they be supervised by an adult. Daniel had been brought to the get-together by a German au-pair, who later left the event to go to a concert. Apparently she asked another childminder to keep an eye on Daniel, who could not swim.
"It was very, very obvious that Tommy Lee was not responsible for the death of that child," said jury foreman Howard Pollack after panel had deliberated for less than three hours. "People are responsible for their own children."
Tommy, who is Baywatch star Pamela Anderson's ex-husband, showed no reaction as the verdict was read out. His lawyer did tell reporters that they took "no pleasure" in the victory, however. "We feel very badly for these people but Lee was never responsible for this and I think everyone knew that," said attorney Jim Baratta.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
