Homebuyers' suit over threatening letters from 'the Watcher' is allowed to proceed
A New Jersey judge has refused to dismiss a lawsuit claiming the sellers of a $1.3 million home should have warned about a disturbing letter from a person who claimed to be watching the home.
Judge Camille Kenny of Elizabeth, New Jersey, tossed emotional distress claims and other counts, but allowed others, NJ.com reports.
The homebuyers, Derek and Maria Broaddus, received three letters from a person calling himself “the Watcher” after buying the Westfield, New Jersey, home in June 2014. They have not moved in.
The writer said the home had been watched by the writer, his father and his grandfather, and he was in charge of the house. The writer said he had asked for “young blood” and now he is waiting for the day when they “will be mine again.” He also asked if the owners had found what was in the walls.
The new owners say they contacted the sellers, John and Andrea Woods, after receiving the first letter, and Andrea Woods said she had also received a letter but it was not threatening. The Woods have filed a countersuit alleging they were defamed as a result of publicity surrounding the case.
Kenny said that if the Woods’ only knowledge of the Watcher was one nonthreatening letter, they may seek summary judgment.
Westfield police have been unable to identify the letter writer.
