Judge Puts Senser Civil Case On Hold

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A judge has put a hold on the civil lawsuit against the family of former Minnesota Viking Joe Senser in connection with an August hit-and-run death.

Last month, Senser's wife Amy Senser was charged with criminal vehicular homicide. Prosecutors say she struck and killed 38-year-old Anousone Phanthavong on Aug. 23 while he was putting gas into his car along a freeway onramp.

On Sept. 2, Amy Senser said in a statement she was "the driver the vehicle in the accident."

The family of Phanthavong filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Sensers days later, alleging that they didn't come forward to authorities quickly enough.

The Sensers' attorney said the family turned the car over to the Minnesota State Patrol within 24 hours of the accident.

The lawyer for Phanthavong's family was intending to take depositions from the Senser family. Senser attorney Brian Wood filed a request to stay the proceedings on the civil lawsuit while the criminal case is still active.

Hennepin District Judge Bruce Peterson granted the request and ordered neither side to gather evidence while the criminal investigation continues.

The stay on civil proceedings is set to last until next February, but could change depending on the length of time needed to complete the accident investigation.