Wayne State College freshman Amy Stahlecker stopped to change a flat Firestone tire on her 1997 Ford Explorer. She ended up being picked up by Richard Cook, who later shot her to death. Cook is now serving a life sentence for first degree murder. Stahleker's parent filed a civil suit against Ford and Firestone, claiming that their defective product caused their daughter's death. The trial judge dismissed Ford and Firestone, holding that Nebraska law shields them from liability unless they had "specific and actual notice of danger" to Stahlecker. The Nebraska Supreme Court heard arguments in the case on June 3, the AP reports here. (Via Overlawyered.com)
UPDATE: Ford, Firestone not liable for Stahlecker's death, Nebraska Supreme Court says. (8/9/03).