The Law Of?ces of
Steven R. Andrews, P.A.

 

Attorneys At Law
Steven R. Andrews
Brian 0. Finnerty 822 North Monroe Street
Iz?nnerthD/mdrewslawof?ce. com Tallahassee, Florida 32303
Ryan J. Andrews Telephone (850) 681-6416

rvang?ndrewslawotltce. com
Court Service
com

Facsimile (850) 681-6984

August 11, 2017
VIA EMAIL

Alan Gorski

Acting Deputy Director, Navy Casualty Of?ce
United States Navy

1 3

Alan. gorski @navv . mil

 

Re: Line of Duty Determination for Seaman James Derek Lovelace

Dear Deputy Director Gorski:

I represent the family of Seaman James Derek Lovelace. As you are probably aware, Mr.
Lovelace died tragically at the hands of another seal on May 6, 2016. One of Seaman Lovelace?s
boat crew members described the events just before Seaman Lovelace?s death as ?unknown
instructors were splashing and dunking him.?

I suspect you are also aware that Commanders Liam Huhlin and Sean Dittmeyer visited
my client, Jim Lovelace, Derek?s father, in Crestview, Florida to inform Mr. Lovelace that he
(Huhlin) found no criminal wrongdoing in connection with Derek?s death, and that he would be
directing that the case be closed immediately. This took place in April of this year. At the end of
the meeting, Commander Huhlin addressed the line of duty investigation and determination.
Commander Huhlin said that it was unusual that such an investigation would take this long, which
at that time had almost been a full calendar year. This appears to be especially unusual due to
MILPERSMAN 1770?060 which states that ?The commanding of?cer (C0) of the deceased sailor
is required to make an LOD determination within 20 days after the date of death or discovery.?
Clearly that has not happened here. Commander Huhlin indicated that the completion of the LOD
determination and investigation could be expected any day, and that when he returned to
Coronado, he would ensure that it is completed immediately. Four months later, however, Jim
Lovelace still has been provided any information, update, or final reports for the LOD
determination and investigation concerning his son, Derek. This is both offensive and regrettable,

especially in light of the representations which were made directly to Jim Lovelace in his home in
Crestview, Florida earlier this year.

Please provide the line of duty determination and investigation results within ten (10) days
of the receipt of this letter. To the extent the LOD investigation and determination are not
completed, please provide the following updates:

1. The cause and reason of the delay of the LOD determination;
. The status of the LOD determination;
3. To the extent the determination will continue to be delayed, please provide the statutes,
rules, policies, or procedures which permits such a delay.
4. The date at which such LOD determination will be completed; and
5. Any other information which will be helpful to Jim Lovelace and his family.

What happened to this family is tragic enough. Setting aside the ?ndings and decision not
to prosecute the accused seal or seals, the Lovelace family is at the very least entitled to the dignity

and respect of a determination as to whether Derek died in the line of duty.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.

 

CC: Client
Lt. Lauren Cherry
lauren.cherry@socom.mil