House Owner Sues Church

Arizona Republic, May 17, 1955, page 1

A $9,000 damage suit was brought yesterday in superior court here against L. Ron Hubbard, the Church of Scientology, and others.

Mrs. Estrid Anderson Humphrey, formerly of Paradise Valley and now of Abilene, Tex. brought the suit through her attorney, George Botsford of Scottsdale.

The suit contends that Mrs. Humphrey's Paradise Valley house was extensively damaged by "persons" the suit charged "with seriously deranged minds" who were placed there for care and treatment.

It charges these deranged persons broke windows, tore out entire window casements, pulled loose electircal fixtures, tore and broke great holes in the walls and ceilings, tore and broke off doors, screen doors, and cabinets, and did other serious damage.

Named as defendants with Hubbard are several persons connected with the Church of Scientology at 806 N. Third St., the church, and other coporations headed by Hubbard.

The suit says that on Nov. 10, 1954, Leigh Tucker and Johnny Franklin leased the property as agents for Hubbard and the corporations.

Asked about the allegations in the suit, Hubbard said he had no official connection with the operation of the home.

Mrs. Humphrey asks $4,500 actual damages and $4,500 punitive damages.

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$9,000 Suit Settled Here

Arizona Republic, June 28, 1955, page 4

The $9,000 damage suit against L. Ron Hubbard, the Church of Scientology, and others was settled yesterday out of court. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

The suit was filed May 16 by Mrs. Estrid Anderson Humphrey, former Paradise Valley resident, through her attorney, George Botsford of Scottsdale. The suit filed by Mrs. Anderson, who now resides in Abilene, Tex. She alleged that her Paradise Valley house and property were extensively damaged by "persons with seriously deranged minds" who were placed there for treatment.

Also named as defendants were several persons connected with the Church of Scientology at 806 N. Third St. and other corporations headed by Hubbard.