Dies Family Settles With Federal Government For Millions Over Daughter’s Death

The parents of a Santa Barbara woman killed by a drunk driver sued the federal government and won.

Matt and Raeona Dies settled with the government for $2.5 million in early November and avoided a trial.

“This lawsuit wasn’t about the money. It was about accountability,” said Matt Dies.

The government will pay the family without admitting any liability for Mallory’s death.

The 27-year-old was hit and killed by former Lois Capps congressional aide Raymond Morua last year.

Morua pleaded guilty to driving drunk and is serving 20 years to life in prison.

Dies family attorney Robert Stoll said Morua was working for Capps in an official capacity the night of the crash.

Stoll also said he could provide an ‘abundance’ of evidence if the case went to trial.

Morua admitted in court during his sentencing that he was working for Capps that night, but Capps has denied it.

The initial complaint named Morua, Capps and the government as defendants.

The government assumed liability for Capps as their employee and her name was removed from the amended complaint.

Dies says a large portion of the settlement money will go towards the family’s Vow 4 Mal Foundation which focuses on preventing drinking and driving in the community.