The parents of Kimberly Fattorini are opposing an attempt by Elias Wehbe to reduce a $4 million judgment awarded in connection to their daughter’s 2017 death.
Deann and Ferdinand Fattorini filed court documents in November 2026 arguing that the original award should remain intact, according to TMZ.
The legal dispute follows a judgment against former NFL player Shawne Merriman, Wehbe, and others.
The Fattorini family filed suit after Kimberly died from an overdose, alleging that Merriman had slipped the drug GHB into her drink. While officials ruled the death an accident, they noted the presence of cocaine, alcohol, and GHB in her system. Merriman has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
Alleged texts presented in court
In the recent filing, the Fattorinis highlighted text messages they claim were sent by Wehbe on the night of the incident. The documents allege that Wehbe invited Kimberly to his home to use cocaine, which he referred to as “blow.” The family’s legal argument contends that Wehbe sought to intoxicate women to facilitate sexual encounters.
Another series of messages cited by the parents purportedly shows the men discussing the presence of women and drugs at the residence. The filing claims that Wehbe witnessed Kimberly in an inebriated state before she departed in an Uber with Merriman, despite allegedly being aware of her prior text message regarding a friend who had put GHB in her drink.
Dispute over trial evidence
Wehbe, a former nightclub promoter and associate of the NFL star, has argued that the evidence presented during the initial trial was insufficient to support the $4 million figure. He is seeking to have the judgment lowered, claiming the financial penalty is not justified by the facts established in court.
The parents maintain that the evidence provided during the trial was strong and sufficient to sustain the full amount. They are asking the court to deny the request to cut the judgment, asserting that the record supports the original decision. The case remains active as the court evaluates these arguments regarding the multi-million dollar award.
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