In March 2026, a Ramsey County jury awarded $17 million to the family of Phanny Phay, a 28-year-old St. Paul woman killed in 2017. The verdict came nearly nine years after her death, and years after the criminal case against her boyfriend ended without a conviction. For families across Minnesota, this case is a powerful reminder that the civil justice system can provide accountability when the criminal courts cannot.
What Happened in the Phanny Phay Case
Phanny Phay was the first in her family to attend college, graduated from the University of Minnesota on a full scholarship, and was working in the medical field with plans to become a pediatrician. In November 2017, she was killed in her Highland Park apartment by her boyfriend, Andre Duprey.
Duprey was charged with second-degree murder. But the criminal case ended with a finding of not guilty by reason of mental illness, and he was committed to psychiatric care rather than sentenced to prison. Her family never got a trial.
That changed when her family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Ramsey County District Court in 2024. The case went to trial, and the jury returned a $17 million verdict, as reported by the Pioneer Press.
Why a Civil Case Succeeded Where the Criminal Case Did Not
Criminal and civil courts serve different purposes, and they operate under different rules. A criminal verdict of not guilty by reason of mental illness does not close the door on a civil claim. This distinction matters for several reasons:
- The burden of proof is lower in civil court. A family must prove liability by a preponderance of the evidence, not beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Mental illness defenses that succeed in criminal court do not automatically defeat a civil wrongful death claim.
- Civil trials give families a voice. Surviving relatives can testify about the person they lost and the harm they continue to carry.
- Damages in a civil case are measured by the family’s actual losses, including companionship, guidance, and comfort.
The jury in the Phay case awarded $9 million for loss of guidance, advice, comfort, and companionship, $5 million for pain and suffering before death, and $3 million for future losses. Those numbers reflect a life cut short and a family forever changed.
What Minnesota Law Says About Wrongful Death Claims
Minnesota’s wrongful death statute, Minn. Stat. § 573.02, allows a court-appointed trustee to bring a claim on behalf of the surviving spouse and next of kin. Most wrongful death actions must be filed within three years of the date of death, though different rules can apply depending on the circumstances of the case.
Timing matters. Evidence fades, witnesses move, and deadlines pass quickly for grieving families who are focused on simply getting through each day. Speaking with a St. Paul, MN wrongful death lawyer early in the process helps preserve the claim and the evidence that supports it.
What This Verdict Means for Grieving Families
The Phay family’s attorneys said the case was never about money. It was about accountability, and about finally being heard. That is what a St. Paul wrongful death claim can offer: a public accounting of the loss, and a formal recognition of responsibility.
Not every family will see a verdict of this size. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on the facts, the evidence, and the parties involved. But every family deserves to understand its options.
If you have lost a loved one because of another person’s actions, whether through violence, negligence, or recklessness, you do not have to sort through the legal questions alone. Bennerotte & Associates, P.A. has spent years representing Minnesota families in their most difficult moments, and our St. Paul wrongful death attorneys are ready to listen to your story and explain what the law allows. Reach out when you’re ready to talk.
