Two women who claimed to be injured last summer in a tragic stage collapse that occurred shortly before country outfit Sugarland were to play the Indiana State Fair are now coming under fire for allegedly faking their injuries.
According to the Indianapolis Star [via Billboard], investigators on the case have found that Stephanie Murray and Sandra Hum weren't in attendance at the August 13 concert, and are now facing felony charges including forgery, perjury and attempted theft. The pair are accused of submitting claims totalling $22,500 to both the Indiana State Fair Remembrance Fund and the Indiana Tort Claim Fund. Both funds exist to benefit those injured and killed in the accident. It is also alleged that Murray stole emergency room forms
"I do not understand the mentality of someone who would look at the circumstances of that night and see the potential for financial profit from this kind of scheme," said Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry. "Most of us would look at those circumstances and feel sympathy and a desire to help assist the real victims in any way we could."
"We will not stand idly by while greedy individuals take from those who are truly deserving of compensation from this tragedy," Curry continued.
Meanwhile, Sugarland are still facing lawsuits filed against them for not cancelling their performance due to the high winds surrounding the area at the time, which caused the massive stage collapse. The band reportedly have a clause in their contracts that lets them have final say on whether or not they go out onstage.
According to the Indianapolis Star [via Billboard], investigators on the case have found that Stephanie Murray and Sandra Hum weren't in attendance at the August 13 concert, and are now facing felony charges including forgery, perjury and attempted theft. The pair are accused of submitting claims totalling $22,500 to both the Indiana State Fair Remembrance Fund and the Indiana Tort Claim Fund. Both funds exist to benefit those injured and killed in the accident. It is also alleged that Murray stole emergency room forms
"I do not understand the mentality of someone who would look at the circumstances of that night and see the potential for financial profit from this kind of scheme," said Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry. "Most of us would look at those circumstances and feel sympathy and a desire to help assist the real victims in any way we could."
"We will not stand idly by while greedy individuals take from those who are truly deserving of compensation from this tragedy," Curry continued.
Meanwhile, Sugarland are still facing lawsuits filed against them for not cancelling their performance due to the high winds surrounding the area at the time, which caused the massive stage collapse. The band reportedly have a clause in their contracts that lets them have final say on whether or not they go out onstage.
