Shannan Gilbert. (AP)
The family of the sex worker whose disappearance led police to discover the Long Island serial killer’s graveyard filed a wrongful-death lawsuit today against a physician, claiming he was one of the last people to see her alive.
Mari Gilbert, the mother of Shannan Gilbert, claims that Dr. Peter Hackett could have prevented her daughter’s death, according to the civil complaint filed in Suffolk County.
The heartbroken mom claims she got a call from Hackett, a day after Shannan went missing in May 2010, who said he was a doctor caring for the missing woman and Craigslist prostitute.
“I do believe in my heart that Dr. Hackett played a major role in my daughter’s death,” Mari Gilbert said. “It’s time that we stand up for our rights.”
Shannan, 23, from Jersey City, ended up at Hackett’s house after she fled a john’s home on Oak Beach, the suit said.
She stayed at Hackett’s home shortly and then left — her remains were found in a nearby marsh 11 months ago.
After Shannan vanished, Hackett called Mari Gilberg, saying he gave her drugs to calm her down, according to the suit.
Mari claims Hackett should have never allowed Shanann to leave his house in that state.
In the past, Hackett has admitted to calling Mari Gilbert once, but recalls the conversation in completely different light.
He called at the urging of Shannan’s boyfriend, Alex Diaz. The men met when Diaz was in the neighborhood searching for Shannan.Hackett insists that, during the call, he offered his help as a board member of the Oak Beach homeowners association.
And Suffolk County cops have cleared Hackett as a suspect in the string of murders.
In the past he has admitted that he met Shannan that night.“Dr. Hackett has told many bizarre stories about his role in this case,” said Mari Gilbert’s lawyer John Ray.
“I don’t care what the police believe. There’s no direct evidence as to who killed this lady. The circumstantial evidence right now is very strong to support what we’re doing with this lawsuit. ”
The lawsuit does not have a figure for damages, but plaintiffs said they’ll ask for millions of dollars.
Hackett could not be immediately reached for comment tonight.
He has since moved to Florida, where Ray and Mari Gilbert said he has been served the lawsuit.
Additional reporting by David K. Li