WINONA, Minn. – Both sets of grandparents have backed off their lawsuits over visitation rights to the children of Madelline Kingsbury, who was murdered in March, and Adam Fravel, who is charged with her murder. The Fravel grandparents withdrew their petition for visitation in early November, court records show. The Kingsbury grandparents had been given the children after Maddi disappeared in March. In September the Fravels claimed they should have at at least visitation rights. The Kingsburys responded tat they didn’t want the Fravels tried to poison the Fravels’ claim for visitation by asking Judge Maty Leahy to bring Adam Fravel, the children’s biological father, to a custody hearing. Leahy said no, that Adam Fravel could not be called to family court.to testify about his own criminal case. Within days, both sets io grandparents withdrew their cases over visitation. The children, 5 and 2 at the time.
Verbatim
Jason Brown, attorney for David and Catherine Kingsbury: “The timing of the Fravels’ request for grandparent visitation was misplaced and lacked sensitivity. The Kingsburys can now focus more attention on helping their grandchildren cope with the loss of their mother and prepare for the pending trial against Adam Fravel.”
Litigation profile
> Maddi Kingsbury, 26, of Winona: Slain mother of children, Elliana, 5, and Noah, 2.
> Adam Fravel, 29, of Winona: Father of children. Accused of murder.
> David and Catherine Kingsbury, of Farmington: Father and stepmother of Maddi Kingsbury.
> Richard and Ann Fravel, of Mabel: Parents of Adam Fravel.