Akins v. Altus Newspapers

1 Bill Akins (Akins), appellee, brought suit for libel against Altus Newspapers, Inc.; Bob Gilmore, its publisher; Sandra Hart, its editor; and Craig Harris, its reporter, appellants. The libel is based on a published news item. Trial was to a jury with a verdict returned for Akins that awarded $5,000 general damages and $15,000 exemplary damages. Defendants appeal.