Craig S. Adams v. Gary D. James

On May 1, 1992, Craig S. Adams filed a petition for damages alleging defamation by Gary D. James, age sixteen, consisting of statements accusing plaintiff of criminal acts. He alleged Connie Van Amberg Roberts, the mother of Gary D. James, was liable because she aided in the publication of the libelous statements by acting with her son with a common and agreed upon purpose. He alleged that defendant James Van Amberg, the step- father of Gary D. James, advised, aided and approved of the false statements. On September 14, 1992, the trial court entered an order which either dismissed the petition for failure to state a cause of action or granted summary judgment after finding plaintiff's cause of action is barred by the statute of limitations. The petition was filed by the plaintiff pro se while serving a prison sentence in Jefferson City, Missouri, See, State v. Adams, 791 S.W.2d 761 (Mo. App. 1990). He has appealed pro se. Defendants have not participated in the appeal.