The case, originally filed in Pulaski County, had a change of venue to Boone County.
Michael Lee, the father of Jessica Lee, brought the case after his daughter's car was swept away in the early-morning hours of Aug. 6, 2013, from the flooded Southside Drive in Waynesville. Jessica Lee's 4-year-old son, Elyjah, also was in the vehicle.
The third amended petition filed by Michael Lee on Nov. 25, 2019, was for Jessica. Elyjah's body was found later Aug. 6, 2013, one-half mile from Southside Drive next to Mitchell Creek, while Jessica's was found Aug. 9, 2013, five miles from Southside Drive near Rubidoux Creek and Business Loop 66 in Waynesville.