Judge Lifts Stay on Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Scientist Convicted in Danville Murder for Hire Case

 A federal judge has agreed to allow a long-stalled wrongful death lawsuit to resume against a California scientist convicted last month in Burlington for being the mastermind in a cross-country murder-for-hire case seven years ago in Danville. The estate of Gregory Davis, through his widow, Melissa Davis, as the administrator of the estate, filed the civil lawsuit three years ago against Serhat Gumrukcu, who was  convicted on three felony counts, including murder for hire conspiracy claims. Also named as civil defendants were Gumrukcu’s husband, William Wittekind, along with the SG & AW Holdings LLC and GTB Holdings LLC. Lawyers filed a motion this month that noted Gumrukcu waived his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and had testified in his defense at the criminal trial. The jury deliberated for about six hours before convicting him on all counts, including wire fraud, which sparked the killing. Mr. Gumrukcu had a full and fair opportunity to litigate the charges and the matter was resolved by a final judgment on the merits. A stay is no longer necessary or appropriate,” lawyers said. Federal Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford agreed. He said there was no reason for the case to be on hold in light of the criminal conviction following a five-week trial.