Michael B. Padgett has sued Gregory Graf, formerly of Covered Bridge Road, Allen Township, in a seven-count complaint that was filed in Northampton County Court last week for the wrongful death of Jessica L. Padgett, his late wife. Graf is accused of battery, a civil term for violent acts, as well as intentional infliction of emotional distress and false imprisonment.

In November 2014, Graf lured Jessica Padgett to his home and killed her. He filmed himself having sexual relations with her dead body.

Also surviving are children, ages 3 and 10. Michael Padgett and his children live in Whitehall and are represented by Allentown Attorney James Huber.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for funeral and administrative expenses, the wages and benefits Jessica would have earned, the loss of the society and comfort provided by Jessica to her children and husband and the cost of mental health counseling. Punitive damages also are being sought for behavior that was “intentional, willful, malicious and outrageous.”

Graf, who was convicted of first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse following a jury trial Nov. 13, 2015, is currently serving a sentence of life without parole at Fayetteville State Correctional Institute. He never filed post-trial motions or an appeal.

At trial, jurors heard a confession from Graf in which he said, “I’m not really a bad guy.” They reached a guilty verdict in six minutes.

Graf also has been sued by his wife, Danelle, for divorce in papers filed right after his conviction. In that matter, she lists two homes as assets, together with numerous vehicles and bank accounts that at one time included more than $250,000.

Graf is represented in the divorce action by Philadelphia lawyer Jack McMahon, who also represented him in the criminal matter.