Local News in Brief : MacDonald Receives Settlement Offer

The former mother-in-law of Dr. Jeffrey MacDonald, the former Green Beret convicted of killing his wife and two young daughters, has offered to settle her lawsuit against him for the $325,000 he received from the author of his life story, her attorney says.

Under terms of the proposed settlement, Mildred Kassab would turn the money--now impounded by the Los Angeles Superior Court--over to United Way of America to honor her slain daughter, Colette, and granddaughters Kimberly and Kristen. They were killed in 1970 in the MacDonald family apartment at Ft. Bragg, N.C.

“If Jeffrey MacDonald is sincere in his professed grief for the victims, Mrs. Kassab believes he will join with her in this tribute to them,” attorney William C. Price said.

MacDonald, 45, who worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in Long Beach before his conviction, is serving three life terms in Terminal Island Federal Prison. He received the $325,000 as settlement of his suit accusing author Joe McGinnis of writing an inaccurate book.

A settlement conference is scheduled today, but McDonald’s attorney said the offer would not satisfy McDonald’s desire to take care of his mother, brother and legal fees with the money.