Chris Coleman's in-laws suing Joyce Meyer Ministries

KSDK -- Attorneys for relatives of Sheri, Gavin, and Garett Coleman are asking that Joyce Meyer Ministries be named as a co-defendant in a wrongful-death lawsuit filed against accused murderer Chris Coleman, husband and father.

• Print out the court documents here (.pdf file)

Documents filed in Monroe County allege the ministry violated its computer policies and failed to investigate threats Coleman made to the ministry and his family.

Chris Coleman once worked as a security manager for televangelist Joyce Meyer. The lawsuit claims that Joyce Meyer Ministries failed to turn the threats over to police, warn Sheri Coleman, or fire Chris.

Prosecutors allege Coleman murdered his wife, Sheri, and their two sons, Garett and Gavin in May. All three were strangled. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Joyce Meyer Ministries is based in Fenton, Missouri, and has a worldwide audience.

Attorney Michael King, who represents Joyce Meyer Ministries, released the following statement Monday afternoon:

"The allegations in the civil suit against Joyce Meyer Ministries are false. Joyce Meyer Ministries had no knowledge prior to these tragic deaths of an extra marital affair involving Chris Coleman. Neither did the Ministry have prior knowledge that Chris Coleman allegedly was the source of threats against his family.

"Despite the Coleman attorney's allegations to the contrary and upon receipt of the threats against Chris Coleman, the Ministry directed that appropriate law enforcement be contacted regarding the threats.

"The Ministry has cooperated in every respect with law enforcement in the investigation of these crimes.

"Joyce Meyer Ministries is confident that the allegations made by the Coleman attorneys will be proven false and without any factual or legal basis."

Investigators believe Coleman was cheating on his wife with a woman in Florida. The court documents say that on or about November 14, 2008, an initial threat-- to kill Chris Coleman's "family" because of his security work for Joyce Meyer-- was sent by e-mail to, and was received by, the Ministry. That e-mail reads, "Tell Chris his family is dead. They don't deserve to live with someone that protects that... expletive... Joyce."

A second e-mail outlined in the court records reads, "Tell Joyce to stop preaching the (expletive) or Chris' family will die. If I can't get to Joyce then I will get to someone close to her and if I can't get to him then I will kill his wife and kids.

"I know Joyce's schedule so then I know Chris' schedule. If Joyce doesn't quit preaching the (expletive) then they will die. During the Houston conference I will kill them all as they sleep. If I don't hit there then I will kill them during the booktour or the trip to India. I know where he lives and I know they are alone. (Expletive) them all and they will die soon!

The court documents indicate one message was found in the mailbox at the Coleman home, and that Coleman delivered it to the ministry.

It reads in part: "I am giving you one last warning... You have not listened to me and have not changed your ways... stop carrying on with this fake religious life of stealing people's money. Stop today or else... I know when you leave in the morning and I know when you stay home... this is my last warning... your worst nightmare is about to happen."

A hearing on the motion to convert Joyce Meyer Ministries from a respondent to a defendant in the civil case is scheduled for November 2.