N.C. Husband Owes $15.6M in Wife's Murder

March 17,2009— -- The family of a murdered young mother from North Carolina was awarded $15.6 million in damages in a wrongful death lawsuit against her husband, notching a victory in their quest to hold him responsible for her death.

Jason Young has not been charged in the criminal investigation into the 2006 bludgeoning death of his wife, Michelle Young, although her family and the lead investigator testified in civil court that they believe he killed her. The civil suit was filed by Michelle Young's mother, Linda Fisher.

"The pretty obvious point was, this is not the way to end a marriage," Jack Michaels, Fisher's attorney in Raleigh, told ABCNews.com today. "There are divorce courts for that."

A heart-wrenching video played during the trial in Wake County showed Michelle Young with daughter Cassidy, who, at the end, speaks up saying, "I love you Mommy."

"I love you too Cassidy," Michelle Young responded, smiling.

Though the family had asked for $36 million, they were awarded Monday $3.9 million in compensatory damages and $11.7 in punitive damages.

"We're probably never going to collect any of this," Michaels said. But if they do, "virtually every dime would go to Cassidy," he said, and the rest to pay for Michelle Young's funeral expenses.

"The money doesn't mean anything," Michelle Young's best friend Jennifer Powers told ABCNews.com. "It's all about justice for Michelle."

Michelle Young's sister, Meredith Fisher, was awarded primary custody of the couple's nearly 5-year-old daughter last month, with visitation rights for Jason Young on weekends, holidays and other occasions.

As expected, neither Jason Young nor his attorney appeared in court for the wrongful death ruling. He was deemed responsible for his wife's death in civil court by default last year when he failed to respond to the suit.

"The focus there is on escaping criminal testimony," lawyer Michaels said of Jason Young's absence.

According to WTVD, Young has repeatedly proclaimed his innocence. Messages left today with his attorney, Roger Smith Jr. of Raleigh, were not returned and attempts to reach Jason Young or his family were unsuccessful.

Though Wake County Sheriff's Office has told local media that Jason Young is the prime suspect in his wife's death, a spokeswoman referred all questions from ABCNews.com to the local District Attorney's Office.

Wake County Assistant District Attorney Howard Cummings told ABCNews.com today that he couldn't comment on when or whether charges would be filed in Michelle Young's death.

"There's still physical evidence that's being analyzed" and collected, he said.

He said that the civil ruling would have no bearing on the criminal investigation, but added, "I think it's important that Linda and Meredith [Fisher] will be able to share in the raising of Cassidy."