Shocking Discovery: Mother Finds Son's Nine Half-Siblings Linked to Former Gynecologist in DNA Test Lawsuit
A mother was shocked to discover that her son had nine half-siblings through a DNA test, all linked to her former gynecologist. Mary Ellen Lukezich underwent fertility treatments from Dr. Frederick Dettmann in the 1980s with her late husband, Thomas Laedtke, opting for artificial insemination using a medical student's donated sperm. Her son, Joe Laedtke, found out about his half-siblings through an Ancestry DNA test, leading to a lawsuit against Dettmann for the alleged breach of trust.
Laedtke's discovery of multiple half-siblings prompted him to inform his mother, who was equally shocked to learn that Dettmann was the donor. The family has filed a lawsuit against the retired doctor, with their attorney encouraging other affected women to come forward. The suit seeks damages to be determined by the court, as Dettmann, now 91 and residing in Arizona, has denied the allegations due to the passage of time and privacy laws.
Despite a 1985 report of assault during a gynecological exam, which was dismissed for lack of evidence, Dettmann has not faced disciplinary action or ethical complaints. The Whitefish Bay Police Chief confirmed that there is no ongoing investigation into Dettmann. The family's attorney believes that Dettmann may have been a serial predator of women, urging other potential victims to share their experiences. The lawsuit aims to hold Dettmann accountable for the pain caused to Lukezich and others affected by his actions.