Josh Burton, the father of Halli Burton, filed the lawsuit against Lee Ponshe on January 2nd. Ponshe was found guilty by a jury in Will County Court in December of killing Halli Burton.

The lawsuit, which only represents on side of the claim, indicates Ponshe lived in White Hall with the baby’s mother, Jessi Dunlap, in 2009. The suit claims Ponshe killed the toddler on April 15th, 2009 by beating her and, by the use of blunt force trauma, inflicted about 20 bruises on the top of her head, three bruises on her forehead, one on her cheek and five bruises along her back. The filing alleges Halli Burton died as a direct and proximate result the beating.

Ponshe was tried and convicted of first degree murder on December 18th in Will County Court because the beating took place there. Ponshe is due to be sentenced February 25th. He faces mandatory life in prison.

The lawsuit is asking for in excess of $50,000 for general and special damages. It’s asking for an additional $1 million for punitive damages.

Josh Burton is represented by Jacksonville attorney David Leefers.