BY RYAN O’CONNOR

According to a June 2006 investigation report released by the New Hampshire Attorney General’s office, Joseph E. Grigas Jr. had been drinking at a local restaurant before shooting his best friend’s father, then turning the gun on himself.

Now, 14 months later, the family of Elmer “Al” Rule, the man Grigas killed Nov. 18, 2005, will pursue legal action against Chen Yang Li restaurant in Bow.

Grigas’ estate was also named in the lawsuit.

John Kacavas, legal council for the Rule family was unavailable for comment.

Toxicology reports revealed Grigas had the equivalent of 11 to 12 alcoholic beverages and a .282 blood-alcohol level the night of the incident.

Though the investigation does not conclude the amount of drinks Grigas had at Chen Yang Li, the bill was $20.90. Restaurant owner James Jiang confirmed Grigas had only a shot  of liquor and a beer, as was previously reported.

Jiang, who would not comment on the lawsuit, also confirmed two other beers and a shot were also included on the bill, but he said that liquor order went to Grigas’ friends at the bar.

Bill Christie, the attorney representing Chen Yang Li, said it is too early in the process to elaborate on the defendant’s behalf.

“It’s a terrible set of circumstances, but I think it’s unusual for a restaurant to be named in a lawsuit such as this,” said Christie. “Considering there is pending litigation, I really can’t comment on it at this time. We haven’t seen what the plaintiffs’ allegations or evidence are yet. And, it’s at such an early stage that it would be inappropriate for me to say anything just yet.”

Christie said he may be willing to comment further as the case progresses.

Though it is unclear what occurred after Grigas let Chen Yang Li, but he was scheduled to lose his license at midnight Nov. 18, 2005, for a prior DWI charge.

“One conclusion is he was trying to get home before his license suspended that night,” Assistant Attorney General Jeffery Strelzin said in June. “He certainly had a substantial amount to drink that evening as well.”

Grigas had called his friend, Gregory Rule, several times on the night of the alledged murder/suicide, but the two never met up.

The shootings occurred at Grigas’ residence and may have stemmed from a traffic altercation between Grigas and Al Rule, although investigators are unclear about the circumstances leading up to the incident.