HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -One week before an Ellington man was charged with murdering strip club dancer Shamaia Smith, her family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against him seeking millions of dollars in damages.

Kenneth Otto Sr., 56, was arrested last Tuesday at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks. East Hartford police said he had $10,000 in cash, his passport and other personal items, but no plane tickets on him when he was taken into custody.

Otto was charged with murder and tampering with evidence. He is being held on $5 million bond and is scheduled to appear in Hartford Superior Court on June 5.

East Hartford police began investigating the 22-year-old Smith’s disappearance in March. She lived in East Hartford and worked at club in Vernon. Police found some of Smith’s remains on property Otto owns in Stafford on April 17. Police said Otto, a business executive, frequented the club and had a “dating” relationship with Smith. Otto’s wife of 33 years filed for divorce on April 27.

Smith’s family reported her missing on March 16 after not hearing from her for two days. Police said they found a message from Otto on her voicemail.

The family filed a lawsuit against Smith in Hartford Superior Court on May 9, claiming Otto caused her death. The lawsuit also says Smith “probably sustained conscious physical and emotional pain and suffering.”

Smith’s estate is seeking at least $5 million in compensatory and punitive damages, in addition to legal fees.

Otto could not be reached for comment. Correction Department records show he is being detained at a state prison in Uncasville. Otto does not have a lawyer yet to represent him in the lawsuit, according to Judicial Branch records.