Or a history of extortion by people not taking responsibility.
The article states recall of faulty electronic coin counters. I'm going to assume that this recall was prompted by laundromat owners complaints because they were losing money on the faulty machines (washing for free if you slam the door).
If there had been previous lawsuits, one would think the article would mention them, but with the lamestream media, one cannot be sure.
My point is, if they have a recall history on the coin mechanism failing and causing the washer to start, then they have a liability problem, irrespective of the negligence of the mother or the bad actions of the half brother.
It really turns on whether coins were inserted or not. The fact that the half brother is being charged based on review of the security cameras and fingerprinting of the coins may work for the manufacturer and against the family.
I expect the lawyers for the manufacturer will delay the civil litigation until the criminal proceedings are complete. It will all come out in the wash.