James MK
La Jolla,#2Consumer Comment
Tue, November 22, 2011
You still have two witnesses (Raymond and your wife) who can attest that all your tools were accounted for up until Mr Gibson's death. They can also certify that you were coaxed into leaving the tools at the shop where they would be safe, which appears to have been the case up until the owner's passing.
Assuming here that Terri Pettit was the acting manager following her father's demise there is no reason for her to claim that she was "liable for them" to anyone else but you, unless she didn't know your wife and was suspicious that this woman (your wife) may not be claiming the tools at your request.
Anyway since Mrs Pettit herself admitted to your wife that she was liable for the tools I suggest you remind her that indeed she is, and that it's her responsibility to give back the tools and replace the missing equipment at her expense. If this doesn't work and depending on the value of the tools, you may have a case for small claims court. Best of luck.