Two victims closer to recovering money in a case involving a Fresno County couple who faked a death

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- After years of fighting in court, two victims are closer to recovering money from a highly publicized fraud case.

Dr. Michael Weilert and his wife-- Genevieve De Montremare--made up several lies while trying to sell their Parlier horse ranch.

When Brian Gwartz and his wife Cheryl Skigin purchased a 15-acre horse Ranch in 2008. It was to realize a lifelong dream, but they quickly learned the legacy they purchased was based upon a lie.

"Dreams die really hard. And I think at this point, if we don't fight, we've lost the dream. We don't fight for the dream, we fight for people who were put in this position," said Skigin.

The property belonged to Dr. Weilert and his wife. The two claimed De Montremare was French royalty and before the ranch went on sale, Weilert faked his wife's death.

Skigin said their false claims drove up the price of the property and she's spent the past few years recuperating those losses.

"He's absolutely not remorseful. There's no remorse there."

A jury awarded Skigin and her husband with about $1.5 million. But Dr. Weilert declared bankruptcy. The only money left totaled about $155,000 and now there's another party fighting for it.

Dr. Weilert's old medical practice-- Pathology Associates-- is claiming a portion of the money for attorney's fees.

We reached out to their attorney but have not heard a response.

Meanwhile, Skigin is arguing for Pathology Associates to claim that money from their old partner.

"We came to a point in this case where we just had to stand because you had to stand. Because if somebody doesn't, then there isn't any justice and any law at all."

A judge issued a tentative ruling granting Pathology Associates up to $25,000.

A final decision is expected to be made soon.