My question involves defamation in the state of: CA
If I write a letter, without accusing any sibling specifically, to three siblings about one or more of them deliberately taking my personal property, do I open myself up to a libel suit?
Before Dad died, I lived in his home and helped to take care of him. Some property of mine was in his home. My siblings frequently visited the house and were there as well for his funeral. In the years after I moved to an apartment, I discovered certain items missing but didn't conclude that a sibling took possession of them, without my knowledge or consent, until recently. I don't expect the items to be returned (the combined value is about $110). But I still would like to put my siblings on notice, especially because two of them claim to be conservative Christians.
Would I be making a mistaking by sending the letter and airing my grievance?
The letter would be my first communication with them since Dad's death. One of them was particularly spiteful to me. I suspect she was the one who took my things -- she tended to act out her petty guilt by accusing others of sins she herself committed, as if the blaming of somebody else exonerated her.

