Anderson Retic, Joshua Cole Cooper Fatally Injured in Fort Wayne, IN Gas Station Shooting; One Other Injured. (FortWaynesNBC.com)
Did negligent security contribute to these shooting deaths and are justice and compensation available to the victims families? Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.
LOCAL NEWS
Gunfire erupted Wednesday evening, February 17, 2021 at a Fort Wayne, IN gas station leaving two men dead and one other injured.
As reported by FortWaynesNBC.com, “[j]ust after 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Fort Wayne police…responded to an unknown problem at a gas station in the 1900 block of Hobson Road between State Boulevard and Lake Avenue.”
According to the report, when officers arrived “they discovered a vehicle stuck in snow with the three victims in and around it…two young men died at the scene, the third victim was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.”
WPTA21.com is reporting, the Allen County Coroner’s Office has identified the two victims as “Anderson Retic and Joshua Cole Cooper, both of Fort Wayne.” The third victim was last listed in critical condition.
A suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting.
The shooting investigation is ongoing.
OUR LEGAL TAKE
FORMER CLIENT: I had lawyers calling me, and friends telling me who I should hire…I trusted in The Murray Law Firm and I’m glad I did.
Gas Station and convenience store patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises they are visiting. The level of security provided at the property is of significance, and is a relevant consideration when analyzing whether this shooting may have been prevented. The following questions are also important in assessing whether this incident may have been avoided:
- Have there been prior incidents of violence on or near the property?
- What security measures, such as monitored surveillance cameras, clear windows, and visible security personnel, were in place to deter crime and protect the victim at the time of the shooting?
- Was there any suspicious people or activity on the property prior to the shooting?
Property owners are generally required to protect against foreseeable harm to anyone and everyone legally on the premises. Should the investigation into this incident reveal facts that establish that the property owner or management lacked adequate security to protect its visitors, the families of Anderson Retic and Joshua Cole Cooper may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their loss. In addition, any injured victim may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their injuries.
The Murray Law Firm has extensive and successful experience in handling security negligence claims on behalf of victims and their families, and suggests that an immediate, unbiased inspection of the property will need to be performed so as to limit evidence from being altered, damaged or destroyed. The complexities of pursuing a negligent security case are well understood by the legal team at The Murray Law Firm, and it is imperative that Anderson Retic and Joshua Cole Cooper and any injured victim retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.
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The Murray Law Firm has a long history of representing victims of violence and security negligence. We have obtained over $100 Million in verdicts and settlements for our Clients, including a $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property. We offer our legal assistance, if desired.
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