Ozzie Whitfield, Julius Rodriguez Shooting: Justice Available?
We have over 25 years of experience representing victims of security failures across the United States, and we have recovered nearly $250 million dollars for our Clients. Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available to the families of Ozzie Whitfield and Julius Rodriguez.

Ozzie Whitfield, Julius Rodriguez Killed in Seattle, WA Hookah Bar Shooting. (KOMOnews.com)
Seattle, WA News – Two men are dead after a shooting outside a hookah bar early Sunday morning, March 30, 2025.
As reported by ABC6onyourside.com, “[t]wo people were shot and killed in a hookah lounge parking lot in Seattle’s Rainier Beach neighborhood early Sunday morning, sparking a double homicide investigation. Seattle Police Department officers were called to the 9200 block of Rainier Ave. S around 3:30 a.m. on the report of a shooting.”
KOMOnews.com is reporting, “[u]pon arrival, officers found a security guard suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. While providing medical care, they discovered another victim who had been shot in the head. The Seattle Fire Department pronounced the second victim, a young man, dead at the scene.”
KOMOnews.com reported that “[p]olice said the armed security guard was killed while trying to stop the suspect after he allegedly shot another man, identified as Ozzie Whitfield, in the head. The security guard, Julius Rodriguez, went after the suspect but was fatally shot. Both victims were later pronounced dead.”
The investigation is ongoing.
What Legal Options are Available for the Families of Ozzie Whitfield and Julius Rodriguez?
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.
Hookah bar visitors and guests 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 prior incidents of violence been reported on or near the property?
- Was the property owner or manager aware of any suspicious activity prior to the shooting?
- Were security measures added after any prior incidents?
- Were the security personnel at the property properly trained and licensed?
- What protocol was in place to deter crime and protect the victims at the time of the shooting?
- Have authorities been to the property on prior occasions?
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 Ozzie Whitfield and Julius Rodriguez may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their loss.
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 the families of Ozzie Whitfield and Julius Rodriguez retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.
Successful Legal Outcomes in Similar Cases.
OUR RESULTS? NEARLY $250 MILLION IN VERDICTS AND SETTLEMENTS FOR OUR CLIENTS
The Murray Law Firm has a long history of representing victims of violence and security negligence. We have obtained nearly $250 Million in verdicts and settlements for our Clients, including:
- A $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property.
- Settlement in excess of $10 million dollars for a victim of gun violence at an apartment complex.
- Settlement in excess of $10 million dollars for a family who lost a loved one to gun violence at a commercial property.
We offer our legal assistance, if desired. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888-842-1616. Consultations are free and confidential.
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