The Legal Chronicle
Darian Nelson Barlow Loses Life in Killeen, TX Nightclub Shooting; Three Others Injured. (Stock Photo: MurrayLegal.com)
Could the shooting at a Killeen nightclub have been prevented and are justice and compensation available to the victim’s family and any injured victims? Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.
Local News
Gunfire rang out at a Killeen, Texas nightclub early Saturday morning, October 16, 2021, leaving one man dead and three other person injured.
As reported by Fox44News.com, “[o]fficers responding to [a nightclub] at 308 South 2nd Street at 2:45 a.m. Saturday morning found several victims in the parking lot suffering from gunshot wounds. The arriving officers immediately began first aid until paramedics arrived.”
According to the report, “[t]wo men and one woman were transported to Baylor Scott & White Memorial Hospital in what was described as critical but stable condition. A third man was taken to Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition.”
KXXV.com is reporting, “[o]ne of the men, Darian Nelson Barlow, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 5:17 a.m.”
This location has had multiple other reported cases of violence. According to KXXV.com, “[o]fficers responded to at least 111 reported calls for service to this address including 15 disturbances, 11 shots fired, 2 fights, 2 aggravated assaults and 2 homicides. Ten people have either been shot, stabbed, assaulted or killed.”
The shooting remains under investigation.
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.
Nightclub and parking lot 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 prior incidents of violence been reported on or near the property?
- Does the property have a protocol to check guests for deadly weapons prior to entering the establishment?
- Was the property owner or management aware of any suspicious activity prior to the shooting?
- What security measures, such as bright lighting, visible surveillance cameras, and security personnel, were in place to deter crime and protect the victims and others at the time of 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 family of Darian Nelson Barlow may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their loss. In addition, any injured victims 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 the family of Darian Nelson Barlow and any injured victim retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.
OUR RESULTS: OVER $100 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 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.
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.
Click Here to Find Out How to Choose the Right Attorney