Justice Available? Jailene Holton Fatally Injured in Philadelphia, PA Bar Shooting.

Could the shooting at a Philadelphia bar have been prevented and are justice and compensation available to the victim’s family? Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.

Local News

Gunfire rang out at a Philadelphia, PA bar late Tuesday night, June 28, 2022, leaving one woman dead.

As reported by Inquirer.com, “[a]round 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, three men were kicked out of [a bar] on Welsh Road, after causing a disturbance at the bar. While two of the men left without issues, one had to be forced out.”

According to the report, “[t]hat man, after being thrown out, walked to a pickup truck about 200 feet away and then shot at least 15 times into the front of the bar. Five of the bullets went through the window and one struck a 21-year-old woman in the head.”

6ABC.com is reporting, “[i]nvestigators said five of the bullets went through the front window, and one struck Jailene Holton, 21, in the head. ”

Per the report, “[p]olice and medics found her on the floor in the back of the bar, rushed her to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital and into surgery. She was pronounced dead a short time later.”

The investigation is ongoing.

Our Legal Take

Bar 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? 
• What security measures, such as bright lighting, visible surveillance cameras, and security personnel, were in place to deter crime and protect the victim at the time of the shooting?
• Was the property owner or management aware of any suspicious activity prior to the shooting?
• What protocols were taken to ensure the safety of those inside the property following the removal of patrons?

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 Jailene Holton 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 family of Jailene Holton retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.

OUR RESULTS: OVER $125 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 $125 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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