The Legal Chronicle
Desmond Taylor, Ceilin Richard Peakes Smith: Justice for Families? Fatally Injured in Columbus, OH Nightclub Shooting; Two Other People Wounded. (10tv.com)
Could the shooting at a Columbus nightclub have been prevented and are justice and compensation available to the victims families and injured victims? Our firm represents victims of security failures across the United States, and we have recovered nearly $200 million dollars for our Clients. Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.
Local News
Gunfire rang out at a Columbus, OH nightclub early Friday morning, June 14, 2024, leaving two men dead and two other people wounded.
As reported by 10tv.com, “[o]fficers with the Columbus Division of Police were called to [a nightclub] located at 205 North 5th Street near North 4th and Spring streets around 1:45 a.m. after receiving multiple calls about shots being fired.”
NBC4i.com is reporting, “Desmond Taylor, 27, was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:58 a.m., police said. Ceilin Richard Peakes Smith, 36, was transported to a local hospital then pronounced dead at 2:45 a.m. Two additional adult victims were transported to local hospitals and are expected to survive their injuries.”
The shooting remains under investigation.
Is Justice Available? 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 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?
- Was there security personnel at the property?
- Were security measures added after any prior incidents?
- Was the property owner or manager aware of any suspicious persons or suspicious activity on the property prior to the shooting?
- Have authorities been to the property on prior occasions?
- Does the property owner or management have a protocol to check guests for deadly weapons prior to entering the establishment?
Property owners and managers 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 Desmond Taylor and Ceilin Richard Peakes Smith 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 and investigation 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 Desmond Taylor and Ceilin Richard Peakes Smith retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.
OUR RESULTS? NEARLY $200 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 $200 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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