The Legal Chronicle
Demetrius Stewart, Innocent Victim, Killed in Richmond Heights Bowling Alley Shooting. (KSDK.com)
Did negligent security contribute to the senseless fatal shooting of Demetrius Stewart at a Richmond Heights, MO bowling alley and are justice and compensation available to the victim’s family?
LOCAL NEWS
Gunfire erupted late Friday night in a bowling alley parking lot in Richmond Heights. According to whnt.com, Richmond Heights police “responded to the Tropicana Bowling Lanes around 11:20 p.m. because of a fight. When they arrived, they discovered the fight started as an argument in the bowling alley before [those involved] took it outside to the parking lot.”
Police report that the victim “was an innocent bystander” and was shot “while he was sitting in his car,” per ksdk.com. Fox2news.com reports that “[f]amily and friends are still trying to come to terms with the senseless death of 45-year-old Demetrius Stewart. He was an active member of Alpha phi Alpha and an ordained minister.”
The shooter has apparently been arrested and charged.
OUR LEGAL TAKE
Bowling alley patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises. The Murray Law Firm questions the level of security provided at the establishment and whether this shooting may have been prevented.
- Were any efforts made to safely and separately remove all those involved in the initial altercation from the premises prior to an escalation to gunfire?
- Were police called at the start of the initial dispute?
- Have there been prior incidents of violence on or near property?
- What security measures, such as weapons screenings, visible surveillance cameras, and security personnel, were in place to deter crime and protect the victim at the time of the shooting?
Generally, property owners are required to protect all those legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should the facts of this matter reveal that the bowling alley owner failed to provide adequate security to protect those on its premises, Demetrius Stewart’ family may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims for his wrongful death.
Based upon its prior successful experience in handling security negligence claims on behalf of victims and their families, The Murray Law Firm suggests that photographs and a thorough, unbiased inspection of the property will need to be performed immediately, before any evidence may be repaired, damaged or destroyed. Given the complexities of pursuing a negligent security case, it is imperative that the victims retain an experienced attorney who can ensure the preservation of any and all evidence that may support such a claim.
OUR RESULTS
The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims of violence and security negligence. We have obtained over $100 Million in verdicts and settlements for out 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.
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