The Legal Chronicle
(KIRO 7)
Did a fatal security lapse contribute to the tragic loss of these men?
Local News
Weeks after 36-year-old Christopher Ochs was beaten to death at a Hawthorne Suites hotel in Kent, a second man has now lost his life in a fatal shooting at the same property.
According to KIRO 7, a 48-year-old Auburn man was shot and killed while exiting his vehicle “in the parking lot at the Hawthorne Suites” Wednesday morning, January 3, 2018. Christopher Ochs was severely beaten in a “common area” of the same hotel on December 15, 2017, per Seattle Times reports. Mr. Ochs tragically succumbed to fatal injuries six days later.
The tragedies raise grave questions over hotel security. Kent Police told KIRO 7, “crime does occur in this area and we do enforcement in this area.” A “double murder” apparently occurred “at the neighboring Shell gas station” in August 2014.
Did negligent security contribute to this senseless loss of life? We represent individuals and families who have suffered a tragic loss or injury as a consequence of negligent property security. Read Our Legal Take below to find out if the victims’ families may have a legal avenue for justice and claims for substantial compensation in Washington, or call now for a free consultation with our legal team: 888.842.1616.
Our Legal Take
Hotel guests have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises. The Murray Law Firm questions the level of security provided on the property and whether these tragedies may have been prevented.
- Where was hotel security, staff and management at the time of the fatal assaults?
- What security measures, such as bright lighting, surveillance cameras and security patrols, were implemented by the hotel owner following prior media reports of area violence?
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 hotel owner failed to provide adequate security to protect those on its premises, the families of Christopher Ochs and the most recent victim may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims for their wrongful deaths.
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’ families retain an experienced attorney who can ensure the preservation of any and all evidence that may support such a claim.
We’ve Recovered Millions for Victims of Hotel Security Negligence…Contact us Now for a Free Consultation.
The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims of violence and security negligence. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and recently obtained 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.
