The Legal Herald
Jailyn Bernard Page, Bryce Lee Goddard, Christopher Donshae Jackson are Fatally Injured in Houston, TX Nightclub Shooting; Sir John Mitchell in Critical Condition. (Fox26Houston.com)
Could the shooting at a Houston nightclub have been prevented and are justice and compensation available to the victims families and other injured victim? Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.
Local News
Update: According to ABC13.com, “[t]hree victims, Jailyn Bernard Page, 19, Bryce Lee Goddard, 21, and Christopher Donshae Jackson, 22, were pronounced dead at the scene. The fourth victim, Sir John Mitchell, 17, was taken to a hospital in critical condition at the time.”
Gunfire rang out at a Houston, TX nightclub Tuesday night, October 20, 2020, leaving three people dead and one other person injured.
As reported by DFW.cbslocal.com, “[p]olice were called to the DD Sky Club at about 9:45 p.m. Tuesday on reports of multiple people dead inside.”
According to the report, “[o]nce there, officers found three people dead at the scene and a fourth person in critical condition.”
KHOU.com is reporting, “[p]olice were told there was a fight inside the club, which is located on the second floor of a shopping center, and at least two people pulled out guns and opened fire, shooting into the crowd.”
Per the report, “[a] security guard told KHOU 11 they search all the men who come into the venue but not the women, and they believe the guns were sneaked in by women.”
The investigation is ongoing.
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?
- 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 nightclub aware of any suspicious activity prior to the shooting?
- Does the nightclub check guests for dangerous weapons prior to entering the establishment?
- Was the nightclub allowed to be open under current coronavirus pandemic restrictions?
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 nightclub owner or management lacked adequate security to protect its visitors, the families of Jailyn Bernard Page, Bryce Lee Goddard, Christopher Donshae Jackson may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their loss. In addition, Sir John Mitchell may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for his 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 families of Jailyn Bernard Page, Bryce Lee Goddard, Christopher Donshae Jackson and any injured victims retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.
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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.
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