Gas Station Shooting Archives

May 6, 2020

Security Failure? Darius K. Van Fatally Injured in St. Paul, MN Gas Station Shooting.

Darius K. Van Fatally Injured in St. Paul, MN Gas Station Shooting. (TwinCities.com)

Did negligent security contribute to this shooting death and are justice and compensation available to the victim’s family? Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.

CLEVELAND NEWS

Gunfire erupted Friday night, May 1, 2020 in St. Paul, MN leaving one man dead.

As reported by StarTribune.com, “[o]fficers responded to the Arco gas station at 1184 E. Maryland Avenue around 9:15 p.m. Friday on a report of a shooting.”

TwinCities.com is reporting, “Officers responded…and found Darius K. Van…Van was inside a…gas station and convenience store…and was pronounced dead by paramedics.”

The shooting 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.

Gas Station and convenience store 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 there been prior incidents of violence on or near the property?
What security measures, such as monitored surveillance cameras, clear windows, and visible security personnel, were in place to deter crime and protect the victim at the time of the shooting?
Was there any suspicious people or activity on the property prior to the shooting?

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 Darius K. Van 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 Darius K. Van retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.

OUR RESULTS: OVER $100 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 $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.

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.

Click Here to Find Out How to Choose the Right Attorney

DISCLAIMERS: The information contained in this post is from secondary sources and may therefore contain inaccuracies. We will gladly correct or remove this post upon request. The material contained in this post is not intended to constitute legal advice. As each Client is unique, please contact us for a free consultation on your particular case. “Contingent attorneys’ fees” refers only to those fees charged by attorneys for their legal services. Such fees are not permitted in all types of cases. Court costs and other additional expenses of legal action usually must be paid by the client.

April 30, 2020

Security Failure? Xzavier Eatmon Fatally Injured in Tuscaloosa, AL Gas Station Shooting. Dominic Coleman Killed Days Earlier at Same Location.

By The Murray Law Firm

Xzavier Eatmon Fatally Injured in Tuscaloosa, AL Gas Station Shooting. Dominic Coleman Killed Days Earlier at Same Location. (CBS42.com)

Did negligent security contribute to this shooting and are justice and compensation available to the victim’s family? Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.

TUSCALOOSA NEWS

Gunfire erupted Wednesday evening, April 29, 2020 at a Tuscaloosa, AL gas station leaving one young man dead.

As reported by CBS42.com, “[a]round 7:15 p.m., Tuscaloosa Police responded to a shooting at Winston’s Gas Station and convenience store on MLK Boulevard.”

According to the report, “[t]he victim in the Winston Mart shooting has been identified as Xzavier Eatmon, 18, who died after being transported to DCH Regional Medical Center.”

A suspect has been arrested in connection to this shooting.

This same location was the site of another homicide a few days earlier.

CBS42.com is reporting, “[a]t approximately 11 p.m. Sunday, officers were called to the Winston Mart on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd regarding reports of a shooting. One person, 20-year-old Dominic Coleman, was found dead at the scene.”

A suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting.

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.

Gas Station and convenience store 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 there been prior incidents of violence on or near the property?
What security measures, such as monitored surveillance cameras, clear windows, and visible security personnel, were in place to deter crime and protect the victims at the time of the shooting?
Was there any suspicious people or activity on the property prior to the shooting?

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 Xzavier Eatmon and Dominic Coleman 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 Xzavier Eatmon and Dominic Coleman retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.

OUR RESULTS: OVER $100 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 $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.

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.

Click Here to Find Out How to Choose the Right Attorney

DISCLAIMERS: The information contained in this post is from secondary sources and may therefore contain inaccuracies. We will gladly correct or remove this post upon request. The material contained in this post is not intended to constitute legal advice. As each Client is unique, please contact us for a free consultation on your particular case. “Contingent attorneys’ fees” refers only to those fees charged by attorneys for their legal services. Such fees are not permitted in all types of cases. Court costs and other additional expenses of legal action usually must be paid by the client.

November 5, 2015

Convenience Store Safety and Security: Protecting Patrons and Employees

By The Murray Law Firm

PoliceLineNight Gas station and convenience store robberies have increased over the last 10 years, according to FBI and NACS reports. As such, it is crucial convenience store owners take proper safety and security precautions to protect employees and patrons from violent crime.

The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) outlines preventative measures to assist store owners in deterring such crime:

Preventative Measures

Store security begins with store layout and design….The three basic rules in designing your overall safety and security, according to CPTED, are:

Territoriality: the use of physical features to show ownership over your property. It discourages outsiders by defining private space, and it allows employees to see intruders. This way, you can tell if people are there to shop or to loiter.

Define your territory with: Landscaping, Fences and Signs

If graffiti is written on your property, take a picture of it, report it to the police, and immediately remove it.

Keep the store and parking lot clean and free of litter.

Access control: a way to limit the number of people who should not be on the property. The property and store are designed for convenience to customers, but do not make it too convenient for criminals.

Limit the number of entrances and exits to the store and the parking lot.

Close off some parking lot entrances and doors at night.

Consider installing gates, locks or turnstiles, if necessary.

Surveillance: the use of physical features, such as electrical and mechanical devices, to maximize visibility.

Use effective lighting both on the lot and in the store.

Remove signs from windows to provide clear lines of visibility to the cashier.

Move displays that block visibility to the cashier from the outside.

Be alert to your surroundings and report any problems.

Train employees to be vigilant for potential threats

Robbery Deterrence

Employee Training: essential to robbery and violence deterrence. A comprehensive training program, such as the one offered by NACS offers guidance on:

Robbery deterrence measures

How to avoid violence during a robbery

What to do after a robbery

What to do in other potentially dangerous situations

Cash Control and Signage: Minimize cash available at your store can reduce the risk of robbery. The program will address deterrents such as:

Using a drop safe

Posting signs stating that the amount of cash on hand is limited

Keeping cash in registers low

Lighting: Maintain adequate lighting inside and outside the store.

Visibility: Criminals seek out locations where they can’t be easily noticed by bystanders outside the store, or by employees entering the store. People outside the store, including police, should be able to see into the store, and employees should be able to see their surroundings.

Keep windows clear of signs and merchandise

Keep shelving units low so there are no hiding places within the store

Mirrors can help, too

Escape Routes: Criminals want to blend into the surroundings after committing crimes. Make blending in more difficult by fencing the property and limiting the number of entrances and exits and making exit routes visible to others.

See Complete NACS Article Here

We Fight for Victims of Workplace Violence and Retail Security Negligence…Contact us Now for a Free Consultation.

Headline Frame 11Alive Desk The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims of workplace violence and retail 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.

Choosing the Right Attorney

Selecting the right attorney for you or your family is highly important. You must feel confident that the attorney you hire has a complete understanding of the law applicable to your particular case, and has successful experience in handling such cases.

Important: Do not hire a lawyer who has violated the Rules of Professional Conduct!!!

You should not hire an attorney who calls you or visits you unsolicited, or anyone that contacts you directly to offer legal services. This activity is strictly prohibited by Rule 7.3 of the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which states as follows:

A LAWYER “SHALL NOT” CONTACT A PROSPECTIVE CLIENT THROUGH A “LIVE TELEPHONE” OR AN “IN-PERSON” VISIT.

– RULE 7.3, ABA MODEL RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT.

If an attorney, or someone acting on behalf of an attorney, contacts you in this manner, that attorney is in violation of this Rule. This unethical and unprofessional activity on the part of the lawyer is good sign that you should stay away. It is imperative that you are represented by an attorney who is capable of advocating for you within the confines of the law, and an attorney who fails to abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct is probably not the best fit. In fact, any such attorney should be immediately reported to the local State Bar Association. If you have been contacted in such an unsolicited manner, contact us and we’ll assist you in filing a report.

Contingency Fees Disclaimer: “Contingent attorneys’ fees refers only to those fees charged by attorneys for their legal services. Such fees are not permitted in all types of cases. Court costs and other additional expenses of legal action usually must be paid by the client.”