The Haggard Law Firm’s Pedro Echarte along with co-counsel Nick Kassatly and Daniel Tighe of the Traction Law Group have secured a $3 Million settlement in a negligent security wrongful death case against the owners of Red Roof Inn motel in Jacksonville, Florida.
Case Overview: A Preventable Tragedy
The tragic case involved the murder of Kieron Singleton, who was fatally shot on September 18, 2021, inside a room at the Red Roof Inn, located at 6099 Youngerman Circle, Jacksonville, Florida. On the night of the incident, Andy Williams, a long-term guest at the motel and an alleged drug dealer, entered the room where Mr. Singleton was staying. An argument broke out, and Williams shot and killed Mr. Singleton. Mr. Singleton left behind one surviving son.
A History of Criminal Activity at Red Roof Inn
The wrongful death negligent security lawsuit alleged that the Red Roof Inn had a long-standing history of criminal activity, including drug dealing and other criminal incidents.
Negligent Security Failures
Despite these ongoing issues, the Plaintiff alleged that the property owner and motel operator, Sunstar Orangepark, Inc., failed to implement basic security measures, creating an environment where violent crime was foreseeable. The Plaintiff also alleged that the Red Roof Inn failed to take steps to remove problematic and dangerous guests, including Andy Williams, from the property. The Plaintiff argued that if the motel had enforced stricter security policies, removed Andy Williams due to his prior behavior at the motel, and taken proactive measures to prevent crime, this tragedy could have been avoided.
Legal Challenges & Key Arguments
One of the primary challenges in this case was that the fatal shooting occurred inside a motel room, rather than in a common area. However, the Plaintiff’s attorneys built a strong case that around the argument that Mr. Williams should have been removed from the property long before the night in question. The Plaintiff also was able to prove that some of the argument had spilled into the common area and if the Red Roof Inn had much needed security, they could have stopped the incident before it escalated to a shooting.
Justice for Victims of Negligent Security
At The Haggard Law Firm, we excel in premises liability and negligent security cases across the country, helping families seek justice after preventable tragedies. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a property owner’s negligence, contact our experienced legal team today. 📞 Call (305) 446.5700 or fill out our online form for a free consultation.
