Local News
Six people were injured in a shooting outside Ed’s 8-Ball nightclub in Wrightsville Sunday, August 11, 2014.
According to the Macon Telegraph, a crowd of 50-60 people congregated outside Ed’s 8-Ball club, on Idylwild Drive, following the nightclub closing at midnight Sunday morning.
Police Chief Aaron Price told media, “There was just some of the crowd that lingered out in the street. People from Dublin came over after the business closed and that’s when it started.” Gunfire sprayed into the crowd, leaving six victims. All were rushed to area hospitals and, thankfully, listed in stable condition.
Police have since captured and charged a suspect in connection with the shooting.
Our Legal Take
While relieved to learn a suspect is in custody, The Murray Law Firm is questioning whether a fatal nightclub security lapse may have contributed to this incident.
What actions were taken by the owner and management of Ed’s 8-Ball to safely remove the large crowd of 50-60 people from the premises upon closing? Were police called to assist in crowd control and evacuation prior to the shooting?
Have there been previous incidents of violence on or near property and, if so, what security precautions were implemented to deter future crime? What parking lot security measures, such as surveillance cameras, bright lighting and emergency call boxes, were available to nightclub patrons?
Nightclub owners are required by Georgia law to protect patrons from any foreseeable harm. Should the owner and management of Ed’s 8-Ball have failed to implement proper security precautions and crowd control to protect nightclub patrons exiting their property, the injured victims may elect to hold them civilly liable for any injuries sustained. Total claims may be in the millions of dollars and would serve as a grave-reminder to all local nightclub property owners on the need to make patron safety their first priority. Perhaps, through such claims many other lives may be spared.
The injured victims should retain an experienced premises liability firm without delay to ensure all evidence, such as surveillance footage or broken lighting, is preserved and their best interests are protected.
The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in protecting victims of nightclub violence and property negligence and we offer our legal expertise, if needed. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us at 478.246.1010. Consultations are free and Confidential.
