Negligent Security? Mariah Vera, Ricky Vera, Mercedes Imari, and Mario Pozuelos Shot and Killed in Mass Shooting at Vera Lounge in Chicago, Illinois
A birthday celebration for Mariah Vera, 25, turned deadly when an argument broke out and a man grabbed a gun from his car. The argument started around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, December 11. The shooting occurred at the Vera Lounge, located in the 3200 block of North Central Avenue. The gunman shot Ricky Vera, and as Mariah Vera tended to his wounds, he shot her in the head. Mercedes Imari, 24, a mother of a boy and two infant twins, and Mario Pouzuelos, 26, were also killed in the tragic shooting.
It is unclear from initial news reports whether security was present at the bar and how a man was allowed to enter with a firearm.
Investigation and Questions
Because details are so limited, many important questions remain about this incident. As they pertain to a civil case for injuries and death occurring at a commercial property, important questions and areas of investigation might include:
- What lead up to the alleged altercation?
- Did any of the victims and the shooters know each other or have a prior history?
- Did the shooter(s) have a significant criminal history?
- What security measures did the Vera Lounge have in place to prevent something like this?
- Who were the shooters intending to shoot?
These questions can help clarify why this incident occurred and whether it should have been prevented. As gun violence continues to be a problem in this area, answers and understanding can help prevent future gun violence in the community.
How to Prevent Violence and Crime at Clubs, Lounges, and Lofts
Legal contributor Attorney Danny Dalton, an experienced wrongful death lawyer, has represented many families of those killed or injured by the actions or negligence of others. Mr. Dalton offered the following commentary on this situation:
“Owners and property managers can and should take reasonable steps to help prevent violence on their properties, especially when alcohol is served on the premises– for example, adequate lighting, security guards, trained bouncers, courtesy officers, off-duty officers, trespass lists, metal detectors, and cameras can all help to deter crime. It is also important for property owners to request and monitor crime data to get a better idea of what is happening at and around the property so that they can evaluate what security measures are necessary to keep their patrons safe. Owners and managers should request for the 9-1-1 calls for service logs, crime grids, and actual police reports. You can’t prevent all crime, but property owners should certainly take steps to discourage it from occurring on the property and risking tenants.”
Mickelsen Dalton LLC
An experienced attorney at Mickelsen Dalton LLC can help determine if you have a claim and advise you of your options. Our attorneys have successfully represented dozens of gunshot and assault victims. Within the past three years, Mickelsen Dalton LLC has recovered over $30 million in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. We have been featured in Fox News, the New York Times, the Washington Post, and several other national news organizations.
We are tireless investigators that will do what it takes to get to the truth and fight for you and your loved ones. Anyone may contact our attorneys for a free consultation at (843) 804-0428 or by email at help@mickelsendalton.com.
Disclaimer:
Past results are not a guarantee of future results. The information contained in this post is from news articles and may therefore contain inaccuracies. We will correct or remove this post upon request. The material contained in this post is not intended to constitute legal advice.
