Martini Bar, CityPlace Doral face lawsuits after deadly shooting
The two brothers who were critically injured in the mass shooting that occurred nearly two weeks ago at CityPlace Doral have each filed a civil lawsuit.
Ferraro Law Firm announced Wednesday they are representing siblings Yaniris and Miguel Jerez both of whom were wounded along with Yaniris’ fiancé, Carlos Milan, who was shot four times, and pointing the finger of blame at CityPlace and Martini Bar.
The lawsuit alleges negligent security measures were taken on the part of both the club and CityPlace Doral for their actions on the night of the April 6 shooting.
Both of the Jerez siblings remain in the ICU.
In a statement, Ferraro Law Firm stated in part that this was an “egregious case of negligent security that led to a devastating shooting” while adding that “this tragic event underscores a profound failure in certain security measures implemented by CityPlace Doral and Martini Bar Doral.”
“If Jamal (suspect) was not permitted to enter the premises, nine people that were shot including him himself who is now dead, it wouldn’t have happened,” said Jim Ferraro of the Ferraro Law Firm. “In the world we live in today, it’s a serious matter. Protecting the public.”
The shooting happened in the early morning hours at Martini Bar, located at 3450 NW 83rd Ave., 30 minutes before the nightclub’s 4 a.m. closing time.
Two people died: A security guard, George Castellanos, 23, and the suspect, Jamal Wood, 37. Seven others, including a police officer, were hurt.
Police said the shooting was precipitated by a fight that broke out inside the nightclub. Things escalated when security officers intervened.
Dozens ran for cover and others desperately called police pleading for help.
Authorities released 911 recordings Wednesday placed immediately after the mass shooting.
While the nightclub has been closed since the fatal shooting, Local 10 News has learned it opened its doors Thursday, as friends and loved ones come together to raise funds for the Castellanos family.
The fallen security guard leaves behind a 1-year-old daughter.
While Ferraro did not delve into specifics, he argues that a night that began with dancing should not have ended how it did.
“What’s the point of having security measures if you’re not going to follow them? What’s the point of having screening devices if you’re not going to use them?” said Ferraro.
Meanwhile, Yaniris Jerez sent this message from the hospital:
“Both City Place and Martini Bar have some serious issues,” he said.
Read the court filings here:
