FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A teenager who took five bullets in the Florida school mass shooting has become the first victim of the Valentine’s Day rampage to file a lawsuit.
The lawsuit filed Tuesday names as defendants shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz, the estate of his late mother, a family that took him in after his mother’s death and three mental health facilities that treated him. It seeks unspecified damages.
It was filed on behalf of 15-year-old Anthony Borges, who authorities say was shot while blocking a doorway to protect other students.
It’s not clear what assets Cruz has or the amount of his mother’s estate. Cruz could be forced to hire a private lawyer if the assets are substantial.
The 19-year-old Cruz is charged with 17 counts each of murder and attempted murder.
While I’m sympathetic, I don’t think any of the people being sued (aside from Cruz) have genuine culpability. The system is tilted against parents and friends doing anything significant to manage a mentally ill youth. There is no backstop, aside from prison. (possibly Cruz’s foster family has homeowners insurance, but that’s a shallow well. )
Seems like more of a symbolic lawsuit, than one that will gain any major financial reward. I really feel sorry for the family that took Cruz in after his mother died.
If you’re going to file a lawsuit, why not add the NRA, weapon manufacturer(s), ammunition supplier(s); the gun store(s) that sold him the guns, etc. etc. etc? Even throw in Ped Nugent for fun…
Not saying that would get anywhere, but the symbolism would be something…
Can we add Marion Hammer to that list?
Sure, Wayne LaPierre & Chuck Heston’s estate also, while we’re at it…