On May 7 2010, Tranesha R. Palms, 22, rang a doorbell to be let in through the private security entrance and into her job at retail outlet Old Navy. Not long after that came her 27-year-old former partner, one the owners and security on staff knew wanted to hurt or kill her, Eugene Robertson, who was let in as well. Soon after, as reported by the Chicago Sun Times, Robertson shot Palms to death. Robertson followed his crime by turning his gun on himself and successfully ending both lives. They leave behind their 2-year-old son.
The shooting occurred at 11 a.m. on a busy Friday in Chicago's Loop on Washington and State streets. Many shocked shoppers congregated on the sidewalks upon hearing the gunshots going off in the store.
There was a history of domestic abuse for the couple. Neighbors had heard the couple fighting multiple times over the course of the previous year. Robertson, at the time of the murder-suicide, was no longer living with Ms. Palm as she had moved out the Monday before.
Four days prior to the shooting Robertson had called and made threats to store managers; no changes were made, no alerts or red flags. Guards not only were delinquent in protecting Palms from being followed - telling or warning her that fateful day - they also could have tragically been short-sighted in protecting themselves and other store employees.
Her family has filed a suit against the retail store stating that poor security allowed Robertson to gain entrance, and open fire, to an area restricted to employees only. None of the store's security prevented him from entering the off-limit area. Security measures were more than outdated. They are seeking $50,000 in damages.
Monique Lowe, Ms. Palm's mother, thought her young daughter would be safe at the store. "When we all go to work, we think we're safe, we don't think anything like this would happen at work."
"They say it could have been prevented. If someone had just stopped him, asking him his name, what he was doing there, maybe this wouldn't have happened."
Then, in a message meant for all businesses with antiquated security measures Lowe ominously continued, "If someone calls you and makes a threat on any of your employees, take them seriously."
Louise Callage, spokesperson for Gap Inc., Old Navy's owner, made a statement that while safety and security of employees and customers is of the utmost importance, "Our thoughts and prayers remain with the friends and family of the victim in this tragic shooting."
The nature of the business of security, simply put, is vital in personal security. Doors, doorbells, and employee-only private areas are all in place for one thing: protection. The attorney for the family states that the store has already made changes to the security. A little too late for some. If you believe your loved one was injured or kill due to lack of adequate security, you could have grounds to file a premises liability lawsuit. A personal injury attorney in this directory can advise you of your rights and help you with your case. Click here to find a personal injury lawyer near you today!