The family of a New York woman who was fatally stabbed in a parking garage in 2005 recently won a $2 million wrongful death lawsuit against the city of White Plains, reports News 12 Westchester.

According to the source, Connie Russo-Carriero was walking to her car in the garage near the Galleria at White Plains when she was attacked by a homeless sex offender who had allegedly been lurking in the building for hours. The plaintiffs claimed that surveillance cameras in the garage weren't functioning properly, and that lack of security contributed to Russo-Carriero's murder. 

"We've been fighting for justice for Connie for going on nine years now, and we've been strong and standing strong as a family," said the victim's son, Jonathan Russo, as noted by the news outlet. "What we found out here is that these parking garages, especially the Lexington-Grove parking garage where my mom was killed, were absolutely dangerous and hopefully this is some kind of catalyst for change."

The city of White Plains reportedly plans to appeal the verdict. 

While nothing can ever truly compensate for the loss of a loved one, there are steps that family members can take to hold responsible parties accountable in the event of an untimely death, such as filing a civil lawsuit. If you're hoping to pursue this course of action, it is in your best interest to contact locally based personal injury attorneys as soon as possible. With the help of these experienced, compassionate professionals, you can seek damages to which you may be entitled.