The family of a woman shot and killed at her retirement home in Detroit has filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful death and negligence, according to the Associated Press (AP). Maria Gonzalez, 61-years-old, was a resident at the Pablo Davis Elder Living Center. Mike Reda, a 67-year-old grandfather, confessed to killing her and 59-year-old Deborah Socia with an assault rifle last October. In April a jury found him guilty of multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder. He was recently sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Gonzalez's family reportedly filed the lawsuit against Reda, Pablo Davis Elder Living Center, KMG Prestige, Inc. (a property management company), and an employee at KMG. The lawsuit alleges that officials at the center knew Reda owned a rifle and were aware of past threats he had allegedly made against other residents, but failed to alert police. Reda also allegedly fired the gun in a cemetery behind the retirement community.
"It's a very sad situation," attorney Stuart Eisenberg told the AP. Eisenberg filed the suit on behalf of the Gonzalez family. "If they knew [he] was doing criminal activity, they should have done something to evict the guy or call the police. But they never did."
Reda told police the two victims had befriended his longtime girlfriend and kept her away from him. He said he had been drinking brandy and didn't remember many details from the day of the murders.
If you are a Missouri resident who believes one of your loved ones has died as a result of negligent behavior, consider finding a personal injury lawyer. The Kansas City attorneys at Meyers Law Firm can help you pursue justice in a court of law and recover damages to which you may be entitled.