Relatives of four victims of the Monterey Park shooting are suing the shooter’s estate and the dance studio where the attack took place, alleging wrongful death.
The lawsuit alleges that Shujuan Yu, Yu Lun Cao, and Liran Li were among those killed when Phu Quang Tran opened fire at Star Ballroom Dance Studio on January 21, 2023. The lawsuit was filed Friday in Los Angeles County Superior Court by relatives of Maimie Niang. .
Representatives for Star Ballroom and Tran’s estate could not be reached for comment.
All four lawsuits allege wrongful death, assault and battery against Tran’s estate, and wrongful death, liability and negligence against the banquet hall.
The lawsuit alleges that Star Ballroom’s owners and managers “take reasonable measures, including security guards, video cameras, and appropriate lighting, and implement safety measures” to protect guests from Phu Quang Tran’s criminal activities. “I failed to take the necessary precautions,” he claims. ”
The lawsuit also alleges that the owners and managers knew “similar criminal activity” was occurring in and around the dance studio and failed to warn patrons of the dangers. However, the lawsuit does not elaborate on what those other incidents were.
Kevin Tan, who was injured by Tran, is also suing Tran’s estate for assault and battery, alleging negligence and liability on the part of Star Ballroom. According to the complaint, Tan suffered an injury to his left femur as a result of the attack and had to undergo surgery and take time off from work to recover.
Tran, 72, opened fire at the Star Ballroom during Lunar New Year celebrations, killing 11 people and injuring nine others.
After firing 42 shots, Tran went to the Lai Lai Ballroom and Studio near the Alhambra, where he was disarmed by Brandon Tsai, whose family owns the studio.
Tran died on January 22, 2023, from a self-inflicted gunshot wound during a confrontation with police.
Plaintiffs in all five lawsuits, represented by attorney Danny Sun, are seeking unspecified punitive damages against Tran’s estate and unspecified compensatory damages against the studio.
The Star Ballroom is a community favorite space for dance, self-expression, and celebration of Chinese culture. The facility, located at 122 W. Garvey Ave., did not reopen after the deadliest mass shooting in modern Los Angeles County history.
“I have no desire to reopen,” owner Maria Liang told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune in May 2023. “It’s still difficult to come back and work in the same place.”
After the shooting, then-President Biden and then-Vice President Kamala Harris visited Monterey Park to comfort the families of the victims.
Two months later, Biden returned to the city to announce executive actions aimed at curbing gun violence. Biden also invited Tsai to be the guest of honor at his 2023 State of the Union address.
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