Los Angeles, CA - Shawn Laval Smith Charged With Stabbing Death of Croft House Employee

Furniture Store Employee Stabbed to Death

CBS Los Angeles has reported that a stabbing occurred at the Croft House located at 326 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036. 

At approximately 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 13, 2022, police responded to a stabbing at the boutique furniture store in Hancock Park. A customer walked into the store and found the 24-year-old victim dead. 

The police investigation determined that the victim was working alone when 31-year-old Shawn Laval Smith walked into the store. She sent a text to one of her friends stating that she had a "bad vibe" from someone in the furniture store. Approximately 15minutes later, her body was discovered by a customer who called the police. 

Police were able to identify the suspect and made the arrest on Wednesday, January 19, 2022. 

Legal Options For Families of Stabbing Deaths

Attorney contributor Bobby Thompson works with families of stabbing victims in private civil lawsuits. As an experienced stabbing victim attorney, Bobby discussed some of the legal options available to the family of victims stabbed in a retail store. 

"When a victim of a violent stabbing is killed, there are several options available to the family members. They may seek restitution after the perpetrator's conviction in a criminal court. However, it is often not enough to cover funeral expenses and other expenses related to the death. Sadly, criminal courts were not designed to advocate the victim's rights or compensation. Depending on the circumstances of the crime, families can file a private civil lawsuit."

"The first step is to determine if any negligence was a factor. The retail store has a legal responsibility to offer a security standard for both their staff and customers. Property owners can achieve this by having security cameras, ample lighting, and even hiring security patrols of the area. If a retail store owner fails to provide a reasonable degree of safety, they could be deemed negligent. Additionally, if the property owner was aware of an increase in crime in the vicinity yet failed to make improvements to the property's existing security, they may be found liable in a lawsuit."

"There may be several different options available that families may take during a private civil suit, including wrongful death and negligent security. A family member may file a claim against a perpetrator or property owner to compensate for what the family lost since losing the loved one. By discussing their case with an experienced stabbing victim attorney, families can decide on their best legal action for justice."

Sources:

CBS Los Angeles