According to CNN, a Lunar New Year celebration turned tragic after a gunman opened fire inside the Star Ballroom Dance Studio located at 122 W Garvey Ave #B, Monterey Park, CA 91754.
At approximately 10:22 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2023, 72-year-old Huu Can Tran is suspected of walking into the studio during the celebration. Video surveillance shows the shooter opening fire on the partygoers, firing 42 rounds. Ten people were shot and killed, including one victim that was believed to have been shot on the suspect's way in. Another nine victims were injured in the mass shooting.
The suspect fled the scene before police arrived. About 20 minutes later, he arrived at a second dance studio, Lai Lai Ballroom, located at 121 S Garfield Ave, Alhambra, CA 91801. Before the suspect was able to open fire on those inside, a civilian jumped into action wrestling the shooter down and disarming him, and causing him to run away.
The next day, Tran was found deceased from an alleged self-inflicted gun wound. Many rounds of ammo and other modified weapons were recovered from the suspect's home. Tran had a history of giving dance lessons at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio years ago.
Hemet police said that Tran came to their station on January 7 and 9, 2023. He claimed that his family had been victims of "past fraud, theft, and poisoning" and that he would return with evidence. However, police said he never returned with the documents to back his allegations.
Attorney contributor Jason Amala is an experienced attorney who works for a gun violence law firm in California. He has experience helping victims of mass shootings get justice by filing mass shooting lawsuits. During a recent discussion, Bobby shared how victims of gun violence and their families could often get compensation by filing civil lawsuits.
"Many times, violent crimes, such as shootings, are able to take place due to the negligence of a third party. This may include the failure of a gunshop to do a proper background check or a property owner's negligence to provide sufficient security. In cases such as this, the third party may be held liable in a lawsuit."
"Violence can occur due to the carelessness of a third party who may be held liable in a lawsuit. One such example could include the failure of a gunshop to do a proper background check. Additionally, property owners, such as dance studio owners, need to maintain a level of security that reduces the risk of preventable threats. They can uphold this legal duty by using security cameras, security guards, and lighting. If the area has seen an increase in crime or violence, the property owner would be responsible for increasing the level of security."
"Victims or their surviving family members often face devastating doctor and hospital expenses, lost wages, and therapy bills as a result of injuries or deaths from a mass shooting. Many of these victims are unaware they can recover damages by filing a civil action. Mass shooting victims or their families should discuss their legal rights with an experienced attorney. The attorney will be able to identify who is responsible for the heinous act. Financial compensation may be available to help with the many expenses brought on by an injury or death."