Victorville, CA - Marqel Cockrell, Co-Owner of Sole Addicts at the Mall of Victor Valley, Shot and Injured a Girl Waiting To See Easter Bunny

Girl Injured After Being Shot Inside Mall

USA Today reported that a shooting occurred inside the Mall of Victor Valley located at 14400 Bear Valley Rd Ste 735, Victorville, CA 92392. 

On Tuesday, April 12, 2022, a 9-year-old girl, waiting to see the Easter Bunny with her family, was struck by gunshots. Unfortunately, 20-year-old Marqel Cockrel, a co-owner of the shoe store Sole Addicts in the mall, fired shots toward two suspected shoplifters but missed and hit the girl in the arm three times. The girl was flown to a nearby hospital for treatment. She is expected to recover.

Cockrel, who has no prior criminal record, was apprehended after he fled the scene and has been charged with attempted murder.

Can a Mall Be Held Liable For a Shooting? 

Attorney contributor Jason Amala, an experienced gun violence crime attorney in California, often advises victims and their families in civil claims involving violent crime. Bobby provided valuable information for victims of mall shootings, such as whether the mall can be held accountable for the shooting.

"Mall owners are required by law to offer a level of security upon their property to ensure the safety of their shoppers and vendors. Implementing a basic security plan can reduce the chance of preventable crimes like shootings. These measures might include having well-lit parking lots, patrolling security guards, and installing security cameras around the property. However, if the mall owner fails to provide adequate protection and someone is injured as a result of the shooting, the court may hold the mall owner liable."

"In addition, if the attorney can show that the crime was reasonably foreseeable, the mall owner could be held accountable for damages. If there had been past violent crimes in the area or on mall property, and the mall owner had failed to increase security, the incident could be considered foreseeable. Mall shooting victims and their families may be entitled to monetary compensation but are encouraged to seek counsel from an experienced gun violence crime attorney as the legal process may be complex."

Sources: 

USA Today