DORAL, Fla. – Two siblings who were seriously wounded in the mass shooting that occurred nearly two weeks ago at CityPlace Doral have filed civil lawsuits.
Ferraro Law Firm announced Wednesday they are representing siblings Yaniris and Miguel Jerez, both of whom were wounded along with Yaniris’ fiancé, Carlos Milan, who was shot four times, and pointing the finger of blame at CityPlace and Martini Bar.
The lawsuit alleges negligent security measures were taken on the part of both the club and CityPlace Doral for their actions on the night of the April 6 shooting.
Both the Jerez siblings are still in the ICU while Milan remains at Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition.
In a statement, Ferraro Law Firm stated in part that this was an “egregious case of negligent security that led to a devastating shooting” while adding that “this tragic event underscores a profound failure in certain security measures implemented by CityPlace Doral and Martini Bar Doral.”
The shooting happened in the early morning hours at Martini Bar, located at 3450 NW 83rd Ave., 30 minutes before the nightclub’s 4 a.m. closing time.
Two people died: A security guard, George Castellanos, 23, and the suspect, Jamal Wood, 37. Seven others, including a police officer, were hurt.
“If Jamal Wood was not permitted to enter the premises, nine people that were shot, including him, himself who is now dead, it wouldn’t have happened,” said Jim Ferraro of the Ferraro Law Firm. “In the world we live in today, it’s a serious matter. Protecting the public.”
Police said the shooting was precipitated by a fight that broke out inside the nightclub. Things escalated when security officers intervened.
Dozens ran for cover and others desperately called police pleading for help.
Authorities released 911 recordings Wednesday placed immediately after the mass shooting.
While the nightclub has been closed since the fatal shooting, Local 10 News has learned it opened its doors Thursday, as friends and loved ones come together to raise funds for the Castellanos family.
The fallen security guard leaves behind a 1-year-old daughter.
While Ferraro did not delve into specifics, he argues that a night that began with dancing should not have ended how it did.
He painted a picture of not only a troubled bar, but a complex riddled with issues — including more than a thousand calls within the last five years for police.
“What’s the point of having security measures if you’re not going to follow them?” asked Ferraro. “What’s the point of having a screening device if you’re not going to properly use it?”
Meanwhile, Yaniris Jerez sent this message while recovering in the hospital:
“We have a long and difficult road ahead of us. We will be alright.”
The lawsuits call for a jury trial as both victims seek compensations well into a six-figure settlement.
Read the court filings here: