Parents Of Uvalde Shooting Victim Start Legal Action Against Gun Manufacturer
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The parents of one of the children killed in the Uvalde school shooting have taken the first steps towards suing the gun manufacturer.
Alfred Garza III lost his 10-year-old daughter, Amerie Jo, when a gunman opened fire in Texas' Robb Elementary School, killing 19 children and two staff members.
The shooter was found to have bought two AR-15-style assault rifles prior to the shooting, one of which was manufactured by the company Daniel Defense.
As the community continues to try and heal, Garza made clear his plans to take legal action by sending a letter to Daniel Defense through his lawyer, announcing his intention to investigate claims against the gunmaker.
The father also issued a notice that the company preserve all documents which may potentially be relevant to the case.
Amerie Jo's mother, Kimberly Garcia, has sent a similar letter of her own.
A press release cited by ABC News revealed Garza is being represented by Texas-based attorneys Mikal Watts and Charla Aldous as well as Josh Koskoff, who previously obtained a $73 million settlement to nine families of victims in the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting.
In a statement, Koskoff commented: "Daniel Defense has said that they are praying for the Uvalde families. They should back up those prayers with meaningful action.
"If they really are sincere in their desire to support these families, they will provide the information that Mr. Garza has requested without delay or excuse.
"Either way, we will do a complete and thorough investigation, leaving no stone unturned."
Garza said he has to 'honour' his daughter in an interview with World News Tonight, saying: "We have to... make sure we do good. From this day forward, I want to live my life for my daughter.
"My purpose for being now is to honour Amerie Jo's memory. She would want to me to do everything I can so this will never happen again to any other child. I have to fight her fight."
Garza's legal action is among the first to come about after the Texas shooting, with Robb Elementary teacher Emilia Marin having also filed a similar petition to Daniel Defense.
According to NPR, Don Flanary, Marin's attorney, commented: "They're marketing to people who it's not reasonable should have guns ... and we think that may be young people."
The man responsible for the shooting was 18 years old and had legally purchased the weapons and ammunition prior to the attack.
A statement on Daniel Defense's website reads: "We are deeply saddened by the recent tragic events in Texas. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and community devastated by this evil act.
"As reported in Governor Abbott’s press conference, it is our understanding that the firearm used in the attack was manufactured by Daniel Defense. We will cooperate with all federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities in their investigations.
"We will keep the families of the victims and the entire Uvalde community in our thoughts and our prayers."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
