(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Since the Columbine school shooting in 1999, there have been more than 400 shootings in schools across America. One thing has recently changed about the outcomes of these terrible incidents. Parents are now facing serious consequences for the actions of their children.

Recently, there was a second case of a parent being charged with a crime after their child committed murder in their school.

A Tragedy in Georgia

Just a few weeks into the new school year, on September 4, 2024, 14-year-old Colt Gray got on the school bus with an AR-15 style rifle in his backpack. Colt Gray was a new student who enrolled at Apalachee High School, located in Winder, Georgia, on August 14, per reported by CNN.

Just a few hours later, Colt Gray used the gun to shoot his classmates and teachers.

Shortly before Colt Gray opened fire in the school, he sent a text message to his mom that read, “I’m sorry, mom.” Colt Gray’s mother called the school and asked administrators to check on her son. Reports show that the teen’s mom and grandfather then began traveling the 200 miles from their home in Fitzgerald, Georgia, to Winder.

After the call, a school resource officer went to find Colt Gray, but he got mixed up with another student with a similar name. Colt Gray had already excused himself from his classroom and was hiding in the bathroom before he came out and started shooting.

Two students and two teachers were killed, and nine other individuals were injured before the school resource officer was able to confront Colt Gray and take him into custody.

Colt Gray was charged as an adult with four counts of murder. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison without parole.

Shooter’s Father Also Quickly Charged with Crimes

Just days after the shooting, another arrest was made. Colt Gray’s father, Colin Gray, 54, was charged with crimes tied to his son’s actions.

Colin Gray was charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children, per reporting by CNN. The arrest warrant says Colin Gray caused the death of others by providing a firearm to his son while knowing he was a threat to himself and others.

It appears Colt Gray lived with his father, who is divorced from his mother. Colin Gray admitted to purchasing the gun for his son as a Christmas present. His purchase came after the Grays were contacted by authorities concerned that Colt Gray was connected to online school shooting threats. Despite being informed that his son was likely involved with the threats, Colin Gray purchased the gun for his son and failed to keep the gun secured in their house.

Not The First Case of a School Shooter’s Parents Charged with Serious Crimes

The charges against Colin Gray are not the first of its kind. Earlier this year, the first serious criminal convictions against the parents of a school shooter were made.

Jennifer and James Crumbley, parents of Ethan Crumbley, were found guilty on four counts of manslaughter after Ethan killed four students in Michigan.

Manslaughter is different from a murder charge. In a murder charge, a person commits a premeditated or planned act that leads to the death of another person. In a manslaughter charge, a person’s action or inaction inadvertently leads to the death of another person.

In the case of Ethan Crumbley’s parents, the inaction to remove a gun from their son’s possession and take signs of problems with their son’s mental health seriously led to their convictions. On the day Ethan Crumbley killed four people at his school, his parents were called to the school by administrators concerned about the teen’s mental health. The parents did not inform the school that their son had access to a firearm and failed to remove him from school that day.

Both of Ethan Crumbley’s parents were sentenced to ten to fifteen years in prison.

Other less serious charges have been filed against parents after their children committed crimes. Robert Crimo Jr. pleaded guilty to seven misdemeanor counts of reckless conduct and was sentenced to 60 days in jail, two years of probation, and 100 hours of public service, after his son killed seven people at a Fourth of July parade. Deja Taylor was sentenced to two years in prison for felony child neglect after her six-year-old took a gun from her home to school and proceeded to shoot and injure a teacher.

The more serious criminal charges against Ethan Crumbley’s parents and Colt Gray’s father could be a sign of more families being held responsible for children who commit horrible crimes as a result of lack of parental supervision and access to guns.

If you are involved in a legal case, whether it is a criminal or civil, talk to an attorney right away. Get your questions answered. Schedule your free call with TJ Grimaldi today. Request your consultation or call 813-226-1023.

Read More: Parent of Oxford School Shooter Found Guilty of Manslaughter

Take a Stand Against Gun Violence

As the Executive Director and Board Member of The Oulson Family Foundation, TJ Grimaldi is an advocate for families who have been impacted by gun violence. The Oulson Family Foundation works to get families and children the resources and support they need in the wake of tragic shootings.

If you’d like to support children impacted by gun violence, we invite you to learn more about The Oulson Family Foundation and make a donation to help provide support that goes toward medical bills, counseling, and education.

(AP Photo/Matt Sayles)

Fans of the hit television show “Friends” were shocked to hear the news that Matthew Perry, the actor who played the beloved Chandler character, had died at the age of 54. At the time, the cause of his death was unknown. Now months later, we know what caused Perry’s death and who authorities believe are to blame.

Who are the five people charged in Perry’s death, and how did they contribute to his untimely passing?

What Happened to Matthew Perry?

On October 28, 2023, “Friends” star Matthew Perry was found floating face down in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home. Authorities were initially unsure of the cause of death, but an autopsy would later deliver answers.

According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office Perry died of “acute effects of ketamine.”

Perry had long suffered from drug and alcohol addiction. He documented his story of addiction and depression in an autobiography that was released in November 2022.

To treat his depression, Perry had been using ketamine. Ketamine is an anesthetic with psychedelic properties that can be used to treat depression in a controlled setting under the supervision of medical professionals. When used as a therapy, ketamine is distributed in small doses.

The amount of ketamine found in Perry’s blood at the time of his death was much higher. It was at a level that would be used during general anesthesia, and it was determined to be the cause of Perry’s death, as reported by The New York Times.

Now, authorities are charging the people who helped give Perry the lethal dose of the drug.

Who Was Charged?

Five individuals have been charged in federal court in California for their role in Perry’s death, according to a press release issued by the United States Attorney’s Office.

• Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 42, also known as “Dr. P,” a physician at an urgent care center, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine.
• Jasveen Sangha, known as the “The Ketamine Queen,” who maintained a ketamine “stash house,” was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute ketamine, and five counts of distribution of ketamine.
• Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s live-in personal assistant, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.
• Erik Fleming, an acquaintance of Perry, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.
• Dr. Mark Chavez, a former operator of a ketamine clinic, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.

How did authorities find five individuals to blame for the death of one person who was alone when he died?

Related: If You’re Arrested for a Crime, Immediately Take These 6 Steps

What Did The Charged Individuals Do?

U.S. Attorney Martin Estrad says the five individuals knew they were helping Perry abuse ketamine and putting him in danger, but they continued to do it anyway.

“We are not talking about legitimate ketamine treatment,” Estrada said. “We’re talking about two doctors who abused the trust they had, abused their licenses to put another person’s life at risk.”

The press release by the U.S. Attorney’s office accuses two doctors and three others of taking advantage of and enabling Perry.

In September 2023, Plasencia learned Perry was interested in obtaining ketamine so he contacted Chavez, who was operating a ketamine clinic at the time. In a text to Chavez, Plasencia said, “I wonder how much this moron will pay.”

Plasencia began distributing ketamine to Perry and his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa. The distribution was outside the normal course of professional practice. At one point, Plasencia taught Iwamasa how to inject Perry with ketamine. DEA Administrator Anne Milgram said the doctors were overcharging Perry. In one instance, Perry paid $2,000 for a vial of ketamine that cost one of the physicians about $12. In the two months before his death, Perry paid the doctors about $55,000 in cash.

In mid-October 2023, Iwamasa also began obtaining ketamine for Perry from Fleming and Sangha. Fleming would often pick up the ketamine from Sanha’s stash house and deliver it to Perry and Iwamasa.

Iwamasa was regularly injecting Perry with the drug. Iwamasa gave Perry at least 27 shots of ketamine in the five days leading up to his death and at least three shots on the day Perry died.

Related: What to Ask During a Free Consultation with a Lawyer

Three Guilty Pleas & Two Pending Cases

Three of the five individuals charged have already pleaded guilty to charges. Iwamasa and Fleming pled guilty. Iwamasa faces up to 15 years in prison. Fleming faces up to 25 years. Chavez agreed to a plea deal and faces up to 10 years in prison.

Plasencia and Sangha have pleaded not guilty.

If found guilty, Plasencia could face up to 120 years in prison. If found guilty, Sangha faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Doors Open for Wrongful Death Case

A case under these circumstances could lead to a medical malpractice or wrongful death lawsuit. While no civil cases have been filed at this time, the evidence could lead to Perry’s family filing one or more lawsuits against the people named in the criminal charge.

Do you have a family member or loved one who was injured due to the negligence of a doctor or another party? Talk to a personal injury attorney about the details of your case immediately. Request your free consultation or call 813-226-1023 to review your story with attorney TJ Grimaldi today.

(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

It seemed like a risky situation. Five men boarded a small sub with the intention to go thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface. The men knew it was dangerous, and they signed waivers acknowledging the risks. Then, they lost their lives.

Now, family members of one of the men say the risks were higher than the men knew, and they feel they should be compensated for the loss of their loved one. Will they win?

What Happened on the Titan Sub?

In June 2023, the country was riveted by a story of five missing men. The men had boarded a submersible called the Titan, run by OceanGate Expeditions, on a mission to travel 12,500 feet below the surface to view the wreckage of the Titanic — but then they disappeared.

Two hours into the dive, the control ship lost communication with the TItan. A massive search lasted for four days until wreckage from the sub was finally discovered on the seafloor around the Titanic wreckage.

The Titan sub had imploded, and all five people on board were pronounced dead.

This blog covered the story at that time and considered whether or not lawsuits would follow the Titan’s implosion. Now, we have our answer.

Family Files $50 Million Wrongful Death Lawsuit

The family of one of the passengers, Paul Henri-Nargeolet, recently filed a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit. Henri-Nargeolet was a French explorer who was said to have visited the Titanic site more than any other person, making 37 dives to the site in his lifetime, as reported by CBS News.

His family is suing OceanGate, the operator of the submersible, as well as other involved individuals and entities. The lawsuit claims gross negligence according to a press release from the firm representing Henri-Nargeolet’s family. The lawsuit claims, OceanGate “failed to disclose about the condition and durability of the Titan submersible, its composition, its components and the previous similar models.”

The family’s lawyers argue that Henri-Nargeolet knew there were risks associated with the expedition but the extent of the risks was not properly conveyed and OceanGate failed to address safety concerns presented before the trip.

What About the Liability Waiver?

Before the men boarded the Titan sub, they paid $250,000 each for their trip and signed a liability waiver.

A liability waiver is a legal document a person signs to acknowledge and accept the risks involved in a particular activity. Once signed, the document releases the organization or individual offering the activity from liability for any harm or injury that may occur as a result of participating.

The exact waiver Henri-Nargeolet signed before boarding the Titan sub has not been released, but a passenger who made the trip with OceanGate in July 2022 shared details about the waiver he signed. Mike Reiss told the BBC the waiver mentioned the possibility of death three times on the first page alone.

The lawsuit will likely fight against the defense of the waiver by arguing that the risk was not accurately and clearly reflected to Henri-Nargeolet. In their statement, the legal time noted that “many of the particulars about the vessel’s flaws and shortcomings were not disclosed and were purposely concealed.”

So, does Henri-Nargeolet’s family have a case?

Related: Examples of Wrongful Death Cases Worth Fighting For

Will the Family Win Their Case?

To win a wrongful death case, the family must prove:

• Breach of Duty: OceanGate had a duty to provide safe conditions.
• Negligence: OceanGate was aware of an unsafe condition and failed to act.
• Damages: The family sustained damages, monetary (such as medical bills, lost income, property damage, cost of funeral, etc.) or non-monetary (such as emotional trauma, loss of consortium or companionship, etc.), as a result of Henri-Nargeolet’s death.

The family has documentation to show shortcuts in the construction of the Titan sub. For example, a mass-produced Logitech video game controller, the type used with an Xbox or PlayStation game console, was proudly used to run the sub.

The legal team also has records of industry experts and employees expressing safety concerns. In a 2018 lawsuit, an employee said he was worried about poor “quality control and safety” protocols that “​​paying passengers would not be aware of.”

Attorneys will have an uphill battle fighting against the waiver Henri-Nargeolet signed which may protect OceanGate from any ponytail liability. We’ll have to wait and see what other details could support either side of the case, which could go either way.

Related: How Do You Sue for Wrongful Death? 

Have You or a Loved One Been Injured by Negligence?

If you or a loved one have been injured or caused harm by the negligence of another person or company, you have a legal right to be made whole. See if you have a case by talking to an experienced personal injury attorney or wrongful death attorney.

All consultations are free, and you don’t pay anything until your case is won. See if you have a legal right to damages and compensation. Talk to TJ Grimaldi today. Schedule your consultation or call 813-226-1023.

In November, Floridians will make a decision. They will choose to vote yes or no on limiting the criminality of marijuana possession.

If the amendment passes, what criminal laws will change? And what does it mean for people who face drug charges in the meantime?

Current Marijuana Laws in Florida

As of August 2024, marijuana possession in Florida is illegal unless a person has obtained a  Medical Marijuana Use Authorization as outlined in Chapter 381 in Florida Statutes. Marijuana is legal for medical use in Florida, but it remains illegal for recreational use. If a person is caught possessing or selling marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia, hash, or concentrates, they can face misdemeanor and felony criminal charges.

In Florida, it is a misdemeanor for possession or sale of 20 grams or less of marijuana and can result in a year in prison and a maximum fine of $1,000. Possession or sale of 20 grams or more can lead to felony criminal charges and result in up to 30 years in prison and a maximum of $200,000 in fines.

Related: Misdemeanor vs Felony: What’s the Difference?

What State Marijuana Laws Could Change?

In November 2024, a constitutional amendment, known as Amendment 3, will appear on the Florida ballot allowing voters to say whether or not they want recreational marijuana to be legalized.

The proposed constitutional amendment allows “adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise; allows Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, and other state licensed entities, to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute such products and accessories.”

For the amendment to pass, it must receive at least 60% of the vote.

If it passes, it would make it legal for those 21 and over to have up to three ounces (85 grams) of marijuana and up to 5 grams of cannabis concentrate, but the change won’t happen immediately.

If Amendment 3 passes, it will take time for it to become law. The Florida Legislature will need to set rules and regulations about the use and sale of marijuana, such as how much can be purchased, potency limits, and marketing rules.

Related: Facing Florida Drug Possession Charges: 6 Things You Need to Know

What Federal Marijuana Laws Could Change?

Even if Amendment 3 passes and makes it legal for Floridains to possess and use marijuana, marijuana will remain illegal at the federal level. Although 24 states already have legalized marijuana for recreational use, the federal government still sees marijuana as an illegal substance, but this could change too.

In May 2024, the federal government announced it was moving forward with plans to ease federal restrictions on marijuana and reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug. Schedule III drugs are still considered a controlled substance. They are subject to federal rules and regulations, but they have fewer restrictions and carry lower criminal consequences.

What If You’ve Been Charged with Possession?

If you have been charged or are charged with marijuana possession in the time leading up to the amendment vote, nothing will change. In fact, nothing will change until weeks or months after the amendment vote as legislators will need time to put new marijuana laws in place.

State criminal guidelines for marijuana use and possession will remain until new laws are adopted.

We don’t yet know what will happen to individuals charged with marijuana crimes if the laws change. The amendment does not include language that would remove past convictions of those charged with marijuana crimes, per the Tampa Bay Times.

Florida has some of the harshest penalties for small amounts of marijuana as well as strict policies for clearing convictions and criminal records. Without clear guidelines of how convictions and consequences might change if Amendment 3 is adopted, anyone charged with marijuana charges should take their charges seriously.

Related: If You’re Arrested for a Crime, Immediately Take These 6 Steps

What If You’ve Been Charged with DWI?

Even if marijuana is made legal on a state and federal level, it will still be illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana. Drivers can get a DWI, driving while intoxicated, in the same way they can get a DUI, driving under the influence.

If you are found to be under the influence of marijuana while driving a vehicle and arrested for a DUI, you can still face serious criminal charges.

Related: What to Expect From a First Offense DUI

Talk to an Attorney About Your Drug Possession Case

If you have been charged with marijuana drug possession, whether as a misdemeanor or a felony, talk to an attorney right away. A drug possession attorney who is fully up-to-date on changing laws will be able to help you craft a case to lead to the best possible outcome.

Talk to criminal defense attorney TJ Grimaldi today to see how he can help guide you through your case. Request your free consultation or call 813-226-1023 now.

(Photo by Artem Priakhin / SOPA Images/Sipa USA)

For the first time in more than forty years, there was an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate. The attempt against Donald J. Trump left him with a small injury, but it took the life of another man and seriously injured two others. With the shooter left dead, is there anyone else who could face consequences for what happened?

What Happened?

On July 17, 2024, Donald J. Trump took the stage at a rally for his 2024 presidential bid in Butler, Pennsylvania. Six minutes into his speech, pops were heard as Trump grabbed his ear and ducked. More pops were heard seconds before Secret Service agents rushed the stage.

Roughly 150 yards away, a man lay dead on a rooftop. The man, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, had fired shots at Trump. Some of the shots missed Trump and went into the audience, hitting spectators. Two men, David Dutch and James Copenhaver, were seriously injured. Corey Comperatore was hit and killed. One of the bullets grazed Trump, injuring his right ear.

Just seconds after Crooks took his shots, he was killed by a Secret Service sniper. Trump was rushed off the stage and taken to a nearby hospital. He had come within inches of losing his life.

Who is responsible for allowing the shooting to unfold, and will any legal cases come out of the shooting?

Who Was In Charge?

The rally was held at a fairground in a rural area of Western Pennsylvania. As with every Trump rally, federal agencies, including the Secret Service, were responsible for securing the event and protecting the former President. They received support from local agencies. In larger cities, one or two local agencies may be able to provide the necessary resources. In small, rural areas, multiple agencies are often needed to meet the event’s security needs.

The Secret Service was responsible for securing the area inside of the perimeter of the event. Local agencies were responsible for the area outside of the event.

Per reporting by the Associated Press, at least six agencies were involved with the Butler event. The agencies included two sheriff’s offices, local police, state police, multiple teams within the Secret Service, and fire and emergency rescue officials.

Crooks took his shots from outside of the event perimeter. He was on the rooftop of a nearby building in an area secured by local agencies.

So, Who Was At Fault?

Multiple investigations are looking into what went wrong at the event and how the shooter could have gained such close access to Trump.

Early reports show that authorities were notified of a suspicious person long before Crooks fired his shots. According to a news release issued by Tom Knights, the Butler Township manager, a call went out for a suspicious male and officers responded, but they did not find the man.

Later, spectators began calling out to officials after they saw a man with a gun on the roof of a building. Knights explained what happened. “A Butler Township officer attempted to gain access to the roof by being hoisted up by an assisting officer. The officer was pulling himself up to the roof when he made visual contact with an individual who pointed a rifle at him,” Knights says. The officer dropped down, and then Crooks took his shots at Trump, according to  NPR Reporting.

Agencies have been careful about placing blame, and more details will come out as investigations lead to official reports. Based on what the investigators find, could anyone be held responsible for what happened? What potential criminal or civil cases could follow?

Related: What’s the Difference Between a Civil and Criminal Case? 

What Legal Cases Could Arise?

Based on what we know about the shooting, there are a few areas of the law to consider. Here are a few criminal and civil cases to be considered.

Criminal Charges Against Shooter: If the shooter had survived, he would have faced a variety of charges related to shooting Trump as well as injuring and killing others in attendance at the rally. He would have faced both charges of attempted murder and murder.

Criminal Charges Against the Shooter’s Parents: Crooks was twenty years old which makes him a legal adult. But because he lived with his parents and used his dad’s gun during the incident, there have been questions as to whether his parents could be held partially responsible for the shooting. The parents of school shooter Ethan Crumbly were both found guilty of manslaughter as a result of their son’s actions. Crooks is said to have researched Crumbly before the shooting, but it is unclear if his parents will be criminally charged.

Personal Injury Civil Cases: The shooting could also lead to civil court cases. The two men critically wounded at the event could choose to file personal injury cases. While they can’t sue Crooks, they may find evidence to support cases against the agencies involved with providing security at the event or even Crooks’s parents.

Wrongful Death Civil Case: The family of the man who was killed in the shooting could also find a legal avenue for a civil case. Survivors could choose to pursue a wrongful death case against any parties they find responsible for the dangerous situation that led to the shooting.

Related: Examples of Wrongful Death Cases Worth Fighting For

Let’s Review Your Case

Circumstances of a criminal or civil case are often complicated and have many angles to consider. If you are involved with a civil or criminal case, make sure you thoroughly review all sides of your case. Talk to an experienced attorney to review the details of your case right away. Schedule a free consultation with TJ Grimaldi today. Request your consultation or call 813-226-1023 now.