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Crime & Safety

2nd Lawsuit Filed in Galleria Stabbing

The lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Emeline V., the second teen stabbed at the end of December at the South Bay Galleria.

A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of the second of two teens stabbed in December at the South Bay Galleria.

The negligence and premises liability suit was brought in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday against Forest City Enterprises, landlord of the Redondo Beach shopping center, as well as Andrews International, Inc., which provides security.

The suit seeks unspecified damages on behalf of the plaintiff, who is identified in the complaint as Emeline V. She was stabbed multiple times, the suit states.

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A similar suit was filed Feb. 25 in Los Angeles Superior Court on behalf of a boy, also 13, who was with the girl. He is identified in his complaint as Ricky W.  

The boy suffered stab wounds to his chest and heart as well as to one lung and arm, the suit states. His parents have had more than $300,000 in medical bills, according to the their lawyer, Michael Alder, who also represents Emeline V.

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The mall's owners had an obligation to keep the children safe and warn them of any potential dangers, the suits assert.

A representative of Forest City Enterprises could not be immediately reached.

In January, Redondo Beach police said they were hopeful a $25,000 reward would help them find the man who they believe stabbed the boy and girl. They say it appeared to be an unprovoked attack.

The incident occurred in front of the AMC Theatres on the mall's third level at about 7:25 p.m. on Dec. 29, according to Redondo Beach police Lt. Joe Hoffman.

The suspect remains at large. Police described him as tall, black, possibly in his 40s, with a medium build and possibly bald. He had a graying beard and a mustache and he may have been wearing prescription glasses, according to police.

He wore a knit cap, a green/brown "fatigue-type jacket" that was not camouflage, blue jeans and a black T-shirt, police said.

Forest City Enterprises states on the Galleria's website that customer safety and convenience is the company's "number one priority" and that it provides patrons with 24-hour protection, the suit states.

Previously:

  • 2 Teens Stabbed at South Bay Galleria
  • Police: Stabbing Apparently Unprovoked
  • Galleria Steps up Security After Stabbings
  • Police Release Sketch of Stabbing Suspect
  • Stabbing Victim's Parents Speak Out
  • Stabbing Victim's Family Sues South Bay Galleria
  • City Manager: Galleria Is 'Very Safe'

This is a developing story. Please check back later for updates.

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