Family of College Student Killed by Stray Bullet Sues Nashville and Belmont University Over Negligence
Jillian Ludwig's death has prompted calls for stronger victim protections, with Jillian's Law being enacted in 2023.
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A tragic death of a Nashville student has led the victim's family to sue the city, and the college involved over negligence.
In May 2023, 18-year-old Belmont University student, Jillian Ludwig was shot by a stray bullet as as she jogged in a Nashville park, Tennessee. The family claimed the tragedy could have been avoided had the city and Belmont University, among others, exercised their respective functions better. The accused person, Shaquille Taylor, is identified together with government and medical persons who have evaluated him in the past as a repeat offender and violent.
Negligence Allegations
According to Fox News, Jillian's parents argue that the defendants failed to protect public safety and properly address Taylor's violent behavior.
Taylor, who had previously been ruled incompetent to stand trial on previous charges, was not incarcerated or in a mental health facility and was able to obtain weapons. The lawsuit also claims Belmont University failed to warn students of hazards in the park where Jillian was jogging. Additionally, the case presents the alleged failure of the Nashville Metro Development and Housing Agency to prevent illegal firearm use on its property, which caused the shooting.
Jillian's Law, enacted in 2023, requires persons found incompetent to stand trial to be placed in mental health facilities and included in a background check system to bar firearm purchases. Jillian's family is also calling for accountability, saying that the current system protects criminals rather than innocent victims. Nashville Mayor and Belmont University have issued condolences and support but have declined to comment on the lawsuit.
Jillian's parents hope their actions will prevent similar tragedies in the future, advocating for stronger protections for victims.
