The Legal Herald
Merris Kelley Shooting, Cincinnati: Legal Claim for Family?
We have over 25 years of experience representing victims of security failures across the United States, and we have recovered nearly $250 million dollars for our Clients. Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available to the family of Merris Kelley.
Cincinnati, OH NEWS – Gunfire rang out Tuesday evening, January 27, 2026, claiming the life of one man.
As reported by Fox19.com, “[t]he shooting happened in the parking lot of [a restaurant], 4949 Ridge Ave., around 6:25 p.m. Police say when they arrived, they found a person with multiple life-threatening gunshot wounds who ultimately died at the scene.”
WLWT.com is reporting, “[o]n Wednesday morning, Cincinnati police identified the victim as Merris Kelley, 31.”
Potential Legal Claims for Family of Merris Kelley?
OUR LEGAL TAKE
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Restaurant and parking lot guests have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises they are visiting. The level of security provided at the property is of significance, and is a relevant consideration when analyzing whether this shooting may have been prevented. The following questions are also important in assessing whether this incident may have been avoided:
- Have prior incidents of violence been reported on or near the property?
- Was the property owner or manager aware of any suspicious activity prior to the shooting?
- Were any security personnel at the property?
- Were security measures added after any prior incidents?
- What protocol was in place to deter crime and protect the victims at the time of the shooting?
- Have authorities been to the property on prior occasions?
Property owners are generally required to protect against foreseeable harm to anyone and everyone legally on the premises. Should the investigation into this incident reveal facts that establish that the property owner or management lacked adequate security to protect its visitors, the family of Merris Kelley may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their loss.
The Murray Law Firm has extensive and successful experience in handling security negligence claims on behalf of victims and their families, and suggests that an immediate, unbiased inspection of the property will need to be performed so as to limit evidence from being altered, damaged or destroyed. The complexities of pursuing a negligent security case are well understood by the legal team at The Murray Law Firm, and it is imperative that the family of Merris Kelley retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.
Successful Legal Outcomes in Similar Cases.
OUR RESULTS? NEARLY $250 MILLION IN VERDICTS AND SETTLEMENTS FOR OUR CLIENTS
The Murray Law Firm has a long history of representing victims of violence and security negligence. We have obtained nearly $250 Million in verdicts and settlements for our Clients, including:
- A $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property.
- Settlement in excess of $10 million dollars for a victim of gun violence at an apartment complex.
- Settlement in excess of $10 million dollars for a family who lost a loved one to gun violence at a commercial property.
We offer our legal assistance, if desired. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888-842-1616. You can also read similar potential cases in the Legal Take section of our site.
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