January 28, 2026

Shaylea Rae Gaona Tragically Lost in Fort Wayne, IN Apartment Fire. Fire Safety Negligence?

Shaylea Rae Gaona Apartment Fire, Fort Wayne: Was this Tragedy Preventable?

We have over 25 years of experience representing victims of fire safety negligence and 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 Shaylea Rae Gaona.

Shaylea Rae Gaona Tragically Lost in Fort Wayne, IN Apartment Fire. (WANE.com)

Fort Wayne, IN NEWS – An apartment fire early Sunday morning, January 25, 2026, tragically claimed one life.

As reported by 21AliveNews.com, “[t]he Fort Wayne Fire Department was dispatched to [local apartments] just after 4 a.m., after reports of an apartment fire. Once crews arrived on scene, firefighters say they found smoke coming from one of the apartments.”

WANE.com is reporting, “[f]irefighters entered the building, and as residents evacuated, they reported that a woman was unaccounted for. Firefighters found the woman, but despite lifesaving measures being performed by TRAA and the FWPD, she [was sadly unable to survive].”

According to WANE.com, “[t]he Allen County Coroner’s Office identified her Tuesday as Shaylea Rae Gaona.”

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Potential Legal Claims for Family of Shaylea Rae Gaona?

Our Legal Take

FORMER CLIENT: I had lawyers calling me, and friends telling me who I should hire…I trusted in The Murray Law Firm and I’m glad I did.

As authorities continue their investigation, premises liability attorneys with The Murray Law Firm question whether a lack of fire safety measures at the complex may have contributed to this incident.

What fire safety measures, such as working smoke detectors, fire sprinklers and emergency exits, were in place and working at the time of the fire?
When was the last fire inspection performed on the property?
Were any safety measures added after any previous inspections?
Was the property owner aware of any inadequate fire safety measures present prior to the fire?

As details of this fire continue to emerge, The Murray Law Firm suggests that it is possible that the apartment complex failed to undertake proper safety measures to protect those residents and guests legally on the premises. Under certain State law, the owner and management company of an apartment complex have a duty to protect those on the property and to keep the premises safe. If the owner or manager fails in this duty, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths that occur as a consequence. Should the apartment complex be found at fault, the family of Shaylea Rae Gaona may elect to hold the owner and management company civilly liable for their loss and suffering.

As insurance companies and unscrupulous property owners are often concerned with limiting their financial exposure in these incidents, it is crucial that the family of Shaylea Rae Gaona retain an experienced premises liability firm as soon as possible to ensure all evidence, such as a faulty fire alarm or a poor evacuation plan, is preserved and the families best interests are protected. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in premises liability and apartment negligence cases, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

If anyone has information to share, or if anyone is seeking information regarding this incident, please contact us at 888.842.1616.

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. Consultations are free and confidential.

Choosing the Right Attorney (CLICK HERE)

DISCLAIMERS: The information contained in this post is from secondary sources and may therefore contain inaccuracies. We will gladly correct or remove this post upon request. The material contained in this post is not intended to constitute legal advice. As each Client is unique, please contact us for a free consultation on your particular case. “Contingent attorneys’ fees” refers only to those fees charged by attorneys for their legal services. Such fees are not permitted in all types of cases. Court costs and other additional expenses of legal action usually must be paid by the client.

January 28, 2026

Maxine Sullivan Tragically Lost in Jersey City, NJ Apartment Building Fire. Fire Safety Negligence?

By The Murray Law Firm

Maxine Sullivan Apartment Fire, Jersey City: Was this Tragedy Preventable?

We have over 25 years of experience representing victims of fire safety negligence and 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 Maxine Sullivan.

Jersey City, NJ NEWS – An apartment fire Tuesday night, January 27, 2026, tragically claimed one life.

As reported by RLSmedia.com, “Firefighters were dispatched at approximately 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, after receiving reports of smoke inside a five-story residential building located at 11 College Drive.”

According to the report, “[u]pon arrival, crews encountered heavy smoke coming from a fifth-floor apartment. During firefighting operations, responders located an unresponsive woman inside the affected unit.”

Patch.com is reporting, “Maxine Sullivan, 85, was [sadly unable to survive her injuries].”

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Potential Legal Claims for the Family of Maxine Sullivan?

Our Legal Take

FORMER CLIENT: I had lawyers calling me, and friends telling me who I should hire…I trusted in The Murray Law Firm and I’m glad I did.

As authorities continue their investigation, premises liability attorneys with The Murray Law Firm question whether a lack of fire safety measures at the complex may have contributed to this incident.

What fire safety measures, such as working smoke detectors, fire sprinklers and emergency exits, were in place and working at the time of the fire?
When was the last fire inspection performed on the property?
Were any safety measures added after any previous inspections?
Was the property owner aware of any inadequate fire safety measures present prior to the fire?

As details of this fire continue to emerge, The Murray Law Firm suggests that it is possible that the apartment complex failed to undertake proper safety measures to protect those residents and guests legally on the premises. Under certain State law, the owner and management company of an apartment complex have a duty to protect those on the property and to keep the premises safe. If the owner or manager fails in this duty, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths that occur as a consequence. Should the apartment complex be found at fault, the family of Maxine Sullivan may elect to hold the owner and management company civilly liable for their loss and suffering.

As insurance companies and unscrupulous property owners are often concerned with limiting their financial exposure in these incidents, it is crucial that the family of Maxine Sullivan retain an experienced premises liability firm as soon as possible to ensure all evidence, such as a faulty fire alarm or a poor evacuation plan, is preserved and the families best interests are protected. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in premises liability and apartment negligence cases, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

If anyone has information to share, or if anyone is seeking information regarding this incident, please contact us at 888.842.1616.

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. Consultations are free and confidential.

Choosing the Right Attorney (CLICK HERE)

DISCLAIMERS: The information contained in this post is from secondary sources and may therefore contain inaccuracies. We will gladly correct or remove this post upon request. The material contained in this post is not intended to constitute legal advice. As each Client is unique, please contact us for a free consultation on your particular case. “Contingent attorneys’ fees” refers only to those fees charged by attorneys for their legal services. Such fees are not permitted in all types of cases. Court costs and other additional expenses of legal action usually must be paid by the client.

January 28, 2026

Christopher Frye-Pleasant Killed in St. Louis, MO Restaurant Shooting. Security Negligence?

By The Murray Law Firm

Christopher Frye-Pleasant Shooting, St. Louis: 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 Christopher Frye-Pleasant.

St. Louis, MO NEWS – Gunfire rang out Monday afternoon, January 26, 2026, claiming the life of one man.

As reported by KSDK.com, “officers responded to a shooting call shortly after 1 p.m. Monday at the 8th Street Restaurant in St. Louis’ Soulard neighborhood. Officers found a 22-year-old man inside the restaurant suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.”

SLMPD.org is reporting, “[h]e has been identified as 22-year-old Christopher Frye-Pleasant of St. Louis City.”

The investigation is ongoing.

Potential Legal Claims for Family of Christopher Frye-Pleasant?

OUR LEGAL TAKE

FORMER CLIENT: I had lawyers calling me, and friends telling me who I should hire…I trusted in The Murray Law Firm and I’m glad I did.

Restaurant 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 Christopher Frye-Pleasant 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 Christopher Frye-Pleasant 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.

How to Choose and Hire the Right Attorney (Click Here)

DISCLAIMERS: The information contained in this post is from secondary sources and may therefore contain inaccuracies. We will gladly correct or remove this post upon request. The material contained in this post is not intended to constitute legal advice. As each Client is unique, please contact us for a free consultation on your particular case. “Contingent attorneys’ fees” refers only to those fees charged by attorneys for their legal services. Such fees are not permitted in all types of cases. Court costs and other additional expenses of legal action usually must be paid by the client.