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Shooting Victim's Family Sues Brandon Nightclub

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By TOM BRENNAN | The Tampa Tribune
and RAY REYES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 10, 2008

TAMPA - Relatives of a bystander shot and killed last year at the former Fluid Lounge is suing the Brandon nightclub, saying the club had insufficient security measures.

The lawsuit, filed today in civil court, names the nightclub; Taylortessa Inc., the company that owns the nightclub; and Jeffrey Haijioannou, the manager of the property at 2016 Town Center Blvd., which became Cee-Jay's Martini Bar and Lounge in late 2007.

Hillsborough County sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter said that on Oct. 17, 2007, Tyrone Lamont Grimes fired a handgun several times inside Fluid after an argument.

Karen Williams, a 36-year-old mother of three, was struck. She died at the scene.

Security wands used to detect weapons and metal objects were at the club but weren't used to screen incoming patrons, Williams' St. Petersburg-based attorney, Joshua Drechel, wrote in the complaint.

The lawsuit also contends that between Oct. 16, 2004, and Oct. 17, 2007, Hillsborough sheriff's deputies were called to the club 260 times and management failed to warn Williams and other patrons about past criminal activity at the club.

Fluid owners could not be reached today for comment.

A Jan. 20 trial date has been set for Grimes. He is being held without bail in Falkenburg Road Jail.

Grimes has denied being the shooter, saying he was attacked by two other men and the gun discharged during the struggle.

Reporter Tom Brennan can be reached at tbrennan@tampatrib.com and (813) 259-7698.

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