Tennessee Kroger employee hurt in deadly mass shooting sues company for $10M

COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. — An employee who was hurt in a deadly mass shooting at a Tennessee Kroger store last year has filed a $10 million lawsuit against the grocery chain.

>> Read more trending news

According to WHBQ-TV and The Associated Press, Mariko Jenkins was working at the supermarket in Collierville on Sept. 23, 2021, when UK Thang opened fire, striking several people before shooting and killing himself. One victim, Olivia King, died and 14 others were wounded in the attack, the AP reported.

Investigators said Thang had been fired earlier that day from his job as an independent franchise owner for Snowfox, a contracted sushi distributor inside the Kroger, according to the news outlets. Jenkins’ lawsuit alleges that both the grocery chain and Snowfox “knew or should have known” that Thang, who previously had confronted customers and employees, “presented a danger” after his firing, WHBQ reported.

“At no time did any defendant warn of or otherwise take reasonable action to prevent (the shooter) from causing or mitigating his ability to cause such harm when they had the means, ability and reasonable constructive and/or actual notice to do so,” reads the lawsuit, according to WHBQ.

The lawsuit goes on to say that during the hiring process, the companies “failed to use reasonable care in investigating, recruiting and hiring Thang and failed to provide adequate warning” to Jenkins, WHBQ reported.

Jenkins’ lawsuit seeks $10 million in damages – half punitive and half compensatory, according to the news outlet.

Kroger declined to comment on the case, WHBQ reported.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

On Air86KONO - Greatest Hits of the 60's and 70's Logo

mobile apps

Everything you love about 86kono.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

amazon alexa

Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices!