The family of Abnerd Joseph, the assistant principal tragically killed in his Loop residential building last September, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against numerous involved parties, including the alleged gunman and building management, according to reports from the Chicago Tribune. They assert that his death could have been prevented if building security and management had adhered to proper protocols during what they describe as Joseph's mental health crisis.
During the incident, which took place on the evening of September 14, Joseph was said to be in emotional distress and behaving erratically, a condition possibly linked to a recent change in his ADHD medication, that fateful evening, he knocked on several neighbors' doors and was reportedly in a state of anxiety; he punched a security guard and a resident who confronted him, further agitation led to a resident with a concealed carry license firing multiple shorts that ultimately ended Joseph's life, even though police detained the unnamed shooter, no charges were levied, as confirmed by CBS 2. The family is now seeking over $50,000 for what they deem negligence and wrongful death.
Antonio Romanucci, the family's attorney, stressed the gravity of the management's and security's failure to properly handle the situation, stating, "Abnerd Joseph simply did not need to die," during the news conference, Romanucci highlighted that instead of intervening directly, the building's security should have "called and waited for help to arrive." The family also called attention to Joseph's important role in the community, particularly with black and brown students at Intrinsic Schools’ downtown campus, as detailed in the Chicago Tribune.
The enduring impact Joseph had on his students was apparent, Bryan Bien-Aime, Joseph's brother shared with CBS 2 a touching account of how Joseph motivated one troubled student with the promise of Jordans for maintaining good behavior and grades, an anecdote that was cut short by the tragedy, which not only claimed his life but also left a profound void in a community he served selflessly, the memory of Joseph continues to resonate, manifested in mural tributes by those whose lives he touched.
The defendants in the lawsuit include Mesa Development, Avison Young-Chicago, Sudler Property Management, Allied Universal Security Services, and the alleged shooter, none of whom have publicly responded to the allegations as of yet. This lawsuit represents the family's pursuit of closure and justice for a man they describe as "the glue that kept [them] all together" and who was "executed in his own building," as stated by Romanucci in an interview with CBS 2. With the investigation is still ongoing, the coming months may shed light on whether the civil case or potential criminal charges will provide the justice Joseph's family is seeking.
