COLUMBUS, Ohio — A jury in Franklin County has rendered a $27 million verdict following the tragic death of Gregory Coleman Jr., a 37-year-old father who was a cherished member of his community. The case revolves around an incident where Coleman was fatally attacked by two security guards outside Julep Bar in the Short North, an event that was recorded and circulated widely on social media.
The lawsuit, initiated in 2023, sought accountability from both the bar owners and the security personnel involved, identified as Dwayne Cummings and Chrystian Foster. In 2024, a court found the guards guilty of murder; Cummings received a life sentence, while Foster was sentenced to a term ranging from 15 years to life.
Coleman’s death occurred on Labor Day in 2022. Police responded to an incident at the bar shortly after 2:30 a.m., discovering Coleman partially in the street and unresponsive. He was transported to a local hospital, where he remained in a coma on life support until he succumbed on September 18, as confirmed by court documents.
Witness accounts and video evidence revealed that Cummings initiated the assault, delivering the first punch. The footage showed both Cummings and Foster continuing to strike Coleman while he lay helpless on the ground. This brutal attack raised significant public outcry and concern regarding security practices at establishments that serve alcohol.
Rex Elliot, the attorney representing Coleman’s family, stressed the critical role that employers have in ensuring the safety and training of their staff. He asserted that “Every employer has a responsibility to effectively train their employees to prevent such incidents.”
Elliot pointed out that the lawsuit alleged that both guards were inadequately trained, went unsupervised, and were hired without thorough background checks, which led to the tragic outcome.
This incident underscores broader issues regarding the standards upheld by security staff in nightlife venues and the expectations for their training and conduct. The jury’s substantial verdict seeks to address the devastating impact of Coleman’s death on his loved ones and serves as a reminder of the responsibilities of employers in safeguarding the well-being of patrons.
Coleman’s father, Greg Coleman Sr., spoke about the profound loss he experienced, describing his son as “the kind of kid that any man would want as his son.” He remembered Coleman as a talented athlete and a remarkable individual whose loss has left an irreplaceable void in his family’s life.
The case highlights the importance of not only holding individuals accountable but also addressing systemic issues that contribute to violence in public spaces.
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