Portland, OR — A jury in Multnomah County has awarded $21.25 million to the family of Freddy Nelson Jr., a man fatally shot by a private security guard in a Lowe’s parking lot in Oregon. The substantial sum includes $1.25 million in punitive damages aimed at punishing the defendants for their roles in the event that occurred in 2021.
The civil trial, which began on September 5, culminated in a gripping verdict where property manager TMT Development Corp, property owner Hayden Meadows, and three representatives of Cornerstone Security Group were found responsible. The fatal incident involved Logan Gimbel, a former Cornerstone security guard now serving a life sentence for second-degree murder, who shot Nelson through his pickup truck’s windshield.
Gimbel had confronted Nelson, who claimed he was there to pick up excess wooden pallets based on an agreement with a store employee. The altercation escalated, leading to Nelson’s death. The jury adjudicated that TMT bore 80 percent of the liability, citing a failure in their security operations and overly aggressive policies.
This case highlights the significant responsibilities of security companies and property managers in handling confrontations without resorting to lethal force. During the trial, attorneys for the Nelson family stressed that Gimbel’s actions were unnecessary and excessively aggressive. They also criticized Cornerstone for inadequate training of their armed guards, and TMT’s stringent zero-tolerance policies that contributed to the tragic outcome.
In contrast, the defense painted a different picture. TMT deflected blame onto Cornerstone and Gimbel, while Cornerstone contended that Gimbel had acted out of fear for his own safety, believing Nelson was a threat when he allegedly drove toward him.
After the verdict, Tom D’Amore of D’Amore Law Group, representing the Nelson family, commended the jury for recognizing the “culture of violence” perpetuated by the security and property management practices. D’Amore remarked on the broader implications of the case for community safety and accountability standards.
The case, Nelson v. TMT Management Co., et al., underscores the intricate legal and ethical dimensions of private security operations, particularly when lethal force is employed. It also raises questions about the extent of responsibility property owners and managers have in ensuring the actions of their contractors align with public safety expectations.
As part of the legal proceedings, all witness testimonies and significant trial moments were recorded and are available for review through a legal services subscription, providing an in-depth look at the case proceedings and legal arguments presented.
This trial not only resolved a significant civil suit but also spotlighted the critical need for comprehensive training and clear policies for security personnel to prevent future tragedies. As the community and the Nelson family seek closure from this event, the legal precedents set here may influence future security practices and liability assessments across various industries. Attorneys representing the defendants have yet to make a public response regarding the jury’s decision or indicate plans for an appeal.