NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — A lawsuit was filed on Wednesday in connection with a notable murder case that has captured public attention in the Grand Strand area. The case involves LaFredia Todd, who was found guilty earlier this year for the shooting death of Quentin Johnson, a 26-year-old co-worker at Nacho Hippo.
Following a jury’s unanimous decision, Todd received a 36-year sentence for murder and an additional five years for possession of a weapon during a violent crime related to the incident that occurred in July 2022.
Latoya Willard, Johnson’s longtime girlfriend and the mother of his child, is representing his estate in a wrongful death lawsuit against Nacho Hippo and several other parties. The suit alleges that the restaurant failed to take appropriate action against Todd, despite her reported aggressive behavior in the workplace.
According to the documents filed, Todd exhibited increasingly hostile conduct, including an incident where she allegedly threw a frying pan at a fellow employee. Willard’s lawsuit claims that the restaurant did not take necessary measures to limit access to firearms on its premises, which contributed to the tragic outcome.
The filing details that Todd clocked out of her shift at 9:53 p.m. but remained on the property for nearly an hour before the fatal shooting. Surveillance footage reportedly captured an argument between Todd and Johnson, followed by Todd entering a room before emerging and appearing to shoot him.
Willard contends that the restaurant’s management failed to prevent Todd from being in the manager’s office despite her off-duty status and alleged violent tendencies. The lawsuit points to the negligence or gross negligence of the defendants as a significant factor in the emotional and financial toll on Johnson’s estate.
A request for a jury trial has been made as the parties prepare to address the allegations in court. As the case develops, it has raised questions about workplace safety and the responsibility of employers to maintain a secure environment for their employees.
This ongoing legal battle reflects a broader discourse on the impact of workplace culture and accountability in incidents of violence.
For updates on this case and its implications, follow local news outlets for more information.
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