Penhook, VA — In a profound case underscoring pervasive issues of racial discrimination, a Franklin County landlord faced severe legal repercussions after evicting two families from her lakefront property upon discovering one family member’s racial identity. The families, who endured significant emotional distress from their abrupt eviction, were awarded a substantial sum by a jury in a discrimination lawsuit.
The lawsuit originated from an incident at the Lazy Cove Campground at Smith Mountain Lake in April 2020. Angela and Damien Smith, along with their young son, sought a lakeside retreat, renting a camper close to their close friends, Amanda and Mike Mills. Approximately a month after settling in, the property’s tranquility was shattered by prejudice when the landlord, Regina Turner, learned of Damien’s race.
Reportedly, Turner’s reaction was captured during a distressing phone call where she expressed regret over renting to them citing racial reasons. This led to a declaration that neither family would be allowed to renew their lease, essentially evicting them based on racial grounds.
The legal ramifications of Turner’s actions culminated in February when a Franklin County jury penalized her with$100,000 in damages to each couple for their losses. Moreover, they imposed an additional $550,000 in punitive damages aimed at deterring similar discriminatory actions in the future.
This landmark case, prosecuted vigorously by the Virginia Attorney General’s Office of Civil Rights, marked not only a significant legal triumph but also the largest fair housing jury verdict to date secured by the office. Reflecting on the verdict, Attorney General Jason Miyares emphasized that such discriminative behavior would not be tolerated, affirming a commitment to uphold civil rights across Virginia.
The swift and decisive jury decision, reached after less than two hours of deliberation, highlighted the clear message from the community: discriminatory actions have palpable consequences. Both families testified to the emotional and psychological harm inflicted by Turner’s discrimination, reinforcing the jury’s stance on the gravity of the offense.
On the defense side, attorney Holland Perdue pointed out intentions to challenge the verdict, asserting a focus on the quantum of financial compensation rather than the allegation of discrimination itself, which was determined by a default judgment.
As the legal proceedings continue, with a follow-up court session scheduled for April 8, the implications of this case resonate beyond monetary figures. The affected families, particularly the Smiths, expressed a fervent hope that their ordeal would catalyze changes in attitudes and practices, ensuring no other family suffers similar discrimination.
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