Parents of Slain JSU Student File Lawsuit Against University, Alleging Neglect of Safety Measures

JACKSON, Miss. – The parents of a Jackson State University student who was killed on campus have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the university. Michele Hill Brown and Michael Brown are suing JSU on behalf of their son, 22-year-old Flynn Brown. The lawsuit claims that the university neglected Brown’s safety following prior incidents involving Brown and his roommate, Randall Smith, which ultimately led to his murder in December 2022. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation confirmed that Brown was shot and killed by Smith after a dispute over doughnuts in their dorm. Brown’s body was subsequently found inside a parked vehicle on campus. The Browns are seeking financial compensation from Jackson State for their son’s death.

The tragic incident has raised concerns over campus safety at Jackson State University. The lawsuit alleges that the university failed to address the previous issues between Brown and Smith, which ultimately resulted in Brown losing his life. The plaintiffs argue that the university had a duty to protect its students and should have taken appropriate measures to prevent such a tragedy from occurring.

The lawsuit also sheds light on the details surrounding Brown’s murder. According to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, the fatal shooting occurred during an altercation between Brown and Smith. The dispute reportedly began over a box of doughnuts, escalating into a violent confrontation that ended with Brown being shot and killed. The investigation into the incident revealed that Smith was the person responsible for the shooting and he is currently in police custody.

Jackson State University has yet to formally respond to the lawsuit. However, in a statement released by President Thomas K. Hudson, he expressed condolences to the Brown family and emphasized the university’s commitment to the safety of its students and campus community. President Hudson assured students and faculty that their safety remains the highest priority for the university.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of campus safety and the responsibility universities have to ensure the well-being of their students. The lawsuit filed by Brown’s parents seeks both justice for their son and accountability from Jackson State University. It remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold and what measures, if any, the university will take to address the concerns raised in the lawsuit.

In the wake of this tragedy, the Jackson State community is grappling with the loss of a promising young student. Brown’s death has deeply affected his family, friends, and fellow students, who are mourning his loss and demanding answers about the circumstances surrounding his murder. The lawsuit against the university underscores the need for universities to prioritize student safety and implement effective measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.