Mother of Man Fatally Stabbed on Red Line Plans to Sue MTA Over Lack of Proper Security

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The mother of the 59-year-old North Hollywood man stabbed to death aboard a Metro Red Line train last month is planning to sue the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority, alleging the system does not have proper security aboard trains and in stations.

Jesse Garay was stabbed following a dispute with a fellow passenger aboard a northbound Red Line train headed towards the Hollywood and Vine stop. His assailant was able to flee the station on foot, and allegedly sought the aid of fellow passengers, who helped him change out of his blood-stained shirt.

That assailant, identified as 33-year-old transient Gene Sim, was arrested a few days later in Buena Park.

Garay's mother, Janie, has hired attorney Michael Alder, who is filing the suit on her behalf. Alder will hold a press conference on Friday to discuss details of the claim.

The fatal stabbing of Jesse Garay is the first killing aboard the Red Line since the subway opened in 1993.

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By Lindsay William-Ross in News on September 14, 2011 3:40 PM

Comments [rss]

James Bean

It's a shame they can't hold the decedent responsible for swinging a bicycle chain at the guy who stabbed him!

lfnfrtank

i ride the red line to Hollywood Blvd/Vine fron NOHO all the time. I have always feel safe,although i am usually the only white guy on the line.

Jeremy Alva

Oh, you're THAT guy! I always wanted to talk to the ONLY WHITE GUY on the train, but I figured it might be kinda racist of me if I did. So, hello only white man!

Up_Against_The_Law

I'm a plaintiffs' attorney and this makes even me sick. What are they going to argue the standard of care is supposed to be -- a cop in every seat? Would that be enough? Or would they all need to be holding assault rifles, too? You know, just so we're safe. So that there is proper security to protect some maniac skateboards from stabbing some other maniac on the train.

lucytwoshoes

I agree - if this goes through, then what's stopping anyone who is assaulted on the sidewalk from suing the city for lack of adequate security on the streets? I feel horrible for the family of the victim, but a lawsuit against the Metro is not going to bring him back...