With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Lawsuit Claims Red Line Stabbing Death was 'reasonably forseeable' to MTA
Photo by Gary Rides Bikes via the LAist Featured Photos pool
()
As announced Wednesday, the mother of the victim of a fatal stabbing aboard a Red Line train has filed a claim against the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), asserting there is inadequate security on the subway and in stations.
Janie Garay, through an attorney, claims that the MTA is charged with doing all they can to protect their passengers against harm, and that in the death of her son, Jesse, the MTA failed in their duty. Garay says that the MTA contributed to her son's death because they "failed to exercise a reasonable degree of skill," including not having enough security personnel, not properly monitoring surveillance cameras, overloading passenger trains, and not having an appropriate emergency procedure for an incident like one that took the life of her son.
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.
Support for LAist comes from
Janie Garay is seeking damages for the "funeral and burial expenses; loss of services; loss of comfort, care, guidance, advice and companionship; pain and suffering and grief; loss of goods decendant would have provided." According to the claim, the death of Jesse Garay was "reasonably foreseeable" by the MTA.
The following is the full text of the claim's narrative regarding the incident:
()
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight.
Best of LAist