This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Stow family sues Dodgers, say poor security led to Giants fan beating
Erin Collins, center, sister, Bonnie Stow, left, sister, and Ann Stow, right, mother of San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow, express thanks during a news conference at a hospital in San Francisco, Monday, May 23, 2011. Bryan Stow, 42, was severely beaten outside Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on March 31, 2011. A tip from a parole officer late last week led to the arrest Sunday of Giovanni Ramirez, 31, of Los Angeles in the attack.
(
AP Photo/Paul Sakuma
)
Listen
3:32
Stow family sues Dodgers, say poor security led to Giants fan beating
Stow family sues Dodgers, say poor security led to Giants fan beating
The family of a San Francisco Giants fan who was beaten outside Dodger Stadium plans to file a lawsuit today against the Los Angeles Dodgers claiming poor security contributed to the opening-day attack.
Bryan Stow, 42, was attacked after the Dodgers' opening-day victory over the Giants March 31. Police said Stow, who was wearing Giants gear, was beaten in a stadium parking lot by two men wearing Dodgers paraphernalia.
"It's fairly simple. The Dodgers have shown a total disregard for public safety," Stow family attorney Thomas Girardi told ESPN. "They've gotten rid of security people. They've had all these incidents at their games, more than other teams. There's also a known gang presence. What did they think was going to happen?"
The lawsuit, which will seek unspecified damages, will reportedly allege that it took stadium personnel 10 to 15 minutes to reach Stow after the attack was reported.
A spokesman for the team declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing a policy of not discussing pending litigation.
Security at Dodger Stadium has been beefed up since the beating occurred. Dodgers owner Frank McCourt also enlisted the help of former Los Angeles Police Department Chief William Bratton, who now heads a security consulting firm.
Two days after the attack, Dodgers owner Frank McCourt condemned the assailants, but said he believed the team had adequate security in place.
Sponsored message
"Any human being doing physical harm to another human being, just words can't describe how awful that is," McCourt said. "That said, it happens. It's one of those awful things and I'm not making any excuses whatsoever ... but I'm quite confident that all of our measures were in place, and it's just one of those things that you could have 2,000 policemen there and it's just not going to change that random act of violence. It's a sad, sad thing."
News of the lawsuit came two days after the arrest of a suspect in the beating. Giovanni Ramirez, 31, was arrested Sunday in east Hollywood. He is being held in lieu of $1 million bail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.
A search was continuing for a second beating suspect and a female getaway driver.
Stow was recently transferred from Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center to a hospital in San Francisco, closer to his home. He remains in critical condition.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
