Crown Food Mart in ESL sued over shooting death

The mother of a St. Clair County man who was shot and killed at an East St. Louis convenience store says the store is responsible for her son's death.

Girtha Flakes, as special administrator of the estate of Lavor F. Flakes, filed a lawsuit March 1 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Hani Inc.

According to the complaint, Lavor Flakes was a customer at the Crown Food Mart in the 8300 block of State Street in January 2012 when he was confronted and shot by an unknown person. His mother contends the owner of the convenience store, Hani Inc., knew it was a dangerous place based on the alleged crimes that she contends were frequently committed at the store.

Flakes claims the store could have reduced the likelihood of violence by taking proper security measures and staffing appropriate personnel. She also alleges the defendant did little to deter the attack of her son and failed to intervene after it started.

Flakes accuses Hani Inc. of negligence and the wrongful death of Lavor. She asks for more than $100,000 in damages and court costs.

Attorney Jeffrey A. Kopis of Belleville represents Flakes.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-114