Jury Awards $305,000 in Flash Dancers Wrongful Death Case
Table of Contents
Case Background
The legal battle began following a tragic incident at a local Orlando establishment that took the life of Stephen R. Walker. On August 16, 2019, Walker visited the Flash Dancers Nightclub, located at 2201 S. Orange Blossom Trail, as a customer. During the club's normal operating hours, an unknown assailant violently shot and killed Walker while he remained on the property. Following the tragedy, Catherine Davey, acting as the Personal Representative for Walker’s estate, initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against the entities responsible for the premises. The estate alleged that the owners and operators of the nightclub had failed to provide a safe environment, which directly led to Walker's death.
Cause
The primary cause of the lawsuit centered on negligent security. The estate argued that the Defendants knew, or should have known, that the area was dangerous based on a history of criminal activity at the club and in the surrounding one-mile radius. Despite these foreseeable risks, the nightclub operators allegedly failed to implement proper security measures, such as adequate lighting, trained guards, or functional security systems.
Injury
The "injury" in this wrongful death case was the fatal shooting of Stephen R. Walker. At forty-two years old, Walker was unmarried and left behind eight minor children who suffered the loss of their father’s support and companionship.
Damages Sought
The estate sought a judgment exceeding $30,000, requesting compensation for the survivors and the estate. The demands included the loss of Walker’s future earnings, medical and funeral expenses, and compensation for the mental pain and suffering endured by his children.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
The case proceeded through the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Orange County, Florida. Over several years, the parties engaged in discovery to determine who actually controlled the property and whether the criminal attack was preventable. The Court eventually brought the matter before a jury to decide if the Defendants’ actions rose to the level of wanton negligence.
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Catherine Davey, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Stephen R. Walker.
Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Jeremy K. Markman | Alicia L. Peyton
Defendant(s): Krej Leasing, Inc | OC Flashdancers, LLC (d/b/a Flash Dancers Nightclub); | William Sierer.
Counsel for Defendant(s): Shyamie Dixit | Robert L. Vessel | Brett Sarason
Key Arguments or Remarks by Counsel
Claims
The estate’s legal team argued that the Defendants had a non-delegable duty to keep their business invitees safe. They presented evidence that the nightclub had become a magnet for crime and that the management had ignored repeated warning signs. Counsel emphasized that by failing to hire enough guards or warn customers of the dangers, the Defendants essentially allowed the violent attack to happen.
Defense
Krej Leasing, Inc. defended its position by arguing that it did not have direct control over the specific areas where the incident occurred. The defense maintained that as a landlord, its duties differed from those of the tenant operating the nightclub. They also contended that the criminal act was an intervening event by an unknown third party for which they should not be held liable.
Jury Verdict
After deliberation, the Orange County jury found that wanton negligence or willful misconduct was a legal cause of Stephen R. Walker’s death. The jury also determined that KREJ Leasing, Inc. failed to warn Walker of a dangerous condition that was known to the company and not known, nor reasonably discoverable, by Walker.
Allocation of Fault
The jury apportioned liability among the Defendants as follows:
KREJ Leasing, Inc.: 20%
OC Flashdancers, LLC (d/b/a Flash Dancers Nightclub): 80%
William Sierer: 0%
The jury assigned no comparative fault to the decedent.
Estate Damages
The jury awarded the Estate of Stephen R. Walker damages limited to funeral and burial expenses in the amount of:
$5,000.00
Survivor Findings and Damages
The jury recognized several individuals as statutory survivors and awarded damages for mental pain and suffering as follows:
Shaniya S. Walker
Past mental pain and suffering: $30,000.00
Future mental pain and suffering: $25,000.00
Total: $55,000.00
Stephen J. Walker, Jr.
Past mental pain and suffering: $30,000.00
Future mental pain and suffering: $25,000.00
Total: $55,000.00
Stephon W. Walker
Past mental pain and suffering: $30,000.00
Future mental pain and suffering: $25,000.00
Total: $55,000.00
Stiyan M. Mitchum
Past mental pain and suffering: $20,000.00
Future mental pain and suffering: $25,000.00
Total: $45,000.00
Shanel K. Walker
Past mental pain and suffering: $20,000.00
Future mental pain and suffering: $25,000.00
Total: $45,000.00
Total Verdict Amount
The jury returned a total damages award of $305,000.60, inclusive of all estate and survivor damages.
Final Outcome
The verdict on 21st November 2025, established liability against KREJ Leasing, Inc. and OC Flashdancers, LLC, with damages apportioned according to the jury’s fault findings. Judgment was entered consistent with the jury’s allocations and awards.